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Reference Design for RF Remote

To ease the process, an RF remote control reference design such as the nRD24H1 is available. The device (transmitter) side of the nRD24H1 is implemented as a hardware module fitted on a six-button remote control application board. The module includes a PCB antenna, a 2.4GHz transceiver (the nRF24L01) and an 8-bit MCU. Since the reference design integrates all critical functions, it is relatively simple to develop many different remote control concepts. With the hardware design and optimization done, a remote control design team can focus on the application functionality needed to make their remote better.

To enable this, the nRD24H1 also includes all firmware needed to make a fully-functional remote control. The firmware includes a complete two-way RF protocol stack for remote control applications. The protocol stack provides an ultra-low power two-way communication link with frequency hopping capabilities. One- or two-way remote controls can be implemented without having to worry about RF link up, synchronization, co-existence with other RF systems or protocol power management. The protocol requires 3.5kByte code space in the microcontroller compared with Bluetooth’s (250kByte) and ZigBee’s (around 50kByte) requirement.

The protocol offers two modes: low latency mode and low power mode. In low latency mode, when a button is pressed the device (the remote control) powers up, transfers the command input to the host (USB dongle) and receives data back if requested. This cycle takes around 500us. If the first communication attempt is not successful, the protocol utilizes the automatic acknowledge and re-transmit features to retry communication on several frequencies. This feature avoids loss of data due to multi-path fading or interference from other 2.4GHz RF systems (Fig 1a). Lab tests have shown that in the typical domestic environment the system will need to re-transmit 4 to 5 times giving an average latency (including RF power on and link up) from button press to data acknowledgement by the USB dongle of 2.5ms.

In this low latency mode, the nRF24L01 in the host (USB dongle) is permanently on. The current consumption is usually not a problem if the receiving apparatus is mains-powered (for example, a TV set or a computer). However, if the host side is battery-powered or power consumption is restricted for other reasons, the protocol can be set in a low power mode (Fig 1b).

In lower power mode, increased latency is introduced to reduce the average current consumption on the host side. This mode can be used to meet low power requirement such as suspend mode on an USB bus or ECO requirements in other remote controlled applications such as TVs or stereo sets. The average current consumption (and hence latency) can easily be controlled by input parameters to the protocol stack and the latency will vary from a few milliseconds in the low latency mode up to 30 to 50ms when operating in the low power mode. This helps the design to meet ECO requirements (IAVERAGE of 2-4mA) and wake-up times of less than 1s in the case of waking a suspended USB bus (USB dongle total IAVERAGE < 0.5mA).

In other words, latency can be chosen based on key design criteria, but in any case, the RF remote’s speed of communication is inherently a lot faster than an equivalent IR remote. In low latency mode the latency is around 2.5ms, in low power this increases to 30 to 50ms. This compares with the 70ms it typically takes for the IR remote control to transfer its first “training” sequence. Assuming the IR receiver doesn’t receive this first command sequence because of interference or obstruction – a likely situation – the minimum IR remote latency is greater than 110ms (the time to the first repeat frame).

While the benefit of this faster communication may not seem so important when considering the basic remote command transfers typical today, it becomes increasingly important as the payload to be transferred increases. The RF system’s low latency ensures frequent refreshes and a pleasing consumer experience.

by Kjartan Furset,
Senior Application Engineer,
Nordic Semiconductor

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By replacing the temperature sensor to an other kind of sensor you can develop any kind of RFID data logger you like.

For further information just drop an email by form or to hn (at) gsm-modem.de

EEPROM with RFID transponder

The M24LR64 is an electrically-erasable memory (EEPROM) that can also be programmed wirelessly by industry standard RFID (radio-frequency ID) equipment. Using the M24LR64 for program or data storage provides extra flexibility for customers, allowing software updates or specific parameters to be applied in the supply chain.

With an easy implementation based on two industry standard protocols, I2C and ISO 15693, the dual interface opens new horizons for a wide range of applications for all segments. It enables EEPROM customers now to access their data from outside the application using a passive RF interface.

The link between two worlds
The ability to program or read a memory wirelessly, as well as electrically, enables designers to imagine new concepts and types of product offering.
Dual compatibility makes it an ideal choice for applications needing constant innovation including:

• computers
• consumer electronics
• automotive systems
• medical equipment
• industrial equipment

Key features

• Industry standard interfaces : I2C and ISO/IEC 15693
• 64-Kbit EEPROM user memory
• 64-bit unique identifier (UID, read-only)
• Write protection in I2C access with 32-bit password
• Write/read protection in RF access with 32-bit password
• Application family identifier (AFI)
• Data storage format identifier (DSFID)
• 13.56 MHz carrier frequency

Key benefits

• State-of-the-art EEPROM technology
• Most flexible solution for parameter updates
• High reliability
• Simple and cost-effective implementation
  • Fits with a very wide range of inlay sizes
  • ISO/IEC 15693 compliance allows use of large off-the-shelf readers base
• A new way for:
  • calibration
  • activation
  • parameter update
  • diagnostics
  • traceability
  • asset tracking
  • identification

even when application is turned off

With considerable experience in the EEPROM and RFID domains, as well as partnerships with system integrators and involvement in standardization committees, ST gives its customers a leading-edge flexibility in their applications. The M24LR64 offers a simple and cost-effective implementation; with a 13.56 MHz inductive antenna and without adding extra components.

Hardware considerations

Pinout comparison

Figure1 and Figure2 show the logic diagrams and the pinouts of the M24LR64-R and  M24C64 devices, respectively.

M24LR64-R AC0/AC1 pins: due to its RF capability, the M24LR64-R dual interface EEPROM features two inputs (AC0 and AC1) to connect the RF antenna.
Consequently, two inputs present in the M24C64 are not offered in the M24LR64-R: these  are E2 and Write Control (WC). Practically, this means that you will be able to use up to four M24LR64-R devices (defined by E0, E1) on the same I²C bus, compared to eight devices (defined by E0, E1, E2) for the M24C64. The Write Control input (WC) is used to write-protect the M24C64. The M24LR64-R can also be protected but in a different way, using the I2C_Write_Lock bits.

Figure2 shows that the four mandatory pins for the I²C bus (VSS, VCC, SCL, SDA) are positioned likewise in the two devices. AC0 and AC1 are connected to pin 2 and pin 3, respectively. They have to be next to each other for RF capability requirements. As a result, E1 was moved to pin 7 in the M24LR64-R, whereas it is connected to pin 2 in the M24C64.

The next higher level is based on BeagleBoard http://www.beagleboard.org. The BeagleBoard is an open source single board PC. In cooperation with the Symbian Developer Community antrax Datentechnik has developed an extension interface with UMTS module. The Beagleboard is supporting Symbian, Linux, Android, QNX and Windows XX. The adapter board with UC864-G plus Beagleboard can be used by the embedded Linux community easily.

Further information on the Symbian project here:
http://blog.symbian.org/2010/04/14/build-your-own-phone
http://developer.symbian.org/wiki/index.php/Wild_ducks_project/Hardware
http://blog.symbian.org/2010/07/20/wild-ducks-is-at-oscon
http://planet.symbian.org/?cat=408
http://www.ubervu.com/conversations/developer.symbian.org/wiki/index.php/Wild_ducks_project/Hardware

At www.beagleboard.org you will find 180+ open source projects.

Beagleboard with extension interface board for GSM, UMTS and UMTS+GPS module

Beagleboard with LCD & Touch Panel

Further projects on GE863-Pro3:
- Camera: Made by http://www.antrax.de
- Tracking device:  Made by http://www.antrax.de
- RTU based on GE863-Pro3
- Application of a student working with antrax Datentechnik GmbH
- Application were I signed an NDA based on GE863-Pro3

antrax Datentechnik is a business partner of mine. We are jointly consulting development projects for over 10 years. I assume that there’s not so many companies with so detailed knowledge about GE863-Pro3 and UC864-G. Along with the extension interface integrating UC864-G and/or GC864-QUAD to the BeagleBoard nearly any M2M application can be possible.

For further information just drop an email by form or to hn (at) gsm-modem.de

Date: 29.09.2010, 10:00–11:00

Place: Internet Online seminar

With online seminar services you don´t need to leave your office: just connect easily with your telephone and web browser for free. After the registration you will receive a personal code and a description to enter the chosen online seminar.

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Where am I? Inside a large building such as an airport terminal Bluetooth low energy tags could be placed in strategic locations to inform cell phone-equipped passengers of their location

Because power consumption is so low, coin cells will typically last a year or more. Bluetooth low energy chips can operate either as slaves or masters and which device takes what role is decided during the initial negotiation. There is no reason for a tag to be the proverbial one-trick pony. Design cycles will be short compared to proprietary solutions because the design team can concentrate its efforts on writing application layer code instead of the entire protocol stack. Sensing a means of making mobile phones even more indispensable, Nokia and other manufacturers are clearly on the Bluetooth low energy bandwagon. “We see it as part of the continued evolution to the Bluetooth chip set,” says Mika Sarén, Nokia’s Senior Technology Manager for Connectivity. When the specification is released, it will be supported in time for the first product release on Forum Nokia, the company’s web site for developers.

security and privacy

In a world populated by sophisticated hackers on one hand and a growing concern among the general population about privacy on the other, any technology that can open doors automatically or help document its user’s location had better provide system designers with tools to protect privacy and assure security RFID technology has, for example, been the subject of severe – and not always justified – criticism by privacy advocates. Among the lessons learned is that complete systems must be developed, says Tim Newson, NXP Semiconductors’ RFID director of sales and marketing for the Americas. Security and/or privacy concerns vary from application to application more than one might first imagine, he says. Although password protection provides a fairly low level of security, in some instances it is sufficient. At the other end of the spectrum, completely disabling a device that senses it is being hacked is appropriate in some instances but not all. Another consideration, which is outside the technology realm but is nonetheless important, is influencing public perceptions. Attacks on RFID by privacy advocates have been intense, Newson says, and this has prompted the RFID community to spend a good deal of time and energy informing the public about the technology. Protecting keyless entry systems from hackers is a problem that has already been solved and Bluetooth low energy will undoubtedly follow suit. Applications that run on “keyless” key fobs change the code every time they lock or unlock the door. Typically a challenge/response mechanism  is added on top of security that exists in the wireless device itself. Bluetooth low energy has built in a variety of tools for developers. It will run 128-bit DES encryption and it will require authentication before encryption.

Privacy mode

The privacy mode will, generally speaking, prevent people from tracking a key fob or other Bluetooth-enabled device. Like most wireless devices, Bluetooth chips have a standard 48-bit Ethernet address that does not change. This unique number, however, would allow the tag or phone to be tracked. The privacy mode frustrates this security hole by transmitting a randomized 48-bit address instead of the standard fixed one. This only happens after the devices are paired. Afterwards they communicate by using a shared security key. The randomized address might change on roughly 15 minute intervals. To any listener that is not aware of the shared keys, the Bluetooth-enabled device is anonymous. The engineers who developed the Proximity Profile have tried, says CSR’s Hunn, to supply a robust set of security tools for designers but if the application requires higher security it can be added on an end-to-end basis.

location services

Using clever techniques and emerging mathematical concepts such as self organizing topological networks, Bluetooth low energy’s ability to determine proximity can be leveraged into finding a person’s location when GPS is not available. Inside a large, multi-story building, for example, a number of Bluetooth low energy tags can be placed in strategic locations with information about where they are located. Someone carrying a Bluetooth low energy equipped device inside the building can be informed of his or her location by having the Bluetooth -equipped devices communicate with others (stationary or mobile). By relaying information back and forth and calculating proximities, a location inside the building (a three-dimensional position, in fact) can be calculated. Coupled with the imagination of design engineers, Bluetooth low energy’s Proximity Profile is virtually certain to ignite a revolution in location applications. Chip companies will smooth the way by providing highly integrated solutions, including in some cases an embedded microcontroller, and development kits, says Nordic’s Omre.

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The Multi-Path-Fading problems of gigahertz applications can be avoid by using a lower ISM frequency band. The 433MHz TinyOne Lite module is a multi-channel radio board, delivering up to 10 mW in the 433 MHz ISM band (unlicensed frequency band).

The module has the same mechanical characteristics like the 868MHz version (same PCB format, half-moons connectors, metallic cover…) and has same software functionalities. It allows ‘point-to-point’, `multipoint’ or ‘network’ functioning modes (mesh-topology, chain-topology,..).

The “ERC recommendation 70-03” describes the different usable sub-bands in the 433 MHz license free band, in terms of bandwidth, maximum power, duty cycle and channel spacing.

These bands are free to use but the module and the user must respect some limitations. Most of these restrictions are integrated in the conception of the module, except the duty cycle. For example, the 1e band is limited to a 10% duty cycle. This means that each module is limited to a total transmit time of 6 minutes per hour. It is the responsibility of the user to respect the duty cycle. Band 1e2 is not applicable due to 25kHz channel spacing.

Furthermore, the module complies with the ETSI 300-220-1 v1.3.1 standards (specific for SRD).Finally, the module complies with the new European Directive 2002/95/EC concerning the Restrictive Usage of Hazardous Substances (RoHS). Please contact Rutronik´s Wireless Competence Center for an individual discussion about the advantages, disadvantages, products, protocols and development equipment.