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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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