Texas Instruments TRF6901 User manual

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     
April 2002 Mixed-Signal RF Products
User’s Guide
SWRU006A

EVM IMPORTANT NOTICE
Texas Instruments (TI) provides the enclosed product(s) under the following conditions:
This evaluation kit being sold by TI is intended for use for ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT OR EVALUATION
PURPOSES ONLY and is not considered by TI to be fit for commercial use. As such, the goods being provided
may not be complete in terms of required design-, marketing-, and/or manufacturing-related protective
considerations, including product safety measures typically found in the end product incorporating the goods.
As a prototype, this product does not fall within the scope of the European Union directive on electromagnetic
compatibility and therefore may not meet the technical requirements of the directive.
Should this evaluation kit not meet the specifications indicated in the EVM User’s Guide, the kit may be returned
within 30 days from the date of delivery for a full refund. THE FOREGOING WARRANTY IS THE EXCLUSIVE
WARRANTY MADE BY SELLER TO BUYER AND IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED,
IMPLIED, OR STATUTORY, INCLUDING ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY
PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
The user assumes all responsibility and liability for proper and safe handling of the goods. Further, the user
indemnifies TI from all claims arising from the handling or use of the goods. Please be aware that the products
received may not be regulatory compliant or agency certified (FCC, UL, CE, etc.). Due to the open construction
of the product, it is the user’s responsibility to take any and all appropriate precautions with regard to electrostatic
discharge.
EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT OF THE INDEMNITY SET FORTH ABOVE, NEITHER PARTY SHALL BE LIABLE
TO THE OTHER FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES.
TI currently deals with a variety of customers for products, and therefore our arrangement with the user is not
exclusive.
TI assumes no liability for applications assistance, customer product design, software performance, or
infringement of patents or services described herein.
Please read the EVM User’s Guide and, specifically, the EVM Warnings and Restrictions notice in the EVM
User’s Guide prior to handling the product. This notice contains important safety information about temperatures
and voltages. For further safety concerns, please contact the TI application engineer.
Persons handling the product must have electronics training and observe good laboratory practice standards.
No license is granted under any patent right or other intellectual property right of TI covering or relating to any
machine, process, or combination in which such TI products or services might be or are used.
Mailing Address:
Texas Instruments
Post Office Box 655303
Dallas, Texas 75265
Copyright 2002, Texas Instruments Incorporated

EVM WARNINGS AND RESTRICTIONS
It is important to operate this EVM within the specified input and output ranges described in
the EVM User’s Guide.
Exceeding the specified input range may cause unexpected operation and/or irreversible
damage to the EVM. If there are questions concerning the input range, please contact a TI
field representative prior to connecting the input power.
Applying loads outside of the specified output range may result in unintended operation and/or
possible permanent damage to the EVM. Please consult the EVM User’s Guide prior to
connecting any load to the EVM output. If there is uncertainty as to the load specification,
please contact a TI field representative.
During normal operation, some circuit components may have case temperatures greater than
60°C. The EVM is designed to operate properly with certain components above 60°C as long
as the input and output ranges are maintained. These components include but are not limited
to linear regulators, switching transistors, pass transistors, and current sense resistors. These
types of devices can be identified using the EVM schematic located in the EVM User’s Guide.
When placing measurement probes near these devices during operation, please be aware
that these devices may be very warm to the touch.
Mailing Address:
Texas Instruments
Post Office Box 655303
Dallas, Texas 75265
Copyright 2002, Texas Instruments Incorporated

How to Use This Manual
v
Preface
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About This Manual
This document presents the contents of the TRF6901 868 MHz to 870 MHz
RF tool kit. Both hardware and software are described in detail. The first half
of the document addresses the TRF6901 RF EVM in a stand-alone evaluation
environment. The second half of the document addresses the TRF6901 serial
port module that is used to support the TRF6901 RF EVM evaluation in a
system environment configuration.
It is important when reading this document to remember that the TRF6901
serial port module is a support module provided along with the TFR6901 RF
EVM contained in the TRF6901 RF tool kit. The TRF6901 serial port module
is NOT to be considered a stand-alone tool.
Using this document, the user will understand the features of the TRF6901 RF
EVM as well as the features of the TRF6901 serial port module as it relates
to the TRF6901 RF EVM. Also, the user will become familiar with the features
and functionality of both the TRF6901 EVM and the TRF6901 serial port tools
software packages.
With the TRF6901 EVM software package, the user will understand how to
evaluate the functionality of the TRF6901 on the TRF6901 RF EVM via a PC
parallel port. With the serial port software package, the user will understand
how to use the programming tool to evaluate the TRF6901 via the PC serial
port connection to the TRF6901 serial port module.
Finally, along with being exposed to the basic structure and protocol of an RF
link example, the user will be able to use the system mode tool contained within
the TRF6901 serial port tools software to establish a basic RF link using two
TRF6901 RF tool kits.
Evaluation Board Disclaimer
Please note that the enclosed evaluation boards are experimental printed
circuit boards and are therefore only intended for device evaluation.
We would like to draw your attention to the fact that these boards have been
processed through one or more of Texas Instruments’ external subcontractors
which have not been production qualified.

Information About Cautions and Warnings
vi
The fee associated with the evaluation modules (EVM) is a partial
nonrecurring engineering fee (NRE) to partially defray the engineering costs
associated with the EVM development and applications support for the RF
integrated semiconductor product. The EVM is a tool for evaluating the RF
semiconductors supplied by Texas Instruments. The EVM is supplied to
prospective component customers to provide services and software allowing
the prospect customers to evaluate the RF semiconductors in products they
would build.
The EVM may be operated only for product evaluation purposes and then only
in nonresidential areas. TI’s understanding is that the customers’ products
using the RF parts listed shall be designed to comply with all applicable FCC
and appropriate regulatory agency requirements and will, upon testing,
comply with these requirements. Operation of this device is subject to the
conditions that it does not cause harmful interference and that it must accept
any interference.
How to Use This Manual
This document contains the following chapters:
-Chapter 1—TRF6901 RF Tool Kit Overview
-Chapter 2—TRF6901 RF EVM PCB Hardware
-Chapter 3—TRF6901 EVM Control Software
-Chapter 4—TRF6901 Serial Port Tool Overview
-Chapter 5—TRF6901 Serial Port Module PCB Hardware
-Chapter 6—TRF6901 RF Tool Kit System Mode
-Chapter 7—TRF6901 Serial Port Tools Software
Information About Cautions and Warnings
This book may contain cautions and warnings.
This is an example of a caution statement.
A caution statement describes a situation that could potentially
damage your software or equipment.
This is an example of a warning statement.
A warning statement describes a situation that could potentially
cause harm to you.
The information in a caution or a warning is provided for your protection.
Please read each caution and warning carefully.

Contents
vii
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1 TRF6901 RF Tool Kit Overview 1-1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.1 Description 1-2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.2 Contents 1-2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.3 TRF6901 EVM/Parallel Port Configuration 1-2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.4 TRF6901 EVM/Serial Port Module Configuration 1-2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2 TRF6901 RF EVM PCB Hardware 2-1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.1 Hardware Overview 2-2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.2 TRF6901 RF Block Diagram 2-2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.3 TRF6901 RF EVM Schematics 2-3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.4 Top- and Bottom-Side Silkscreen and Drawing 2-5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.5 Parts List 2-6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.6 TRF6901 RF EVM Regulated Supply Configuration 2-11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.7 TRF6901 Parallel Port Module Interface 2-12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.8 TRF6901 RF EVM Jumpers 2-13. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.8.1 Jumper Connections 2-13. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.8.2 Default Jumper Connections 2-15. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.8.3 Jumper Description 2-15. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.9 Connectors 2-16. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.10 Test Points (TP) 2-17. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.11 Adjustments 2-18. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.12 LED Indicators 2-19. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3 TRF6901 RF EVM Control Software 3-1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.1 TRF6901 RF EVM Control Software Overview 3-2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.2 TRF6901 RF EVM Control Software Installation 3-2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.3 TRF6901 RF EVM Setup With Control Software 3-2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.4 How to Use the TRF6901 Control Software 3-3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.5 Main Program Screen 3-3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.5.1 Synthesizer 3-4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.5.2 Mode Options 3-6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.5.3 Operating Modes 3-8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.5.4 Help Box 3-9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.5.5 Words 3-9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.5.6 Operation Mode 3-9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.5.7 The Menu Bar 3-9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.6 IC Layout Screen 3-10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.6.1 Main IC Layout Form 3-10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.6.2 Options 3-12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Contents
viii
3.6.3 FSK/OOK Test 3-13. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.7 Testing the Transmitter 3-13. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.7.1 Step 1: Test Setup 3-13. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.7.2 Step 2: Software Programming 3-14. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.7.3 Step 3: Spectrum Analyzer Setup 3-16. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.7.4 Step 4: FSK Modulation Output Test 3-17. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.7.5 FSK Test Using an External Source 3-18. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.8 Testing of the Receiver 3-20. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.8.1 Test Equipment Setup 3-20. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.8.2 Software Programming for Receiver Testing 3-21. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.8.3 LEARN and HOLD Modes 3-22. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.8.4 Measured Receive Data 3-23. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4 TRF6901 Serial Port Tool Overview 4-1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4.1 Purpose 4-2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4.2 TRF6901 Serial Port Module Description 4-2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5 TRF6901 Serial Port Module PCB Hardware 5-1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.1 Hardware Overview 5-2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.2 PC Serial Port Interface 5-5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.3 MSP430 Features 5-5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.4 TRF6901 SV1 Interface 5-6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.5 Control Signal Interface J12 5-7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.6 JTAG Interface J13 5-7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.7 Miscellaneous MSP430 Port Terminals 5-7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.8 LED Status Indicators 5-7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6 TRF6901 RF Tool Kit System Mode 6-1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6.1 TRF6901 RF Tool Kit System Mode Overview 6-2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6.1.1 Protocol Used by the System Mode RF Link 6-2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6.1.2 Specification Followed for the System Mode RF Link Example 6-2. . . . . . . . . . . .
6.2 System Mode Description 6-3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6.2.1 System Mode Tool Kit Configuration 6-3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6.2.2 System Mode Concerns 6-3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6.2.3 System Mode Protocol Basics 6-3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6.2.4 System Mode Communication Flow 6-4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6.2.5 System Mode Transmission Protocol Details 6-5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7 TRF6901 Serial Port Tools Software 7-1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7.1 TRF6901 Serial Port Tools Software Overview 7-2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7.2 TRF6901 Serial Port Tools Software Installation 7-2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7.3 TRF6901 Serial Port Tools Software Main Form 7-2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7.3.1 Tool Bar Options 7-3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7.4 TRF6901 Programming Tool 7-4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7.4.1 Programming Tool Binary Input Form 7-4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7.4.2 Programming Tool Block Diagram Use 7-5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7.5 TRF6901 System Mode Tool 7-10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7.5.1 System Mode Software Overview 7-10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7.5.2 System Mode Form 7-11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7.5.3 System Mode Configuration 7-11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7.5.4 System Mode Operation 7-12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7.6 TRF6901 European Frequency Plan Tool 7-14. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Contents
ix
7.6.1 European ISM Band Frequency Error Calculations Form 7-14. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7.6.2 European ISM Band Frequency Calculations Form Overview 7-15. . . . . . . . . . . . .
7.6.3 Frequency Error Calculation Operation 7-15. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7.7 Reprogramming of the MSP430F149 7-16. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Contents
x
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1−1 TRF6901 EVM/Parallel Port Configuration 1-2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1−2 TRF6901 EVM/Serial Port Module Configuration 1-3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2−1 TRF6901 Block Diagram 2-2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2−2 TRF6901 RF EVM Schematics 2-3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2−3 Top-Side Silkscreen and Drawing of TRF6901 2-5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2−4 Bottom-Side Silkscreen of TRF6901 RF EVM 2-5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2−5 TRF6901 EVM DC Voltage Setup 2-11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2−6 TRF6901 RF EVM Parallel Port Interface 2-12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2−7 TRF6901 RF EVM Jumper Locations and Default Configurations of the EVM 2-13. . . . . . . .
3−1 Main Program Screen 3-4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3−2 TRF6901 IC Layout Screen 3-10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3−3 Equipment Setup for Testing of the TRF6901 EVM Transmitter 3-14. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3−4 Main Programming Screen Setup for Testing the Transmitter 3-14. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3−5 IC Layout Screen Setup for Testing the Transmitter 3-15. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3−6 Carrier Signal on the Spectrum Analyzer 3-16. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3−7 FSK Output From Transmitter 3-17. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3−8 Equipment Setup for FSK Test With an External Modulation 3-18. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3−9 FSK Output From Transmitter With an External Modulation 3-19. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3−10 Test Setup for TRF6901 EVM Receiver Testing 3-20. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3−11 Main Program Screen Setup for Receiver Testing 3-21. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3−12 IC Layout Screen for the Receiver Testing 3-22. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3−13 RXDATA Signal at −50-dBm Input Signal to the Receiver 3-23. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3−14 RXDATA Signal at −90-dBm Input Signal to the Receiver 3-24. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4−1 TRF6901 RF Tool Kit 4-2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5−1 TRF6901 Serial Port Module Schematic 5-3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5−2 TRF6901 Serial Port Module Top Level Layout 5-4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5−3 SV1 Terminal Connections 5-6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5−4 TRF6901 Serial Port Module LED Indicators 5-8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6−1 Setup of Two TRF6901 RF Tool Kits in the System Mode 6-2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6−2 Phases of the Communication Flow 6-4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6−3 TX-Data RF Transmission Sequence Control 6-5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7−1 TRF6901 Serial Port Tools Software 7-3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7−2 Programming Tool Binary Input Form 7-4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7−3 Programming Tool Block Diagram (Standby Mode 0 − Transmit) 7-6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7−4 Programming Tool Block Diagram (Standby Mode 1 − Receive) 7-7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7−5 Programming Tool Block DIagram (Active Mode Transmit) 7-8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7−6 Programming Tool Block DIagram (Active Mode Receive) 7-9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7−7 System Mode Tool—Version 2.01 7-11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7−8 System Mode Tool—Example Operation 7-13. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7−9 European ISM Band Frequency Error Calculations Form 7-14. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1-1
TRF6901 RF Tool Kit Overview
    
This chapter provides an overview of the TRF6901 RF tool kit.
Topic Page
1.1 Description 1-2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.2 Contents 1-2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.3 TRF6901 EVM/Parallel Port Configuration 1-2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.4 TRF6901 EVM/Serial Port Module Configuration 1-2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chapter 1

Description
1-2
1.1 Description
The TRF6901 RF tool kit is to be used to evaluate the functionality and system
performance of Texas Instrument’s TRF6901 ISM-band transceiver. It is
intended to be an evaluation tool and is not to be considered a reference
design. It is important to remember that board layout is a critical parameter
affecting the performance of any RF device. The performance of the TRF6901
on the TRF6901 RF EVM demonstrates one implementation of a TRF6901
transceiver layout.
1.2 Contents
Contained within the TRF6901 RF tool kit are the following:
-TRF6901 RF EVM board
-TRF6901 serial port module
-Serial port cable
-Parallel port cable
-CD ROM
-Software diskette
1.3 TRF6901 EVM/Parallel Port Configuration
The TRF6901 EVM/parallel port configuration, as shown in Figure 1−1, is to
be used when observing the functionality of the TRF6901 on the TRF6901 RF
EVM stand alone via a standard PC parallel port. Chapter 2—TRF6901 RF
EVM PCB Hardware covers the TRF6901 RF EVM in detail.
Figure 1−1.TRF6901 EVM/Parallel Port Configuration
To PC
Parallel
Port
1.4 TRF6901 EVM/Serial Port Module Configuration
The TRF6901 EVM/serial port module configuration, as shown in Figure 1−2,
is to be used when observing the functionality of the TRF6901 on the TRF6901
RF EVM with the serial port module via a standard PC serial port. With this
configuration, the system mode functionality can also be observed. See
Chapter 6—TRF6901 RF Tool Kit System Mode for further details on the
system mode operation.

TRF6901 EVM/Serial Port Module Configuration
1-3
TRF6901 RF Tool Kit Overview
Figure 1−2.TRF6901 EVM/Serial Port Module Configuration
To PC
Serial
Port

1-4

2-1
TRF6901 RF EVM PCB Hardware
    !
This chapter describes the PCB hardware of the TRF6901 RF EVM.
Topic Page
2.1 Hardware Overview 2-2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.2 TRF6901 RF Block Diagram 2-2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.3 TRF6901 RF EVM Schematics 2-3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.4 Top- and Bottom-Side Silkscreen and Drawing 2-5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.5 Parts List 2-6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.6 TRF6901 RF EVM Regulated Supply Configuration 2-11. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.7 TRF6901 Parallel Port Module Interface 2-12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.8 TRF6901 RF EVM Jumpers 2-13. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.9 Connectors 2-16. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.10 Test Points (TP) 2-17. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.11 Adjustments 2-18. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.12 LED Indicators 2-19. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chapter 2

Hardware Overview
2-2
2.1 Hardware Overview
The TRF6901 ISM-band transceiver IC operates from 860 MHz to 930 MHz.
It has low power consumption and an operating voltage of 1.8 V to 3.6 V. It uses
an integer-N synthesizer and supports FSK/OOK operation. Other features
include an on-chip reference oscillator, phase lock loop, brownout detector,
and XTAL software trimming.
The TRF6901 RF evaluation module (EVM) provides a platform for lab
prototype evaluation of the Texas Instruments TRF6901 transceiver IC. The
EVM is used to evaluate the RF performance of the TRF6901. It contains a PC
parallel port interface. The transmitted signal can be viewed on a spectrum
analyzer as either a single output frequency or in FSK mode. Although higher
data rates are achievable with the TRF6901, the TRF6901 EVM is designed
to operate at bit rates up to 32-kbps NRZ, with a deviation of approximately
±50 kHz, at room temperature.
2.2 TRF6901 RF Block Diagram
Figure 2−1 shows the block diagram of the TRF6901 ISM transceiver IC.
Figure 2−1.TRF6901 Block Diagram
PA_OUT
Ceramic
Discriminator
Serial
Interface
LNA
CLK_OUT
CLOCK
DATA
STROBE
PA
TX_DATA
Band-gap
/N
/A-
Counter
Loop Filter
Limiter
Quad.
Dem.
RX_DATA
LPF Amplifier
Data Slicer
Ceramic
IF Filter
Brownout STDBY
MODE
85
/L
8
/Div. CTRL 8
6
RSSI RSSI_OUT
860 MHz to 930 MHz
typical 9 dBm
DC-DC
Converter
PFD
CPs /Ref
/K
/B-
RFIN
DC_DC_IN
Counter
2..254 2..62
Detector
33
41
18
20
19
26
21
32
DET_OUT 45
860 MHz to 930 MHz
LNA_IN1, LNA_IN2
DC_DC_OUT
25
22
4
32/33
1, 2
30 31
CER_DIS
LPF_IN
LPF_OUT
IF_IN1,2 MIX_OUT
XTAL_SW
LEARN/HOLD
SLC_CAP
XTAL
47 44, 43 35 37 36 39 34
27
15 CP_OUT13VCO_TUNE
Mixer
2..255

TRF6901 RF EVM Schematics
2-3
TRF6901 RF EVM PCB Hardware
2.3 TRF6901 RF EVM Schematics
Figure 2−2 shows the TRF6901 RF EVM schematics.
Figure 2−2.TRF6901 RF EVM Schematics (1 of 4)
VCO_VCC1
PA_VCC
150pF
C13
10000pF
C56
0.1uF
C17
1
32
JP1
DCDC_OUT
VCO_VCC2
6.8k
R13
18k
R10
C39
0.1uF
10000pF
C38 1000pF
C37
100pF
C30
DVDD
CLOCK
6
PA_VCC
5
4PA_OUT
3
2
1
48 47 MIX_OUT 46 45
DET_OUT
44 IF_IN1 43 IF_IN2 42 41 RSSI_OUT 40 39 LEARN/HOLD 38 37
LPF_IN
36 LPF_OUT
35 CER_DIS
34 SLC_CAP
33 RX_DATA
32 TX_DATA
31 XTAL_SW
30 XTAL
29
28
26
25 DC_DC_IN
24 C1 23 C2 22
DC_DC_OUT
21 20 19
27
CLK_OUT
12
11
VCO_TANK1
10
VCO_TANK2
9
VCO_VCC
8
7
18 17 16
CP_VCC
15
CP_OUT
14 13 VCO_TUNE
LNA
RSSI
Reference
generator
DC/DC
Conv.
Data
slicer
PA
VCO PLL
U1
TRF6901
100pF
C18
0
R4
10000pF
C40
0.22uF
C29
VCO_VCC2
DCDC_OUT
MODE
STROBE
DATA
3
1
2JP3
0.47uF
C31 100
R9
1.0uF
C32
L5
47uH
0.47uF
C33
L4
8.2 nH
L2
10nH
J2
J1
RX_IN+
2.7pF
C9
22pF
C7 2.7pF
C6
82pF
C3
15pF
C2 82pF
C1 1
2
3
SFECV10.7MA2S−A
BPF1
BW=330kHz
TL2
50 OHM
TX OUT
50 OHM
TL1
LNA_VCC
1.8 pF
C11
DET_OUT
MIX_VCC
DEM_VCC LRN/HOLD
RSSI
LPF_OUT
120pF
C4
68pF
C5
82pF
C8
2200pF
C10
68pF
C12
L1
L3
4.7uH
0
R1 220k
R2
TP1
LPF_OUT
RX_DATA
TX_DATA
10.7
DIS1
CDACV10M7GA001
TP2
GND
97SMX(C)−20MHZ
20MHz
XTAL1 15pF
C14
XTAL_VCC
MCU_CLK
STDBY
DCDC_VCC
DCDC_OUT
TP3
DCDC_OUT
DNP
DNP
DNPDNP DNP
4.7 µH
Figure 2−2. TRF6901 RF EVM Schematics (2 of 4)
10000pF
C24
0.1uF
C23
0
R14
10
R11
0.1uF
C41
0.1uF
C34
0.1uF
C25
10
R7
10
R5
10
R3
JP2 0.1uF
C19
0.1uF
C15
VCC1
VCCM
10000pF
C42 10
R15
10
R12
0.1uF
C43
0.1uF
C35
0.1uF
C27
10000pF
C26
VCO_VCC2
PA_VCC
10
R8
10
R6
C21
0.1uF
10000pF
C20
10000pF
C16
VCO_VCC1
XTAL_VCC
DVDD
LNA_VCC
DCDC_VCC
10000pF
C22
MIX_VCC
DEM_VCC
10000pF
C28
150pF
C36
10000pF
C44

TRF6901 RF EVM Schematics
2-4
Figure 2−2. TRF6901 RF EVM Schematics (3 of 4)
17
4
16
3
15
2
14
1
13
25
12
24
11
23
10
22
9
21
8
20
7
19
6
18
5
P2
DB25M
VCC2
VCC2
0.1uF
C47
10k
R21
CLOCK
TP6
DATA
TP7
STROBE
TP8
TXDATA
TP9
STDBY
TP10
MODE
TP11
LRNHOLD
TP12
11OE
20
21A1
41A2
61A3
81A4
19 2OE
11 2A1 9
2Y1
12
1Y4
18
1Y1 16
1Y2 14
1Y3
13 2A2
15 2A3
17 2A4
7
2Y2 5
2Y3 3
2Y4
10
U2
SN74LVT244BDW
TP14
EX_STDBY
EX_MODE
TP13 10k
R36
10k
R35
10k
R34
10k
R33
10k
R32
10k
R31
10k
R30
1.0k
R29
1.0k
R28
100
R27
100
R26
100
R25
100
R24
100
R23
100
R22
100
R20
2
3 1
JP5
2
3 1
JP4
VCC2 VCC2
VCCM
VCC2
VCC2
0.1uF
C45
0.1uF
C46
ENABLE
LN1261C−(TR)
LED1
FMMT2222ATA
Q1
220
R16 10
R17
10
R18
10k
R19
CLOCK
CLOCK
RSSI
RSSI
MCU_CLK
MCU_CLK
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
103309−5
P1
RSSI
TP5
DATA
STROBE
DATA
STROBE
LRN/HOLD
STDBY
MODE
EXTERNAL_TX_DATA
STDBY
MODE
LRN/HOLD
TX_DATA TX_DATA
LL4148
CR1 TP15
EX_TXDATA
VCC2
DET_OUT DET_OUT
RX_DATA
RX_DATA
BRNOUT
LN1261C−(TR)
LED2
FMMT2222ATA
Q2
220
R37
10k
R38
10k
R39 10k R40
BRNOUT
TP16
TP17
RXDATA
Figure 2−2. TRF6901 RF EVM Schematics (4 of 4)
10uF
C49 0.1uF
C50
0.1uF
C52
0.1uF
C55
1IN
3EN 4
NR
5
OUT
2
GND
REG101NA−3.3
VR2
ZR1
SMBJ8.5CA
1IN
3EN 4
ADJ
5
OUT
2
GND
REG101NA−A
VR1
GND
TP18
POWER
6 V min to 8 V max
TP4
VCC1
1.8−3.6V(3.0VTYP)
C48
10000pF
1.8k
R41 0
R42
10uF
C51
VCC2
3.3V
C54
10000pF
2
1
JP6
LED3
LN1261C−(TR)
VCC1
CCWCW W
5k
R43
220
R44
820
R45
10uF
C53

TRF6901 RF EVM Schematics
2-5
TRF6901 RF EVM PCB Hardware
2.4 Top- and Bottom-Side Silkscreen and Drawing
Figure 2−3 shows the top-side silkscreen of the TRF6901 RF EVM and
Figure 2−4 shows the bottom-side silkscreen.
Figure 2−3.Top-Side Silkscreen and Drawing of TRF6901
Figure 2−4.Bottom-Side Silkscreen of TRF6901 RF EVM

Parts List
2-6
2.5 Parts List
Count RefDes Value Note Pattern Name Description Part Number Manufacturer Distributor P/N Distributor 1 BPF1 BW =
330 kHz SFECV10.7 Surface mounted chip
Piezoelectric ceramics filters for AM and FM applications
SFECV10.7MA 2S−A−TC Murata SFECV10.7MA2S−A−TC Murata
18 C15, C17,
C19, C21, C23, C25, C27, C34, C35, C39, C41, C43, C45−C47, C50, C52, C55
0.1 µF 0603 Ceramic chip capacitor GRM39X7R10
4J016AD Murata GRM39X7R104J016AD Murata
1 C29 0.22 µF 0603 Ceramic chip capacitor GRM39X7R22
4J010AD Murata GRM39X7R224J010AD Murata
2C31, C33 0.47 µF DNP 0603 Ceramic chip capacitor GRM39Y5V47
4J010AD Murata GRM39Y5V474J010AD Murata
1 C32 1 µF DNP 0603 Ceramic chip capacitor GRM39Y5V10
5J010AD Murata GRM39Y5V105J010AD Murata
1 C11 1.8 pF 0603 Ceramic chip capacitor GRM39C02R2
C050AD Murata GRM39C02R2C050AD Murata
2C6, C9 2.7 pF 0603 Ceramic chip capacitor GRM39C02R7
C050AD Murata GRM39C02R7C050AD Murata
3C49, C51,
C53 10 µF 1210 Monolithic chip
capacitor—tantalum replacement
GRM235Y5V1 06Z016AD Murata GRM235Y5V106Z016AD Murata
2C2, C14 15 pF 0603 Ceramic chip capacitor GRM39C0150
J050AD Murata GRM39C0150J050AD Murata
1 C7 22 pF 0603 Ceramic chip capacitor GRM39C0220
J050AD Murata GRM39C0220J050AD Murata
2C5, C12 68 pF 0603 Ceramic chip capacitor GRM39C0680
J050AD Murata GRM39C0680J050AD Murata
3C1, C3, C8 82 pF 0603 Ceramic chip capacitor GRM39C0820
J050AD Murata GRM39C0820J050AD Murata