Linx Technologies ES Series User manual

ES Series
Basic Evaluation Kit
User's Guide

Table of Contents
1 Introduction
2 Ordering Information
2 ES Transmitter Evaluation Boarad
3 ES Receiver Evaluation Boarad
4 Theory of Operation
4 Using the Kit
5 Development Using the Prototyping Area
6 Range Testing
7 Using the Boards as a Design Reference
8 About Antennas
8 In Closing
9 Online Resources
Warning: Linx radio frequency ("RF") products may be
used to control machinery or devices remotely, including machinery
or devices that can cause death, bodily injuries, and/or property
damage if improperly or inadvertently triggered, particularly in industrial
settings or other applications implicating life-safety concerns. No Linx
Technologies product is intended for use in any application without
redundancies where the safety of life or property is at risk.
The customers and users of devices and machinery controlled with
RF products must understand and must use all appropriate safety
procedures in connection with the devices, including without limitation,
using appropriate safety procedures to prevent inadvertent triggering by
the user of the device and using appropriate security codes to prevent
triggering of the remote controlled machine or device by users of other
remote controllers.
Do not use this or any Linx product to trigger an action directly
from the data line or RSSI lines without a protocol or encoder/
decoder to validate the data. Without validation, any signal from
another unrelated transmitter in the environment received by the
module could inadvertently trigger the action. This module does not
have data validation built in.
All RF products are susceptible to RF interference that can prevent
communication. RF products without frequency agility or hopping
implemented are more subject to interference. This module does not
have frequency agility built in.
Do not use any Linx product over the limits in this data guide.
Excessive voltage or extended operation at the maximum voltage could
cause product failure. Exceeding the reflow temperature profile could
cause product failure which is not immediately evident.
Do not make any physical or electrical modifications to any Linx
product. This will void the warranty and regulatory and UL certifications
and may cause product failure which is not immediately evident.
!

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1
ES Series Basic Evaluation Kit
User's Guide
Figure 1: ES Series Basic Evaluation Kit
Revised 2/3/14
Introduction
Linx ES Series RF modules offer a simple, efficient, and cost-effective
method of adding wireless communication capabilities to any product. The
Basic Evaluation Kit gives a designer all the tools necessary to correctly
and legally incorporate the ES Series modules into an end product. The
development boards themselves serve several important functions:
• Rapid Module Evaluation: The boards allow the performance of the ES
Series modules to be evaluated quickly in a user’s environment.
• Range Testing: Using the on-board encoders and decoders to
generate a simplex transmission, a pair of development boards can be
used to evaluate the range performance of the modules.
• Design Benchmark: The boards provide a known benchmark against
which the performance of a custom design may be judged.
• Application Development: An onboard prototyping area allows for the
development of custom circuits directly on the development board. All
signal lines are available on a header for easy access.
The kit includes 2 ES Series transmitters*, 2 ES Series receivers*, 2 extra
PCB-mount RP-SMA connectors, 2 development boards, 2 CW Series
antennas, 2 CR2032 batteries, and full documentation.
*One part is soldered to the board, one extra for use on your first prototype board.

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23
Ordering Information
Ordering Information
Part Number Description
EVAL-***-ES ES Series Basic Evaluation Kit
*** = 869, 916MHz
Figure 2: Ordering Information
ES Transmitter Evaluation Boarad
ES Receiver Evaluation Boarad
1. Batteries - 3VDC (use 2 AAA
style batteries only)
2. Power Switch
3. Continuous ON Switches
4. Momentary Pushbuttons - S0
(D0), S1 (D1)
5. Prototyping Area
6. Breakout Header
7. Reverse-Polarity SMA Antenna
Connector
8. ES Series Transmitter Module
9. MS Series Encoder
Figure 3: ES Transmitter Evaluation Board
Figure 4: ES Receiver Evaluation Board
1. Battery - 9VDC
2. Power Switch
3. Prototyping Area
4. Breakout Header
5. LR Series Receiver Module
6. MS Series Decoder
7. Reverse-Polarity SMA Antenna
Connector
8. LED - D1
9. Buzzer - D0
1
2
3
4
56
7
8
9
9
7
8
1
2
3
4
5
6

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45
Development Using the Prototyping Area
In addition to their evaluation functions, the boards may also be used for
product development. The evaluation boards feature a prototyping area for
the addition of application-specific circuitry. This area has connections to
VCC at the top and to ground at the bottom that can be used to power any
circuitry that is added.
The holes are plated and set at 0.1" on center with a 0.04" diameter,
making it easy to add most industry-standard SIP and DIP packages to the
board.
On the transmitter board, the data lines from the encoder and the PDN,
CLK, CLKSE, and LO_V_D lines from the transmitter have been wired
out to a row of plated holes on the right side of the prototyping area. On
the receiver board, the data lines from the decoder plus the RSSI, PDN,
AUDIO, A_REF and DATA lines from the receiver have been wired out. This
allows for easy access to connect external circuitry to the modules, the
encoder, and the decoder. Data line D0 is connected to the buzzer and D1
is connected to the LED.
Theory of Operation
Transmitter Evaluation Board
The transmitter board is powered by two AAA batteries. It has eight
SPST pushbutton switches, the states of which is encoded into a data
stream using a using a Linx MS Series encoder. If a switch is closed, the
transmitter is enabled while the encoder captures the pushbutton states
for encoding and transmission. The encoder powers down the transmitter
when the button is released. All of the encoder data lines have been wired
out to the header to the right of the prototyping area and can be accessed
for use with other switches, contacts, or microcontrollers.
Receiver Evaluation Board
The receiver board is powered by a 9V battery. The ES Series receiver
exhibits a sensitivity of greater than –97dBm, so under optimum
line-of-sight conditions, the transmitter / receiver link can operate over
distances of up to 1,000 feet. The data recovered by the ES Series receiver
is decoded by a MS Series decoder, and the data lines are updated to
match the state of the data lines (or pushbuttons) on the transmitter board.
To demonstrate this, one data line is used to drive a LED while another is
used to activate a buzzer. This board also has a prototyping area with all of
the receiver and decoder lines brought out to a header.
Using the Kit
Using the kit is straightforward. Simply attach the antennas, turn on the
power, and press buttons on the transmitter board. When S0 is pressed,
the buzzer sounds; when S1 is pressed, the LED turns on. When any
button (S0–S7) is pressed on the transmitter, the corresponding decoder
output (D0–D7) is active high (VCC) on the prototyping header.
Note: If added circuitry requires a higher current than can be provided
by the batteries, the batteries must be removed and the board powered
from an external source. The 9V battery on the receiver board is
regulated to 5V and has approximately 50mA available for external
circuitry.

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67
Range Testing
Several complex mathematical models exist for determining path loss in
many environments. These models vary as the transmitter and receiver are
moved from indoor operation to outdoor operation. Although these models
can provide an estimation of range performance in the field, the most
reliable method is to simply perform range tests using the transmitter and
receiver in the intended operational environment.
Simple range testing can be performed with the transmitter and receiver
evaluation boards. To prepare the board for range testing, simply turn it
on by switching the power switch to the ON position. Pressing S0 on the
transmitter activates the buzzer on the receiver board, while S1 activates
the LED. Switches SW0 and SW1 have been provided to jumper the
buttons and continuously transmit. This allows the designer to turn on the
transmitter and walk with the receiver.
As the maximum range of the link in an area is approached, it is not
uncommon for the signal to cut in and out as the transmitter moves. This
is normal and can result from other interfering sources or fluctuating signal
levels due to multipath. Multipath results in cancellation of the transmitted
signal as direct and reflected signals arrive at the receiver at differing times
and phases. The areas in which this occurs are commonly called “nulls”
and simply walking a little further usually restores the signal. If this does not
restore the signal, then the maximum effective range of the link has been
reached.
Since the evaluation boards are intended for use by design engineers,
they are not FCC certified. The transmitter has been set to approximate
legal limits by resistor R9 so that the range test results will approximate the
results from a well-designed, certified product. For applications where Part
15 limits are not applicable or output levels can be legally raised due to
protocol duty cycle, R9 can be changed according to the attenuation graph
in the ES Series Transmitter Data Guide.
To achieve maximum range, keep objects such as your hand away from
the antenna and ensure that the antenna on the transmitter has a clear and
unobstructed line-of-sight path to the receiver board. Range performance
is determined by many interdependent factors. If the range you are able to
achieve is significantly less than specified by Linx for the products you are
testing, then there is likely a problem with either the board or the ambient
RF environment in which the board is operating. First, check the battery,
switch positions, and antenna connection. Next, measure the receiver’s
RSSI voltage with the transmitter turned off to determine if ambient
interference is present. If this fails to resolve the issue, please contact Linx
technical support.
Using the Boards as a Design Reference
The basic evaluation boards included in this kit are very simple, yet they
illustrate some important techniques that should be incorporated into the
board layout. The module’s mounting pads extend slightly past the edge of
the part. This eases hand assembly and allows for better heat conduction
under the part if rework is necessary. A full ground plane fill is placed on the
bottom of the board. This ground plane serves three important purposes:
First, since a quarter-wave antenna is employed, the ground plane is
critical to serve as a counterpoise (please see Application Note AN-00500
“Antennas: Design, Application, and Performance” for details on how a
ground plane affects antenna function).
Second, a ground plane suppresses the transfer of noise between stages
of a product as well as unintentional radiation of noise into free space.
Third, a ground plane allows for the implementation of a microstrip feed
between the module and the antenna. The term microstrip refers to a PCB
trace running over a ground plane that is designed to serve as a 50-ohm
transmission line. See the ES Series data guide or the calculator available
on our website for details on microstrip calculations.

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89
About Antennas
The choice of antennas is one of the most critical and often overlooked
design considerations. The range, performance, and legality of an RF link
are critically dependent upon the type of antenna employed. Linx offers
a variety of antenna styles that can be considered for a design. Included
with the kit is a Linx CW Series connectorized whip antenna that should
be connected prior to using the kit. Despite the fact that the antenna is
not centered on the board’s ground plane, it exhibits a VSWR of <1.7 and
suitably demonstrates the module’s best practical performance.
In Closing
Here at Linx, “Wireless Made Simple” is more than just our motto, it is our
commitment. A commitment to the highest caliber of product, service,
and support. That is why, should you have questions or encounter any
difficulties using the evaluation kit, you’ll be glad to know many resources
are available to assist you. First, check carefully for the obvious, then
visit our website at www.linxtechnologies.com or call [phone]
between 8AM and 4PM Pacific Time to speak with an application engineer.
Online Resources
www.linxtechnologies.com
If you have questions regarding any Linx product and have Internet access,
make www.linxtechnologies.com your first stop. The Linx website gives you
instant access to the latest information regarding the products and services
of Linx. It’s all here, including:
• Manual and Software Updates
• Latest News
• Data Guides
• Application Notes
• Knowledgebase
• FCC Information
And much more. Be sure to visit often!
www.antennafactor.com
The Antenna Factor division of Linx offers
a diverse array of antenna styles (Figure
5), many of which are optimized for use
with our RF modules. From innovative
embeddable antennas to low-cost whips,
domes to GPS antennas, Antenna Factor
likely has an antenna for you, or can design
one to meet your requirements.
Figure 5: Antenna Factor Anetnnas
by
Legal Notice: All Linx kits and modules are designed in keeping with
high engineering standards; however, it is the responsibility of the user to
ensure that the products are operated in a legal and appropriate manner.
The purchaser understands that legal operation may require additional
permits, approvals, or certifications prior to use, depending on the
country of operation.

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10 11
GND
GND
BZ1
BUZZER
GND
GND GND
VCC
VCC
GND
D6
1
D7
2
SEL_BAUD0
3
SEL_BAUD1
4
GND
5
GND
6
LATCH
7
RX_CNTL
8
TX_ID
9
MODE_IND
10 LEARN 11
DATA_IN 12
D0 13
D1 14
VCC 15 VCC 16
D2 17
D3 18 D4 19
D5 20
U2 LICAL-DEC-MS
VCC
GND
GND
GND LED1
BLUE
R5 100k
GND
R6 100k
B`
4
C
5
C`
6
GND
7
B
3
A`
2
A
1
E11
F` 12
F13
VCC 14
E` 10
D9
D` 8
U4
CD4069UB HEX INVERTER
C1
0.01uF
R1
100k
R2
10k
R4 200
RF 1
GND
2-5
ANT1 CONREVSMA001
R7 100k R8 100k
VCC
+C2
2.2uF
GND
GND
GND
VCC
VIN
1
GND
2
EN
3BYP 4
VOUT 5
U3
LP2982 5V REGULATOR C3
0.047uF
S4
POWER SWITCH
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
10 11 12 13 14
TS1 Test Strip 1
GND
R9 100k
R10 100k
VCC
RF
1
GND
2
NC
3
GND
4
VCC
5
NC
6
NC
7
NC
8NC 9
AUDIO REF 10
AUDIO 11
DATA 12
RSS1 13
PDN 14
NC 15 NC 16
U1
RXM-ES
GND
B1 9V BATTERY
Figure 6: EVAL-***-ES Receiver Board Schematic
D6
1
D7
2
SEL_BAUD0
3
SEL_BAUD1
4
GND
5
GND
6
GND
7
TX_CNTL
8
DATA_OUT
9
MODE_IND
10 CREATE_ADDR 11
SEND 12
D0 13 D1 14
VCC 15 VCC 16
D2 17 D3 18 D4 19 D5 20
U2 LICAL-ENC-MS
RF
1
GND
2-5
ANT1 CONREVSMA001
VCC
GND
R9 NS
GND
GND GND GND
VCC VCC
GND
R11 100k
GND
S8
VCC
VCC
D3
SEND
D4 D5
D7 D6
D2 D1 D0
PDN
PDN
GND
D3 D4 D5 D7 D6 D2 D1 D0
SEND
R7
100K
R6
100K
R0
100K
R1
100K
R2
100K
R3
100K
R4
100K
R5
100K
GND GND GND GND GND GND GND GND
D7 D6 D5
D4 D0 D3 D2 D1
+C1
10uF
GND VCC
S6 S7 S5 S4 S3 S2 S1 S0
R8 100K
GND
SW0
SW-SPDT
SW1
SW-SPDT
VCC R12100k
R13100k
GND
PDN
1
LVL/AM
2
VCC
3
GND
4
DATA
5/CLK 6
/CLK SEL 7
LV DET 8
GND 9
RF 10
U1 TXM-XXX-ES
VCC R14100k
R15100k
GND
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
10 11 12 13
TS1 Test Strip 1
/CLK LV DET /CLK SEL
/CLK LV DET /CLK SEL
GND
R1610k
PDN
R17 100k
B1 BAT-AAA
Figure 7: EVAL-***-ES Transmitter Board Schematic

Linx Technologies
159 Ort Lane
Merlin, OR, US 97532
3090 Sterling Circle Suite 200
Boulder, CO 80301
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.linxtechnologies.com
Disclaimer
Linx Technologies is continually striving to improve the quality and function of its products. For this reason, we
reserve the right to make changes to our products without notice. The information contained in this Data Guide
is believed to be accurate as of the time of publication. Specifications are based on representative lot samples.
Values may vary from lot-to-lot and are not guaranteed. “Typical” parameters can and do vary over lots and
application. Linx Technologies makes no guarantee, warranty, or representation regarding the suitability of any
product for use in any specific application. It is the customer’s responsibility to verify the suitability of the part for
the intended application. NO LINX PRODUCT IS INTENDED FOR USE IN ANY APPLICATION WHERE THE SAFETY
OF LIFE OR PROPERTY IS AT RISK.
Linx Technologies DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL LINX TECHNOLOGIES BE LIABLE FOR ANY OF CUSTOMER’S INCIDENTAL OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING IN ANY WAY FROM ANY DEFECTIVE OR NON-CONFORMING PRODUCTS
OR FOR ANY OTHER BREACH OF CONTRACT BY LINX TECHNOLOGIES. The limitations on Linx Technologies’
liability are applicable to any and all claims or theories of recovery asserted by Customer, including, without
limitation, breach of contract, breach of warranty, strict liability, or negligence. Customer assumes all liability
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assessments, adjustments, costs, and expenses incurred by Linx Technologies as a result of or arising from any
Products sold by Linx Technologies to Customer. Under no conditions will Linx Technologies be responsible for
losses arising from the use or failure of the device in any application, other than the repair, replacement, or refund
limited to the original product purchase price. Devices described in this publication may contain proprietary,
patented, or copyrighted techniques, components, or materials. Under no circumstances shall any user be
conveyed any license or right to the use or ownership of such items.
All rights reserved. ©2014 Linx Technologies
The stylized Linx logo, Wireless Made Simple, CipherLinx and the stylized CL logo are trademarks of Linx Technologies.

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