Roving Networks RN-131G User manual

RN-131G & RN-131C
www.rovingnetworks.com RN-131-DS v2.6 10/5/2011
809 University Avenue •Los Gatos, CA 95032 • Tel [phone] •[e-mail]
~ page 1 ~
WiFly GSX 802.11 b/g
Wireless LAN Module
Features
Qualified 2.4GHz IEEE 802.11b/g transceiver
High throughput, 1Mbps sustained data rate
with TCP/IP and WPA2
Ultra-low power - 4uA sleep, 40mA Rx,
210mA Tx (max)
Small, compact surface mount module
On board ceramic chip antenna and U.FL
connector for external antenna
8 Mbit flash memory and 128 KB RAM
UART hardware interface
10 general purpose digital I/O
8 analog sensor interfaces
Real-time clock for wakeup and time stamping
Accepts 3.3V regulated or 2-3V battery
Supports Adhoc connections
On board ECOS -OS, TCP/IP stacks
Wi-Fi Alliance certified for WPA2-PSK
FCC / CE/ ICS certified and RoHS compliant.
Industrial (RN-131G) and commercial
(RN-131C ) grade temperature options
Applications
Remote equipment monitoring
Telemetry
Industrial sensors and controls
Home Automation
Medical device monitoring
Description
The WiFly GSX module is a stand alone, embedded
wireless 802.11 networking module. Because of its
small form factor and extremely low power
consumption, the RN-131G is perfect for mobile
wireless applications such as asset monitoring, GPS
tracking and battery sensors. The WiFly GSX module
incorporates a 2.4GHz radio, processor, TCP/IP stack,
real-time clock, crypto accelerator, power
management and analog sensor interfaces. This
complete solution is preloaded with software to
simplify integration and minimizes development of
your application. In the simplest configuration the
hardware only requires four connections (PWR, TX,
RX, GND) to create a wireless data connection.
Additionally, the sensor interface provides
temperature, audio, motion, acceleration and other
analog data without requiring additional hardware. The
WiFly GSX module is programmed and controlled with
a simple ASCII command language. Once the WiFly
GSX is setup it can scan to find an access point,
associate, authenticate and connect over any WifI
network.
Block Diagram
2.4 GHz
Radio 802.11b/g
MAC/PHY SPI
GPIO
SDIO
2.4 GHz
PA
32-bit
CPU
ADC
128KB
RAM 2MB
ROM
Crypto
accelerator
EPC/RFID
timers
Sensor Interface
Pwr
Mgmt
Flash
Memory
GPIO
UART
SPI
X
2.4 GHz
TX/RX
PA
U.FL connector
For optional external
antenna
On-board
chip antenna
Boost
Enable
3.3V Boost
Regulator
VDD IN
VDD BATT
2KB NVM 2.4 GHz
Radio 802.11b/g
MAC/PHY SPI
GPIO
SDIO
2.4 GHz
PA
32-bit
CPU
ADC
128KB
RAM 2MB
ROM
Crypto
accelerator
EPC/RFID
timers
Sensor Interface
Pwr
Mgmt
Flash
Memory
GPIO
UART
SPI
X
2.4 GHz
TX/RX
PA
U.FL connector
For optional external
antenna
On-board
chip antenna
Boost
Enable
3.3V Boost
Regulator
VDD IN
VDD BATT
2KB NVM

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~ page 2 ~
Overview
Host Data Rate up to 1 Mbps for UART
Intelligent, built-in power management with programmable wakeup
Can be powered from regulated 3.3-3.7V source or 2.0-3.0V batteries
Real time clock for time stamping, auto-sleep and auto-wakeup
Configuration over UART using simple ASCII commands
Telnet configuration over WiFi
Over the air firmware upgrade (FTP)
Memory 128 KB RAM,2MB ROM, 2 KB battery-backed memory, 8 Mbit Flash.
Secure WiFi authentication WEP-128, WPA-PSK (TKIP), WPA2-PSK (AES)
Built in networking applications DHCP, UDP, DNS, ARP, ICMP, TCP, sockets
802.11 power save and roaming functions
Environmental Conditions
Parameter
RN-131G
RN-131C
Temperature Range (Operating)
-30oC ~ +85oC
0oC ~ +70oC
Temperature Range (Storage)
-40oC ~ +85oC
-40oC ~ +85oC
Relative Humidity (Operating)
90%
90%
Relative Humidity (Storage)
90%
90%
Electrical Characteristics
Supply Voltage
Min
Typ.
Max.
Unit
Supply Voltage VDD
3.0
3.3
3.7
VDC
Supply Voltage (VBATT option)
2.0
3.0
3.3
VDC
Pin 21 switched 3.3V output
150
ma
Digital Iinput
Input logic HIGH VIH
2.3V
VDC
Input logic LOW VIL
1.0V
VDC
Digital Output drive
PIO 4,5,6,7,8
24
ma
PIO 9,10,11,12,13
8
ma
Power consumption
Sleep
4
uA
Standby (doze)
-
15
-
mA
Connected (idle, RX)
40
mA
Connected (TX)
140
212
mA

RN-131G & RN-131C
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~ page 3 ~
Analog Sensor Inputs
Parameter
Value
Sense 0,1,2,3 wakeup detect threshold
500mV
AD sense 0-7 measurement range
0-400mV
Precision
14 bits = 12uV
Accuracy
5% un-calibrated, .01% calibrated
Minimum conversion time
35uS (5kHz over wifi )
Sensor Power (pin 33) output resistance 3.3V
10 ohms, max current = 50mA
Radio Characteristics
Parameter
Specifications
Frequency
2402 ~ 2480MHz
Modulation
802.11b compatibility : DSSS(CCK-11, CCK-5.5, DQPSK-2, DBPSK-
1) 802.11g : OFDM (default)
Channel intervals
5MHz
Channels
1 - 14
Transmission rate (over the air)
1 –11Mbps for 802.11b / 6 –54Mbps for 802.11g
Receive sensitivity
-85dBm typ.
Output level (Class1)
+18dBm
Maximum RF input to U.FL
connector
10 dBm

RN-131G & RN-131C
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~ page 4 ~
Typical Application Schematic
P3_3V
LED_GREEN
LED_RED

RN-131G & RN-131C
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~ page 5 ~
Pin Description
Pin
Name
Description
Default
1
SENSOR-6
Sensor interface, analog input to module, 1.2V
No connect
2
SENSOR-4
Sensor interface, Analog input to module, 1.2V
No connect
3
SENSOR-5
Sensor interface, Analog input to module, 1.2V
No connect
4
SENSOR-7
Analog input to module, 1.2V
No connect
5
RESET
Module reset, Active Low, reference to VDD-BATT, 160 usec pulse
Pull up
6
EPC-ANT-A
EPC port, RFID antenna A
No connect
7
EPC-ANT-B
EPC port, RFID antenna B
No connect
8
SUPERCAP
Balance center pin voltage on stacked super capacitors, Analog 3.3V
No connect
9
FORCE_AWAKE
Force the module to wakeup, input to module, 250us min. pulse.3.3V
10
GPIO-13
UART RTS flow control, 8mA drive, 3.3V tolerant
11
GPIO-12
UART CTS flow control, 8mA drive, 3.3V tolerant
12
UART-RX
INPUT: RX in to the module, 3.3V tolerant
13
UART-TX
OUTPUT: TX out from the module, 8mA drive, 3.3V tolerant
14
SPI-MOSI
SPI master data out (Contact Roving Networks for details)
No connect
15
SPI-CLK
SPI clock, (Contact Roving Networks for details)
No connect
16
SPI-MISO
SPI master data in (Contact Roving Networks for details)
No connect
17
3.3V-REG-OUT
boost regulator control output, connect to 3.3V-REG-IN to enable
No connect
18
3.3V-REG-IN
boost regulator control input, connect to 3.3V-REG-OUT to enable
GND to disable
19
GND
Ground
20
VDD-BATT
Battery input, 2.0-3.3V with boost regulator in use, 3.0-3.7V otherwise
21
VDD-IN
3.3 to 3.7 voltage, do not connect when boost regulator is in use
22
DMA-TX
Debug port *(apply 100K pulldown if ultra low sleep power reqd)
HIGH Z
23
DMA-RX
Debug port
No connect
24
GPIO-9
Restore factory resets/Enter Adhoc mode, 8mA drive, 3.3V tolerant
INPUT
25
GPIO-8
GPIO, 24mA drive, 3.3V tolerant
GP output
26
GPIO-7
GPIO, 24mA drive, 3.3V tolerant
GP output
27
GPIO-6
Association STATUS, 24mA drive, 3.3V tolerant
LED_RED output
28
GPIO-5
Data transfer STATUS, 24mA drive, 3.3V tolerant
LED_YELLOW output
29
GPIO-4
Connection STATUS, 24mA drive, 3.3V tolerant
LED_GREEN output
30
SENSOR-1
Sensor interface, analog input to module, 1.2V
31
SENSOR-2
Sensor interface, analog input to module, 1.2V
32
SENSOR-3
Sensor interface, analog input to module, 1.2V
33
SENSE-PWR
Voltage output from module to power external sensors, 3.3V
34
SENSOR-0
Wakeup from external condition
35
NO CONNECT
No connect
36-44
GND
Must be connected for proper antenna performance
35
34
33
32
31
30
29
28
27
26
25
24
23
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Top view
(pads not visible from top)
14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22
44 43 42 41 40 39 38 37 36
35
34
33
32
31
30
29
28
27
26
25
24
23
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Top view
(pads not visible from top)
14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22
44 43 42 41 40 39 38 37 36

RN-131G & RN-131C
www.rovingnetworks.com RN-131-DS v2.6 10/5/2011
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~ page 6 ~
Physical Dimensions
RF Shield
Ceramic chip
antenna
37 mm
20 mm
RN131G
2.5 mm
2.5 mm
3.5 mm
U.FL
connector
RF Shield
Ceramic chip
antenna
37 mm
20 mm
RN131G
2.5 mm
2.5 mm
37 mm
20 mm
RN131G
2.5 mm
2.5 mm
3.5 mm
U.FL
connector

RN-131G & RN-131C
www.rovingnetworks.com RN-131-DS v2.6 10/5/2011
809 University Avenue •Los Gatos, CA 95032 • Tel [phone] •[e-mail]
~ page 7 ~
Design Concerns
1. Minimizing radio interference. When integrating the WiFly module with on board chip antenna make sure the
area around the chip antenna end the module protrudes at least 6mm from the mother board PCB and any metal
enclosure. If this is not possible use the on board U.FL connector to route to an external Antenna.
The 8.5 mm area under the antenna end of the module should be keep clear of metallic components, connectors,
vias, traces and other materials that can interfere with the radio signal.
2. Proper grounding. For the module antenna to function pins 36- to 44 must be connected to GND. We suggest
you place module such that 0.5mm of theses pads is exposed. This provides access for soldiering pins 36
through 44 from below and provides ample clearance of the antenna from the PCB.
Bottom view
Mother Board
For RN-131
8.5 mm
For proper antenna
Performance pins 36
through 44 mustbe
grounded
RN131G
8.5 mm
6 mm
30 mm
Keepmetallic components,
connectors,,vias andtraces,
away fromantenna area
Top view

RN-131G & RN-131C
www.rovingnetworks.com RN-131-DS v2.6 10/5/2011
809 University Avenue •Los Gatos, CA 95032 • Tel [phone] •[e-mail]
~ page 8 ~
3. Solder Reflow. Reflow temperature must not exceed 220C.
To reflow solder the RN-131G and RN-131C module onto a PCB Roving recommends a RoHS compliant solder
paste equivalent to the NIHON ALMIT paste or OMNIX OM-310 solder paste from Alpha metals.
NOTE: Use no clean Flux, Do NOT water wash.
Manufacturer
Alpha Metals
http://www.alphametals.com
NIHON ALMIT Co. LTD
http://almit.co.jp
Part Number
OMNIX OM-310
LFM-70W INP
Metal Composition
SAC305 (96.5% Sn, 3% Ag, 0.5% Cu)
88% Sn, 3.5% Ag, 0.5% Bi, 8% In
Temp. Liquidus
~220°C
~215°C

RN-131G & RN-131C
www.rovingnetworks.com RN-131-DS v2.6 10/5/2011
809 University Avenue •Los Gatos, CA 95032 • Tel [phone] •[e-mail]
~ page 9 ~

RN-131G & RN-131C
www.rovingnetworks.com RN-131-DS v2.6 10/5/2011
809 University Avenue •Los Gatos, CA 95032 • Tel [phone] •[e-mail]
~ page 10 ~
4. U.FL connector. Use Hirose U.FL connector U.FL-R-SMT to for connecting external antennas. See Roving
Networks U.FL to SMA cable. Part number: RN-UFL-SMA6
5. Connection Status. GPIO-4, GPIO-5, GPIO-6 are available to drive a status LEDs. GPIO-4 indicates TCP/IP
connection status. This signal is ON high for an active connection, toggles fast to indicate no IP address and
toggles slow indicates IP address OK but not connection. GPIO-6 indicates association status. High means not
associated with a network, Off indicates associated and Internet access is OK. GPIO-5 toggles when data is
transferred.
6. Keep out areas. When designing your PCB
avoid exposed trace and via beneath the module.
7. Powering the module. The WiFly module can
be powered from either 3.0VDC batteries or
3.3VDC regulated power.
3.0VDC battery power
Apply power to pin 20 (VDD-BATT)
Short pin 17 (3.3V-REG-OUT) to pin 18
(3.3V-REG-IN) (battery boost mode)
150mA of current at 3.3V available for
external devices on pin 21 when in
battery boost mode.
3.3 VDC power
Apply power to pin 20(VDD-BATT) and
pin 21 (VDD-IN)
Connect pin 18 (3.3V-REG-IN) to ground and leave pin 17 (3.3V-REG-OUT) unconnected.
Bottom view
3 mm
Keep out areas: There aretwo
1 mm round testpads on the
bottom of themodule. Avoid
placing any exposedtraces
or vias intheseareas
8.0 mm
6mm 5 mm

RN-131G & RN-131C
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~ page 11 ~
8. Reset (Pin 5). The RESET signal is used to reset the module and is ACTIVE low. This pin has a built in 100k pull
up. It is not required to connect this pin and it can be left unconnected. To reset the module a pulse of 160us
minimum duration at 3.3V must be applied.
9. Force Awake (Pin 9). This signal forces the module to wake up from sleep state. FORCE_AWAKE is active high
signal. To wake the module, a pulse of minimum 250 us at 3.3V must be applied.
10. Achieving lowest power in sleep mode
To achieve the lowest power consumption (4uA) in sleep mode connect a weak pull down (100K resistor to GND)
on the following pin.
Pin 22 - DMA-TX
If GPIO-8 through GPIO-4 are being used to drive an output, connect a 100k pull down resistor. Any GPIOs not
used (No connect) can be left floating.
Pin 25 - GPIO-8
Pin 26 - GPIO-7
Pin 27 - GPIO-6
Pin 28 - GPIO-5
Pin 29 - GPIO-4
Other GPIO lines: No pulldown needed, internal pulldown ( 80K ) already on chip.
The power consumption in sleep mode without these signals connected to a pull down is 655uA
11. Sensor Interfaces. Inputs must not exceed 1.2V. Sensitivity saturates at 400 mV.
12. Adhoc mode and Restoring Factory Settings. Adhoc mode is controlled through GPIO-9. It is a good idea to
connect pin 24, GPIO-9 to a switch or jumper connected to a pull up. When GPIO-9 is driven high at power up
the module will be in Adhoc mode. If GPIO-9 is then toggled low 5 times, the initial factory default configuration
will be RESTORED. This is useful for cases where the module is mis-configured and is no long responding.
13. Compliance Information
FCC Compliance
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class 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 the radio communications. However,
there are no guarantees that interference will not occur in a particular installation.
Troubleshooting
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
instructions
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver
Connect the equipment to an outlet or a circuit difference from that to which the receiver is connected
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician.

RN-131G & RN-131C
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~ page 12 ~
Conditions
Operation is subject to the following conditions
This device may not cause harmful interference
This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired
operation.
Markings
To satisfy the FCC exterior labeling requirements the following text must be placed on the exterior of the end
product
Contains Module FCC ID: U30-G2M5477
This marking applies to the G2M5477 and RN-131 module, which are one in the same. Any similar working
that expresses the same meaning may be used.
FCC Warning
Modifications
Modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void the user’s authority to operate the
equipment under FCC rules.
Radio Frequency Exposure
Property (Units Measured)
Value
Antenna Gain (dBi)
2.0
Numeric Gain (numeric)
1.58
Max Allowable Peak Power (dBm)
+23.76
Max Allowable Peak Power (mW)
237.7
Calculated Safe Distance at 1 mW/cm2
5.5 cm
Minimum Separation Distance
203cm
This equipment has been evaluated in accordance with the FCC bulletin 56 “Hazards of radio frequency and
electromagnetic fields” and Bulletin 65 “Human exposure to radio frequency and electromagnetic fields”
A distance greater or equal to 20cm from the device should be maintained for safe operation in an
uncontrolled environment.

RN-131G & RN-131C
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~ page 13 ~
NCC (Taiwan statement)
Contains Transmitter Module NCC ID: CCAF11LP0240T6
802.11b/802.11g/BT 警語：
第十二條→經型式認證合格之低功率射頻電機，非經許可，公司，商號或使用者均不得擅自變更頻率、加大功率或變更原設計之特性及功能。
第十四條→低功率射頻電機之使用不得影響飛航安全及干擾合法通信；經發現有干擾現象時，應立即停用，並改善至無干擾時方得繼續使用。
前項合法通信，指依電信法規定作業之無線電通信。 低功率射頻電機須忍受合法通信或工業、科學及醫療用電波輻射性電機設備之干擾。
Unofficial Translation
Article 12
Without permission granted by the NCC, any company, enterprise, or user is not allowed to change
frequency, enhance transmitting power or alter original characteristic as well as performance to an approved
low power radio-frequency devices.
Article 14
The low power radio-frequency devices shall not influence aircraft security and interfere legal
communications; If found, the user shall cease operating immediately until no interference is achieved.
The said legal communications means radio communications is operated in compliance with the
Telecommunications Act.
The low power radio-frequency devices must be susceptible with the interference from legal communications
or ISM radio wave radiated devices.
Compliance Information
FCC
ID U3O-G2M5477 Part 15.247
IC
(canada) RSS-210
CE
EU ID # 0681
REG
U9M20901-1000-C
RADIO
EN 300328 V1.7.1 (10/2006)
EMC
EN 301489-1 V1.8.1 (04/2008), EN 301489-17 V1.3.2 (04/2008)
SAFETY
EN 60950-1:2001+A11:2004
RoHs
Compliant

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~ page 14 ~
Ordering Information
Part Number
Description
RN-131G
Industrial Temperature (-30 to + 85 C ) With chip antenna and U.FL connector
RN-131C
Commercial Temperature (0 to + 70 C ) With chip antenna and U.FL connector
RN-131G-EVAL
Development Kit for the RN-131G (Includes the RN-131G module)
RN-134
SuRFboard carrier PCB for RN-131, RS-232, LEDs, power regulator. Sensor connections
RN-SMA4-RP
4” external antenna with reverse polarity SMA connector. Used with RN-UFL-SMA6
RN-UFL-SMA6
6 inch cable with U.FL connector on one end and SMA on the other
For other configurations, contact Roving Networks directly.
Visit http://www.rovingnetworks.com for current pricing and a list of distributors carrying our products.
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Roving Networks reserves the right to make corrections, modifications, and other changes to its products,
documentation and services at any time. Customers should obtain the latest relevant information before placing
orders and should verify that such information is current and complete.
Roving Networks assumes no liability for applications assistance or customer product design. Customers are
responsible for their products and applications using Roving Networks components. To minimize the risks associated
with customer products and applications, customers should provide adequate design and operating safeguards.
Roving Networks products are not authorized for use in safety-critical applications (such as life support) where a
failure of the Roving Networks product would reasonably be expected to cause severe personal injury or death,
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