Murata DN-24 series User manual

Revision History
Revision
Date
Author
Change Description
1
05/03/2012
F. Perkins
Initial issue
2
01/09/2015
R. Willett
Reformatted to comply with new Murata V.I.
RFM products are now
Murata products.
DN-24 Series
2.4 GHz
Serial Modems
User Guide
©2009-2015 by Murata Electronics N.A., Inc.
DN24G/GI Series User Guide Rev. 2.0 01-09-15 Page 1 of 44 www.murata.com

Important Regulatory Information
RFM Product FCC ID: HSW-DNT24
IC 4492A-DNT24
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates,
uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. If this equipment does
cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning
the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more
of the following measures:
1) Re-orientate or relocate the receiving antenna,
2) Increase the separation between the equipment and the radiator,
3) Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected,
4) Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
FCC Antenna Gain Restriction:
The DN-24 series 2.4 GHz serial modems have been designed to operate with any dipole antenna of up
to 12 dBi of gain, any corner reflector antenna of up to 14 dBi gain, any patch antenna of up to 12 dBi
gain. The antenna(s) used for this transmitter must be installed to provide a separation distance of at
least 20 cm from all persons and must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other
antenna or transmitter.
IC RSS-210 Detachable Antenna Gain Restriction:
This radio transmitter, IC 4492A-DNT24, has been approved by the Industry Canada to operate with the
antenna types listed below with the maximum permissible gain and the required antenna impedance for
each antenna type indicated. Antenna types not included in this list, having a gain greater than the
maximum gain indicated for that type, are strictly prohibited for use with this device.
Le présent émetteur radio IC 4492A-DNT24 a été approuvé par Industrie Canada pour fonctionner
avec les types d'antenne énumérés ci-dessous et ayant un gain admissible maximal et l'impédance
requise pour chaque type d'antenne. Les types d'antenne non inclus dans cette liste, ou dont le gain est
supérieur au gain maximal indiqué, sont strictement interdits pour l'exploitation de l'émetteur.
Type Model Number Gain Impedance
Omnidirectional OD12-2400 12 dBi 50 ohm
Corner SCR14-2400CT 14 dBi 50 ohm
Patch PA2412 12 dBi 50 ohm
Dipole S181AH-2450S 2 dBi 50 ohm
©2009-2015 by Murata Electronics N.A., Inc.
DN24G/GI Series User Guide Rev. 2.0 01-09-15 Page 2 of 44 www.murata.com

Under Industry Canada regulations, this radio transmitter may only operate using an antenna of a type
and maximum (or lesser) gain approved for the transmitter by Industry Canada. To reduce potential radio
interference to other users, the antenna type and its gain should be so chosen that the equivalent
isotropically radiated power (e.i.r.p.) is not more than that permitted for successful communication.
Conformément à la réglementation d'Industrie Canada, le présent émetteur radio peut fonctionner
avec une antenne d'un type et d'un gain maximal (ou inférieur) approuvé pour l'émetteur par Industrie
Canada. Dans le but de réduire les risques de brouillage radioélectrique à l'intention des autres
utilisateurs, il faut choisir le type d'antenne et son gain de sorte que la puissance isotrope rayonnée
équivalente (p.i.r.e.) ne dépasse pas l'intensité nécessaire à l'établissement d'une communication
satisfaisante.
This device complies with Industry Canada license-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to the
following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any
interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.
Le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR d'Industrie Canada applicables aux appareils radio exempts
de licence. L'exploitation est autorisée aux deux conditions suivantes : (1) l'appareil ne doit pas produire
de brouillage, et (2) l'utilisateur de l'appareil doit accepter tout brouillage radioélectrique subi, même si le
brouillage est susceptible d'en compromettre le fonctionnement.
Changes or modifications to a DN-24 series serial modem not expressly approved by Murata Electronics
N.A., Inc. may void the user’s authority to operate the module.
©2009-2015 by Murata Electronics N.A., Inc.
DN24G/GI Series User Guide Rev. 2.0 01-09-15 Page 3 of 44 www.murata.com

Table of Contents
1.0 DN-24 Series 2.4 GHz Serial Modems ...............................................................................................5
2.0 DN-24 Systems ...................................................................................................................................5
2.1 Point-to-Point Systems.....................................................................................................................5
2.2 Point-to-Multipoint Systems .............................................................................................................6
2.3 Store-and-Forward Systems............................................................................................................7
2.4 DN-24 Product Descriptions................................................................................................................ 8
3.0 Specifications ......................................................................................................................................9
3.1 Absolute Maximum Ratings.................................................................................................................9
3.2 System Specifications .........................................................................................................................9
3.3 LED Indicators.....................................................................................................................................9
4.0 Installation .........................................................................................................................................10
4.1 Mounting and Location......................................................................................................................10
4.2 Attaching the Antenna.......................................................................................................................11
4.3 DN-24G Connector Details................................................................................................................11
4.4 DN-24GI Connector Details...............................................................................................................12
4.5 Basic DN-24 Point-to-Point System Setup........................................................................................12
5.0 DN-24 Technical Reference..............................................................................................................13
5.1 RF Channel Access...........................................................................................................................13
5.2 DN-24 Addressing.............................................................................................................................13
5.3 Network Linking and Slot Registration..............................................................................................14
5.4 Transparent and Protocol-formatted Serial Data ..............................................................................14
6.0 DN-24 System Configuration.............................................................................................................15
6.1 Configuration Parameters..............................................................................................................15
6.2 Configuring a Basic Point-to-Point System....................................................................................15
6.3 Configuring a Basic Point-to-Multipoint System.............................................................................15
6.4 Configuring a Customized Point-to-Point or Point-to-Multipoint System.......................................16
6.5 Configuring a Store-and-Forward System .....................................................................................18
6.6 Slot Buffer Sizes, Number of Slots, Messages per Hop and Hop Duration...................................18
6.7 Configuring the Serial Port.............................................................................................................21
7.0 DN-24 Protocol-formatted Messages................................................................................................21
7.1 Protocol Formats............................................................................................................................21
7.2 Message Types..............................................................................................................................21
7.3 Message Format Details................................................................................................................22
7.4 Configuration Parameter Registers................................................................................................28
7.4.1 Bank 0x00 - Transceiver Setup ..................................................................................................28
7.4.2 Bank 0x01 - System Settings......................................................................................................30
7.4.3 Bank 0x02 - Status Parameters..................................................................................................32
7.4.4 Bank 0x03 - Serial Settings ........................................................................................................33
7.4.5 Bank 0x04 - Host Protocol Settings............................................................................................34
7.4.6 Bank 0x0FF - Special Functions.................................................................................................35
7.5 Protocol-formatted Message Example........................................................................................35
8.0 Utility Program...................................................................................................................................36
8.1 Serial Communication and Radio Configuration............................................................................38
9.0 Warranty............................................................................................................................................44
©2009-2015 by Murata Electronics N.A., Inc.
DN24G/GI Series User Guide Rev. 2.0 01-09-15 Page 4 of 44 www.murata.com

1.0 DN-24 Series 2.4 GHz Serial Modems
The DN-24 series 2.4 GHz serial modems provide a low cost, ready-to-use solution for robust wireless
data communications in the 2.4 GHz ISM band. There are currently two products in the DN-24 series, the
DN-24G and the DN-24GI. The DN-24G provides an RS-232C serial interface with optional hardware flow
control. The DN-24GI offers a selectable 3-wire RS-232C interface or a two-wire, multi-drop RS-485
interface. All DN-24 series modems are based on Murata’s DNT24 frequency hopping spread spectrum
(FHSS) transceiver, and can communicate with other DNT24-based modems and sensor nodes, as well
as customer developed products. DN-24 series modems are supplied with a dipole antenna and a wall-
plug power supply. A DN-24 transmits data at 250 kbps. The RF output power can be set up to 100 mW
EIRP using the supplied 2 dBi dipole antenna. Optional high-gain directional and omni-directional
antennas are available to extend operating range where local regulations allow it. DN-24 series modems
are well suited for sensor and data networks carrying moderate traffic that need robust communications in
locations with non-ideal RF propagation and/or where RF interference or noise are present.
Key Features of the DN-24 Series 2.4 GHz Serial Modems include:
-2.4 GHz wireless connectivity for RS-232C or RS-485 serial interfaces
-Optional 128-Bit AES Encryption
-Point-to-point, Point-to-multipoint, Peer-to-peer and
Store & Forward Capabilities
-Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum Transceiver
-250 kbps RF Data Rate
-Transmitter Power up to 100 mW EIRP with 2 dBi Antenna
-FCC, Canadian IC Certified and CE Marked for Unlicensed Operation
2.0 DN-24 Systems
DN-24 wireless serial modems can be configured to operate in one of three modes - base, remote or
router. A base controls a DN-24 system, and interfaces to an application host such as a PC. A remote
simply functions to transmit or receive data. A router alternates between functioning as a remote on one
hop and a network base on the next hop. When acting as a remote, the router stores messages it
receives from its parent, and then repeats the messages to its child radios when acting as a network
base. Likewise, a router will store messages received from its child radios when acting as a base, and
repeat them to its parent when acting as a remote. Any message addressed directly to a router is
processed by the router rather than being repeated.
2.1 Point-to-Point Systems
A DN-24 system contains at least one network. The simplest DN-24 topology is a point-to-point system,
as shown in Figure 2.1.1. This system consists of a base and one remote forming a single network. Point-
to-point systems are often used to replace wired serial connections.
©2009-2015 by Murata Electronics N.A., Inc.
DN24G/GI Series User Guide Rev. 2.0 01-09-15 Page 5 of 44 www.murata.com

Figure 2.1.1
2.2 Point-to-Multipoint Systems
Figure 2.2.1 shows the topology of a point-to-multipoint (star) system, which consists of a base and more
than one remote in a single network. Point-to-multipoint systems are typically used for data, sensor and
alarm systems. While most traffic in a point-to-multipoint system is between the base and the remotes,
DN-24 technology also allows for peer-to-peer communication from one remote to another.
Figure 2.2.1
©2009-2015 by Murata Electronics N.A., Inc.
DN24G/GI Series User Guide Rev. 2.0 01-09-15 Page 6 of 44 www.murata.com

2.3 Store-and-Forward Systems
Figure 2.3.1 shows the topology of a store-and-forward system, which consists of a base, one or more
routers, one or more remotes, and two or more networks. Networks in a store-and-forward system form
around the base and each router. The base and the routers are referred to as the parents of the networks
they form. The rest of the radios in each network are referred to as child radios. Note that a router is a
child of the base or another router while being the parent of its own network. Each network parent
transmits beacons to allow child radios to synchronize with its hopping pattern and join its network.
Different frequency hopping patterns are used by the parent radios in a system, minimizing interference
between networks.
Store-and-forward systems are used to cover larger areas than is possible with point-to-point or point-to-
multipoint systems. The trade-off in store-and-forward systems is longer delivery times due to receiving
and retransmitting a message several times. Store-and-forward systems are especially useful in
applications such as agriculture where data is only collected periodically.
Figure 2.3.1
©2009-2015 by Murata Electronics N.A., Inc.
DN24G/GI Series User Guide Rev. 2.0 01-09-15 Page 7 of 44 www.murata.com

2.4 DN-24 Product Descriptions
There are currently two products in the DN-24 series, the DN-24G and the DN-24GI. The DN-24G
provides an RS-232C serial interface. The DN-24GI offers a selectable RS-232C interface or a two-wire,
multi-drop RS-485 interface. DN-24 series modems are based on Murata’s DNT24 frequency hopping
spread spectrum (FHSS) transceiver, and can communicate with other DNT24-based modems and
sensor nodes, as well as customer developed products.
DN-24 series modems are supplied with a reverse SMA dipole antenna and a universal wall-plug power
supply. DN-24 modems transmit data at 250 kbps. The transmitter output power can be set up to 100 mW
EIRP using the supplied 2 dBi dipole antenna. Optional high-gain directional and omni-directional
antennas are available from Murata to extend operating range where allowed by local regulations.
DN-24 series modems are well-suited for sensor and data networks carrying moderate traffic that need
robust communications in locations with non-ideal RF propagation and/or where RF interference or noise
are present.
As shown in Figures 2.4.1 and 2.4.2, serial data to/from a DN-24G is routed through an RS232C signal
converter. In the case of a DN-24GI, serial data is routed through an RS-232C/RS-485 signal converter.
When terminal 3 is left unconnected on the DN-24GI, serial communication is 3-wire RS-232C. When
terminal 3 is connected to terminal 2 or 4, serial communication is 2-wire, multi-drop capable RS-485.
Terminal 3 has no function in a DN-24G. The switching regulator used in all DN-24 modems supports a
wide voltage range on the DC power input, from 9 to 24 Vdc.
Figure 2.4.1 Figure 2.4.2
©2009-2015 by Murata Electronics N.A., Inc.
DN24G/GI Series User Guide Rev. 2.0 01-09-15 Page 8 of 44 www.murata.com

3.0 Specifications
3.1 Absolute Maximum Ratings
Rating Value Units
Power Supply Input Voltage Range -0.5 to +24 V
Non-Operating Ambient Temperature Range -40 to +85
o
C
3.2 System Specifications
Characteristic
Sym
Notes
Minimum
Typical
Maximum
Units
Operating Frequency Range
2406
2475
MHz
Hop Dwell Time
8
100
ms
Number of RF Channels
15 or 24
Modulation FSK
RF Data Transmission Rate 250 kbps
Receiver Sensitivity @ 10
-5
BER -100
dBm
EIRP RF Output Power Level, 2 dBi Antenna
100
mW
Optimum Antenna Impedance
50
Ω
RF Connection
RSMA Coaxial Connector
Network Topologies Point-to-Point, Point-to-Multipoint,
Peer-to-Peer and Store & Forward
Access Scheme
Ad Hoc TDMA
DN-24G RS-232C
9-pin connector, hardware flow control optional
DN-24GI RS-232C Configuration
3-wire, no hardware flow control required
DN-24GI RS-485 Configuration
2-wire, multi-drop capable
Serial Port Baud Rates 1.2, 2.4, 4.8, 9.6, 14.4, 19.2, 28.8,
38.4, 57.6, 115.2, 230.4, 250.0 kbps
Power Supply Voltage Range VCC +9 +24
V
Peak Transmit Mode Current 190
mA
Average Receive Mode Current:
Base, Continuous Data Stream
129
mA
Remote, linked, No Data
34
mA
Remote, Continuous Data Stream
44
mA
Nominal Dimensions
3.3 x 3.2 x 1 inches (84.6 x 82.0 x 25.4 mm)
Mounting Left and Right Flanges, Two Pre-drilled Holes
in Each Flange
Operating Temperature Range -40 85
o
C
Operating Relative Humidity Range, Non-condensing 10 90 %
3.3 LED Indicators
Ref Name I/O Description
1 ACTIVITY O Left-most LED on the front of the unit, amber, indicates RF communications activity.
2 LINK O Middle LED on the front of the unit, red. On a base, this LED indicates one or more remotes
are linked to it. On a remote, this LED indicates it is linked to the base.
3
POWER
O
Right-most LED on the front of the unit, green, indicates the unit is powered up.
©2009-2015 by Murata Electronics N.A., Inc.
DN24G/GI Series User Guide Rev. 2.0 01-09-15 Page 9 of 44 www.murata.com

4.0 Installation
4.1 Mounting and Location
The DN-24G and DN-24GI case outline drawings are shown in Figures 4.1.1 and 4.1.2. The supplied
antenna is hinged, allowing it to be set vertically with the case mounted either horizontally or vertically.
The DN-24 case is designed for indoor use. It must be installed in a weather proof enclosure when used
outdoors, such as a NEMA 4X enclosure. The enclosure must be made of plastic or other materials with
low RF attenuation to avoid compromising antenna performance. Metal enclosures are not suitable for
use with internal antennas as they will block antenna radiation and reception.
DN-24 modems should be mounted at least six feet above the floor (ground) to achieve good
communication reliability in a typical office or retail location. To achieve maximum range and reliability,
especially in industrial locations, the DN-24 should be mounted as high as practical. Murata offers a
number of high gain antennas that can be used to further extend the DN-24’s range. The use of these
antennas is not allowed in all geographical regions; contact RFM’s technical service department for
additional details.
Figure 4.1.1
©2009-2015 by Murata Electronics N.A., Inc.
DN24G/GI Series User Guide Rev. 2.0 01-09-15 Page 10 of 44 www.murata.com