Texas Instruments RF430F5978EVM User manual

User's Guide
SLRU007–July 2014
RF430F5978EVM User Guide
This manual describes the software installation, driver installation, the modules and peripherals of
RF430F5978EVM. Each description presents the module or peripheral in a general sense. Not all features
and functions of all modules or peripherals may be present on all devices. In addition, modules or
peripherals may differ in their exact implementation between device families, or may not be fully
implemented on an individual device or device family.
Pin functions, internal signal connections, and operational parameters differ from device to device. The
user should consult the device-specific data sheet for these details.
1
SLRU007–July 2014 RF430F5978EVM User Guide
Submit Documentation Feedback Copyright © 2014, Texas Instruments Incorporated

www.ti.com
Topic ........................................................................................................................... Page
1 Overview............................................................................................................. 3
2 Related Documentation from Texas Instruments ..................................................... 3
3 RF430F5978 Demo Kit Overview............................................................................ 4
4 Introduction ........................................................................................................ 4
5 Kit Contents........................................................................................................ 6
6 Required Equipment............................................................................................. 6
7 Software, Driver, and Documentation..................................................................... 6
8 Set Up RF430F5978EVM Demo .............................................................................. 7
9 Start the Software ................................................................................................ 9
10 Using the LF Wake-Up Mode With UHF Response.................................................. 11
11 LF Wake-Up Mode Tab........................................................................................ 12
12 LF Antenna Trimming Tab................................................................................... 14
13 Test Tab............................................................................................................ 15
14 AES Transponder User Interface.......................................................................... 16
15 UHF Configuration Settings................................................................................. 19
16 Configuration Software for UHF block .................................................................. 19
17 RF430F5978EVM Hardware Description ................................................................ 20
18 Programming Hardware Interface......................................................................... 21
19 Professional Software Development Tools ........................................................... 23
20 Schematics........................................................................................................ 24
2RF430F5978EVM User Guide SLRU007–July 2014
Submit Documentation Feedback
Copyright © 2014, Texas Instruments Incorporated

www.ti.com Overview
1 Overview
To get started evaluating the RF430F5978 MCU, system developers can purchase the RF430F5978EVM
bundle. This bundle helps users evaluate the key features of RF430F5978 MCU: 3D LF wake-up and
trigger function, passive battery-less transponder operation, and resonant trimming.
The bundle includes a USB plug-in LF trigger module (MRD2EVM micro reader), RF430F5978 MCU
evaluation board (RF430F5978EVM), AP434R01 access point, and 3D LF antenna. Using this EVM
bundle, a typical demo application can be set up in which the RF430F5978 captures data from multiple
sensors over a period of time and, after it is triggered by the LF wake-up trigger from the reader, it
transmits the collected data to the access point via RF link. This data is then sent on to the included host
GUI to visualize the data curve and position of the object.
Features and benefits of the RF430F5978 MCU:
• Reduces power consumption by allowing the shutdown of the RF radio and quick startup with the LF
wake-up function, thus significantly extending battery life.
• Tracks its position and distance (within ±5 cm) relative to the 3D LF transponder using RSSI (return
signal strength indicator) within a 4-m radius of the reader's LF trigger.
• Protects sensitive data and prevents signal interference with the AES security coprocessor that allows
data encryption for product authentication and secure access control.
• Provides flexible customization at ultra-low power with the programmable MSP430 core.
• Accommodates a wide range of regional Sub-1GHz frequencies from 300 to 950 MHz.
• Reduces board size and cost with the integration of several key functions into a single MCU.
• Works with complementary TI components, such as TPS62163 and TPS62082 power management
ICs, the SimpleLink™ Wi-Fi®CC3100, and bq24040 IC.
2 Related Documentation from Texas Instruments
The primary sources of RF430 information are the device-specific data sheets and user's guides. The
most current information is found at the following links:
www.ti.com/product/RF430F5978
www.ti.com/msp430
www.ti.com/product/cc1101
www.ti.com/tool/RF430F5978EVM
www.ti.com/tool/smartrftm-studio
SimpleLink, SmartRF are trademarks of Texas Instruments.
Wi-Fi is a registered trademark of Wi-Fi Alliance.
3
SLRU007–July 2014 RF430F5978EVM User Guide
Submit Documentation Feedback Copyright © 2014, Texas Instruments Incorporated

AP434R01
UHF(434 MHz) Access Point
RF430F5978EVM
MRD2EVM
134.2-kHz LF-Microreader II
LF 3D Antenna
134.2 kHz
UHF Antenna 434 MHz
RF430F5978 Demo Kit Overview www.ti.com
3 RF430F5978 Demo Kit Overview
Figure 1. RF430F5978EVM Kit
Figure 2. RF430F5978EVM Block Diagram
4 Introduction
The RF430F5978EVM, including the user software, is a complete evaluation platform to evaluate the key
features of RF430F5978:
• 3D LF long-range trigger and wake-up function
• Passive batteryless transponder communication
• Resonant trimming
In a typical sequence, the MRD2EVM LF transmitter sends a 64-bit wake pattern and, as soon as the
RF430F5978EVM board is within the supply range (typically 2 m with the components in this kit but can
reach up to 10 m with an LF power transmitter) and detects a valid wake pattern, then activates the
microcontroller. The microcontroller then measures the receive signal strength (RSSI) of all three axes on
the 3D LF antenna, interprets the orientation and distance of the device, measures the temperature,
battery, and system voltage, and sends the information through the onboard UHF transceiver to the
AP434R01 access point.
4RF430F5978EVM User Guide SLRU007–July 2014
Submit Documentation Feedback
Copyright © 2014, Texas Instruments Incorporated

Tab 3 Tab 2 Tab 1 Tab 4 Tab 5
www.ti.com Introduction
The returned data is visualized by the user software GUI, which shows the signal strength on all three
axes, the temperature, and the supply voltage logging data (see Table 1 and Figure 3).
Table 1. GUI Tabs
Tab Name Contents and Functions
1 LF Wake Up Mode Demonstrate LF Wake Up Mode with UHF response
2 LF ANT Trimming LF Antenna Trimming function
3 Test Hardware Function test
4 AES Transponder AES Transponder function User Terminal
5 About Software version and User Guide of RF430F5978EVM
Figure 3. RF430F5978EVM GUI
5
SLRU007–July 2014 RF430F5978EVM User Guide
Submit Documentation Feedback Copyright © 2014, Texas Instruments Incorporated

Kit Contents www.ti.com
5 Kit Contents
• MRD2EVM module
• RF430F5978EVM module
• AP434R01 module
• JTAG-SBW adapter module
• RF430F5978EVM quick start guide
• 1.27 4-pin connector
Figure 4. RF430F5978EVM Package
For complete ordering information, see the TI web site at www.ti.com/tool/RF430F5978EVM.
6 Required Equipment
The following equipment is required to operate the RF430F5978EVM:
• A PC running the Windows 7 operating system
• A lithium coin battery: 3 V, 20 mm, CR2032
–Note: Use only Panasonic CR2032 lithium battery or equivalent
– Battery requirements: CR2032 UL recognized component battery
Voltage: 3 V, Capacity: 230 mAh (typical data sheet numbers), Minimum Capacity (for 1 hour
operation): 5 mAh
7 Software, Driver, and Documentation
The latest software, driver, and user guide are available at www.ti.com/tool/RF430F5978EVM.
1. Download the RF430F5978EVM.EXE installer file to the PC.
2. The installer file includes software, driver, and user guide.
3. Double-click the installer file to install the software package and drivers.
The default installation location for the demo software is C:\Program Files\RF430F5978EVM.
6RF430F5978EVM User Guide SLRU007–July 2014
Submit Documentation Feedback
Copyright © 2014, Texas Instruments Incorporated

www.ti.com Set Up RF430F5978EVM Demo
8 Set Up RF430F5978EVM Demo
The following steps set up the hardware and sofware to run the default demo:
1. Insert the CR2032 battery in the RF430F5978EVM module as shown in Figure 5.
Figure 5. RF430F5978EVM Battery Assembly
2. Connect MRD2 reader and the AP434R01 access point to USB interfaces on the PC (see Figure 6).
Figure 6. RF430F5978EVM USB Connection
7
SLRU007–July 2014 RF430F5978EVM User Guide
Submit Documentation Feedback Copyright © 2014, Texas Instruments Incorporated

External VCC (SBW)
Right position
Battery Mode
Left position
Set Up RF430F5978EVM Demo www.ti.com
3. Install the LF-Microreader (MRD II) driver, the 'Microreader II Virtual COM Port' driver.
The operating system should automatically detect the COM port driver for the LF-Microreader. If you
are prompted for the driver, the default installation location is C:\Program Files
(x86)\RF430F5978EVM\Driver.
Driver INF file: MicroreaderII.inf
Follow the instructions of the operating system to install the driver.
4. Install the AP434R01 UHF access point driver, the 'AP434R01 Virtual COM Port' driver.
The operating system should automatically detect the COM port driver for theAP434R01. If you are
prompted for the driver, the default installation location is C:\Program Files
(x86)\RF430F5978EVM\Driver.
Driver INF file: RF_AP.inf
Follow the instructions of the operating system to install the driver.
5. Set the power switch on the RF430F5978EVM module to the battery mode (left position) (see
Figure 7).
Figure 7. RF430F5978EVM Power Switch
The hardware is now ready to start the demo.
8RF430F5978EVM User Guide SLRU007–July 2014
Submit Documentation Feedback
Copyright © 2014, Texas Instruments Incorporated

Access point and MRD2 not available
www.ti.com Start the Software
9 Start the Software
To run the software, click Start →All Programs →RF430F5978EVM →RF430F5978EVM. The LF reader
and UHF access point will be automatically detected.
1. Start the software RF430F5978EVM.
2. Click "Connect".
3. Check if the Microreader and USB access point are available (see Figure 8).
Figure 8. RF430F5978EVM GUI Hardware Status 1
4. If MDR2 and USB Access point not available, ensure that the MRD2 and AP434R01 access point are
connected to the PC, and then click "Connect" again.
9
SLRU007–July 2014 RF430F5978EVM User Guide
Submit Documentation Feedback Copyright © 2014, Texas Instruments Incorporated

Access point and MRD2 is now available
Start the Software www.ti.com
5. Check if the Microreader and USB access point are available (see Figure 9).
Figure 9. RF430F5978EVM GUI Hardware Status 2
6. If both are available, the software is ready to start the demo.
10 RF430F5978EVM User Guide SLRU007–July 2014
Submit Documentation Feedback
Copyright © 2014, Texas Instruments Incorporated

AP434R01
UHF(434 MHz) Access Point
RF430F5978EVM
MRD2EVM
134.2-kHz LF-Microreader II
www.ti.com Using the LF Wake-Up Mode With UHF Response
10 Using the LF Wake-Up Mode With UHF Response
The following steps show how to enable complete (bidirectional) LF communication, which means that the
MRD2 can send an LF wake pattern and can then receive the UHF response of the RF430F5978EVM
module that receives the wake-up signal (see Figure 10).
1. Click "Wake up" button to start the wake-up sequence one time.
2. Click "Continuous wake up" to initiate continuous mode (approximately 2-s cycle time)
3. Click "Continuous wake up" again to stop the continuous mode.
Figure 10. RF430F5978EVM Wakeup Mode Demo 1
11
SLRU007–July 2014 RF430F5978EVM User Guide
Submit Documentation Feedback Copyright © 2014, Texas Instruments Incorporated

Graphical
representation of LF
RSSI measurement
values
Graphical
representation of
UHF-RSSI
measurement values
Graphical
representation of
Module VCC and
Module temperature
values
Actual (Last Packet)
measurement values
from RF430F5978EVM
Wake up
continuous
mode
USB Interface status
Received Hex-String
from
RF430F5978EVM
VCC Battery Voltage
VCC 2.1V Mode:
Reduces module
current consumption
by ~30%
LF Wake-Up Mode Tab www.ti.com
11 LF Wake-Up Mode Tab
Figure 11 shows the LF Wake Up Mode tab. Refer to the following description for more details.
Figure 11. RF430F5978EVM Wakeup Mode Demo 2
1. LF RSSI bars displays the different RSSI (received signal strength indicator) values of the 3D antenna
(red for x, green for y, blue for z). The max value is 255 dBm. The RSSI value of each RF430F5978
antenna axis depends on the RF430F5978 module position and orientation relative to the LF trigger
(MRD2). Continuous mode displays the last 20 packets.
2. UHF RSSI scatter xy graph displays the RSSI value of the received UHF (434 MHz) signal.
Continuous mode displays the last 50 packets.
12 RF430F5978EVM User Guide SLRU007–July 2014
Submit Documentation Feedback
Copyright © 2014, Texas Instruments Incorporated

Content Start Length Command Voltage
(mV)
Temperature
(ºC)
LF RSSI X
(dBm)
LF RSSI Y
(dBm)
LF RSSI Z
(dBm)
LF
Wake
UHF RSSI(1) UHF LQI(2) EOL
Example: 01 0A 01 087E 00EA A3 AD CA 08 24 B0 0D
Explanation: Start of
Telegram
Without
(start,
length,
Cmd
and
EOL)
byte
Response
always Null
Byte
Representing
voltage
0x087E
=>
2174 mV
Representing
temperature
0x00EA
=>
23.4°C
Representing
LF RSSI X
0xA3
=>
163 dBm
Representing
LF RSSI Y
0xAD
=>
173 dBm
Representing
LF RSSI Y
0xCA
=>
202 dBm
Which
wake up
occurred
8 =>
Wake A
Representing
UHF RSSI
0x24
=>
-54 dBm
Representing
UHF LQI EST
0xB0 & 0x7F
=>
48
EOL End
of
Message
1 byte 1 byte 1 byte 2 byte 2 byte 1 byte 1 byte 1 byte 1 byte 1 byte 1 byte 1byte
www.ti.com LF Wake-Up Mode Tab
3. Received data on UHF antenna at wake up mode. If no data is available, reports "ND".
Table 2. Received Data Examples
(1) UHF RSSI
The UHF RSSI value read from the RSSI status register is a 2s-complement number. The following
procedure can be used to convert the RSSI reading to an absolute power level (RSSI_dBm)
1. Read the RSSI status register
2. Convert the reading from a hexadecimal number to a decimal number (RSSI_dec)
3. If RSSI_dec ≥128 then RSSI_dBm = (RSSI_dec – 256)/2 – RSSI_offset
4. If RSSI_dec < 128 then RSSI_dBm = (RSSI_dec)/2 – RSSI_offset
Refer to the device-specific data sheet for typical RSSI offset values and for typical RSSI values vs
input power levels at various frequencies.
The RF430F5978EVM power condition meets following regulations:
FCC 5.231
ETSSI 300 220
ETSSI 300 330
ETSSI 301 489
(2) Link Quality Indicator (LQI)
The Link Quality Indicator is a metric of the current quality of the received signal. If
PKTCTRL1.APPEND_STATUS is enabled, the value is automatically added to the last byte
appended after the payload. The value can also be read from the LQI status register. The LQI gives
an estimate of how easily a received signal can be demodulated by accumulating the magnitude of
the error between ideal constellations and the received signal over the 64 symbols immediately
following the sync word. LQI is best used as a relative measurement of the link quality (a low value
indicates a better link than what a high value does), because the value is dependent on the
modulation format. (Mask out bit7, as LQI = bit6 to bit0)
4. USB Interface status displays the status of USB connection Access point and MRD2.
• Access Point:
– Virtual com port, module serial number, frequency band, CW PA, firmware version
– Not found: No access point available
• Reader (MRD2) :
– Virtual com port, firmware version
– Not found: No Micro Reader 2 available
5. Temperature and VCC graphical display
• The red line represents RF430F5978EVM VCC module voltage.
• The green line represents RF430F5978EVM module temperature.
Continuous mode displays the last 50 packets.
13
SLRU007–July 2014 RF430F5978EVM User Guide
Submit Documentation Feedback Copyright © 2014, Texas Instruments Incorporated

1
2
LF Antenna Trimming Tab www.ti.com
12 LF Antenna Trimming Tab
Figure 12 shows the LF Antenna Trimming Tab. Refer to the following description for more details.
Figure 12. RF430F5978EVM LF Antenna Trimming Tab
1. Antenna RFx (x)-Axis
• Get RSSI: Measure LF-RSSI of separate 3D Antennas
• Auto Trimming: Internal cap trimming for separate 3D Antennas
• Measured LF-RSSI: Measured LF-RSSI at MRD2
• Trim Byte: Display the trim byte
2. General Trimming function
• Target Frequency is at 134.2 kHz
• Checkbox "Use median value": The median value build out of 3 measurement values. The trimming is
more accurate but the process needs more time.
• Get All RSSI: Measure all LF-RSSI values.
• Auto Trimming All: Internal cap trimming for all 3D Antennas
• Clear Trimming All: Clear all Trimming settings
• Cancel Trimming: Stop Trimming process
14 RF430F5978EVM User Guide SLRU007–July 2014
Submit Documentation Feedback
Copyright © 2014, Texas Instruments Incorporated

Disconnect or connect
hardware
1
www.ti.com Test Tab
13 Test Tab
Figure 13 shows the hardware Test tab. Refer to the following description for more details.
Figure 13. RF430F5978EVM Hardware Test Tab
AP434R01 Test
Hardware test "Access point"
Status Display:
Green indicates that the status of the USB connection to the access point is OK. The virtual COM port,
module serial number, frequency band, CW PA, and firmware version are reported.
Red indicates that no access point is available. Check the USB connection.
Microreader II Test
Hardware test "MRD2"
Status Display:
Green indicates that the status of the USB connection to the MRD2 is OK. The virtual COM port and
firmware version are reported.
Red indicates that no MRD2 module is available. Check the USB connection.
RF430F5978EVM
Hardware test "RF430F5978EVM"
Status Display:
Green indicates that RF430F5978EVM LF and UHF communication are OK. The module name, serial
number, and firmware version are reported.
Red indicates that communication with the RF430F5978EVM module is not possible.
Possible errors:
No Battery
Power Switch not in Battery mode
3D Antenna not connected
15
SLRU007–July 2014 RF430F5978EVM User Guide
Submit Documentation Feedback Copyright © 2014, Texas Instruments Incorporated

1
2
AES Transponder User Interface www.ti.com
14 AES Transponder User Interface
Figure 14. RF430F5978EVM AES Transponder Tab 1
1. Transponder Bank 3/7 and Pages:
Read Banks: Read out complete Bank 3 and Bank 7 Pages from RF430F5978EVM module
Read Selected Page: Read out the selected page from RF430F5978EVM module
Cancel reading: Cancel the read operation
2. Transponder Bank 3/7 and Pages table:
Display the bank 3/7 and pages results
16 RF430F5978EVM User Guide SLRU007–July 2014
Submit Documentation Feedback
Copyright © 2014, Texas Instruments Incorporated

1
www.ti.com AES Transponder User Interface
Figure 15. RF430F5978EVM AES Transponder Tab 2
1. MRD2 Command:
User input interface for setup direct hex commands
Example: Set default timing "BLC (Automotive) Timing (Command 0x0D)"
01 12 83 0D 00 AA 01 CC 00 AA 00 E6 00 AA 01 5E 00 AA 02 44 AE
Detailed Information in Microreader RI-STU-MRD2 Reference Guide ( scbu049 ). (See Section 6.4.3.14)
2. Predefined Commands:
Switch to wake up timing: "Special wake up timing (Command 0x0D)"
01 12 83 0D 00 AA 03 E8 00 AA 00 FA 00 AA 02 8A 00 AA 27 10 32
SOFoff 170 µs
SOFon 1000 µs
toffLow 170 µs
tonLow 250 µs
toffHigh 170 µs
tonHigh 650 µs
EOFoff 170 µs
EOFon 10000 µs
Switch to default timing: "BLC (Automotive) Timing (Command 0x0D)"
01 12 83 0D 00 AA 01 CC 00 AA 00 E6 00 AA 01 5E 00 AA 02 44 AE
17
SLRU007–July 2014 RF430F5978EVM User Guide
Submit Documentation Feedback Copyright © 2014, Texas Instruments Incorporated

AES Transponder User Interface www.ti.com
Wakeup and read Hex-String: "Send wakeup pattern A" Send Command:
01 08 C8 A0 00 00 01 08 48 0D 2C
Receive data: 01 02 20 00 22 (Example)
For detailed information, see the RF430F59xx Family User's Guide (SLAU378) in the section "Low-
Frequency Wake-Up Receiver".
Wakeup and wait for AP command: "Send wakeup pattern A and setup the RF430F5978EVM module at
UHF interface to Receive Mode"
01 08 C8 A0 00 00 01 08 88 0D EC
The RF430F5978EVM module is waiting for commands from the UHF Access point
Now the user has the possibility to communicate with own UHF – commands
Set BLC SOF Mode to S01: "Setup Default Start of Frame HDX+" 01 03 83 25 01 A4
For detailed information, see the Microreader RI-STU-MRD2 Reference Guide (SCBU049).
Set BLC SOF Mode to S10: "Setup Start of Frame Burst length coding" 01 03 83 25 02 A7
For detailed information, see the RF430F59xx Family User's Guide (SLAU378) in the section "Low-
Frequency Wake-Up Receiver".
Read LF Page: "Read Transponder Bank and page" Example: Read Bank 3 / Page 0
Send command: 01 09 C8 A0 00 00 32 10 B0 00 0E FD
Receive data: 01 10 00 80 7E 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 B1 00 6B 2F 1B
For detailed information, see the RF430F59xx Family User's Guide (SLAU378) in the section "LF Passive
Mode Downlink Protocols".
Read MRD2 serial number: "Read the serial number of Microreader 2"
Send command: 01 02 83 03 82
Receive data: 01 08 25 F8 98 46 17 00 17 00 0B (Example)
For detailed information, see the Microreader RI-STU-MRD2 Reference Guide (SCBU049).
•Add header: Calculate the byte length and add after the start byte
For detailed information, see the Microreader RI-STU-MRD2 Reference Guide (SCBU049).
•Append BCC: The BCC Field is a one-byte value of the Longitudinal Redundancy Check calculation
(XORed bytes) for the preceding message. The calculation is performed over whole command
excluding the Start Byte.
For detailed information, see the Microreader RI-STU-MRD2 Reference Guide (SCBU049) in the section
"BCC: Block Check Character".
18 RF430F5978EVM User Guide SLRU007–July 2014
Submit Documentation Feedback
Copyright © 2014, Texas Instruments Incorporated

www.ti.com UHF Configuration Settings
15 UHF Configuration Settings
Deviation = 31.738281
Base frequency = 433.92 MHz
Carrier frequency = 433.92 MHz
Channel number = 0
Modulated = true
Modulation format = 2-GFSK
Manchester enable = false
Sync word qualifier mode = 30/32 sync word bits detected
Preamble count = 4
Channel spacing = 199.951172 kHz
Data rate = 76.767 kBaud
RX filter BW = 232.142857 kHz
Data format = Normal mode
CRC enable = true
Whitening = false
Device address = 0
Address config = No address check
CRC autoflush = false
PA ramping = false
TX power = -20 dBm(1)
(1) RF430F5978EVM power condition meets the FCC 5.231 requirements
16 Configuration Software for UHF block
The RF430F5978 can be configured by using the SmartRF™ Studio software (SWRC046). Because
RF430F5978 selection is not available, CC430 and CC1101 settings must be selected in SmartRF Studio.
The SmartRF Studio software is highly recommended for obtaining optimum register settings, and for
evaluating performance and functionality.
For information on SmartRF Studio, see the web site at http://www.ti.com/tool/smartrftm-studio.
19
SLRU007–July 2014 RF430F5978EVM User Guide
Submit Documentation Feedback Copyright © 2014, Texas Instruments Incorporated

RF430F5978EVM Hardware Description www.ti.com
17 RF430F5978EVM Hardware Description
Figure 16. RF430F5978EVM Module
20 RF430F5978EVM User Guide SLRU007–July 2014
Submit Documentation Feedback
Copyright © 2014, Texas Instruments Incorporated