Linx HumPRO Series Instruction Manual

HumPROTM Series
RF Transceiver Module
Data Guide

Table of Contents
1 Description
1 Features
2 Ordering Information
2 Absolute Maximum Ratings
3 Electrical Specications
5 Typical Performance Graphs
10 Pin Assignments
10 Pin Descriptions
12 Pre-Certied Module Pin Assignments
13 Module Dimensions
14 Theory of Operation
15 Module Description
16 Overview
18 Addressing Modes
19 Automatic Addressing
20 Acknowledgements and Assured Delivery
20 Compatibility with the 250 Series
21 Address Register Use
21 Networking
22 Transmitting Packets
23 Receiving Packets
26 Exception Engine
28 Carrier Sense Multiple Access (CSMA)
28 Using the Buffer Empty (BE) Line
29 Using the Command Response (CRESP) Line
30 Using the CMD Line
30 External Amplier Control
31 AES Encryption
32 Restore Factory Defaults
Warning: Some customers may want Linx radio frequency (“RF”)
products 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 (“Life and
Property Safety Situations”).
NO OEM LINX REMOTE CONTROL OR FUNCTION MODULE
SHOULD EVER BE USED IN LIFE AND PROPERTY SAFETY
SITUATIONS. No OEM Linx Remote Control or Function Module
should be modified for Life and Property Safety Situations. Such
modification cannot provide sufficient safety and will void the product’s
regulatory certification and warranty.
Customers may use our (non-Function) Modules, Antenna and
Connectors as part of other systems in Life Safety Situations, but
only with necessary and industry appropriate redundancies and
in compliance with applicable safety standards, including without
limitation, ANSI and NFPA standards. It is solely the responsibility of any
Linx customer who uses one or more of these products to incorporate
appropriate redundancies and safety standards for the Life and
Property Safety Situation application.
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.
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 have
a frequency hopping protocol built in, but the developer should still be
aware of the risk of interference.
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.
!

––
1
Description
The HumPROTM Series is a frequency hopping
spread spectrum (FHSS) transceiver designed
for the reliable transfer of digital data. It has a
very fast lock time so that it can quickly wake
up, send data and go back to sleep, saving
power in battery-powered applications. The
module is available in the 915MHz frequency
band.
The module has several features that increase the data transfer reliability. It
ensures that no other modules are transmitting before it begins transmitting
data. Automatic acknowledgements ensure that the remote side received
valid data. Multiple hopping patterns enable several systems to operate
in proximity without interference. A standard UART interface is used for
module configuration and data transfer. A few simple serial commands are
all that are needed for configuration.
All modules have a unique 32-bit serial number that can be used as an
address. Source and destination addressing support point-to-point and
broadcast links. Address masking by the receiving module allows for
creating subnets. Other network topologies can also be implemented.
Housed in a tiny compact reflow-compatible SMD package, the transceiver
requires no external RF components except an antenna, which greatly
simplifies integration and lowers assembly costs. Versions are available that
have obtained FCC and Industry Canada modular certification.
Features
• FHSS Algorithm
• Fast Lock (<30ms at 115kbps)
• Low power modes
• FCC and IC Pre-certified version
• Simple UART interface
• No external RF components
required
• No production tuning required
• Tiny PLCC-32 footprint
HumPROTM Series
RF Transceiver Module
Data Guide
Figure 1: Package Dimensions
Revised 12/3/14
0.45"
(11.43)
0.55"
(13.97)
0.07"
(1.78)
32 Using the Low Power Features
34 The Command Data Interface
36 Writing to Registers
37 Reading from Registers
38 The Command Data Interface Command Set
75 Typical Applications
76 Usage Guidelines for FCC Compliance
76 Additional Testing Requirements
77 Information to the user
78 Product Labeling
78 FCC RF Exposure Statement
78 Antenna Selection
80 Power Supply Requirements
80 Antenna Considerations
81 Interference Considerations
82 Pad Layout
83 Microstrip Details
84 Board Layout Guidelines
85 Helpful Application Notes from Linx
86 Production Guidelines
86 Hand Assembly
86 Automated Assembly
88 General Antenna Rules
90 Common Antenna Styles
92 Regulatory Considerations
94 Notes

–– – –
23
HumPROTM Series Transceiver Specifications
Parameter Symbol Min. Typ. Max. Units Notes
Power Supply
Operating Voltage VCC 2.0 3.6 VDC
TX Supply Current lCCTX
900MHz at +10dBm 40.5 41.5 mA 1,2
900MHz at 0dBm 22 24 mA 1,2
RX Supply Current lCCRX 23.5 24.5 mA 1,2,3
Power-Down Current lPDN 0.7 6 µA 1,2
RF Section
Operating Frequency Band FCMHz
HUM-900-PRO 902 928 MHz
Number of hop channels
@ 19.2kbps RF Rate 50/64
@ 152.34kbps RF Rate 26/32
Channel spacing
@ 19.2kbps RF Rate 375.9 kHz
@ 152.34kbps RF Rate 751.81 kHz
20 dB OBW
@ 19.2kbps RF Rate 64 kHz
@ 152.34kbps RF Rate 315 kHz
Receiver BW
@ 19.2kbps RF Rate 102 kHz
@ 152.34kbps RF Rate 232 kHz
FSK deviation
@ 19.2kbps RF Rate ± 19.2 kHz
@ 152.34kbps RF Rate ± 51 kHz
Scan time / channel (avg)
@ 19.2kbps RF Rate 1.2 ms
@ 152.34kbps RF Rate 0.335 ms
FHSS Lock time
@ 19.2kbps RF Rate 63 ms
@ 152.34kbps RF Rate 26 ms
Modulation 2FSK
Data Encoding 6/7 RLL
Number of Hop Sequences 6
Electrical SpecicationsOrdering Information
Figure 2: Ordering Information
Warning: This product incorporates numerous static-sensitive
components. Always wear an ESD wrist strap and observe proper ESD
handling procedures when working with this device. Failure to observe
this precaution may result in module damage or failure.
Absolute Maximum Ratings
Supply Voltage Vcc −0.3 to +3.9 VDC
Any Input or Output Pin −0.3 to VCC + 0.3 VDC
RF Input 0 dBm
Operating Temperature −40 to +85 ºC
Storage Temperature −40 to +85 ºC
Exceeding any of the limits of this section may lead to permanent damage to the device.
Furthermore, extended operation at these maximum ratings may reduce the life of this
device.
Absolute Maximum Ratings
Figure 3: Absolute Maximum Ratings
Ordering Information
Part Number Description
HUM-***-PRO HumPROTM Series Data Transceiver
HUM-***-PRO-CAS HumPROTM Series Data Transceiver with Castellation Connection
HUM-***-PRO-UFL HumPROTM Series Data Transceiver with u.FL Connector
EVM-***-PRO HumPROTM Series Carrier Board
MDEV-***-PRO HumPROTM Series Master Development System
EVAL-***-PRO HumPROTM Series Basic Evaluation Kit
*** = Frequency; 900MHz

–– – –
45
HumPROTM Series Transceiver Specifications
Parameter Symbol Min. Typ. Max. Units Notes
Output
Logic Low, RFACTV, BE VOLM 0.3*VCC VDC 1,9
Logic High, RFACTV, BE VOHM 0.7*VCC VDC 1,9
Logic Low VOL 0.3*VCC 1,10
Logic High VOH 0.7*VCC 1,10
CRESP Hold Time 10 Bits 11
Flash (Non-Volatile) Memory Specifications
Flash Write Cycles 22,000 cycles 12
HumPROTM Series Transceiver Specifications
Parameter Symbol Min. Typ. Max. Units Notes
Receiver Section
Spurious Emissions –47 dBm
IF Frequency 304.7 kHz
Receiver Sensitivity 5
HUM-900-PRO @min rate –98 –101 dBm 5
HUM-900-PRO @max rate –91 –94 dBm 5
RSSI Dynamic Range 85 dB
CSMA RSSI Threshold –70 dBm
Transmitter Section
Output Power PO
HUM-900-PRO +8.5 +9.5 dBm 6
Harmonic Emissions PH–41 dBc 6
Output Power Range
HUM-900-PRO PH–5 9 dB 6
Antenna Port
RF Impedance RIN 50 Ω4
Environmental
Operating Temp. Range −40 +85 ºC 4
Timing
Module Turn-On Time
Via VCC 51.7 129.5 ms 4
Via POWER_DOWN 4 ms 4
Via Standby 4 ms 4
Serial Command Response
Volatile R/W 0.4 5 ms 8
NV Update 2.2 31.5 ms 8
Factory Reset 107 ms 8
Channel Dwell Time 400 ms
CMD low to trigger TX with
option TXnCMD tTXnCMD 2 ms
Interface Section
UART Data rate 9,600 115,200 bps
Input
Logic Low VIL 0.3*VCC VDC
Logic High VIH 0.7*VCC VDC
1. Measured at 3.3V VCC
2. Measured at 25ºC
3. Input power < -60dBm
4. Characterized but not tested
5. PER = 5%
6. Into a 50-ohm load
7. No RF interference
8. From end of command to start of
response
9. 60mA source/sink
10. 6mA source/sink
11. End of CMD_DATA_OUT stop bit to
change in CRESP
12. Number of register write operations
Figure 4: Electrical Specifications
Typical Performance Graphs
Figure 5: HumPROTM Series Transceiver Max Output Power vs. Supply Voltage - HUM-900-PRO
8.5
9.0
9.5
10.0
10.5
11.0
2.0 2.5 3.3 3.6
TX Output Power (dBm)
Supply Voltage (V)
85°C
25°C
-40°C

–– – –
67
15
20
25
30
35
40
-5
059
Supply Current (mA)
TX Output Power (dBm)
85°C
25°C
-40°C
Figure 6: HumPROTM Series Transceiver Average Current vs. Transmitter Output Power at 2.5V - HUM-900-PRO
20
22
24
26
28
30
32
34
36
38
40
-5
059
Supply Current (mA)
TX Output Power (dBm)
85°C
25°C
-40°C
Figure 7: HumPROTM Series Transceiver Average TX Current vs. Transmitter Output Power at 3.3V -HUM-900-PRO
36.50
37.00
37.50
38.00
38.50
39.00
39.50
40.00
2V 2.5V 3.3V
3.6V
Supply Current (mA)
Supply Voltage (V)
85°C
25°C
-40°C
Figure 9: HumPROTM Series Transceiver TX Current vs. Supply Voltage at Max Power - HUM-900-PRO
22.00
22.20
22.40
22.60
22.80
23.00
23.20
23.40
2V 2.5V 3.3V 3.6V
Supply Current (mA)
Supply Voltage (V)
85°C
25°C
-40°C
Figure 8: HumPROTM Series Transceiver TX Current vs. Supply Voltage at 0dBm - HUM-900-PRO

–– – –
89
22.5
22.7
22.9
23.1
23.3
23.5
23.7
23.9
24.1
24.3
24.5
2 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 2.9 3 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6
Supply Current (mA)
Supply Voltage (V)
85°C
25°C
-40°C
Figure 10: HumPROTM Series Transceiver RX Scan Current vs. Supply Voltage, 9.6kbps - HUM-900-PRO
0.00
0.20
0.40
0.60
0.80
1.00
1.20
1.40
2.5 3.3 3.6
Standby Current (µA)
Supply Voltage (V)
-40°C
25°C
85°C
Figure 12: HumPROTM Series Transceiver Standby Current Consumption vs. Supply Voltage - HUM-900-PRO
-105.00
-95.00
-85.00
-75.00
-65.00
-55.00
-45.00
-35.00
-25.00
-15.00
-100.00 -90.00 -80.00 -70.00 -60.00 -50.00 -40.00 -30.00 -20.00 -10.00
0.00
RSSI Reading (dBm)
Input Power (dBm)
-40°C 25°C
85°C
Figure 13: HumPROTM Series Transceiver RSSI Voltage vs. Input Power - HUM-900-PRO
21
21.2
21.4
21.6
21.8
22
22.2
22.4
22.6
22.8
23
2 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 2.9 3 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6
Supply Current (mA)
Supply Voltage (V)
85°C
25°C
-40°C
Figure 11: HumPROTM Series Transceiver RX Scan Current vs. Supply Voltage, 115.2kbps - HUM-900-PRO
Current consumption while the module is scanning for a transmission. The current is
approximately 0.5mA higher when receiving data at 9.6kbps.
Current consumption while the module is scanning for a transmission. The current is
approximately 2mA higher when receiving data at 115.2kbps.

–– – –
10 11
Pin Assignments
30
31
32
1
2
3
4
20
19
18
17
16
15
14
56789 10 11 12 13
29 28 27 26 25 24 23 22 21
ANT
GND
GND
GND
GND
GND
GND
BE
RFACTV
NC
NC
NC
NC
NC
NC NC
CRESP
EX
NC NC
GND
CMD
POWER_DOWN
CTS PB CMD_DATA_IN CMD_DATA_OUT LNA_EN PA_EN GND VCC RESET
Figure 14: HumPROTM Series Transceiver Pin Assignments (Top View)
Pin Descriptions
Pin Number Name I/O Description
1, 2, 3, 4, 5,
6, 10, 11, 32 NC — No Electrical Connection. Do not connect any traces to these lines.
7 CRESP O
Command Response. This line is low when
the data on the CMD_DATA_OUT line is
a response to a command and not data
received over the air.
8 EX O
Exception Output. A mask can be set
to take this line high when an exception
occurs. The line is lowered when the
exception register is read (EXCEPT).
9, 14, 15, 16,
17, 18, 20, 25 GND — Ground
12 POWER_DOWN I
Power Down. Pulling this line low places the
module into a low-power state. The module
is not functional in this state. Pull high for
normal operation. Do not leave floating.
Pin Descriptions
Pin Number Name I/O Description
13 CMD I
Command Input. When this line is low,
incoming bytes are command data.
When high, incoming bytes are data to be
transmitted.
19 ANTENNA — 50-ohm RF Antenna Port
21 VCC — Supply Voltage
22 RESET I
This line resets the module when pulled low.
It should be high for normal operation. This
line has an internal 10k resistor to supply, so
leave it unconnected if not used.
23 LNA_EN O
Low Noise Amplifier Enable. This line is
driven high when receiving. It is intended to
activate an optional external LNA.
24 PA_EN O
Power Amplifier Enable. This line is driven
high when transmitting. It is intended to
activate an optional external power amplifier.
26 CMD_DATA_OUT O Command Data Out. Output line for data
and serial commands
27 CMD_DATA_IN I Command Data In. Input line for data (CMD
is high) and serial commands (CMD is low).
28 CTS O
UART Clear To Send, active low. This line
indicates to the host microcontroller when
the module is ready to accept data. When
CTS is high, the module is busy. When CTS
is low, the module is ready for data.
29 PB I
Reset non-volatile memory. A sequence
of 4 high pulses on this line, followed by a
prolonged high state causes the module
to reset the non-volatile configuration
parameters to factory default values.
30 RFACTV O
RF Packet Transfer. This line goes high
when the module is transmitting a packet,
receiving a potentially valid packet or when
the PB line is high
31 BE O
Buffer Empty. This line is high when the
UART input buffer is empty, indicating
that all data has been transmitted. If
acknowledgment is active, it also indicates
that the receiving module has acknowledged
the data or a retry exception has occurred.
Figure 15: HumPROTM Series Transceiver Pin Descriptions
Pin Descriptions

–– – –
12 13
Pre-Certied Module Pin Assignments
The pre-certified version of the module has mostly the same pin
assignments as the standard version. The antenna connection is routed to
either a castellation (-CAS) or a u.FL connector (-UFL), depending on the
part number ordered.
The antenna =pad is disconnected on the version with the connector. The
RF is routed as shown in Figure 16 for the version without the connector.
30
31
32
1
2
3
4
19 18
56789 10 11 12 13
29 28 27 26 25 24 23 22 21
ANT GND
BE
RFACTV
NC
NC
NC
NC
NC
NC NC
CRESP
EX
NC NC
GND
CMD
POWER_DOWN
CTS PB CMD_DATA_IN CMD_DATA_OUT LNA_EN PA_EN GND VCC RESET
0.45"
(11.43)
0.812"
(20.62)
0.116"
(2.95)
Figure 16: HumPROTM Series Transceiver Pre-certified Version Pin Assignments (Top View)
Module Dimensions
Figure 17: HumPROTM Series Transceiver Dimensions
0.45"
(11.43)
0.55"
(13.97)
0.07"
(1.78)
Figure 18: HumPROTM Series Transceiver Pre-certified Version Dimensions

–– – –
14 15
Theory of Operation
The HumPROTM Series transceiver is a low-cost, high-performance
synthesized FSK / MSK transceiver. Figure 19 shows the module’s block
diagram.
The HumPROTM Series transceiver operates in the 902 to 928MHz
frequency band. The transmitter output power is programmable. The
range varies depending on the antenna implementation and the local RF
environment.
The RF carrier is generated directly by a frequency synthesizer that includes
an on-chip VCO. The received RF signal is amplified by a low noise
amplifier (LNA) and down-converted to I/Q quadrature signals. The I/Q
signals are digitized by ADCs.
A low-power onboard communications processor performs the radio
control and management functions including Automatic Gain Control
(AGC), filtering, demodulation and packet synchronization. A control
processor performs the higher level functions and controls the serial and
hardware interfaces.
A crystal oscillator generates the reference frequency for the synthesizer
and clocks for the ADCs and the processor.
PA
LNA
0
90
FREQ
SYNTH
ADC
ADC
DEMODULATOR
MODULATOR
ANTENNA PROCESSORGPIO /
INTERFACE
INTERFACE
Figure 19: HumPROTM Series Transceiver RF Section Block Diagram
Module Description
The HumPROTM Series module is a completely integrated RF transceiver
and processor designed to transmit digital data across a wireless link.
It employs a fast-locking FHSS system for noise immunity and higher
transmitter output power as allowed by government regulations.
When the module does not have data to send it scans all of the channels
for incoming data. If it finds a valid preamble, it pauses and looks for
the start of a packet. When it receives a valid packet with a matching
destination address the module outputs the data through the UART.
The transmitting module accepts packets through its UART until a
configurable number of bytes is reached or a configurable timeout expires
between bytes on the UART. At this point the module transmits the packet.
When the module has data to send it goes to the next channel in its
hopping pattern. It measures the RSSI on that channel to ensure that the
channel is clear. If the RSSI check passes, then it transmits the packets. If
the RSSI fails, then it implements a random wait time and tries again. When
the channel is clear, the module transmits the data.
The module can stay on one channel for up to 400ms. If the module is
ready to start transmitting near the end of the channel time, it transmits the
number of bytes that it can in the remaining time. It then hops to the next
channel in its hopping pattern to transmit the remaining data.
The module supports automatic acknowledgements for assured delivery.
When enabled, the receiving module responds to a valid transmission with
an acknowledgement to let the transmitting module know that it received
the data. If an acknowledgement is not received then the transmitting
module repeats the transmission for a configurable number of retries. If the
retry limit is exceeded without an acknowledgement then the transmitting
module issues an exception error to let the host micro know of the
communication problem.
A standard UART interface is used to configure the module for operation
and for the data input and output. This is suitable for direct connection to
UARTs on many microcontrollers, USB converters and RS-232 converters.
A simple command set is used for configuration and control.
Modules can be pre-configured for fixed point-to-point or broadcast
topologies allowing streaming data (no commands) during operation.