Page 1
User Guide
Bx600 Breakout Board Series
For BL600 Modules – Bluetooth Low Energy Single Mode
Version 1.3
Version 1.0 of BA600-0x, BC600-0x, BB600-0x
Page 2
Bx600 Series of Breakout Boards for BL600 module
User Guide
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REVISION HISTORY
Version
Date
Notes
Approver
1.0
09 Sept 2015
Initial Release
Raj Khatri
1.1
28 Sept 2015
Fixed JTAG Schematic Glitch
Jonathan Kaye
1.2
21 Oct 2015
Changed J2 errors – changed to J3 (pin3)
Raj Khatri
1.3
24 Nov 2015
Restructured. Updates to key features of each
variant. Reorganized to create sections on Use and
Testing and Power Supply Options for BL600
Breakout Boards. Added Bx600 Series Breakout
Board Schematic. Removed section on JTAG.
Jonathan Kaye
Page 3
Bx600 Series of Breakout Boards for BL600 module
User Guide
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CONTENTS
Laird - BL600 series Mini Development Kits .......................................................................................................4
Overview .............................................................................................................................................................4
2.1 BA600 .........................................................................................................................................................4
2.1.1 BA600 Package Contents ....................................................................................................................5
2.1.2 BA600 Key Features ............................................................................................................................5
2.1.3 Understanding the BA600-0x Breakout Board with Coin Cell Holder and Laird FTDI USB-UART
Bridge Board .......................................................................................................................................................6
2.1.4 Understanding the Laird FTDI USB-UART Bridge Board .....................................................................7
2.1.5 Connecting the Breakout Board BA600 to the Laird FTDI USB-UART Bridge Board...........................8
2.2 BC600 ..........................................................................................................................................................9
2.2.1 BC600 Package Contents ....................................................................................................................9
2.2.2 BC600 Key Features ............................................................................................................................9
2.2.3 Understanding the BC600 Breakout Board with Integrated Coin Cell Holder ...................................9
2.3 BB600 ....................................................................................................................................................... 11
2.3.1 BB600 Package Contents ................................................................................................................. 11
2.3.2 BB600 Key Features ......................................................................................................................... 11
2.3.3 Understanding the BB600 Breakout Board ..................................................................................... 11
2.3.4 Powering the BB600 Breakout Board .............................................................................................. 12
Use and Testing ............................................................................................................................................... 14
3.1 Breakout Board PTH vias, J3 and J5 Signal Mapping to Bx600-07 Module ............................................. 14
3.2 UART smartBASIC Firmware Upgrade through Laird FTDI USB-UART Bridge Board ............................... 15
3.3 AutoRUN Function ................................................................................................................................... 17
3.4 VSP Command Mode ............................................................................................................................... 20
Power Supply Options for BL600 Breakout Boards ......................................................................................... 23
4.1 CR1632 Coin Cell Battery ......................................................................................................................... 23
4.1.1 CR1632 Coin Cell Battery Holder ..................................................................................................... 23
4.1.2 Inserting CR1632 Coin Cell Battery into Holder............................................................................... 24
4.2 External System VCC via J4 or U3 ............................................................................................................ 24
4.2.1 External Supply 3.6V or Less ............................................................................................................ 25
4.2.2 External Supply Greater than 3.6V .................................................................................................. 25
Appendix I – Non-populated Circuitry on Breakout Boards ............................................................................ 27
5.1 ADC Input Voltage Scaling through R4, R5, and C5 ................................................................................. 27
5.2 SPI EEPROM U2 ........................................................................................................................................ 28
Bx600 Series Breakout Board Schematic ......................................................................................................... 29
Ordering Information ...................................................................................................................................... 30
Additional Documentation .............................................................................................................................. 30
Page 4
Bx600 Series of Breakout Boards for BL600 module
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LAIRD - BL600 SERIES MINI DEVELOPMENT KITS
Laird has produced a new series of breakout boards for the BL600 modules. The basic product is a PCB carrier
board (breakout board) with a BL600-SA-07 version module soldered on it to enable rapid prototyping
capabilities and help advance the product design cycle. The three part numbers from this series represent BOM
(bill of material) variants of a basic core design.
The boards, in order from greatest to least additional hardware, are the BA600, BC600, and BB600 and are
shown below for reference:
BA600
BB600
BC600
BL600 breakout board with integrated coin
cell holder and Laird FTDI USB-UART bridge
board
BL600 breakout
board
BL600 breakout board with integrated
coin cell holder
Each of the breakout boards uses the latest BL600 module variant (top level part # BL600-SA-07) which takes
advantage of Nordic’s third generation silicon (nRF51822-QFAA-Hx0 – 256k memory/16k RAM QFN). The BL600SA-07 module also integrates Laird’s smartBASIC firmware image v1.8.88.0. The BL600 Release Notes – v1.8.88.0
document (available from the Documentation tab of the BL600 product page) identifies additional features and
improvements available with this firmware image. One key benefit of the v1.8.88.0 FW image is that firmware
upgrades can now be completed 100% over the UART interface, regardless of whether the underlying Nordic
soft device has changed.
OVERVIEW
The Laird Bx600 series of BLE breakout boards provides a platform for rapid wireless connectivity prototyping,
providing multiple options for the development of Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) applications based on Laird’s
BL600 BTv4.0 single mode modules. More information regarding this product series including a detailed BL600
Hardware Integration Guide and smartBASIC Core and BL600 firmware-specific User Guides are available from
the Documentation tab of the Laird BL600 product pages.
The breakout board kit hardware is offered with the Laird BL600-SA-07 (or higher) hardware variant and
smartBASIC runtime engine FW version v1.8.88.0 or greater.
2.1 BA600
The BA600 variant incorporates all hardware options available in the BL600 Breakout Board design, subsequent
sections 2.2. BC600 and 2.3. BB600 will only list differences from this main description:
Page 5
Bx600 Series of Breakout Boards for BL600 module
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2.1.1 BA600 Package Contents
The followings table outlines what is included in the BA600 product package:
Breakout Board
The breakout board has the BL600-SA-07 module soldered on and exposes all available
hardware interfaces.
Laird FTDI USBUART Bridge Board
Laird FTDI USB to 3.3VTTL-UART Bridge Board. This miniature PCB connects to the
breakout board to provide serial communications between a PC and the BL600 module.
Power Options
USB from a PC through the Laird FTDI USB-UART Bridge Board, VCC = 3.3V
Battery option via integrated Coin-cell holder (CR1632)*
1.8V to 3.6V range through J4 (plated through hole)
*No coin cell battery is provided.
Pin Header x 2
J5 (1x6) 6-pin, 2.0 mm pitch header that allows configuration of vSP and nAUtoRUN
functions.
J3 (1x6) 6-pin, 2.54 mm pitch, right-angle header that allows connection from the Laird
FTDI USB-UART Bridge Board, included.
Jumpers
2 x jumpers for use with J5 (2.0 mm pitch) pin header to set configuration for vSP and
nAutoRUN functions.
USB Cable
USB A to Micro USB B Cable – black, 1.2m
Web link card
Provides links to Support, Documentation, Utilities, sample applications, videos and
firmware.
Note: Sample smartBASIC applications are available to download from the Laird BL600
product pages or via BL600 GitHub page..
2.1.2 BA600 Key Features
UART access (via J3) and Laird USB to UART FTDI bridge board.
– 6-pin right-angle header (J3, with 2.54mm pitch) brings out BL600 module VCC, GND, and UART pins
(TX, RX, CTS, RTS).
– The Laird FTDI board is USB (PC) to UART bridge that allows the BL600-07 module UART to interface
with a PC USB.
Power supply options (no added components needed):
– Regulated 3.3V into J3 (pin3) – generated by Laird FTDI board from USB (PC)
– Coin-cell battery holder (fits CR1632), J2 (fitted on underside of BA600 breakout board)
– 1.8V to 3.6V range through J4 (plated through hole)
Jumpers (used to configure nAutoRUN [SIO_28] and vSP [SIO_7]).
Analog input sensing with optional resistive divider (R4 and R5) to scale down external voltages to below
BL600-07 series module ADC pin maximum.
Note: You must fit R5 and modify R4 value to scale. See Appendix 5.1. for more information on ADC.
smartBASIC FW upgrade capability:
– Via UART (using the Laird FTDI USB-UART bridge board)
smartBASIC application loading capability:
– Via UART (using the Laird FTDI USB-UART bridge board)
– Via Laird’s vSP OTA app from Android or iOS or Laird Central role BLE radio running a smartBASIC vSP
OTA script
Page 6
Bx600 Series of Breakout Boards for BL600 module
User Guide
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2.1.3 Understanding the BA600-0x Breakout Board with Coin Cell Holder and Laird FTDI USB-UART
Bridge Board
This section describes the BA600 breakout board hardware options. This breakout board is delivered with the
BL600-07 series module loaded with integrated smartBASIC runtime engine firmware; but no onboard
smartBASIC application is loaded.
Note: smartBASIC applications are simple and easy to develop for any BLE application. Sample
smartBASIC applications are available to download from the Laird BL600 product webpage or via
the Laird global FAE network.
The following images show the BA600 breakout board from the top and bottom sides.
Shown with the Laird FTDI USB-UART Bridge Board unconnected from J3.
J5 – Access to
SIO_7 (pin 5) and (SIO_28)
nAutoRUN (pin 2)
PTH via holes (1.27 mm pitch)
bring out BL600-07
pins SIO_1 to SIO_8 and SIO_25 to SIO_30
J2 – CR1632 Battery Coin-cell Holder
J3 – UART
PTH via holes (1.27 mm pitch)
bring out BL600-07
pins SIO_8 to SIO_20.
J3 pin1
Top
Bottom
Page 7
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Figure 1: BA600 breakout board
2.1.4 Understanding the Laird FTDI USB-UART Bridge Board
The following is a picture of the Laird FTDI USB-UART bridge board supplied with the BA600.
Top
Bottom
Figure 2: FTDI USB-UART bridge board supplied with the BA600 breakout board with integrated coin cell holder.
The BA600 is the only breakout board package that is supplied with the Laird FTDI USB-UART bridge board which
allows the BL600 series module to physically connect to a PC for ease of development.
The Laird FTDI USB-UART bridge board provides USB-to-Virtual COM port conversion through a FTDI chip (part
number FT232R). Any Windows PC (XP or later) should auto-install the necessary drivers; if your PC cannot
locate the drivers, you can download them from http://www.ftdichip.com/Drivers/VCP.htm
Micro-USB
Type-B
Micro-USB
Type-B
GND – pin 1
B_PC_CTS – Pin 2
CC (3.3V) – Pin 3
USB_PC_TX – Pin 4
USB_PC_RX – Pin 5
USB_PC_RTS – Pin 6
Page 8
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2.1.5 Connecting the Breakout Board BA600 to the Laird FTDI USB-UART Bridge Board
The following picture shows the correct Laird FTDI USB-UART bridge board orientation to connect to the
breakout board BA600.
Figure 3: FTDI USB-UART bridge board orientation to connect to the breakout board BA600
Laird FTDI USB-UART Bridge Board (pin 1 at top)
GND – Pin 1
USB_PC_CTS – Pin 2
VCC (3.3V) – Pin 3
USB_PC_TX – Pin 4
USB_PC_RX – Pin 5
USB_PC_RTS – Pin 6
J3 on BA600-0x (pin1 at top)
Pin 1 – GND
Pin 2 – BL600 RTS (SIO_23)
Pin 3 – (VCC 3.3V input)
Pin 4 – BL600 RX (SIO_22)
Pin 5 – BL600 TX (SIO_21)
Pin 6 – BL600 CTS (SIO24)
Pin 1
Page 9
Bx600 Series of Breakout Boards for BL600 module
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2.2 BC600
2.2.1 BC600 Package Contents
The followings table outlines what is included in the BC600 product package:
Breakout Board
The breakout board has the required BL600-07 module soldered on and it exposes all
available hardware interfaces.
Power Option
Battery option via integrated coin-cell holder (CR1632*), 1.8V to 3.6V range.
*No coin cell battery is provided.
Pin Header x 1
J5 (1x6) 6-pin, 2.0 mm pitch header that allows configuration of vSP and nAUtoRUN
functions.
Jumpers
2 x jumpers for use with J5 (2.0 mm pitch) pin header to set configuration for vSP and
nAutoRUN functions.
Web Link Card
Provides links to Support, Documentation, Utilities, sample applications, videos and
latest firmware.
Note: Sample smartBASIC applications are available to download from the Laird BL600
product pages or via BL600 GitHub page.
2.2.2 BC600 Key Features
Configurable nAutoRUN pin and SIO_7 (vSP, OTA) with J5.
– 6-pin header (J5, 2.0 mm pitch) brings out BL600 module pin 9, SIO_7 (to configure module vSP
between Command, OTA, mode and Bridge mode), and nAutoRUN pin 40, [SIO_28] (for use with
configuring the module into AutoRUN mode or development [interactive] mode).
– J5 header allows vSP [SIO _7] and nAutoRUN [SIO_28] to be pulled either to VCC or GND with the aid
of jumpers (included).
Power supply option:
– Coin-cell battery CR1632 holder, J2 (fitted on underside of BC600 breakout board)
Jumpers (used to configure nAutoRUN [SIO_28] and vSP [SIO_7]).
Analog input sensing with optional resistive divider (R4 and R5) to scale down external voltages to below
BL600-07 series module ADC pin maximum.
Note: You must fit R5 and modify R4 value to scale. See Appendix section 5.1. for more information on
ADC.
smartBASIC application loading capability
- Via Laird’s vSP OTA app from Android or iOS or Laird Central role BLE radio running a smartBASIC
vSP OTA script
2.2.3 Understanding the BC600 Breakout Board with Integrated Coin Cell Holder
This section describes the BC600 breakout board hardware options. This breakout board is delivered with the
BL600-07 series module loaded with integrated smartBASIC runtime engine firmware; but no onboard
smartBASIC application is loaded.
Note: smartBASIC applications are simple and easy to develop for any BLE application. Sample
smartBASIC applications are available to download from the Laird BL600 product webpage or via
the Laird global FAE network.
Page 10
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The following picture shows the breakout board BC600-0x’s top and bottom side. Breakout board BC600 is the
same as breakout board BA600 but with the following changes:
J3 (connector for connecting to Laird FTDI USB-UART Bridge Board) removed.
Figure 4: BC600 breakout board
J5 – Access to
SIO_7 (pin 5) and (SIO_28)
nAutoRUN (pin 2)
PTH via holes (1.27 mm pitch)
bring out BL600-07
pins SIO_1 to SIO_8 and SIO_25 to SIO_30
J2 – CR1632 Battery Coin-cell Holder
J3 – Removed J3 (UART)
PTH via holes (1.27 mm pitch)
bring out BL600-07
pins SIO_8 to SIO_20.
Top
Bottom
Page 11
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2.3 BB600
2.3.1 BB600 Package Contents
The followings table outlines what is included in the BB600 product package.
Breakout Board
The breakout board has the required BL600-07 module soldered on and it exposes all
available hardware interfaces.
Web Link Card
Provides links to Support, Documentation, Utilities, sample applications, videos, and
latest firmware.
Note: Sample smartBASIC applications are available to download from the Laird BL600
product pages or via BL600 GitHub page.
2.3.2 BB600 Key Features
The BB600 variant is the core platform for the whole Bx600 breakout board series. It has the following key
features:
Dimensions of breakout board PCB: 33 mm x 22 mm x 0.8 mm (±0.1 mm).
BL600-07 series module soldered on-board.
28 PTH via holes (pitch 1.27 mm) bringing out BL600-07 module SIO pins.
Analog input sensing with optional resistive divider (R4 and R5) to scale down external voltages to below
BL600-07 series module ADC pin maximum.
Note: You must fit R5 and modify R4 value to scale. See Appendix section 5.1. for more information on ADC.
smartBASIC application loading capability
- Via Laird’s vSP OTA app from Android or iOS or Laird Central role BLE radio running a smartBASIC
vSP OTA script.
Note: Some modification will be required to connect signal at J5, see section 3.4. VSP Command Mode.
2.3.3 Understanding the BB600 Breakout Board
This section describes the BB600 breakout board hardware options. This breakout board is delivered with the
BL600-07 series module loaded with integrated smartBASIC runtime engine firmware; but no onboard
smartBASIC application is loaded.
Note: smartBASIC applications are simple and easy to develop for any BLE application. Sample
smartBASIC applications are available to download from the Laird BL600 product webpage or via
the Laird global FAE network.
The following picture is Breakout board BB600’s top and bottom side. Breakout board BB600 is same as
Breakout board BA600 but with the following differences:
J3 (connector for connecting to Laird FTDI Board) is removed.
R2(0R), disconnects J3 Pin 3 (VCC input from Laird FTDI board on BA600), and C2(0.1uF), decoupling
capacitor at VCC input to BL600 pin 10, both not fitted
J5 (6-pin header connector used to configure nAutoRUN, SIO_28, and vSP, SIO_7, signals) not fitted.
J2 (CR1632 Coin-cell battery holder), D1 and C3 (47uF) not fitted.
Page 12
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Figure 5: BB600 breakout board
2.3.4 Powering the BB600 Breakout Board
This section refers to the Bx600 Breakout Board schematic.
Several options exist to power each of the BL600 breakout boards (see section 4. Power Supply Options for
BL600 Breakout Boards) however the BB600 will require added components prior to supplying power to the
board. The easiest solution for the BB600 is listed below and more options can be found in section 4.
Note: At a minimum, the decoupling capacitor, C2 (0.1uF,0402), located near the VCC input pin of the
BL600 module should be fitted on the BB600 to eliminate noise at the supply input.
WARNING: The maximum allowed VCC for BL600 is 3.6V.
J5 – Removed
SIO_7 and (SIO_28)
PTH via holes (1.27 mm pitch)
bring out BL600-07
pins SIO_1 to SIO_8 and SIO_25 to SIO_30
J2 – Removed
CR1632 Battery Coin-cell Holder
J3 – Removed
J3 (UART)
PTH via holes (1.27 mm pitch)
bring out BL600-07
pins SIO_8 to SIO_20.
Top
Bottom
Page 13
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2.3.4.1 Quickest Solution to Power BB600: Use J5pin3 or pin6
J5 is not fitted on the BB600, this 6-pin (2mm pitch) header may optionally be fitted, otherwise attach
supply leads as noted in next two bullets:
– VCC positive supply at J5 pin 3 or pin 6
– Common or GND supply at J5 pin 1 or pin 4
Page 14
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BL600 signal PTH via
GND 29
SIO_25 36
SIO_26 38
SIO_27 39
SIO_29 41
SIO_30 42
SIO_1/AIN 2
SIO_2/AIN 4
SIO_3/AIN 5
SIO_4/AIN 6 (R4=0R)
SIO_5/AIN 7
SIO_6/AIN 8
USE AND TESTING
This section describes usage and test setup for the BL600 breakout boards. Examples and pictures reference the
BA600 with setup and configuration differences for the BC600 and BB600 noted as required. Customers may
have other use cases. For more application notes related to the BL600, refer to the Documentation tab from
Laird’s BL600 product page.
3.1 Breakout Board PTH vias, J3 and J5 Signal Mapping to Bx600-07 Module
The following images shows mapping of BL600 signals brought out to the Breakout Board PTH vias and header
connectors J5 and J3.
Note: The above shows the BA600 Breakout Board. Below are differences for BC600 and BB600:
BC600 breakout boards has only J3 removed.
BB600 removes J3, J5, and J2 (coin cell holder), as well as components R2, C2, D1, and C3.
BL600 signal J5
GND Pin 1
nAutoRUN (SIO_28) Pin 2
VCC (3.3V) Pin 3
GND Pin 4 cut
SIO_7 Pin 5
VCC (3.3V) Pin 6
J3 on BA600-0x (pin 1 on the left)
Pin 1 GND
Pin 2 BL600 RTS (SIO_23)
Pin 3 (VCC 3.3V input)
Pin 4 BL600 RX (SIO_22)
Pin 5 BL600 TX (SIO_21)
Pin 6 BL600 CTS (SIO24)
PTH via BL600 signal
28 GND
27 SIO_20
26 SIO_19
25 SIO_18
24 SIO_17
22 nRESET
21 SIO_16
20 SIO_15
19 SIO_14
18 SIO_13
16 SIO_12 /SPI_CLK
15 SIO_11/SPI_MISO
14 SIO_10/SPI_MOSI
13 SIO_9/I2C_SCL
12 SIO_8/I2C_SDA
11 GND
Figure 6: BL600-07 signals
Page 15
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3.2 UART smartBASIC Firmware Upgrade through Laird FTDI USB-UART Bridge Board
BL600-07 modules with smartBASIC runtime engine firmware version FWv1.8.88.0 or above is required that
allows UART to be used to load and upgrade smartBASIC firmware, as well as the underlying Nordic softdevice –
no JTAG interface is required.
Figure 7: UART smartBASIC FW upgrade
If newer than v1.8.88.0 BL600 smartBASIC firmware is available from the Software Downloads section of the
Laird BL600 Series webpage; you can then upgrade the firmware through the Laird FTDI USB-UART bridge board
by completing the following steps:
1. Check the BL600-07 modules with smartBASIC runtime engine FW version by typing at i 3.
Figure 8: Type at i 3.
2. Close UwTerminal, but do not disconnect the BA600-0x.
3. With BA600-0x still connected to a PC through the Laird FTDI USB-UART Bridge Board interface, double
click on to Laird utility BL6xxUartFwUpgrade.exe
4. Select the COM port, confirm the firmware version to be uploaded and click OK.
Page 16
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Figure 9: Device firmware configuration options
Once the firmware upgrade is completed successfully, the Upgrade Success message displays.
5. Click Quit to close.
Figure 10: Successful firmware upgrade
6. Verify the new FW has been loaded to the BL600 module by entering the command at i 3. If the upgrade is
successful, the terminal echoes the new version number.
Page 17
Bx600 Series of Breakout Boards for BL600 module
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Figure 11: Verify loaded firmware
3.3 AutoRUN Function
The nAUTORUN signal (SIO_28 of BL600; pin 40) is brought out onto J5 pin 2. See the schematic in Figure 12.
Figure 12: J5 schematic
The nAutoRUN pin needs to be externally held high or low to select between the two BL600 operating modes:
Self-contained Run mode (nAutoRUN pin held at 0V). Insert jumper between J5 Pin 2 and Pin 1.
Interactive/Development mode (nAutoRUN pin held at VCC). Insert jumper between J5 Pin 2 and Pin 3.
The smartBASIC runtime engine firmware checks for the status of nAutoRUN during power-up or reset. If it is
low and if there is a smartBASIC application named $autorun$, then the smartBASIC runtime engine executes
the application automatically; hence the name self-contained run mode.
Page 18
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Table 1: nAutoRun settings
J5 pin2
Comments
nAutoRUN
(SIO_28)
Pin 40 of
BL600
Input with active low logic
Operating mode selected by nAutoRUN pin status:
If LOW (0V), runs $autorun$ if it exist. (Insert jumper between J5 Pin 2 and Pin 1)
If HIGH (VCC), runs at+run and file name application (Insert jumper between J5 Pin 2 and Pin 3)
To initiate autoRUN, follow these steps:
1. Start by loading a smartBASIC application that can run from autoRUN at power up (Figure 13).
Figure 13: Load smartBASIC application
2. In UwTerminal, do a compile and download and select $autorun$.iBeacon.sb (for example).
Figure 14: Compile and download
3. Verify that the application exists as $autorun$ by issuing at+dir.
4. Unplug the Laird FTDI USB-UART bridge board.
5. Install a jumper between pins 1 and 2 of J5 (nAutoRUN set to Low to put module into autorun mode).
6. Install a coin cell battery (CR1632)(Figure 15) in the slot on the bottom of the module.
Page 19
Bx600 Series of Breakout Boards for BL600 module
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Figure 15: Coin cell battery slot
7. Using the Laird ToolKit Proximity app (for example, just to pick up the advert) on Android, search for the
beacon. If successful, the BL600 beacon displays as shown in Figure 16.
Figure 16: BL600 beacon
Page 20
Bx600 Series of Breakout Boards for BL600 module
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3.4 VSP Command Mode
This section discusses VSP Command mode through pulling SIO_7 high and nAutoRUN low. Read this section in
conjunction with the VSP Configuration chapter of the following guide:
User Guide - smartBASIC BL600 Extensions Release 1.5.70.0.pdf
Figure 17 shows the difference between VSP Bridge to UART mode and VSP OTA mode and how SIO_7 and
nAutoRUN need to be configured to select between these two modes.
VSP Bridge to UART mode takes data sent from phone or tablet (over BLE) and sends to BL600 to be sent
out of the BL600 UART (therefore data not stored on BL600).
VSP Command mode takes data sent from phone of tablet and sends to BL600 and stores that data in the
BL600. The OTA Android or iOS application can be used to download any smartBASIC application script over
the air to the BL600.
Figure 17: Difference between VSP bridge to UART mode and VSP OTA mode
Table 2: vSP Modes
Mode
SIO_7 and Jumper Position on J5
nAutoRUN and Jumper Position on J5
VSP Bridge to UART
Mode
High
Insert jumper between J5 pin5 and 6.
High
Insert jumper between J5 pin2 and 3.
VSP Command Mode
High
Insert jumper between J5 pin5 and 6.
Low
Insert jumper between J5 pin2 and 1.
SIO_7 High (externally) selects the VSP service and together when nAutoRUN is Low (externally), selects VSP
Command mode whilst nAutoRUN High (externally) selects VSP Bridge to UART mode.
When SIO_7 on module is set HIGH (externally), VSP is enabled and auto-bridged to UART when connected.
However, for VSP Command mode, auto-bridge to UART is not required. With SIO_7 set to High and nAutoRUN
set to Low, VSP Command mode is entered and you can then download the smartBASIC application onto the
module over the air from the phone (or tablet).
SIO_7 V (BL600 pin9) is brought out onto J5 pin 5. See the following schematic (Figure 18).
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Figure 18: SIO_7 is brought out onto J5 pin 5
To initiate Command mode, follow these steps:
1. Switch the BL600 out of autoRUN mode by doing the following:
a. Remove the CR1632 coin cell battery.
b. Move the nAutoRUN jumper between pins 2 and 3 of J5 to pull it high.
c. Connect the BA600-0x to the Laird FTDI USB-UART bridge board (Figure 19).
Figure 19: BA600-0x connected to the USB-UART bridge board
In UwTerminal, you will notice that the BA600-0x is in Develop/Interactive mode rather than AutoRUN
mode (Figure 20).
Figure 20: Develop/Interactive mode
Page 22
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2. Erase the previously loaded file using AF&F*.
3. Unplug the Laird FTDI USB-UART bridge board.
4. Install jumper between pins 5 and 6 of J5 to pull SIO_7 high.
5. Install jumper between pins 1 and 2 of J5 to pull nAutoRUN low.
The module should now be in VSP OTA mode.
6. Install the CR1632 coin cell battery. The BA600-0x wakes up in VSP OTA mode.
7. Using the Laird OTA application on your mobile phone, discover and connect to the module.
8. Browse and select your pre compiled (in this example $autorun$.iBeacon.uwc) smartBASIC application.
9. Click Upload.
Figure 21: OTA application
10. Once the download is complete, remove the jumper from SIO_7 and move the nAutoRUN jumper to
position 1 and 2.
11. Reset the module. Your application is now ready to run.
Page 23
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POWER SUPPLY OPTIONS FOR BL600 BREAKOUT BOARDS
4.1 CR1632 Coin Cell Battery
A CR1632 coin cell battery is not supplied with the breakout board. We have tested the breakout board with an
Energizer CR1632 coin cell battery (Figure 22) but any CR1632 coin cell battery that meets your needs will
suffice.
Figure 22: CR1632 coin cell battery sample
http://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/CR1632VP/N036-ND/704854
Manufacturer
Energizer Battery Company
Manufacturer Part Number
CR1632VP
Description
BATTERY LITHIUM 3V COIN 16MM
Datasheets
CR1632
4.1.1 CR1632 Coin Cell Battery Holder
The breakout board uses following CR1632 coin cell battery holder.
http://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/3012TR/36-3012TR-ND/1978698
Manufacturer
Keystone Electronics
Manufacturer Part Number
3012TR
Description
RETAINER COMPACT 16MM SMD
Datasheets
3012TR Drawing
3012 Drawing
THM, SMT Coin Cell Retainers
Page 24
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4.1.2 Inserting CR1632 Coin Cell Battery into Holder
Figure 23 shows the CR1632 coin cell orientation for inserting into the holder.
Figure 23: Inserting the coin cell battery
Figure 24 shows the CR1632 coin cell inserted.
Figure 24: Coin cell battery inserted into holder
4.2 External System VCC via J4 or U3
The schematic shows the BA600-0x, BC600-0x and BB600-0x Breakout Board power supply section circuitry only.
WARNING: Maximum allowed VCC for BL600 is 3.6V. If an external supply voltage greater than 3.6V is used
the directions in section 4.3.2. (below) should be followed to add the linear regulator, U3, and the
external components needed for proper operation and connection with the VCC supply net on the
BL600 breakout board.
Note: The decoupling capacitor, C2 (0.1uF, 0402), should be fitted on the BB600 when connecting any
VCC source.
Page 25
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4.2.1 External Supply 3.6V or Less
J4 (pin1) can be used to connect an external 3.6V supply when the CR1632 coin cell is not supported or not in
use.
Note: J4 (2.0 mm pitch, 2-pin) header is not fitted (J4 pin 1 and pin 2 can be accessed through PTH holes)
on any version of the BL600 breakout board. Note that the square pad is pin 1, and the circular pad
is pin 2.
Figure 25: J4 pins 1 and 2
BA600 and BC600 come with components D1 and C3 fitted for the coin cell battery and no changes are required
to support an external supply input at connector J4, coin cell MUST be removed. The diode, D1, can provide
reverse current protection for the external supply while C3 can reduce VCC supply drops during BL600 radio
operation.
The BB600 breakout board must have a regulated external supply capable of handling the demands of the BL600
radio during transmission bursts. If there is any concern, C3 can be placed to help stabilize VCC during radio
transmissions, otherwise C3 should not be fitted and a short should be placed across the D1 component pads.
The positive (VCC) supply lead will connect to J4 (pin1) and the common or ground (GND) supply lead will
connect to J4 (pin2).
4.2.2 External Supply Greater than 3.6V
This is the use case where customer has external system VCC greater than 3.6V on any of the BL600 breakout
board revisions:
WARNING: If customer decides to use an off the shelf FTDI cable, such as FTDI TTL-232R-3V3 which comes
with a 6-pin (2.54mm pitch) connector compatible with the J3 pitch and pinout, pin 3 of this
cable has 5V present on pin3. Connecting the TTL-232R-3V3 FTDI cable from the USB port into J3
including pin 3 on the BA600-0x, BB600-0x or BC600-0x breakout board will damage the BL600
module due to over-voltage at the VCC input.
Alternatively, the below FTDI cables are safe (3.3V on pin3) to plug into J3 on the board:
TTL-232RG-VSW3V3-WE: 3.3V VCC/TTL --> Wire Ended
TTL-232RG-VREG3V3-WE: 3.3V VCC/TTL --> Wire Ended
For BL600 VCC operated at 1.8V operation, below FTDI cable:
TTL-232RG-VREG1V8-WE: 1.8V VCC/TTL --> Wire Ended
J4 pin 1 (VCC) – Square pad
J4 pin 2 (GND)
Page 26
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All BL600 breakout board versions will require modifications, through the use of an LDO regulator, U3, to
interface to an external supply of greater than 3.6V.
Remove R2(0R, 0402) and fit R3(0R, 0402)
Fit LDO regulator U3 (SOT-553 package, for example Toshiba TCR2EE33)
Fit regulator input capacitor C8 (2.2uF, 0603 body size)
Fit regulator output capacitors C6 (15pF, 0402 body size) and C7 (2.2uF, 0603 body size)
R6 should NOT be fitted (DNF) for operation of the Toshiba TCR2EE33, U3, regulator
Figure 26: External system greater than 3.6V on J2
http://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/TCR2EE33,LM(CT/TCR2EE33LM(CTTR-ND/4965705
Manufacturer
Toshiba Semiconductor and Storage
Manufacturer Part Number
TCR2EE33,LM(CT
Description
IC REG LDO 3.3V 0.2A ESV
Datasheets
TCR2EF,EE Series -
Regulator Topology
Positive Fixed
Voltage - Output
3.3V
Current - Output
200mA
Voltage - Dropout (Typical)
0.15V @ 150mA
Voltage - Input
Up to 5.5V
Current - Limit (Min)
-
Operating Temperature
-40°C ~ 85°C
Mounting Type
Surface Mount
Package / Case
SOT-553
Supplier Device Package
ESV
J3
HEADER 6
1
2
3
4
5
6
GND
BT_RTS_S23
BT_RX_S22
GND
BT_TX_S21
BT_CTS_S24
GND
2.5mm pitch 6-way
connector
GND
3.3V
D1
DIODE
0.1V drop accross
D1[BAT60A]
C8
DNF
GND
GNDGND
J2
CR1632 Battery Holder
+
1
-
2
C3
47uF
1
2
GND
R2
0R
U3
DNF
VIN
3
GND
2
CONT
1
NC
5
VOUT
4
R3
DNF
VCC
R6
DNF
NOPOP (PIN HEADER,2.0mm 1X2P,)
J4
1
1
2
2
C6
DNF
C7
DNF
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APPENDIX I – NON-POPULATED CIRCUITRY ON BREAKOUT BOARDS
5.1 ADC Input Voltage Scaling through R4, R5, and C5
Figure 27 schematic shows the ADC input scaling circuit only. The BA600 and BB600 breakout boards have R4
populated as 0 ohms and must be modified when R5 is fitted to match ADC configuration. Customer injects an
external analog voltage (greater than BL600 Maximum allowed ADC input voltage into BL600 of 3.6V) to sense
into PTH via 6. Refer to the BL600 HIG pages for how to select value of C5 that needs to be fitted.
Figure 27: ADC input voltage scaling circuit for ADC on SIO_4
C5
NOPOP
R4
0R
SIO_4
R5
NOPOP
U1
CON_SM_44
GND
1
SIO_1/AIN
2
GND
3
SIO_2/AIN
4
SIO_3/AIN
5
SIO_4/AIN
6
VCC
10
GND
11
SIO_8
12
SIO_1014SIO_1115SIO_1216GND17SIO_13
18
SIO_5/AIN
7
SIO_6/AIN
8
SIO_1621nRESET22NC23SIO_1724SIO_1825SIO_1926SIO_20/NC27GND
28
SIO_28
40
SIO_27/NC39SIO_26/NC
38
GND
37
SIO_2536SIO_2334SIO_2435SIO_2233SIO_21
32
GND
31
RF_ANT
30
GND
29
SIO_7
9
SIO_9
13
SIO_1419SIO_15
20
SIO_2941SIO_30
42
GND
43
SIO_0
44
GND
6
1
Page 28
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5.2 SPI EEPROM U2
Figure 28 schematic shows the SPI EEPROM IC (U2) circuit only.
Figure 28: SPI EEPROM (U2)
Figure 29: SPI EEPROM
Customer may wish to make use of SPI EEPROM U2 in the end application, U2 MPN details is as follows.
R1 is 10K(0402) and C4 0.1uF(0402).The MX25L4006E may be order from suppliers such as Digikey.
Manufacturer
Macronix
Manufacturer Part Number
MX25L4006EZUI-12G TR
Description
IC FLASH 4MBIT 86MHZ 8USON
Datasheets
MX25L4006E
Memory Type
FLASH - NOR
Memory Size
4M (512K x 8)
Speed
86MHz
Interface
SPI Serial
Voltage - Supply
2.7 V ~ 3.6 V
U1
CON_SM_44
GND
1
SIO_1/AIN
2
GND
3
SIO_2/AIN
4
SIO_3/AIN
5
SIO_4/AIN
6
VCC
10
GND
11
SIO_8
12
SIO_1014SIO_1115SIO_1216GND17SIO_13
18
SIO_5/AIN
7
SIO_6/AIN
8
SIO_1621nRESET22NC23SIO_1724SIO_1825SIO_1926SIO_20/NC27GND
28
SIO_28
40
SIO_27/NC39SIO_26/NC
38
GND
37
SIO_2536SIO_23
34
SIO_2435SIO_2233SIO_21
32
GND
31
RF_ANT
30
GND
29
SIO_7
9
SIO_9
13
SIO_1419SIO_15
20
SIO_29
41
SIO_30
42
GND
43
SIO_0
44
BT_SMOSI_S10
BT_SMISO_S11
BT_SCLK_S12
SIO_13
14
1
15
1
16
1
18
1
GND
C4
DNF
GND
U2
DNF
CS#
1
SO/SIO1
2
WP#
3
GND4SI/SIO0
5
CLK
6
HOLD#
7
VCC
8
VCC
BT_SMISO_S11 VCC
R1
DNF
SIO_13
BT_SCLK_S12
BT_SMOSI_S10
VCC
Page 29
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BX600 SERIES BREAKOUT BOARD SCHEMATIC
For full size version, download here.
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ORDERING INFORMATION
Part Number
DESCRIPTION
BB600
Breakout Board for BL600-SA Module
BC600
Breakout Board for BL600-SA including Coin Cell Holder
BA600
Breakout kit for BL600-SA module including USB - UART bridge board
ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION
Laird offers a variety of documentation and ancillary information to support our customers through the initial
evaluation process and ultimately into mass production. Additional documentation can be accessed from the
Documentation tab of the Laird BL600 Product Page or from the BL600 section of the Embedded Wireless
Solutions Support Center.
BL600 Hardware Integration Guide
smartBASIC BL600 Extensions Release 1.5.70.0
User Guide - BL600 smartBASIC Module Release
1.5.66.0
User Guide - BL600-DVK (Board Revision 4 or Below)
User Guide - smartBASIC Core Functionality
User Guide - StringPlayer
User Guide - BL600-DVK (Board Revision 5)
Quick Start Guide - PPK-BL600 Programming jig for
BL600 modules
Quick Start Guide - BL600-DVK smartBASIC Proximity
Profile
Quick Start Guide - BL600-DVK Heart Rate
Quick Start Guide – UwTerminal
Application Note - BL600 Cable Replacement Mode
Application Note - BL600 Recommended 128 bit
Custom UUID Management
Application Note - Laird BL600 Range Testing
Application Note - BL600 Whisper Mode
Application Note - BL600 Using Notepad++ and Color
Syntax Highlighting
Application Note - BL600 Using Textpad and Color
Syntax Highlighting
Application Note - BL600 Using UART Efficiently to
Extend Battery Life
Application Note - Default DVK-BL600 DIP Switch and
Jumper Settings
Application Note - Flash Cloning for the BL600
Application Note - Finding the BL600-Sx Revision
Number
Application Note - Upgrading BL600 Firmware via JTAG
Application Note - Upgrading BL600 Firmware via
UART
Application Note - Bluetooth Latency and Data
Application Note - iBeacon Sample App
Application Note - Using VSP with smartBASIC
Batch Application Notes for iOS
Serial Application Notes for iOS
Application Note - BL6x0 Over-the-Air Application
Download
Application Note - smartBASIC for BLE Modules
OTA Application Notes for iOS
Application Note - BL600 and BL620 Memory Map
Overview
Application Note - smartBASIC App Download Protocol
over UART
Application Note - BL600 BT SIG Qualification v1.0
Application Note - Using SPI Interface in smartBASIC
with DotStar
Release Note - BL600 Firmware v1.5.70.0
Laird Warranty Statement
For any additional questions or queries, or to receive technical support for this Development Kit or for the BL600
module series, please contact the Embedded Wireless Solutions Support Center: http://ews-
support.lairdtech.com
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