Measurement Computing WLS-IFC User Manual

WLS-IFC

USB-to-Wireless Interface

User's Guide

Document Revision 4, March, 2010

© Copyright 2010, Measurement Computing Corporation

HM WLS-IFC.doc

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3

Trademark and Copyright Information

TracerDAQ, Universal Library, Measurement Computing Corporation, and the Measurement Computing logo are either
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Notice

Measurement Computing Corporation does not authorize any Measurement Computing Corporation product for use
in life support systems and/or devices without prior written consent from Measurement Computing Corporation.
Life support devices/systems are devices or systems which, a) are intended for surgical implantation into the body,
or b) support or sustain life and whose failure to perform can be reasonably expected to result in injury.
Measurement Computing Corporation products are not designed with the components required, and are not subject
to the testing required to ensure a level of reliability suitable for the treatment and diagnosis of people.

4

Table of Contents

Preface

About this User’s Guide ....................................................................................................................... 6

What you will learn from this user’s guide ......................................................................................................... 6

Conventions in this user’s guide ......................................................................................................................... 6

Where to find more information ......................................................................................................................... 6

Chapter 1

Introducing the WLS-IFC ...................................................................................................................... 7

Overview: WLS-IFC features ............................................................................................................................. 7

WLS-IFC block diagram .................................................................................................................................... 7

Software features ................................................................................................................................................ 7

Chapter 2

Installing the WLS-IFC .......................................................................................................................... 8

What comes with your WLS-IFC shipment? ................................................................ ...................................... 8

Hardware .......................................................................................................................................................................... 8

Additional documentation ................................................................................................................................................. 8

Unpacking the WLS-IFC .................................................................................................................................... 8

Installing the software ........................................................................................................................................ 9

Installing the WLS-IFC ...................................................................................................................................... 9

Configuring the network parameters ................................................................................................................ 10

Restoring factory default settings .....................................................................................................................................11

Chapter 3

Functional Details ............................................................................................................................... 12

External components ........................................................................................................................................ 12

Status LEDs .....................................................................................................................................................................12

Power LED ......................................................................................................................................................................12

USB connector .................................................................................................................................................................12

Chapter 4

Specifications ...................................................................................................................................... 13

Wireless communications ................................................................................................................................. 13

Memory ............................................................................................................................................................ 13

Microcontroller ................................................................................................................................................. 13

USB +5V voltage ............................................................................................................................................. 13

Power ................................................................................................................................................................ 14

USB specifications ........................................................................................................................................... 14

Environmental .................................................................................................................................................. 14

Mechanical ....................................................................................................................................................... 14

LED configuration ............................................................................................................................................ 15

Declaration of Conformity .................................................................................................................. 16

5

Preface

About this User’s Guide

What you will learn from this user’s guide

This user’s guide explains how to install, configure, and use the WLS-IFC. This user’s guide also refers you to
related documents available on our web site, and to technical support resources.

Conventions in this user’s guide

For more information on …

Text presented in a box signifies additional information and helpful hints related to the subject matter you are
reading.

Caution! Shaded caution statements present information to help you avoid injuring yourself and others,

damaging your hardware, or losing your data.

< : > Angle brackets that enclose numbers separated by a colon signify a range of numbers, such as those assigned

to registers, bit settings, etc.

bold text Bold text is used for the names of objects on the screen, such as buttons, text boxes, and check boxes. For

example:

1. Insert the disk or CD and click the OK button.

italic text Italic text is used for the names of manuals and help topic titles, and to emphasize a word or phrase. For

example:
The InstaCal installation procedure is explained in the Quick Start Guide.
Never touch the exposed pins or circuit connections on the board.

Where to find more information

For additional information relevant to the operation of your hardware, refer to the Documents subdirectory
where you installed the MCC DAQ software (C:\Program Files\Measurement Computing\DAQ by default), or
search for your device on our website at www.mccdaq.com.

6

Chapter 1

Introducing the WLS-IFC

Overview: WLS-IFC features

This user's guide contains all of the information you need to configure the WLS-IFC for wireless operation with
remote WLS-Series devices.

The WLS-IFC is a USB-to-wireless interface module that is supported under popular Microsoft® Windows®
operating systems. The WLS-IFC is fully compatible with both USB 1.1 and USB 2.0 ports.

The WLS-IFC device operates as the interface between a computer and one or more remote WLS-Series
devices. The remote devices can be located up to 150 feet (50 meters) indoors, or up to ½ mile (750 m) outdoors
from the WLS-IFC.

You configure the network parameters required for communication with remote devices. All parameters are
software selectable. Only devices with the same parameter settings can communicate with each other. Once you
configure the WLS-IFC to communicate with remote devices, you can connect it to different computers without
having to configure the network parameters.

The WLS-IFC has LEDs that indicate the status of communication over the wireless link. An LED bar graph
shows the fade margin of signals received by the WLS-IFC.

The WLS-IFC is a standalone plug-and-play device which draws power through the USB cable. No external
power is required. All configurable options are software programmable.

WLS-IFC block diagram

WLS-IFC functions are illustrated in the block diagram shown here. The diagram shows the WLS-IFC
communicating with three remote WLS devices. There is no limit to the number of WLS devices that the WLS­IFC can communicate with.

Figure 1. WLS-IFC functional block diagram

Software features

For information on the features of InstaCal and the other software included with your WLS-IFC, refer to the
Quick Start Guide that shipped with your device.

7

Installing the WLS-IFC

What comes with your WLS-IFC shipment?

The following items are shipped with the WLS-IFC.

Hardware

 WLS-IFC

Chapter 2

 USB cable (2 meter length)

Additional documentation

In addition to this hardware user's guide, you should also receive the Quick Start Guide (available in PDF at

the software you received with your WLS-IFC and information regarding installation of that software. Please
read this booklet completely before installing any software or hardware.

Unpacking the WLS-IFC

As with any electronic device, you should take care while handling to avoid damage from static
electricity. Before removing the WLS-IFC from its packaging, ground yourself using a wrist strap or by simply
touching the computer chassis or other grounded object to eliminate any stored static charge.

If your WLS-IFC is damaged, notify Measurement Computing Corporation immediately by phone, fax, or
e-mail. For international customers, contact your local distributor where you purchased the WLS-IFC.

 Phone: [phone] and follow the instructions for reaching Tech Support.
 Fax: [phone] to the attention of Tech Support
 Email: [e-mail]

8

WLS-IFC User's Guide Installing the WLS-IFC

Installing the software

Quick-Start.pdf.

Installing the WLS-IFC

Install the MCC DAQ software before you install the WLS-IFC

The driver needed to run your board is installed with the MCC DAQ software. Therefore, you need to install the
MCC DAQ software before you install your board. Refer to the Quick Start Guide for instructions on installing
the software.

To connect the WLS-IFC to your system, do the following:

1. Turn your computer on, and connect the USB cable to a USB port on your computer or to an external USB

hub connected to your computer. The USB cable provides power and communication to the WLS-IFC.

Always connect an external hub to its power supply

If you are using a hybrid hub (one that can operate in either self-powered or bus-powered mode), always
connect it to its external power supply.

If you use a hub of this type without connecting to external power, communication errors may occur that could
result in corrupt configuration information on your wireless device. You can restore the factory default
configuration settings with InstaCal.

When you connect the WLS-IFC for the first time, a Found New Hardware popup balloon (Windows XP)
or dialog (Windows 2000) opens as the WLS-IFC is detected.

After your system detects new hardware, the Found New Hardware Wizard opens and prompts you to
respond to the question "Can Windows connect to Windows Update to search for software?"

2. Click on the No, not this time option, and then click on the Next button.

The next dialog prompts you for the location of the software required to run the new hardware.

3. Keep the default selection "Install the software automatically" and then click on the Next button.

The wizard locates and installs the software on your computer for the WLS-IFC. A dialog appears when the
wizard completes the installation.

4. Click on the Finish button to exit the Found New Hardware Wizard.
A balloon or dialog appears when the hardware is installed and ready to use. Both the Power LED and the USB

Activity LED should flash, and then the Power LED should remain lit. This indicates that communication is

established between the WLS-IFC and your computer, and that the device is receiving power.

Figure 2. LED locations

9

WLS-IFC User's Guide Installing the WLS-IFC

RF

Channel

Transmission

Frequency (GHz)

RF

Channel

Transmission

Frequency (GHz)

12

2.410

18

2.440

13

2.415

19

2.445

14

2.420

20

2.450

15

2.425

21

2.455

16

2.430

22

2.460

17

2.435

23

2.465

If the Power LED turns off

If the Power LED is lit but then turns off, the computer has lost communication with the WLS-IFC. Disconnect
the USB cable from the computer and then reconnect it. This should restore communication, and the Power
LED should remain on after the device is configured.

Configuring the network parameters

The following network parameter options are programmable with InstaCal.

 Identifier: Text that identifies the device (optional).
 PAN (hex): The personal area network (PAN) ID assigned to the device.

The PAN value is a number used to identify the remote device with which you want to communicate. The
WLS-IFC can only communicate with a device whose PAN is set to the same value.

Most users do not need to change the default value assigned to the device. However, you may want to
assign a different PAN ID in the following situations:

o You have multiple WLS Series devices, and do not want to allow communication between all of them.

Set the PAN ID to the same value on each device that you want to communicate.

o If other WLS Series devices are operating in the vicinity, you can avoid accidental changes to your

device settings by changing the default PAN value.

 CH: The radio frequency (RF) channel number assigned to the device.

The channel number is used to transmit and receive data over the wireless link. You may want to change
the channel number in InstaCal when another WLS Series device is already transmitting on that channel, or
when noise is present on the channel.

The table below lists each available channel and its corresponding transmission frequency.

 AES Key: Value used to encrypt data (optional).

AES encryption is disabled by default. Unless you suspect that there are other users of WLS Series devices
in the area, there should be no need to enable encryption. However, if you suspect that there are other WLS
Series devices in the area, and you need to secure the devices from being accessed by other users, enable
AES encryption.

Enabling encryption does NOT secure the device from access through a local USB connection. A remote
device configured for encryption can be connected locally through the USB port to access other remote
WLS Series devices with the same settings; you may need to physically secure the remote devices to
prevent tampering of the of device's network.

Set the PAN ID, RF channel, and AES key to the same value for each device that you want to
communicate

Only devices with matching parameter settings for PAN, CH, and AES Key (if set) can communicate with each
other.
For information on setting up the network parameters for your WLS-IFC, refer to the "WLS Series" section of
the "Temperature Input Boards" chapter in the Universal Library User's Guide.

You only have to set up the network parameters once. The WLS-IFC retains the parameter settings even if you
connect to a different computer.

10

WLS-IFC User's Guide Installing the WLS-IFC

Caution! To satisfy FCC RF exposure requirements for mobile transmitting devices, maintain a separation

distance of 20 cm (0.66 feet) or more between the antenna of this device and persons during
device operation. To ensure compliance, operations at closer than this distance are not
recommended. The antenna used for this transmitter must not be co-located in conjunction with
any other antenna or transmitter.

Restoring factory default settings

You can restore the factory default configuration settings with InstaCal.

11

LED

Function

Power
Steady green – the WLS-IFC is connected to a computer or external USB hub.

Blinking green – indicates activity over the USB connection.

Received Signal Strength (RSS)
indicators

3 green LED bar graph. The LEDs will turn on when receiving a wireless
message and stay on for approximately 1 second after the end of the message.
They indicate the amount of fade margin present in an active wireless link. Fade
margin is defined as the difference between the incoming signal strength and the
device’s receiver sensitivity.

 Three LEDs on : Very strong signal (> 30 dB fade margin)
 Two LEDs on : Strong signal (> 20 dB fade margin)
 One LED on : Moderate signal (> 10 dB fade margin)
 No LEDs on: Weak signal (< 10 dB fade margin)

USB activity

Green LED – indicates activity over the USB connection.

Transmit

Yellow LED – indicates transmitting data over the wireless link.

Receive

Red LED – indicates receiving data over the wireless link.

Functional Details

External components

The WLS-IFC has the following external components, as shown in Figure 3.

 Status LEDs (USB Activity, Transmit, Receive, Received Signal Strength indicators)
 Power LED
 USB connector

Chapter 3

Figure 3. WLS-IFC component locations

Status LEDs

The LEDs indicate the communication status of USB and wireless operations. An LED bar graph indicates the
strength of the signal received by the remote device. Refer to the table below for the function of each LED.

LED functions

Power LED

The Power LED is lit when the WLS-IFC is connected to a computer or external USB hub.

USB connector

The USB connector provides +5V power and communication.

12

Communication standard

IEEE 802.15.4, ISM 2.4 GHz frequency band, non-beacon, point-to-point

Range

Indoor/urban: Up to 150' (50 m)
Outdoor RF line-of-sight: Up to 1/2 mile (750 m)

Transmit power output

10 mW (10 dBm)

Receiver sensitivity

-100 dBm (1% packet error rate)

RF channels

12 direct sequence channels available, channels 12 – 23 (2.410 – 2.465 GHz)
(software selectable)

Addressing

16-bit PAN (personal area network) IDs per channel (software selectable)
64-bit device address

Encryption

128-bit AES (software selectable)

EEPROM

256 bytes USB micro for external application use

Type

High performance 8-bit RISC microcontroller

Parameter

Conditions

Specification

USB +5V (VBUS) input
voltage range

4.75 V min. to 5.25 V max.

Specifications

Typical for 25 °C unless otherwise specified.
Specifications in italic text are guaranteed by design.

Wireless communications

Table 1. Wireless communications specifications

Note 1: Contains FCC ID: OUR-XBEEPRO. The enclosed device complies with Part 15 of the FCC

Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (i.) this device may not cause
harmful interference and (ii.) this device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired operation.

Note 2: Canada: Contains Model XBee-PRO Radio, IC: 4214A-XBEEPRO

Chapter 4

Caution! To satisfy FCC RF exposure requirements for mobile transmitting devices, a separation distance

of 20 cm or more should be maintained between the antenna of this device and persons during
device operation. To ensure compliance, operations at closer than this distance is not
recommended. The antenna used for this transmitter must not be co-located in conjunction with
any other antenna or transmitter.

Memory

Table 2. Memory specifications

Microcontroller

Table 3. Microcontroller specifications

USB +5V voltage

Table 4. USB +5V voltage specifications

13

WLS-IFC User's Guide Specifications

Parameter

Conditions

Specification

Supply current

300 mA max (Note 3)

USB device type

USB 2.0 (full-speed)

Device compatibility

USB 1.1, USB 2.0

Bus powered, 300 mA consumption max

USB cable type

A-B cable, UL type AWM 2725 or equivalent. (min 24 AWG VBUS/GND,
min 28 AWG D+/D-)

USB cable length

3 meters max.

Operating temperature range

0 to 70 ° C

Storage temperature range

-40 to 85 ° C

Humidity

0 to 90% non-condensing

Dimensions

79 mm (L) x 75 mm (W) x 26.5 mm (H)

Power

Table 5. Power specifications

Note 3: Self-Powered Hub refers to a USB hub with an external power supply. Self-powered hubs allow

a connected USB device to draw up to 500 mA. This device may not be used with bus-powered
hubs due to the power supply requirements.

Root Port Hubs reside in the PC's USB Host Controller. The USB port(s) on your PC are root
port hubs. All externally powered root port hubs (desktop PC's) provide up to 500 mA of current
for a USB device. Battery-powered root port hubs provide 100 mA or 500 mA, depending upon
the manufacturer. A laptop PC that is not connected to an external power adapter is an example
of a battery-powered root port hub.

USB specifications

Table 6. USB specifications

Environmental

Mechanical

Table 7. Environmental specifications

Table 8. Mechanical specifications

14

WLS-IFC User's Guide Specifications

Power

The WLS-IFC is connected to a computer or external USB hub

Received Signal Strength Indicator
(RSSI)

3 green LED bar graph. The LEDs will turn on when receiving a wireless
message and stay on for approximately 1 second after the end of the message.
They indicate the amount of fade margin present in an active wireless link. Fade
margin is defined as the difference between the incoming signal strength and the
device's receiver sensitivity.

 3 LEDs on: Very strong signal (> 30 dB fade margin)
 2 LEDs on: Strong signal (> 20 dB fade margin)
 1 LED on: Moderate signal (> 10 dB fade margin)
 0 LEDs on: Weak signal (< 10 dB fade margin)

USB activity

Green LED – indicates activity over the USB connection

Transmit

Yellow LED – indicates transmitting data over the wireless link

Receive

Red LED – indicates receiving data over the wireless link

Power

Received

Signal
Strength
Indicator

USB

Transmit

Receive

LED configuration

Table 9. LED configuration

15

Declaration of Conformity

Manufacturer: Measurement Computing Corporation
Address: 10 Commerce Way
Suite 1008
Norton, MA 02766
USA
Category: Electrical equipment for measurement, control and laboratory use.

Measurement Computing Corporation declares under sole responsibility that the product

WLS-IFC

to which this declaration relates is in conformity with the relevant provisions of the following standards or other
documents:

EU EMC Directive 89/336/EEC: Electromagnetic Compatibility, EN 61326 (1997) Amendment 1 (1998)
Emissions: Group 1, Class B
 EN 55011 (1990)/CISPR 11: Radiated and Conducted emissions.
Immunity: EN61326, Annex A

 IEC 61000-4-2 (1995): Electrostatic Discharge immunity, Criteria C.
 IEC 61000-4-3 (1995): Radiated Electromagnetic Field immunity Criteria A.
 IEC 61000-4-8 (1994): Power Frequency Magnetic Field immunity Criteria A.

ETSI EN301 489-1 (2004)
IEC 61000-3-2 (2001) Harmonic Current Emissions, IEC 61000-3-3 (2003) Voltage Fluctuations and Flicker

Emissions: Group 1, Class B
 CISPR 22 (2004): Radiated and Conducted Electromagnetic Emissions (USB cable with ferrite suppressor

assembly required).

 IEC 61000-3-2 (2001): Harmonic Emissions Class A
 IEC 61000-3-3 (2003): Fluctuations and Flicker

Immunity:

 IEC 61000-4-2 (2001): Electrostatic Discharge immunity, Criteria C.
 IEC 61000-4-3 (2002): Radiated Electromagnetic Field immunity Criteria A.
 IEC 61000-4-4 (2004): Electric fast transient burst immunity Criteria B.
 IEC 61000-4-5: Fast surge immunity Criteria B
 IEC 61000-4-6 (2003): Radio Frequency Common Mode immunity Criteria B*.
 IEC 61000-4-11 (2004): Voltage dips and interrupt immunity Criteria B

* There may be a loss of performance in the presence of an RF electromagnetic disturbance on the input/output
ports. Performance loss will be limited to measured temperatures outside of specified accuracy. The transmitter
/ receiver will continue to operate as specified. Stored data and operating state will be maintained during the
disturbance. Operation will recover to within specified limits after the disturbance is removed.

Declaration of Conformity based on tests conducted by Chomerics Test Services, Woburn, MA 01801, USA in
November, 2006. Test records are outlined in Chomerics Test Report #EMI4660.06.

We hereby declare that the equipment specified conforms to the above Directives and Standards.

Carl Haapaoja, Director of Quality Assurance

Measurement Computing Corporation

10 Commerce Way

Suite 1008

Norton, Massachusetts 02766

[phone]

Fax: [phone]

E-mail: [e-mail]

www.mccdaq.com