Silicon Laboratories EM35 Series User manual

UG110: Ember® EM35x Development Kit
User Guide
This document describes the Ember EM35x Development Kit
and explains how to set up its hardware and use the Debug
Adapter (ISA3). Descriptions of some of the software tools avail-
able along with some examples of their uses are also included.
For information about developing applications, see the Quick
Start Guide provided with your software stack, along with the
help and documentation included with your development environ-
ment. For software installation instructions, see the stack’s re-
lease notes.
KEY FEATURES
• Overview of the EM35x Development Kit
• Kit components
• Setting up the kit
• Using the Debug Adapter (ISA3)
• Debug adapter (ISA3) commands
• Additional software tools
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1. About This Guide
1.1 Purpose
This document describes the Ember EM35x Development Kit and explains how to set up its hardware and use the Debug Adapter
(ISA3).
1.2 Audience
This document is intended for embedded software and hardware engineers who are responsible for developing wireless applications
with the Ember EM35x Development Kit. This document assumes that the reader has a solid understanding of embedded systems de-
sign and programming in the C language. Experience with networking and radio frequency systems is useful but not expected.
1.3 Documentation Conventions
Notation Meaning Example
Italics Identifies on-screen software menu options. Connect
UPPERCASE Identifies a keyboard key. ENTER
Right-angle bracket Delimits a series of software program menu
options to be clicked.
Open > Save
Courier Identifies software code and, in body text, vari-
ables.
void Main(String[] argv)
the buffer variable
Courier Italics Identifies a variable name. ipAddress
UG110: Ember® EM35x Development Kit User Guide
About This Guide
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2. Introducing the EM35x Development Kit
2.1 Overview
The EM35x Development Kit is used for application design and development. The Development Kit contains a variety of hardware for
quickly creating a hardware prototype, links to Silicon Labs stack software such as EmberZNet PRO and various tools that enable the
development of your application software.
In general, Silicon Labs’ stacks provide a common API (Application Programming Interface) that supports the following layers of the
OSI model (Open System Interconnection Reference Model).
•PHY: radio control
•MAC: medium access
•LINK: route discovery
•NETWORK: routing, association
•APPLICATION: Application profile support for reliable message delivery
For example, the EmberZNet PRO stack is used to build ZigBee PRO-based applications. Applications that are built on this stack bene-
fit from the following features:
• PHY and MAC layers comply with the IEEE 802.15.4-2003 standard
• LINK and NETWORK layers comply with the latest ZigBee PRO specification
• The APS layer provides the interface to the application for data transfer and management, including reliable transport and binding.
The Development Kit includes a development environment, such as Simplicity Studio, which facilitates application development and de-
bugging. A compiler, such as IAR-EWARM, is also one of the kit’s software components. Debug Adapters (ISA3s) incorporate Power-
over-Ethernet (PoE) capability, which can simplify node deployment in the test environment. Breakout Boards provide a direct connec-
tion for debugging customer-designed hardware. For more information, see document TS6, the EM35x Breakout Board Technical
Specification.
2.2 Support
Once you receive your development kit, register to download development software on Silicon Labs’ technical support portal, https://
www.silabs.com/support. Use the support portal to contact Customer Support for any questions you might have during the development
process.
2.3 Documentation
QSG101: EM35x Development Kit Quick Start Guide, is shipped with the EM35x Development Kit. The stack installer provides a docu-
mentation index (in documentation/index.htm and also linked from a Start Menu entry) that contains links to documentation locations
and brief descriptions of each document’s purpose. Documents are also available through the support portal as Adobe PDF files.
2.4 Hardware Requirements
To use the EM35x Development Kit you will need:
• PC with Ethernet connectivity
• Network hub with DHCP server
2.5 Before You Begin
The EM35x Development Kit is designed only for the operating conditions and interfaces specified in documents TS7, the Debug
Adapter (ISA3) Technical Specification, TS6, the EM35x Breakout Board Technical Specification, and TS8, the EM3x Module Technical
Specification. Any modifications or alterations to the hardware are liable to cause irreparable damage to the EM35x Development Kit,
and shall render its warranty null and void.
If you wish to use the EM35x Development Kit in a non-standard fashion, consult with Silicon Labs Customer Support or Sales before
starting custom development. This is especially true if you are embarking on an aggressive development cycle, plan to use custom
hardware, or wish to use alternate software configuration files, images, or hardware configurations. Contact us and describe your plan,
so we can help you minimize the risk of delays in your development cycle.
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Introducing the EM35x Development Kit
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3. Development Kit Hardware Components
3.1 Overview
The following figure shows the components in the EM35x Series Development Kit.
Figure 3.1. EM35x Series Development Kit
The inventory of development kit components is included in the development kit’s Quick Start Guide (QSG101). This section describes
the use for each of the major components.
The EM35x Development Kit development board set has three major hardware components:
• EM35x Breakout Board
• EM35x Module
• Debug Adapter (ISA3)
The EM35x Development Kit also includes the following components:
• US-to-Multinational AC Plug Power Adapter Kit
• Power-Over-Ethernet (PoE) Switch
• USB Power Adapters
• Miscellaneous Cables (USB, DEI, Packet Trace Port, and RF Coax)
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Development Kit Hardware Components
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3.2 EM35x Breakout Board
Figure 3.2. EM35x Breakout Board
The Breakout Board (shown in the figure above) serves as test beds for network hardware and applications. Each Breakout Board has
an associated EM35x Module, which can be deployed as a node within a network application. Each Breakout Board connects with a
Debug Adapter (ISA3) through two communication links: the Packet Trace Port and the DEI Port. This allows the Breakout Board’s
EM35x Module to interface with the development environment through the Debug Adapter (ISA3)’s Packet Trace Port and its wired
Ethernet connection. The Breakout Board also has a prototype breadboard area for application-specific hardware development.
The Breakout Board has the following components:
• External power supply connectors
• One DB-9 serial port connector for RS-232 serial communication
• One USB connector for EM35x SC1 virtual COM port serial communication
• One USB connector for EM358x USB virtual COM port serial communication
• One header with TTL-compliant UART signals for EM35x SC1 SPI serial communication
• A buzzer, two buttons, two LEDs, and a temperature sensor for application development purposes
• External serial flash for application bootloader purposes (via either EM35x SC1 or SC2)
• Hardware reset buttons for the EM35x module
• Prototype or bread-boarding area (28 x 20, 0.1” pitch array) for application-specific hardware development
• One data emulation interface connector
For detailed information about the Breakout Board, see document TS6, the EM35x Breakout Board Technical Specification.
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Development Kit Hardware Components
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3.3 EM35x Module
The EM35x Module (see figure below) contains the Ember EM35x System-on-Chip (SoC) solution providing a complete radio and mi-
crocontroller solution. All modules are pin-compatible, and they can be directly attached to a Breakout Board. The kit includes both
EM357 and EM3588 module variants.
The EM35x module is used together with the Development Kit Breakout Board to prototype customer hardware, and to develop and
debug application software. Its low-power design represents a good starting point for your own product design.
Figure 3.3. EM35x Breakout Board with EM35x Module Installed
The EM35x Module includes these components:
•The Ember EM35x SoC (IEEE 802.15.4-compliant, 2.4 GHz radio transceiver with ARM® Cortex™-M3 microcontroller).
• All off-chip components required for optimum SoC performance
• Two LEDs
• Packet Trace Port connector
For detailed information about the modules, see document TS8, the EM3x Module Technical Specification.
Once you move away from the EM35x Module and toward application-specific hardware, refer to the extensive reference design library
available through the Silicon Labs support portal. Each reference design provides a schematic, Bill of Materials (BOM), characterization
data, and layout files. They are designed and delivered in a manner that reduces both time to market and hardware implementation
risk. For assistance in locating the best design for your needs, contact Customer Support.
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3.4 Debug Adapter (ISA3)
A Debug Adapter (ISA3) connects a Breakout Board to the Ethernet. Each adapter transmits network data collected through its Packet
Trace Port and conveys it over its Ethernet connection to the development environment. It also picks up any messages or new software
that is addressed to this Breakout Board. The ISA3 functions as a source-level debugger for EM3x devices, providing single-stepping
and breakpoint support via IAR EWARM.
The Debug Adapter (ISA3) provides an efficient and configurable debug interface to the EM35x Development Kit Breakout Board for
processing emulation and debug commands. It also provides an interface to the development environment for monitoring and managing
network data.
The Debug Adapter (ISA3) has the following components:
• Debug Port interface to the Breakout Board’s Extended Debug Interface Connector
• Packet Trace Port interface to the radio communication module, providing programming and debugging services
• TCP/IP 10/100 Ethernet interface with Power-over-Ethernet functionality
• USB Interface
The Packet Trace Port is a cabled communication link between the Debug Adapter (ISA3) and the EM35x Module mounted on the
Breakout Board.
3.5 Other Kit Components
•Packet Trace Port Cables connect each Debug Adapter (ISA3) to a Breakout Board.
•AAA Battery Pack attaches to a Breakout Board and enables deployment of battery-operated nodes.
•USB Power Supply with Adapters power Breakout Boards and / or Debug Adapters (ISA3s) from wall sockets.
•Ethernet Cables connect Debug Adapters (ISA3s) to an Ethernet subnet and the PoE Switch to your PC or network.
•Data Emulation Interface (DEI) cables provide a peripheral interface connection between the Debug Adapter (ISA3) and Breakout
Board. The DEI cable supports UART functionality.
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Development Kit Hardware Components
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4. Acceptable Power Sources for Normal Operation
The following table lists all of the components and the acceptable combinations of power sources that yield normal operation. Potential
power sources include the following:
• Power-Over-Ethernet (PoE) Switch
• AAA battery pack (3 VDC)
• USB cable
• Connected to PC
• Connected to USB Power Supply with Adapters
• Power over Packet Trace Port on Debug Adapter (ISA3) (the target power select switch on the front panel must be set to Int (Inter-
nal)).
• From RCM dedicated power
• External DC adapter (not supplied with the Development Kit)
Table 4.1. Safe Combination of Operating Power
PoE External DC AAA Battery
Pack
Packet Trace
Port
USB Breakout Board
Debug Adapter (ISA3) X N/A N/A N/A X N/A
EM35x Module N/A N/A N/A X1N/A X
EM35x Breakout Board N/A X2XX3X N/A
Note:
1. Power is sourced from the Debug Adapter (ISA3) to the RCM module using the Packet Trace Port cable connected to the Debug
Adapter (ISA3) with its target power select switch set to Int (Internal).
2. External dc power between 4 V and 20 V can be connected to clip leads J1 (+) and J32 (-) on the EM35xx Breakout Board.
3. Power is sourced from the Debug Adapter (ISA3) to the EM35x Breakout Board using the Packet Trace Port cable connected to the
Debug Adapter (ISA3) with its target power select switch set to Int (Internal).
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Acceptable Power Sources for Normal Operation
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4.1 Power-Over-Ethernet (PoE) Switch
The EM35x Development Kit contains a NETGEAR 8-port Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) switch that supplies power to a Debug Adapter
(ISA3) over a standard TIA/EIA-568 category 5 cable. The Debug Adapter (ISA3) can, in turn, supply power to an EM35x Breakout
Board and the Module that is mounted on it. Thus, you can place Breakout Boards wherever an Ethernet cable connection is available.
The dc operating power for data terminal units is fed through unused pairs 7/8 and 4/5. For more information about the NETGEAR
switch, see its online technical specifications.
The NETGEAR PoE Switch that is supplied in the EM35x Development Kit is certified by Silicon Labs. If you wish to use a different PoE
switch, consult Customer Support.
The US-to-Multinational AC Plug Power Adapter Kit, shown in the following figure, is a set of three power adapters for use with the
NETGEAR PoE Switch. These three interchangeable plugs are provided with various port configurations suitable for North America,
Europe, the United Kingdom, and Australia.
Figure 4.1. US-to-Multinational AC Plug Power Adapter Kit
4.2 USB Power Supply with Adapters
The USB power adapter is a linear regulated wall plug power supply with 5 V DC at 1 A regulated output. It has a USB type-B connec-
tor for connecting power via a USB cable to the USB port of the Debug Adapter (ISA3) or Breakout Board. Five interchangeable snap-in
input plugs are provided with various port configurations suitable for North America, Europe, the United Kingdom, Australia, and China.
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Acceptable Power Sources for Normal Operation
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5. Setting up Hardware Components
5.1 Overview
This chapter contains the following sections:
• EM35x Radio Communications Module (RCM)
• Hardware Connections
• Connecting the Breakout Board and RCM
• Breakout Board Power Configurations
• Breakout Board Serial Configurations
• Common Hardware Configurations
• Connecting the RF Cable to the RCM
5.2 EM35x Radio Communications Module (RCM)
The EM35x Development Kit contains various types of EM35x RCMs designed by Silicon Labs’ partner, California Eastern Laboratories
(CEL). These modules contain either the EM357 or EM3588 IC and are configured to use either the PCB antenna or the on-board RF
connector (U.FL). Some module variants also include a power amplifier. These configuration options are noted in the Module Product
Label, shown in the following example label. This label can be found on the bottom of the module. The top line contains the Silicon Labs
Part Number, while the bottom line contains the Module Serial Number. The Module Serial Number is also listed in the Hardware Identi-
fication List attached to the QSG101, EM35x Development Kit Quick Start Guide. You can determine the EUI-64 of each module based
on this list.
Figure 5.1. Module Product Serial Number Label
The modules shipped already installed on Breakout Boards are module variant EM3588-M-AN-C. Other module variants are contained
in the Module Variety Pack. Refer to the following table for configuration comparisons of the modules included in your development kit.
Table 5.1. Module Product Variant Matrix
Silicon Labs Part Number CEL Part Number
Silicon
Labs
Product
Number IC
Antenna or
Connector
PA or non-
PA
Qty Inclu-
ded in Kit
EM357-MOD-ANT-C ZICM357SP0-1-SL 0730 EM357 Antenna Non-PA 1
EM357-MOD-RF-C ZICM357SP0-1C-SL 0731 EM357 Connector Non-PA 1
EM357-MOD-LR-RF-C ZICM357SP2-1C-SL 0732 EM357 Connector PA 1
EM357-MOD-LR-ANT-C ZICM357SP2-1-SL 0733 EM357 Antenna PA 1
EM3588-M-AN-C ZICM3588SP0-1-SL 0734 EM3588 Antenna Non-PA 3
EM3588-M-RF-C ZICM3588SP0-1C-SL 0735 EM3588 Connector Non-PA 1
EM3588-MLR-RF-C ZICM3588SP2-1C-SL 0736 EM3588 Connector PA 1
EM3588-MLR-AN-C ZICM3588SP2-1-SL 0737 EM3588 Antenna PA 0
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Setting up Hardware Components
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