MESHNETICS ZDM-A1281 Product Datasheet

ZigBit™ OEM Modules

ZDM-A1281-*

Ultra-Compact 2.4GHz 802.15.4/ZigBee Modules

for Wireless Networking Applications

Product Datasheet

D

OC. M-251~01 V.1.8 WWW.MESHNETICS.COM MARCH 2007

© 2007 MeshNetics

ZigBit™ OEM Modules Product Datasheet

T able of Content s

Summary .............................................................................................................................................................3

Applications ........................................................................................................................................................3

Key features........................................................................................................................................................3

Benefits................................................................................................................................................................3

ZigBit™ Module Overview .................................................................................................................................4

Specifications .....................................................................................................................................................5

Absolute Maximum Ratings***..........................................................................................................................6

Physical/Environmental Characteristics and Outline.....................................................................................7

Pin Configuration................................................................................................................................................8

Mounting Information.......................................................................................................................................12

Sample Antenna Reference Designs..............................................................................................................13

Technical Support ............................................................................................................................................20

Development Support ......................................................................................................................................20

Ordering Information........................................................................................................................................21

Related Documents..........................................................................................................................................21

Disclaimer..........................................................................................................................................................21

Trademarks .......................................................................................................................................................21

Contact Information..........................................................................................................................................22

© 2007 MeshNetics Page 2 of 22

ZigBit™ OEM Modules Product Datasheet

Summary

ZigBit is an ultra-compact, low-power, high-sensitivity 2.4GHz 802.15.4/ZigBee OEM module from MeshNetics,
based on the innovative Atmel’s mixed-signal hardware platform. It is designed for wireless sensing, control and
data acquisition applications. The ZigBit module eliminates the need for costly and time consuming RF
development, and shortens time to market for a wide range of wireless applications.

Two different versions of ZigBit modules are available: ZDM-A1281-B0 module with balanced RF port for
applications where the benefits of PCB or external antenna can be utilized, and ZDM-A1281-A2 module with chip
antenna satisfying the needs of size sensitive applications.

Applications

ZigBit features standards-based networking stack, based on IEEE802.15.4 PHY and MAC layers, and ZigBee
NWK/APS/ZDO layers. It enables multipoint, multihop communications over an area of thousands of square meters
at moderate data rates without expensive infrastructure support. The architecture of the Wireless Sensor Networks
(WSN) allows for use of low powered devices. The applications include, but are not limited to:

• Building automation & monitoring

• Lighting controls

• Wireless smoke and CO detectors

• Structural integrity monitoring

• HVAC monitoring & control

• Inventory management

• Environmental monitoring

• Security

• Water metering

• Industrial monitoring

• Machinery condition and performance monitoring

• Monitoring of plant system parameters such as

temperature, pressure, flow, tank level, humidity,
vibration, etc.

• Automated meter reading (AMR)

Key features

• Ultra compact size (24 x 13.5 mm for
ZDM-A1281-A2 module and 18,8 x 13.5 mm for
ZDM-A1281-B0 module)

• Innovative (patent-pending) balanced chip antenna
design with antenna gain of approximately 0 dBi
(for ZDM-A1281-A2 version)

• High RX sensitivity (-101 dBm)

• Outperforming link budget (104 dB)

• Up to 3 dBm output power

• Very low power consumption

(<6 µA in deep sleep mode)

• Ample memory resources (128 kBytes of flash
memory, 8 kBytes RAM, 4 kBytes EEPROM)

• Wide range of interfaces (both analog and digital):

• 10 spare GPIO, 2 spare IRQ lines

• 4 ADC lines

• UART with CTS/RTS control

2

• I

C, USART/SPI

• Up to 30 lines can be configured as GPIO

• Capability to write own MAC address into the

EEPROM

• Optional antenna reference designs

• IEEE 802.15.4 compliant

• 2.4 GHz ISM band

• eZeeNet embedded software, including UART

bootloader and AT command set

Benefits

• Less physical space constraints

• Best-in-class RF link range

• Longer battery life

• Easy prototyping with 2-layer PCB

• More memory for user software application

• Mesh networking capability

• Easy-to-use low cost Evaluation Kit

• Single source of support for HW and SW

• Worldwide license-free operation

© 2007 MeshNetics Page 3 of 22

ZigBit™ OEM Modules Product Datasheet

ZigBit™ Module Overview

ZigBit is a low-power, high-sensitivity IEEE802.15.4/
ZigBee OEM module. This multi-functional device
occupies less than a square inch of space, which is
comparable to a typical size of a single chip. Based on a
solid combination of Atmel’s latest AVR Z-Link hardware
platform [1], the ZigBit offers superior radio performance
with exceptional ease of integration.

ZigBit fully satisfies the requirements of the “Directive
2002/95/EC of the European Parliament and the Council
of 27January 2003 on the restriction of the use of certain
hazardous substances in electrical and electronic
equipment” (RoHS). MeshNetics provides fully compliant
product in all regions where the directive is enforced July
1, 2006.

The ZigBit contains Atmel’s ATmega1281V
Microcontroller [1] and AT86RF230 RF Transceiver [2].
The module features 128kb flash memory and 8 kb RAM.

The ZigBit already contains a complete RF/MCU-related
design with all the necessary passive components
included. The module can be easily mounted on a simple
2-layer PCB. Compared to a single-chip, a module-based
solution offers considerable savings in development time
& NRE cost per unit during the design & prototyping
phase. No RF expertise is required.

Innovative (patent-pending) chip antenna design in ZDM­A1281-A2 module eliminates the balun and achieves
good performance over ZigBee frequency band.

MeshNetics provides tools for building ready-to-use
applications around the ZigBit module. The Evaluation
Kit and the Development Kit help prototyping and testing
an 802.15.4 or ZigBee networking solution. It includes
the sensor boards with multiple interfaces, an out-of-the­box data acquisition software suite, as well as
accessories and documentation. The sample sensor data
acquisition application allows network monitoring and
data collection, all visualized via graphic interface.

The ZigBit modules come bundled with the eZeeNet
networking firmware. The eZeeNet enables the module­based OEM products to form self-healing, self-organizing
mesh networks. The eZeeNet stack conforms to
IEEE802.15.4/ ZigBee specifications [3], [4], [5].

Depending on your design requirements, you can use
the ZigBit to operate a sensor node, where it would
function as a single MCU. Or you can pair it to a host
processor, where the module would serve essentially as
a modem.

In the former case, a user application should be bundled
with the eZeeNet software. The eZeeNet’s programming
interface gives users flexibility to manage network and
minimize power consumption.

In the latter case, the host processor can control data
transmission and manage module peripherals via
powerful set of AT commands. This way, a minimum
engineering effort for development of customer’s devices
is required. Additionally, the sensors can be connected

USART/SPI

IRQ

UART

USART/SPI

I2C

JTAG

Analog

IRQ

UART

I2C

JTAG

Analog

ZDM-A1281-B0 Block Diagram

VCC (1.8 – 3.6V)

ATmega1281

Micro

controller

SPI BusGPIO

AT86RF230

Transceiver

ZDM-A1281-A2 Block Diagram

VCC (1.8 – 3.6V)

ATmega1281

Micro

controller

AT86RF230

RF

Transceiver

SPI BusGPIO

eZeeNet™ Block Diagram

RF

Chip

Antenna

RF I/O

© 2007 MeshNetics Page 4 of 22

ZigBit™ OEM Modules Product Datasheet

)

A

A

directly to the module, thus expanding the existing set of sensor interfaces. The over-the-air control via AT­commands makes debugging and network testing easier. It also enables wireless module configuration during OEM
mass-production process and provides flexible commissioning protocol for installation and maintenance of ZigBit­based devices.

The eZeeNet is compact private profile software from MeshNetics that is specifically tailored for data acquisition
applications. It allows optimizing the network traffic, reducing power consumption, scheduling, and smart power
management. The eZeeNet software comes with a set of drivers for standard peripherals (I

2

C, GPIO, ADC, etc.) that

ensure the ZigBit module easy integration.

Specifications

Test Conditions (unless otherwise stated): Vcc= 3 V, f=2.45 GHz, T

Module Operating Conditions

Parameters Range Unit Condition

Supply Voltage (V

1.8 to 3.6 V

cc

Current Consumption: RX mode 19 m
Current Consumption: TX mode 18 m
Current Consumption: Radio is turned off,

14 mA see Note

MCU is active for 50% of the time.
Current Consumption: Power Save mode 6

Note: Parameters specified above are measured under the following conditions:

• eZeeNet software is running at 4 MHz clock rate, DTR line management is turned off

• all interfaces are set to the default state (see Pin Assignment Table)

• output TX power is 0 dBm

• JTAG is not connected

• V

= 3.0 V

cc

• actual current consumption depends on multiple factors, including but not limited to the board

design and materials, extra MCU load by user application, peripherals usage, EEPROM
reading/writing, eZeeNet settings, network activity and so on.

= 25 °C

amb

µA

see Note
see Note

see Note

RF Characteristics

Parameters Range Unit Condition

Frequency Band 2.400 to 2.4835 GHz
Number of Channels 16
Channel Spacing 5MHz
Transmitter Output Power -17 to +3 dBm Adjusted in 16

steps

Receiver Sensitivity - 101 dBm PER = 1%
Maximum RX Input Level -8 dBm PER = 1%
On-Air Data Rate 250 kb/s
TX Output / Rx Input Nominal Impedance 100 Ohms

© 2007 MeshNetics Page 5 of 22

ZigBit™ OEM Modules Product Datasheet

y

(

ATmega1281V Microcontroller Characteristics

Parameters Range Unit Condition

On-Chip Flash Memory Size 128 kBytes
On-Chip RAM Size 8 kBytes
On-Chip EEPROM Size 4 kBytes
Operation Frequenc

4MHz

Module Interfaces Characteristics

Parameters Range Unit Condition

UART Maximum Baud Rate 38.4 kb/s
ADC Resolution / Conversion Time 10 / 200

ADC Input Resistance 100 MOhm
ADC Reference Voltage (Vref) 1.0 to Vcc-0.3 V
ADC Input Voltage
I2C Maximum Clock 222 kHz
GPIO Output Voltage (High/Low) 2.3 / 0.5 V
Real Time Oscillator Frequency 32.768 kHz

0 ÷ Vref

Bits / µs

V

In the single
conversion mode

-10 / 5 mA)

Absolute Maximum Ratings***

Parameter Min Value Max Value

Voltage of any Pin except RESET with respect to -0.5 V Vcc + 0.5 V
Voltage on RESET with respect to Ground -0.5 V +13.0 V
DC Current per I/O Pin 40 mA
DC Current D_VCC and DGND Pins 200 mA
Input RF Level +10 dBm

***Absolute Maximum Ratings are the values beyond which damage to the device may occur. Under no
circumstances must the absolute maximum ratings given in the following table be violated. Stresses beyond those
listed under “Absolute Maximum Ratings” may cause permanent damage to the device.

This is a stress rating only and functional operation of the device at these or other conditions, beyond those
indicated in the operational sections of this specification, is not implied. Exposure to absolute maximum rating
conditions for extended periods may affect device reliability.

****Caution! ESD-sensitive device. Precaution should be used when handling the device in order to prevent
permanent damage.

© 2007 MeshNetics Page 6 of 22

ZigBit™ OEM Modules Product Datasheet

V

g

g

Physical/Environmental Characteristics and Outline

Parameter

alue Notes

Size 18.8 x 13.5 x 2.8 mm ZDM-A1281-B0

24.0 x 13.5 x 2.8 mm ZDM-A1281-A2

Weight 1.3

1.5

ZDM-A1281-B0
ZDM-A1281-A2

Operating Temperature Range -20°C to +70°C -40°C to +85°C operational*

ZDM-A1281-B0 Mechanical Drawing

±0,2

18,8

±0,2

17,3

118

1925

±0,2

±0,2

12,0

13,5

44 48

26 43

All dimensions are in millimeters

1925

±0,2

±0,2

12,0

13,5

26 43

All dimensions are in millimeters

17,3

1,0 typ

-0.2

0,8

1,0 typ

±0,1

0,7

±0,1

2,0

ZDM-A1281-A2 Mechanical Drawing

±0,2

24,0

±0,2

118

-0.2

0,8

±0,1

0,7

±0,1

2,0

*

Minor degradation of clock stability may o ccur

© 2007 MeshNetics Page 7 of 22