Silicon Laboratories EFR32FG23 User manual

UG508: EFR32FG23 Dev Kit User's Guide
The EFR32FG23 Dev Kit is a low cost, small form factor prototyp-
ing and development platform for the EFR32FG23 Wireless Sys-
tem-on-Chip.
The board is small, cost effective, and feature rich. It is an ideal platform for developing
energy-friendly connected IoT devices based on the EFR32FG23.
A built in SEGGER J-Link debugger ensures easy debugging through the USB Micro-B
connector.
TARGET DEVICE
• EFR32FG23 Wireless System-on-Chip
(EFR32FG23B010F512IM48)
•32-bit ARM® Cortex®-M33 with 78 MHz
maximum operating frequency
• 512 kB flash and 64 kB RAM
• Energy-efficient radio core with low
active and sleep currents
• Integrated PA with up to 20 dBm (sub-
GHz) TX power
• Robust peripheral set and 31 GPIO
KIT FEATURES
• SMA connector for antenna connection
• 5-digit 7-segment LCD
•Relative humidity and temperature sensor
• LC sensor for metal detection
• User LED and 2 push buttons
• 2.54 mm breakout pads for GPIO access
• SEGGER J-Link on-board debugger
• Virtual COM port
• Packet Trace Interface (PTI)
• Mini Simplicity connector for AEM and
packet trace using external Silicon Labs
debugger
• USB or coin cell battery powered.
SOFTWARE SUPPORT
• Simplicity Studio™
ORDERING INFORMATION
• FG23-DK2600A
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Table of Contents
1. Introduction ................................
4
1.1 Kit Contents ...............................4
1.2 Getting Started ..............................4
1.3 Hardware Content .............................4
1.4 Kit Hardware Layout ............................5
2. Specifications ...............................6
2.1 Recommended Operating Conditions ......................6
3. Hardware .................................7
3.1 Block Diagram ..............................7
3.2 Power Supply ..............................8
3.3 EFR32FG23 Reset ............................8
3.4 Peripherals ...............................9
3.4.1 Segment LCD .............................9
3.4.2 Si7021 Relative Humidity and Temperature Sensor ................9
3.4.3 Push Buttons and LED ..........................10
3.5 On-board Debugger ............................10
3.6 Connectors ...............................11
3.6.1 Breakout Pads ............................12
3.6.2 Mini Simplicity Connector .........................13
3.6.3 Debug USB Micro-B Connector .......................13
4. Debugging ...............................14
4.1 On-board Debugger ............................15
4.2 External Debugger.............................15
4.3 Virtual COM Port .............................15
5. Radio .................................16
5.1 RF Section ...............................16
5.1.1 Description of the Sub-GHz RF Matching ...................16
5.1.2 RF Section Power Supply .........................16
5.1.3 RF Matching Bill of Materials ........................17
5.2 EMC Regulations .............................17
5.2.1 ETSI EN 300-200-1 Emission Limits for the 868-868.6 MHz Band ...........17
5.2.2 FCC15.247 Emission Limits for the 902-928 MHz Band ...............18
5.3 Relaxation with Modulated Carrier .......................18
5.4 RF Performance .............................18
5.4.1 Conducted Power Measurements ......................18
5.4.2 Radiated Power Measurements .......................21
5.5 EMC Compliance Recommendations ......................23
5.5.1 Recommendations for 868 MHz ETSI ETSI EN 300-200-1 compliance..........23
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5.5.2 Recommendations for 915 MHz FCC 15.247 compliance ..............23
6. Schematics, Assembly Drawings, and BOM ...................24
7. Kit Revision History ............................25
8. Board Revision History and Errata ......................26
8.1 Board Revision History ...........................26
8.2 Errata .................................26
9. Document Revision History .........................27
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1. Introduction
The EFR32FG23 Dev Kit has been designed to inspire customers to make battery operated IoT devices with the Silicon Labs
EFR32FG23 Wireless System-on-Chip. The highlights of the board include a segment LCD, an Si7021 relative humidity and tempera-
ture sensor, and an LC sensor for metal detection.
Programming the EFR32FG23 is easily done using a USB Micro-B cable and the on-board J-Link debugger. A USB virtual COM port
(VCOM) provides a serial connection to the target application, and the Packet Trace Interface (PTI) offers invaluable debug information
about transmitted and received packets in wireless links. The EFR32FG23 Dev Kit is supported in Simplicity Studio™, and a Board
Support Package (BSP) is provided to give application developers a flying start.
Energy profiling with advanced wireless network analysis and debugging are available through the provided Mini Simplicity Connector
using an external Silicon Labs debugger.
Connecting external hardware to the EFR32FG23 Dev Kit can be done using the breakout pads which present 16 GPIOs from the
EFR32FG23.
1.1 Kit Contents
The following items are included in the box:
• 1x EFR32FG23 Dev Kit board (BRD2600A)
• 1x 868 MHz antenna (Chilisin BTEA0019130G8R2A01).
• 1x 915 MHz antenna (Chilisin BTEA0019130G9R2A01).
• 1x USB Type A to Micro-B cable.
1.2 Getting Started
Detailed instructions for how to get started with your new EFR32FG23 Dev Kit can be found on the Silicon Labs web pages:
https://www.silabs.com/dev-tools
1.3 Hardware Content
The following key hardware elements are included on the EFR32FG23 Dev Kit:
• EFR32FG23 with 78 MHz operating frequency, 512 kB flash and 64 kB RAM
• SMA connector for antenna connection
• 5-digit 7-segment LCD
• Silicon Labs Si7021 relative humidity and temperature sensor
• One LED and two push buttons
• Power enable signals and isolation switches for ultra low power operation
• On-board SEGGER J-Link debugger for easy programming and debugging, which includes a USB virtual COM port (VCOM) and
Packet Trace Interface (PTI)
• Mini Simplicity connector for access to energy profiling and advanced wireless network debugging
• Breakout pads for GPIO access and connection to external hardware
• Reset button
• Automatic switchover between USB and battery power
• CR2032 coin cell holder
UG508: EFR32FG23 Dev Kit User's Guide
Introduction
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1.4 Kit Hardware Layout
The layout of the EFR32FG23 Dev Kit is shown below.
Push Buttons & LED
Reset Button
Breakout Pads
USB Micro-B Connector
- Virtual COM port
- Debug access
- Packet trace
Humidity and
Temperature Sensor
Ambient
Light
Sensor
EFR32FG23
Wireless Gecko
SMA Antenna
Connector
On-board USB
J-Link Debugger
CR2032 Coin Cell
Holder and Mini Simplicity
connector on back side
LED
LC Sensor
Segment LCD
Figure 1.1. EFR32FG23 Dev Kit Hardware Layout
UG508: EFR32FG23 Dev Kit User's Guide
Introduction
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2. Specifications
2.1 Recommended Operating Conditions
The following table is intended to serve as guideline for a correct use of EFR32FG23 Dev Kit, indicating typical operating conditions and
some design limits.
Table 2.1. Recommended Operating Conditions
Parameter Symbol Min Typ Max Unit
USB Supply Input Voltage VUSB — 5.0 — V
Battery Supply Input Voltage VVBAT 2.0 3.0 3.3 V
Supply Input Voltage (VMCU supplied externally)1,2 VVMCU 1.8 3.3 3.6 V
Operating Temperature TOP — 20 — ˚C
Note:
1. The supply voltage limit may be tighter under certain conditions when using the EFR32FG23's internal dc-dc converter. For more
information see the EFR32FG23 data sheet.
2. Not recommended for use with rechargeable Lithium batteries. Most Li-Ion and Li-Po cells exceed 3.6 V when fully charged.
UG508: EFR32FG23 Dev Kit User's Guide
Specifications
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3. Hardware
The core of the EFR32FG23 Dev Kit is the EFR32FG23 Wireless SoC. The board also contains several peripherals connected to the
EFR32FG23. Placement and layout of the hardware components are described in section 1.4 Kit Hardware Layout.
3.1 Block Diagram
An overview of the EFR32FG23 Dev Kit is illustrated in the figure below.
Radio
Device Connectivity & Debugging
J-Link
Debugger
USB Micro-B
Connector
2.4 GHz
Antenna
EFR32FG23
Wireless SoC
Breakout Pads
Sensors
Si7021
Temperature
& Humidity
Sensor
SMA
Connector
SMA
Connector
Buttons and LED
User Buttons
& LED
Mini-Simplicity
Connector
4x10 Segment LCD
LC Sensor
Figure 3.1. Kit Block Diagram
UG508: EFR32FG23 Dev Kit User's Guide
Hardware
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3.2 Power Supply
The kit can be powered through one of these interfaces:
• USB Micro-B
•Battery
• Mini Simplicity connector
The figure below shows the power options available on the kit and illustrates the main system power architecture.
USB Micro-B LDO
5V0
IN OUT
Automatic
Switchover
3V3
VMCU
Battery
EFR32FG23
Wireless SoC
Peripherals
Peripherals
Peripherals
Peripherals
Mini Simplicity
Connector
Figure 3.2. EFR32FG23 Dev Kit Power Architecture
Power is normally applied either through the USB cable or a CR2032 battery. When the USB cable is connected, VBUS is regulated
down to 3.3 V. An automatic switchover circuit switches the main system power from battery power to USB power when the USB cable
is inserted, and protects the battery from reverse current.
Power can also be applied through the Mini Simplicity connector. This requires that no other power sources are present on the kit, as
power is injected directly to the VMCU net. It is important to follow this in order to avoid power conflicts and backfeeding the battery.
Powering the EFR32FG23 Dev Kit through the Mini Simplicity connector allows current measurements using the Advanced Energy
Monitoring (AEM) as described in section 4.2 External Debugger.
Important: When powering the board through the Mini Simplicity connector, the USB and battery power sources must be removed.
The power supply options are summarized in the table below.
Table 3.1. EFR32FG23 Dev Kit Power Options
Supply Mode Typical Input Voltage VMCU Source 3V3 5V
USB power 5.0 V On-board regulator On-board regulator USB VBUS
CR2032 battery 3.0 V Battery voltage Disconnected No voltage present
Mini Simplicity 3.3 V Debugger dependent Disconnected No voltage present
3.3 EFR32FG23 Reset
The EFR32FG23 can be reset by a few different sources:
• A user pressing the RESET button.
•The on-board debugger pulling the #RESET pin low.
• An external debugger pulling the #RESET pin low.
UG508: EFR32FG23 Dev Kit User's Guide
Hardware
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3.4 Peripherals
The EFR32FG23 Dev Kit contains a set of peripherals that can be accessed from the EFR32FG23:
• One segment LCD
•One Silicon Labs Si7021 relative humidity & temperature sensor
• One LC sensor
• One LED and two push buttons
3.4.1 Segment LCD
A 20-pin segment LCD is connected to the EFR32FG23's LCD peripheral. The LCD has 4 common lines and 10 segment lines, giving a
total of 40 segments. These lines are not shared on the breakout pads. Refer to the kit schematic for information on signals to seg-
ments mapping.
4x10 Segment LCD
EFR32FG23
PD[5:2]
LCD_SEG[19:18]PC[9:8]
LCD_SEG[10,8]
PA[4,0]
PC[1:0] LCD_SEG[1:0]
PC[7:4] LCD_SEG[7:4]
LCD_COM[4:0]
LCD_SEG
LCD_COM
PA6 LCD_CP
1 uF
Figure 3.3. Segment LCD
3.4.2 Si7021 Relative Humidity and Temperature Sensor
The Si7021 I2C relative humidity and temperature sensor is a monolithic CMOS IC integrating humidity and temperature sensor ele-
ments, an analog-to-digital converter, signal processing, calibration data, and an I2C interface. The patented use of industry-standard,
low-K polymeric dielectrics for sensing humidity enables the construction of low-power, monolithic CMOS Sensor ICs with low drift and
hysteresis, and excellent long term stability. The Si7021 offers an accurate, low-power, factory-calibrated digital solution ideal for meas-
uring humidity, dew-point, and temperature, in applications ranging from HVAC/R and asset tracking to industrial and consumer plat-
forms.
Si7021
Temperature
& Humidity
Sensor
VMCU
EFR32FG23
PA08
PA07
I2C_SCL
I2C_SDA
Figure 3.4. Si7021 Relative Humidity and Temperature Sensor
Although measures have been taken to thermally isolate the sensor from the board, temperature readings will be influenced when pow-
er is dissipated on the board. More accurate temperature measurements are achieved when powering the board with a battery or
through the Mini Simplicity connector as self-heating from the on-board LDO is eliminated and the on-board debugger is put in a low
power state.
UG508: EFR32FG23 Dev Kit User's Guide
Hardware
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3.4.3 Push Buttons and LED
The kit has two user push button, marked BTN0 and BNT1. They are connected directly to the EFR32FG23 and are debounced by RC
filters with a time constant of 1 ms. The logic state of each button is high while the button is not being pressed, and low when the button
is pressed. The button connections are shown in the figure below.
The kit also features one yellow LED, marked LED0. The LED is controlled by a GPIO pin on the EFR32FG23 in an active-high configu-
ration. The LED connection is shown in the figure below.
EFR32FG23
LED0
BUTTON1
PA5
PB2
BUTTON0
PB1
User Buttons
& LED
Figure 3.5. Buttons and LED
3.5 On-board Debugger
The EFR32FG23 Dev Kit contains a microcontroller separate from the EFR32FG23 that provides the user with an on-board J-Link de-
bugger through the USB Micro-B port. This microcontroller is referred to as the "on-board debugger" and is not programmable by the
user. When the USB cable is removed, the on-board debugger goes into a very low power shutoff mode (EM4S).
In addition to providing code download and debug features, the on-board debugger also presents a virtual COM port for general pur-
pose application serial data transfer. The Packet Trace Interface (PTI) is also supported which offers invaluable debug information
about transmitted and received packets in wireless links.
The figure below shows the connections between the target EFR32FG23 device and the on-board debugger. The figure also shows the
presence of the Mini Simplicity Connector, and how this is connected to the same I/O pins.
Please refer to chapter 4. Debugging for more details on debugging.
Mini Simplicity
Connector
EFR32MG
EFR32FG23
PA01
PA02
PA03
PA09
PA10
NC
NC
VCOM_TX
VCOM_RX
VCOM_CTS
VCOM_RTS
DBG_SWCLK
DBG_SWDIO
DBG_SWO
On-Board
J-Link
Debugger
Host
PC USB
PTI_DATA PC03
PC02
PTI_FRAME
DBG_RESET RESETn
Figure 3.6. On-Board Debugger Connections
UG508: EFR32FG23 Dev Kit User's Guide
Hardware
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