AeroComm 44249AJ Users Manual

AC4424

AC4424

AC4424AC4424

2.4 GHz OEM TRANSCEIVERS

2.4 GHz OEM TRANSCEIVERS

2.4 GHz OEM TRANSCEIVERS2.4 GHz OEM TRANSCEIVERS

Specifications Subject to Change

Specifications Subject to Change

Specifications Subject to ChangeSpecifications Subject to Change

User’s Manual

User’s Manual

User’s ManualUser’s Manual

Version 2.1

Version 2.1

Version 2.1Version 2.1

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LENEXA, KS 66219

LENEXA, KS 66219

LENEXA, KS 66219LENEXA, KS 66219

(800) 492

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DOCUMENT INFORMATION

DOCUMENT INFORMATION

DOCUMENT INFORMATIONDOCUMENT INFORMATION

Copyright

Copyright

CopyrightCopyright
Information

Information

InformationInformation

This materi

This material is preliminary

This materiThis materi

Information furnished by A
Devices sold by A
provisions appearing in its Terms of Sale only. A
statutory, and implied or by description, regarding the information set forth herein.
A

EROCOMM reserves the right to change specifications at any time and without notice.

EROCOMM’s products are intended for use in normal commercial and industrial

A
applications. Applications requiring unusual environmental requirements such as military,
medical life-support or life-sustaining equipment are specifically not recommended

al is preliminary

al is preliminaryal is preliminary

Copyright © 2007 AEROCOMM, Inc. All rights reserved.
The information contained in this manual and the accompanying
software programs are copyrighted and all rights are reserved by
A

EROCOMM, Inc. AEROCOMM, Inc. reserves the right to make

periodic modifications of this product without obligation to notify
any person or entity of such revision. Copying, duplicating, selling, or
otherwise distributing any part of this product without the prior consent of
an authorized representative of A

All brands and product names in this publication are registered
trademarks or trademarks of their respective holders.

EROCOMM in this specification is believed to be accurate.

EROCOMM are covered by the warranty and patent indemnification

EROCOMM, Inc. is prohibited.

EROCOMM makes no warranty, express,

Limited Warranty, Disclaimer, Limitation of Liability

Limited Warranty, Disclaimer, Limitation of Liability

Limited Warranty, Disclaimer, Limitation of LiabilityLimited Warranty, Disclaimer, Limitation of Liability

For a period of one (1) year from the date of purchase by the OEM customer,
AeroComm warrants the OEM transceiver against defects in materials and workmanship.
AeroComm will not honor this warranty (and this warranty will be automatically void) if
there has been any (1) tampering, signs of tampering; 2) repair or attempt to repair by
anyone other than an AeroComm authorized technician.

This warranty does not cover and AeroComm will not be liable for, any damage or failure
caused by misuse, abuse, acts of God, accidents, electrical irregularity, or other causes
beyond AeroComm’s control, or claim by other than the original purchaser.

In no event shall AeroComm be responsible or liable for any damages arising: From the
use of product; From the loss of use, revenue or profit of the product; or As a result of
any event, circumstance, action, or abuse beyond the control of AeroComm, whether
such damages be direct, indirect, consequential, special or otherwise and whether such
damages are incurred by the person to whom this warranty extends or third party.

If, after inspection, AeroComm determines that there is a defect, AeroComm will repair
or replace the OEM transceiver at their discretion. If the product is replaced, it may be a
new or refurbished product.

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DOCUMENT I

DOCUMENT INFORMATION

DOCUMENT IDOCUMENT I

Revision

Revision Description

RevisionRevision

Version 1.0 11/7/2001 – Initial Release Version
Version 1.1 10/14/2002 – Not Released
Version 1.2 10/18/2002 – Full release of AC4424 specification
Version 1.3 11/19/2002 – Made Full-Duplex incompatible with Stream Mode
Version 1.4 12/09/2002 – Changed Sub Hop Adjust setting recommendations
Version 1.5 1/30/2003 – Removed all references to Commercial and Industrial temperature.

Version 1.6 4/30/2004 – Added warranty information. Updated agency compliancy. Added

Version 1.7 5/5/2004 – Modified references from Table 9 to Table 11.
Version 1.8 5/10/2004 – Changed start-up time to reflect addition of microprocessor

Version 1.9 5/10/2005 - Added the following CC Commands; Sync Channel, EEPROM Byte

Version 2.0

Version 2.1

NFORMATION

NFORMATIONNFORMATION

Description

DescriptionDescription

All products are now Industrial temperature. Changed Section 4.2.1 EEPROM
Byte Read

Byte Read to allow multiple byte reads.

Byte ReadByte Read

new RSSI plot. Updated Channel Number information. Added configuration flow
chart and timing diagrams. Updated approved antenna table. Added AC4424­10A information.

supervisor. Updated Auto Config table.

Read/Write and Soft Reset. Added AT Commands. Removed Configuration
command documentation (though the firmware will continue to support their
usage). Added Auto Destination and Random Backoff.
3/23/2006 - Removed Stream mode, FEC and Frequency Offset documentation.
Corrected Random backoff byte.
5/8/2007 – Updated RF channel settings and Table 10. Updated EEPROM
parameters section and added descriptions to all fields. Updated the EEPROM
byte write command description.

4.2.1 EEPROM

4.2.1 EEPROM 4.2.1 EEPROM

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS

OVERVIEW ......................................................................................................................................6

1.

2. AC4424 SPECIFICATIONS.............................................................................................................8

3. SPECIFICATIONS .........................................................................................................................10

3.1 INTERFACE SIGNAL DEFINITIONS .......................................................................................................10

3.2 ELECTRICAL SPECIFICATIONS.............................................................................................................11

3.3 SYSTEM TIMING .................................................................................................................................11

3.3.1 Serial Interface Data Rate.........................................................................................................12

3.3.2 Timing Diagrams.......................................................................................................................13

3.3.3 Maximum Overall System Throughput ......................................................................................15

4. CONFIGURING THE AC4424......................................................................................................15

4.1 EEPROM PARAMETERS ....................................................................................................................15

4.2 CONFIGURING THE AC4424 ..............................................................................................................19

4.3 COMMAND REFERENCE......................................................................................................................20

4.4 AC4424 AT COMMANDS...................................................................................................................21

4.4.1 Enter AT Command Mode .........................................................................................................21

4.4.2 Exit AT Command Mode............................................................................................................21

4.5 ON-THE-FLY CONTROL COMMANDS (CC COMMAND MODE) ............................................................22

4.5.1 Status Request............................................................................................................................22

4.5.2 Change Channel with Forced Acquisition Sync ........................................................................23

4.5.3 Server/Client..............................................................................................................................23

4.5.4 Sync Channel.............................................................................................................................24

4.5.5 Power-Down..............................................................................................................................25

4.5.6 Power-Down Wake-Up..............................................................................................................25

4.5.7 Broadcast Mode.........................................................................................................................25

4.5.8 Write Destination Address.........................................................................................................26

4.5.9 Read Destination Address..........................................................................................................26

4.5.10 EEPROM Byte Read..................................................................................................................26

4.5.11 EEPROM Byte Write .................................................................................................................27

4.5.12 Reset ..........................................................................................................................................27

5. THEORY OF OPERATION ..........................................................................................................28

5.1 HARDWARE INTERFACE ......................................................................................................................28

5.1.1 TXD (Transmit Data) and RXD (Receive Data) (pins 2 and 3 respectively).............................28

5.1.2 Hop Frame (pin 6).....................................................................................................................28

5.1.3 CTS Handshaking (pin 7) ..........................................................................................................28

5.1.4 RTS Handshaking (pin 8) ..........................................................................................................28

5.1.5 9600 Baud/Packet Frame (pin 12).............................................................................................29

5.1.6 RSSI (pin 13)..............................................................................................................................29

5.1.7 Wr_ENA(EEPROM Write Enable) (pin 14) ..............................................................................30

5.1.8 UP_RESET (pin 15)...................................................................................................................31

5.1.9 Command/Data (pin 17)............................................................................................................31

5.1.10 In Range (pin 20).......................................................................................................................31

5.2 SOFTWARE PARAMETERS ...................................................................................................................32

5.2.1 RF Architecture (Server-Client/Peer-to-Peer) ..........................................................................32

5.2.2 RF Mode ....................................................................................................................................32

5.2.3 Random Back Off.......................................................................................................................33

5.2.4 Duplex Mode .............................................................................................................................33

5.2.5 Interface Timeout/RF Packet Size..............................................................................................34

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Serial Interface Baud Rate.........................................................................................................34

5.2.6

5.2.7 Network Topology......................................................................................................................35

5.2.8 Auto Config................................................................................................................................36

6. DIMENSIONS .................................................................................................................................37

7. ORDERING INFORMATION.......................................................................................................39

7.1 PRODUCT PART NUMBERS..................................................................................................................39

7.2 DEVELOPER KIT PART NUMBERS .......................................................................................................39

8. REGULATORY INFORMATION................................................................................................40

8.1 FCC ...................................................................................................................................................40

8.2 CE......................................................................................................................................................42

8.3 APPROVED ANTENNA LIST.................................................................................................................43

Figures

Figures

FiguresFigures

Figure 1 - RSSI Voltage vs. Received Signal Strength ................................................................................ 30

Figure 2 – AC4424 with MMCX ................................................................................................................. 37

Figure 3 – AC4424 with Integral Antenna ................................................................................................... 38

Tables

Tables

TablesTables

Table 1 – Pin Definitions.............................................................................................................................. 10

Table 2 – DC Input Voltage Characteristics................................................................................................. 11

Table 3 – DC Output Voltage Characteristics .............................................................................................. 11

Table 4 – Timing Parameters........................................................................................................................ 15

Table 5 – Maximum Overall System Throughputs ...................................................................................... 15

Table 6 – EEPROM Parameters ................................................................................................................... 16

Table 7 – RSSI Board Rev History .............................................................................................................. 30

Table 9 – Baud Rate ..................................................................................................................................... 34

Table 10 – US and International RF Channel Number Settings................................................................... 35

Table 11 – Auto Config Parameters ............................................................................................................. 36

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AC4424 Features

AC4424 Features

AC4424 FeaturesAC4424 Features

 Simple 5V TTL level serial interface for fast integration
 Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum for security and interference rejection
 Cost Efficient for high volume applications
 Low power consumption for battery powered implementations
 Small size for portable and enclosed applications
 Very Low latency and high throughput
 Industrial temperature (-40°C to 80°C)

1.

1. Overview

Overview

1.1.

OverviewOverview

The AC4424 is a member of AeroComm’s ConnexRF OEM transceiver family. It is designed
for integration into OEM systems operating under FCC part 15.247 regulations for the 2.4
GHz ISM band.

The AC4424 is a cost-effective, high performance, 2.4 GHz frequency hopping spread
spectrum transceiver. It provides an asynchronous TTL level serial interface for OEM Host
communications. Communications include both system and configuration data. The Host
supplies system data for transmission to other Host(s). Configuration data is stored in an on­board EEPROM. All frequency hopping, synchronization, and RF system data
transmission/reception is performed by the transceiver.

The AC4424 transceivers can be used as a direct serial cable replacement – requiring no
special Host software for operation. They also feature a number of On-the-Fly Control
Commands providing the OEM Host with a very versatile interface for any situation.

AC4424 transceivers operate in a Point-to-Point or Point-to-Multipoint, Client-Server or Peer­to-Peer architecture. One transceiver is configured as a Server and there can be one or many
Clients. To establish synchronization between transceivers, the Server emits a beacon. Upon
detecting a beacon, a Client transceiver informs its Host and a RF link is established.

There are two data rates the OEM should be aware of:

• Serial Interface Data Rate – All transceivers can be configured to common PC
serial port baud rates from 110 bps to 288,000 bps.

• Effective Data Transmission Rate – The AC4424 is a highly efficient, low-latency
transceiver. The RF baud rate of the AC4424 is fixed at 576kbps and is
independent of the serial interface data rate.

This document contains information about the hardware and software interface between an
AeroComm AC4424 transceiver and an OEM Host. Information includes the theory of
operation, specifications, interface definition, configuration information and mechanical
drawing.

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The OEM is responsible for ensuring the final product meets all FCC and/or appropriate
regulatory agency requirements listed herein before selling any product.

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2.

2. AC4424 Specifications

AC4424 Specifications

2.2.

AC4424 SpecificationsAC4424 Specifications

GENERAL

GENERAL

GENERALGENERAL

Interface 20 pin mini-connector
Serial Interface Data Rate PC baud rates from 110 bps to 288,000 bps
Power Consumption (typical) Duty Cycle (TX=Transmit; RX=Receive)

10%TX
AC4424-9AJ: 100mA 160mA 235mA 85mA
15mA AC4424-10: 90mA 115mA 140mA
85mA 15mA
AC4424-100: 100mA 160mA 235mA 85mA
15mA
AC4424-200: 115mA 235mA 385mA 85mA

15mA
Channels (used to create independent
networks)

Security One byte System ID
Interface Buffer Size Input/Output: 256 bytes each

Frequency Band US/Canada (10mW, 100mW, 200mW): 2.402 – 2.478

Radio Type Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum
Output Power (conducted, no antenna) AC4424-9AJ: 9mW typical

Effective Isotropic Radiated Power (EIRP with
3dBi gain antenna)

Voltage 5V nominal ±2%, ±50mV ripple
Sensitivity -90dBm typical @ 576kbps
Range (based on 3dBi gain antenna)

Temperature (Operating) Industrial: -40°C to 80°C
Temperature (Storage) -50°C to +85°C
Humidity (non-condensing) 10% to 90%

Dimensions 1.65” x 2.65” x 0.20”
Antenna AC4424-9AJ: Integra Antenna

US/Canada (10mW, 100mW, 200mW): 16

Europe & Japan Low Band(100mW, 9AJ): 20

Europe & Japan High Band(100mW, 9AJ): 20

RADIO

RADIO

RADIORADIO

GHz

Europe & Japan Low Band(100mW, 9AJ): 2.406 – 2.435

GHz

Europe & Japan High Band(100mW, 9AJ): 2.444 – 2.472

GHz

AC4424-10: 10mW typical

AC4424-100: 50mW typical

AC4424-200: 200mW typical

AC4424-9AJ: 9mW typical (integral antenna)

AC4424-10: 20mW typical

AC4424-100: 100mW typical

AC4424-200: 400mW typical

AC4424-9AJ: Indoors to 150 ft., Outdoors to 1000 ft.

AC4424-10: Indoors to 300 ft., Outdoors to 3000 ft.

AC4424-100: Indoors to 400 ft., Outdoors to 6000 ft.

AC4424-200: Indoors to 500 ft., Outdoors to 10000 ft.

ENVIRONMENTAL

ENVIRONMENTAL

ENVIRONMENTALENVIRONMENTAL

PHYSICAL

PHYSICAL

PHYSICALPHYSICAL

AC4424-10: MMCX Jack or Integral Antenna

Duty Cycle (TX=Transmit; RX=Receive)

Duty Cycle (TX=Transmit; RX=Receive)Duty Cycle (TX=Transmit; RX=Receive)
10%TX 50%TX

10%TX10%TX

50%TX 100%TX

50%TX50%TX

100%TX 100%RX

100%TX100%TX

100%RX Pw

100%RX100%RX

Pwrrrr----Down

PwPw

Down

DownDown

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AC4424-100: MMCX Jack

AC4424-200: MMCX Jack
Weight Less than 0.7 ounce

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3.

3. Specifications

Specifications

3.3.

SpecificationsSpecifications

3.1

3.1 IIIINTERFACE

3.13.1

NTERFACE S

NTERFACE NTERFACE

SIGNAL

IGNAL D

IGNAL IGNAL

SS

DEFINITIONS

EFINITIONS

EFINITIONSEFINITIONS

DD

The AC4424 has a simple interface that allows OEM Host communications with the
transceiver. Table 1

Table 1 –––– Pin Definitions

Table 1 Table 1

Pin Definitions, shows the connector pin numbers and associated

Pin Definitions Pin Definitions
functions. The I/O direction is with regard to the transceiver. All I/O is 5VDC TTL level signals
except for RSSI. All inputs are weakly pulled High and may be left floating during normal
operation.

Table

Table 1111 –––– Pin Definitions

Table Table

Pin

Pin Type

PinPin

10 PWR VCC 5V ± 2%, ± 50mV ripple
11 PWR VCC 5V ± 2%, ±50 mV ripple
12 I/O 9600_BAUD/

13 O RSSI Received Signal Strength Indicator - An analog output giving a relative indication of

14 I WR_ENA EEPROM Write Enable – When pulled logic Low, it allows the Host to write the on-board

15 I UP_RESET RESET – Controlled by the AC4424 for power-on reset if left unconnected. After a

16 GND GND Signal Ground
17 I Command/Data When logic Low, transceiver interprets Host data as command data. When logic High,

18 NC No Connect

Type Signal Name

TypeType

1 NC No Connect
2 O TXD Transmitted data out of the transceiver
3 I RXD Data input to the transceiver
4 NC No Connect
5 GND GND Signal Ground
6 O Hop Frame HOP FRAME – Active Low when the transceiver is hopping.
7 O CTS Clear to Send – Active Low when the transceiver is ready to accept data for

8 I RTS Request to Send – When enabled in EEPROM, active Low when the OEM Host is ready

9 NC No Connect

Signal Name Function

Signal NameSignal Name

transmission.

to accept data from the transceiver. NOTE: Keeping RTS High for too long can cause
data loss.

9600_BAUD – When pulled logic Low before applying power or resetting the

Packet Frame

transceiver’s serial interface is forced to a 9600, 8, N, 1 rate. To exit, transceiver
must be reset or power-cycled with 9600_Baud logic High.
*Note:

*Note: 9600_BAUD should only be used to recover the radio from an unknown baud

*Note:*Note:
rate and should not be used during normal operation.

Packet Frame – When programmed in EEPROM, Packet Frame will transition logic Low
at the start of a received RF packet and transition logic High at the completion of the
packet.

received signal strength while in Receive Mode.

EEPROM. Resetting the transceiver with this pin pulled Low may corrupt EEPROM
data.

Stable power-on (250ms) a 50us logic High pulse will reset the AC4424. Do not
power up the transceiver with this pin tied Low.

transceiver interprets Host data as transmit data.

Pin Definitions

Pin DefinitionsPin Definitions

Function

FunctionFunction

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10

1010

19 NC No Connect
20 O IN_RANGE In Range – Active Low when a Client radio is in range of a Server on same Channel with the

same System ID.

I = Input to the transceiver O = Output from the transceiver

3.2

3.2 EEEELECTRICAL

3.23.2

LECTRICAL S

LECTRICAL LECTRICAL

Pin

Pin Type

Type Name

PinPin

TypeType

3 I RXD 0.2Vcc+0.9 Vcc+0.5 -0.5 0.2Vcc-

8 I RTS 0.2Vcc+0.9 Vcc+0.5 -0.5 0.2Vcc-

12 I 9600_Baud 0.2Vcc+0.9 Vcc+0.5 -0.5 0.2Vcc-

14 I WR_ENA 0.7Vcc Vcc+1 -0.3 0.5 V
15 I UP_RESET 0.7Vcc Vcc+0.5 -0.5 0.2Vcc-

17 I Command/Data 0.2Vcc+0.9 Vcc+0.5 -0.5 0.2Vcc-

SPECIFICATIONS

PECIFICATIONS

PECIFICATIONSPECIFICATIONS

SS

Table

Table 2222 –––– DC Input Voltage Characteristics

Table Table

Name High Min.

NameName

DC Input Voltage Characteristics

DC Input Voltage Characteristics DC Input Voltage Characteristics

High Min. High Max.

High Min.High Min.

High Max. Low Min.

High Max.High Max.

Low Min. Low Max.

Low Min.Low Min.

Low Max. Unit

Low Max.Low Max.

0.1

0.1

0.1

0.1

0.1

Unit

UnitUnit

V

V

V

V

V

Table

Table 3333 –––– DC Output Voltage Characteristics

Table Table

Pin

Pin Type

Type Name

PinPin

TypeType

2 O TXD Vcc-0.7 @ -

6 O Hop Frame Vcc-0.7 @ -

7 O CTS Vcc-0.7 @ -

12 O Packet Frame Vcc-0.7 @ -

13 O RSSI See Figure 1 See Figure 1 V
20 O IN_RANGE Vcc-0.7 @ -

3.3

3.3 SSSSYSTEM

3.33.3

Care should be taken when selecting transceiver architecture as it can have serious effects
on data rates, latency timings, and Overall System Throughput. The importance of these
three characteristics will vary from system to system and should be a strong consideration
when designing the system.

YSTEM T

YSTEM YSTEM

TIMING

TT

IMING

IMINGIMING

DC Output Voltage Characteristics

DC Output Voltage Characteristics DC Output Voltage Characteristics

Name High Min.

NameName

High Min. Low Max.

High Min.High Min.

30µA

30µA

30µA

30µA

30µA

Low Max. Unit

Low Max.Low Max.

0.4 @

1.6mA

0.4 @

1.6mA

0.4 @

1.6mA

0.4 @

1.6mA

0.4 @

1.6mA

Unit

UnitUnit

V

V

V

V

V

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1111

3.3.1

3.3.1 Seri

3.3.13.3.1

The Serial Interface Data Rate is programmable by the Host. This is the rate the Host and
transceiver communicate over the serial bus. Possible values range from 110 bps to 288,000

bps. The only supported mode is asynchronous

Serial Interface Data Rate

al Interface Data Rate

SeriSeri

al Interface Data Rateal Interface Data Rate

The only supported mode is asynchronous –––– 8

The only supported mode is asynchronous The only supported mode is asynchronous

8----bbbbit, No Parity, 1 Start Bit, and 1 Stop Bit

8 8

it, No Parity, 1 Start Bit, and 1 Stop Bit

it, No Parity, 1 Start Bit, and 1 Stop Bitit, No Parity, 1 Start Bit, and 1 Stop Bit

....

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3.3.2

3.3.2 Timing Diagrams

3.3.23.3.2

Timing Diagrams

Timing DiagramsTiming Diagrams

Addressed Acknowledge Mode with Interface Timeout:

Addressed Acknowledge Mode with Interface Timeout:

Addressed Acknowledge Mode with Interface Timeout:Addressed Acknowledge Mode with Interface Timeout:

Local_RXD

Local_RF_TXD

Remot e_RF_TXD

Remot e_ TXD

Hop_Fr ame

Local_RXD

Local_RF_TXD

Remot e_RF_TXD

Remot e_ TXD

Pac ket Data

Wait f or Hop

RF Pac ket

RF A cknow ledge

Rec eiv e d Data

Interface Timeout

Hop Period

Hop Time

Addressed Acknowledge Mode with No Interface Timeout:

Addressed Acknowledge Mode with No Interface Timeout:

Addressed Acknowledge Mode with No Interface Timeout:Addressed Acknowledge Mode with No Interface Timeout:

Pac ket Data

Wait f or Hop

RF Pac ket

RF A cknow ledge

Rec e iv e d Da t a

Hop Period

Hop Time

Hop_Fr ame

Broadcast Acknowledge Mode with No Interface Timeout:

Broadcast Acknowledge Mode with No Interface Timeout:

Broadcast Acknowledge Mode with No Interface Timeout:Broadcast Acknowledge Mode with No Interface Timeout:

Local_RXD

Local_RF_TXD

Remot e_RF_TXD

Remot e_ TXD

Hop_Fr ame

Pac ket Data

Wait f or Hop

RF Pac ket

Rec e iv e d Da t a

Hop Period

Hop Time

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