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EZRadio-DK User’s Guide
EZRADIO Si4455 TWO-WAY AND Si4012/Si4355
O
NE-WAY LINK DEVELOPMENT KIT USER ’S GUIDE
1. Kits Overview
This user's guide describes the development kits of the Silicon Labs' EZRadio® product family. Each kit contains
two RF nodes based on the Wireless Motherboard (WMB) to support evaluation and development of sub-GHz RF
links with the different EZRadio ICs. Table 1 lists the boards of the kits that use the latest C2A revision of the
EZRadio ICs. Table 2 lists the boards of the obsolete kits that use the previous B1B revision of the EZRadio ICs.
Table 3 lists the content that is common to all kits.
The WMB has an LCD display and four LEDs to display information and four push-buttons to receive user
commands. Additionally, the Silicon Labs Toolstick Base Adapter is integrated on the board to be easily
connected to the PC for downloading and debugging user applications.
The RF pico board provides connection to the radio device.
The kit s support use of the Wireless Development Suite (WDS) for setting radio pa rameters an d managing
sample codes.
The kits support the use of the Silicon Laboratories Integrated Development Environment (IDE) for
software debugging and the use of the Keil C compiler, assembler, and linker toolchain.
Table 1. Development Boards of the EZRadio Development Kits
Qty Description Part Number
Si4455 EZRadio Two-Way Link Development Kit 434 MHz 4455C-434-PDK
2 Si4455 434 MHz RF Pico board with SMA connector 4455CPCE10D434M
2 Wireless Motherboard MSC-WMB930
2 C8051F930 MCU Pico Board UPPI-930-RF
Si4455 EZRadio Two-Way Link Development Kit 868 MHz 4455C-868-PDK
2 Si4455 868 MHz RF Pico board with SMA connector 4455CPCE10D868M
2 Wireless Motherboard MSC-WMB930
2 C8051F930 MCU Pico Board UPPI-930-RF
Si4455 EZRadio Two-Way Link Development Kit 915 MHz 4455C-915-PDK
2 Si4455 915 MHz RF Pico board with SMA connector 4455CPCE10D915M
2 Wireless Motherboard MSC-WMB930
2 C8051F930 MCU Pico Board UPPI-930-RF
Rev. 0.4 9/14 Copyright © 2014 by Silicon Laboratories EZRadio-DK User’s Guide
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EZRadio-DK User’s Guide
Table 2. Development Boards of the Obsolete EZRadio Development Kits
Qty Description Part Number
Si4455 EZRadio Two-Way Link Development Kit 434 MHz 4455-434-PDK
2
Si4455 434 MHz RF Pico board with SMA connector
2
Wireless Motherboard
2
C8051F930 MCU Pico Board
Si4455 EZRadio Two-Way Link Development Kit 868 MHz 4455-868-PDK
2
Si4455 868 MHz RF Pico board with SMA connector
2
Wireless Motherboard
2
C8051F930 MCU Pico Board
Si4455 EZRadio Two-Way Link Development Kit 915 MHz 4455-915-PDK
2
Si4455 915 MHz RF Pico board with SMA connector
2
Wireless Motherboard
2
C8051F930 MCU Pico Board
Si4012/Si4355 EZRadio One-Way Link Dev elopment Kit 434 MHz 4012-434-PDK
1
Si4355 434 MHz RF Pico board with SMA connector
1
Wireless Motherboard
1
C8051F930 MCU Pico Board
1
Si4012 434 MHz RF Pico board with SMA connector
1
LCD Base Board
Si4012/Si4355 EZRadio One-Way Link Dev elopment Kit 915 MHz 4012-915-PDK
1
Si4355 915 MHz RF Pico board with SMA connector
1
Wireless Motherboard
1
C8051F930 MCU Pico Board
1
Si4012 915 MHz RF Pico board with SMA connector
1
LCD Base Board
4455-PCE10D434M
MSC-WMB930
UPPI-930-RF
4455-PCE10D868M
MSC-WMB930
UPPI-930-RF
4455-PCE10D915M
MSC-WMB930
UPPI-930-RF
4355-PRXB434M
MSC-WMB930
UPPI-930-RF
4012-PSC10B434
MSC-LCDBB930-PER
4355-PRXB915M
MSC-WMB930
UPPI-930-RF
4012-PSC10B915
MSC-LCDBB930-PER
Table 3. Common Kit Content
Qty D escription Part Number
2
USB cable (USBA-USB mini)
2
Antenna with SMA connection
4
AA Battery
1
EZRadio Development Kit User's Guide
2 Rev. 0.4
MSC-AT50-XXX
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EZRadio-DK User ’s Guide
2. Software Setup
There are two software tools provided by Silicon Labs to aid in EZRadio software development: the Wireless
Development Suite (WDS) and the Silicon Labs Integrated Development Environment (IDE). The recommended
starting point for EZRadio development is the WDS software tool. This tool is able to identify the connected boards
by reading their identification memories (EBID) and provides valuable help by greatly simplifying radio
configuration, evaluation, and application development.
2.1. Hardware and Software Requirements for WDS
Windows XP
Microsoft .NET framework 3.5 or later
Silicon Labs CP210x VCP driver
WDS v3.2.7.0 or later
The lack of the .NET framework and VCP driver are recognized during the WDS installation. The install wizard will
install the missing components after prompting the user for permission.
2.2. Download WDS
The WDS can be obtained from the Silicon Labs website free of charge. For more information, see links in "4.
Useful Documents" on page 6.
2.3. Installation Steps
Note: Before installing this software, local administration rights must be obtained from your network administrator.
1. Start WDS3 -Setup.exe
2. Click “Next” to start the installation process
3. Accept the license agreement by clicking the check box, and then press the “Next” button.
4. Select the installation folder.
It is recommended to use the default folder, C:\Program Files\Silabs\WDS3
5. When your settings are confirmed, click “Install” to continue.
6. Click “Finish” to close the WDS Installer.
®
or later
Rev. 0.4 3
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EZRadio-DK User’s Guide
3. Hardware Setup
3.1. Si4355/4455 Nodes
After checking the kit contents against Tables 2 and 3, the kit can be put into operation by performing the steps
listed below.
Figure 1. Wireless Motherboard Top Markings
1. Insert an RF Pico board into the connectors labeled as CON1 and CON2 on the WMB.
2. Insert an MCU Pico Board into the connectors, J5, J6, J7, and J8, on the WMB. Align the triangle sym bol
on the MCU Pico board or the dotted corner of the MCU with the triangle symbol on the WMB.
3. Connect the antenna to the SMA connector on the RF Pico Board.
4. Set the SUPPLY SELECT switch to USB position.
5. Set the MCU DC/DC switch to the OFF position.
6. Ensure that all the CURRENT MEASUREMENT jumpers (J18-J21) are in place.
7. Start the WDS on your PC.
8. Using one of the USB cables in the kit, connect the WMB to the PC.
9. Wait for Windows to install the driver of the debug interface if necessary.
10. WDS must identify the connected board and open an Application Manager window that lists information
about the identified board.
1 1. Boards are shippe d without preload ed soft ware. Sample co des can be configu red and downloaded to the
WMCU from WDS. For details on how to use the WDS, see the WDS User's Guides listed in "4. Useful
Documents" on page 6.
4 Rev. 0.4
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EZRadio-DK User ’s Guide
Repeat steps 1 to 9 for the other node of the kit. The tw o no des are now ready for evaluation. Detailed descriptions
of the example codes can be fou nd in the programming guide listed in "4. Useful Documents" on page 6. The
following is a quick-step guide to performing simple packet TX/RX.
1. Leave both nodes powered from the USB as described above.
2. Select “Radio Configuration Application”.
3. From the Radio Configuration Application win dow , select “Standard Packet TX” for one node and “St andard
Packet RX” for the other node.
4. Leave the default parameter settings untouched; simply click “Download project”.
5. Now, the simple TX/RX sample project is running on the boards. When pressing one of the SW1 to SW4
buttons on the Tx board, packets are sent, and the corresp onding LED of LED1 to LED4 lights up during
the transmission. On the RX side, LED1 is always on, while different combinations of LED2 to LED4 light
up during successful packet reception according to the button pressed.
3.2. Si4012 Node
1. Insert the Si4012 RF Pico board into the connectors labeled as RFP1 and RFP2 on the LCD Base Board.
2. Connect the antenna to the SMA connector on the RF Pico Board
3. Set the SUPPLY SELECT switch (SW1) to USB position
4. Start the WDS on your PC
5. Using one of the USB cables in the kit, connect the Base Board to the PC.
6. If necessary wait for Windows to install the debug interface driver.
7. WDS must identify the connected board and open an Application Manager window that lists information
about the identified board.
8. Boards are shipped without preloaded software. Sample codes can be configured and downloaded to the
MCU from WDS. For details of how to use the WDS see the WDS User's Guides listed in "Section 4. Useful
documents".
The node is now ready for evaluation. Detailed description of the example codes can be found in the Si4012
programming guide listed in "Section 4. Useful documents".
The following is a quick step guide to performing a simple packet TX/RX.
1. Leave the node powered from USB as described above.
2. Select Radio Configuration Application
3. Set the Center Frequency to the value selected (or default) on the receiver node.
4. On the lower part of the Radio Configuration Application window select Packet TX sample project
5. Leave other default parameter settings untouched, just click "Load firmware".
Now the Packet TX sample project is running on the board. When pressing one of SW1, SW2 or SW3 buttons on
the board, packets are sent and the corresp onding LED of LED1, LED2 or LED3 lights up after the transmission.
On the RX side, the corresponding LED lights up during successful packet receptions.
A description of the LCD Base Board can be found in “AN746: Si4012 Programming Guide.” A complete CAD
design pack plus PDF schematic is also available on the Si4012 product page of www.silabs.com.
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EZRadio-DK User’s Guide
4. Useful Documents
For general information on the EZRadio ICs, see the following data sheets:
Si4355 Data Sheet
Si4455 Data Sheet
Si4012 Data Sheet
For detailed information on how to program the EZRadio ICs, refer to the following documents:
AN692: Si4355/4455 Programming Guide and Sample Codes
AN746: Si4012 Programming Guide
EZRadio API Documentation
Available Tools:
Silicon Laboratories IDE installer
WDS3 installer
For hardware design guidance, see the following application notes:
AN685: Layout Design Guide for the Si4455/4355 RF ICS
AN686: Antennas for the Si4455/4355 RF ICs
AN693: Si4455 Low-Power PA Matching
For detailed information on lab measurements and data sheet parameter verification, refer to the following
documents:
AN655: Range Test Application for the EZRadio and EZRadioPRO devices
AN796: Wireless Development Suite General Description
AN797: WDS User's Guide for EZRadio Devices
A complete CAD design pack of all development boards and other useful documents can be accessed via the
EZRadio web pages at www.silabs.com.
6 Rev. 0.4
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EZRadio-DK User ’s Guide
5. The Wireless Motherboard Hardware Platform
The wireless motherboard platform is a demo, evaluation, and development platform for EZRadioPRO radio ICs. It
consists of a wireless motherboard and interchangeable MCU and RF pico boards.
Figure 2. 8-Bit Wireless Motherboard Platform
Rev. 0.4 7
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EZRadio-DK User’s Guide
MCU Pico Board RF Pico Board
Current
Measurement
Pins
Radio
Test
Pins
Radio GPIO
Connectors
BuzzerReset ButtonPush ButtonsPotentiometer
MCU DC/DC
Converter
Switch
MCU Test
Pins
Power
Supply
Switch
Sensor
Module
Connector
External
Power
Supply
Connection
USB
Communication
and Debug
Interface
5.1. The Wireless Motherboard
The wireless motherboard contains four pushbuttons, four LEDs, and a buzzer, which function as simple user
interfaces. A graphical LCD displays menu items for range testing purposes, and a potentiometer demonstrates
the analog capabilities of the MCU. A switch supports the power options of the MCU’s built-in dc/dc converter.
Using the current measurement jumpers, current consumption can be me asured se para tely either for the MCU, the
radio, or the peripherals. The motherboard contain s test pins for all I/O pins of the MCU and for a ll digital pin s of the
radio. In addition, there are SMA connectors for the GPIOs of the radio for connection of test equipment. A USB
communication interface as well as a built-in Silicon Labs USB-to-C2 debug adapter are integrated onto the board
so that the wireless motherboard (WMB) can be directly connected via USB to the PC for downloading and
debugging code on the MCU. There is also an interface connection for sensor modules. The MCU is also
connected to the RF pico board through a connector pair.
Figure 3. Wireless Motherboard
8 Rev. 0.4
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EZRadio-DK User ’s Guide
5.2. Power Scheme
The power source of the platform can be selected with the “SUPPLY SELECT” power supply selector switch on the
WMB board. If this switch is in the “USB” position, supply voltage is provided by the PC that is connected to the
“J16” mini USB connector. If this switch is in the “BAT” position, the supply voltage is provided by two AA batteries
in the battery holder on the bottom side of the board. If the “SUPPLY SELECT” switch is in the “EXT” position,
supply voltage is provided by an external power source through the “TP7” and “TP9” points.
Using the “MCU dc/dc” switch, the internal dc/dc converter of the C88051F930 MCU on the MCU pico board can
be activated if the connected pico board supports this function. If the switch is in the “OFF” position, the MCU’s dc/
dc converter is inactive, and the supply voltage is only determined by the state of the “SUPPLY SELECT” switch.
Positioning the switch to either “LDO (1.25 V)” or “1 CELL” position will turn on the MCU’s dc/dc converter by
connecting 1.25–1.5 V supply voltage to the VBAT pin and removing external power from the VDC pin. The MCU
will provide 1.9 V in the default setting on its VDC pin to all the other connected loads. Since this current is limited,
it may be necessary to disconnect or disable some loading part of the board. For further details, see the MCU data
sheet and the board schematic. The board schematic can be found in the EZRadioPRO Development Kit User's
Guide. A complete CAD design pack of the board is also available at www.silabs.com.
5.3. RF Pico Board
Figure 4. RF Pico Board Top Side
The RF pico board is a radio module that contains an EZRadio ra dio IC, m atching network, and an SMA con nector
on the top side. These components (apart from the antenna connector) are covered by a metal shield for noise
reduction. The digital signals of the radio (SCLK, SDI, SDO, NSEL, SCL, SDA, VDD and GND) can be accessed
on test points at the edge of the board. The boards also have a factory-loaded board identification memory (EBID)
on the bottom side that co ntains d ata describing the board properties. Any RF Pico board can be connected to the
WMB via the unified RF Pico connector-pair on the bo ttom side of the board. Table 4 lists the connections between
the MCU and the radio or other peripherals.
Some GPIOs of the MCU has dual function. Primary functions are factory connected on the WMB. Secondary
functions can be connected by desoldering a 0 resistor that connects the primary function and soldering it into
the proper position to connect the secondary function. Secondary connections are listed in parenthesis in Table 4.
Rev. 0.4 9
Page 10
EZRadio-DK User’s Guide
Table 4. MCU, Radio, and Peripheral Connections
Si4x55 Pin Si4012 Pin Name RF Pico Board J1 WMB CON2 C51F930 Pin 0 Resistor
EP,1,6,9 2 GND 2 1,2,19,20 GND
7,8 5 VDD 1 17,18 VDD
12 NIRQ 10 7 P0.1
2SDN38P2.3
16 NSEL 6 6 P1.4
13 SCLK 9 5 P1.0
15 SDI 7 3 P1.2
14 SDO 8 4 P1.1
10 GPIO_0 12 11 (P2.6) (R48)
11 GPIO_1 11 12 P1.3
19 GPIO_2 5 13 P2.5
20 GPIO_3 4 14 P2.4
10 SDA 3 9 P2.1 R26
9SCL 4 10P2.2R97
7NIRQ 6 7P0.1
8SDN 5 8P2.3
SW1/LED1 P0.0 R90
SW2/LED2 P0.6
SW3/LED3 P0.2
SW4/LED4 P0.3
BUZZER P2.6 R49
TS_RX P0.4
TS_TX P0.5
LCD_A0 P1.6 R98
SPI0_SCK P1.5
SPI0_MISO P1.6
SPI0_MOSI P1.7
SPI0_NSSA
(GLCD)
P2.0
VREF (P0.0) (R25)
IREF (P1.6) (R35)
POT_EN (P2.1) (R64)
POT (P2.2) (R51)
CS/INTb P2.4
10 Rev. 0.4
Page 11
EZRadio-DK User ’s Guide
6. Board Schematics
The complete design pack of all RF Pico boards and all WMBs can be found at www.silabs.com.
Figure 5. Wireless Motherboard Schematic (1 of 4)
Rev. 0.4 11
Page 12
EZRadio-DK User’s Guide
12 Rev. 0.4
Figure 6. Wireless Motherboard Schematic (2 of 4)
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EZRadio-DK User ’s Guide
Figure 7. Wireless Motherboard Schematic (3 of 4)
Rev. 0.4 13
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EZRadio-DK User’s Guide
14 Rev. 0.4
Figure 8. Wireless Motherboard Schematic (4 of 4)
Page 15
EZRadio-DK User ’s Guide
C1
2.2uF
C2
100nF
C3
100pF
C4
33pF
C5
100nF
Q1
30MHz
R7
4R7
1A02A13
A24VSS
5
SDA
6
SCL
7WP8
VCC
U3
24AA64T-I MNY
C11 100nF
12
34
56
78
910
11 12
13 14
15 16
17 18
19 20
RFP1
12
34
56
78
910
11 12
13 14
15 16
17 18
19 20
RFP2
123456789
1011121314
15
J1
CM3
8.2pF
CM2
15pF
C0
18pF
LM1
18nH
LM2
18nH
L0
56nH
CM1
8.2pF
LC
220nH
RF Shield
U4
SHIELD_BMI-S-203-F
TRX
SMAVERT
CR2
2.7pF
CR1
5.1pF
LR1
56nH
LR2
56nH
CC1
270pF
PCB sticker
1
S1
PCB_STICKER_13X25MM
1
GND2SDN
3
RXP4RXN5TX
6
GND
7
VDD
8
VDD
9
GND
10
GPI O_0
11
GPI O_1
12
NIRQ
13
SCLK
14
SDO
15
SDI
16
NSEL
17
XOUT
18
XIN
19
GPI O_2
20
GPI O_3
EP
EP
U1
Si4455
RFVDD
RF_MOSI RF_MISO
RF_SCLK RF_NSEL
RF_NIRQ RF_SDN
RF_GPIO_0 RF_GPIO _1
RF_GPIO_2 RF_GPIO _3
RFVDDRFVDD
EBID_SCL EBID_SDA
VPP
VPP
VPP
VPP
VPP
EBID_SCL
EBID_SDA
RFVDD
RFVDD
RFVDD
RF_SDN
GND
RF_GPIO_3
RF_GPIO_2
RF_NSEL
RF_MOSI
RF_MISO
RF_SCLK
RF_NIRQ
RF_GPIO_1
RF_GPIO_0
RF_SDN
RF_GPIO_3
RF_GPIO_2
RF_NSEL
RF_MOSI
RF_MISO
RF_SCLK
RF_NIRQ
RF_GPIO_1
RF_GPIO_0
Rev. 0.4 15
Figure 9. 4455-PCE10D434M RF Pico Board Schematic
Page 16
EZRadio-DK User’s Guide
RF Secti on
Matchi ng network for 915MHz with wirewound i nduct ors
RF EBID
50Ohm load
RF Shield
U4
SHIELD_BMI-S-203-F
PCB sticker
1
S1
PCB_STICKER_13X25MM
C2
100pF
1A02
A13A24VSS
5
SDA
6
SCL
7WP8
VCC
U3
24AA64T-I/MNY
C4 100nF
12
34
56
78
910
11 12
13 14
15 16
17 18
19 20
RFP1
12
34
56
78
910
11 12
13 14
15 16
17 18
19 20
RFP2
123456789
1011121314
15
J1
1
XTAL2GND3TXM4TXP5VDD
6
LED
7
NIRQ
8
SDN
9
SCL
10
SDA
U1
SI4012
LED
Red
3
1
X1
N.F.
C3
N.F.
CC1
56pF
CM2
1.0pF
CM3
2.4pF
CM1
2.0pF
LM1
120nH
LM2
3.3nH
LM3
24nH
LM4
2.7nH
CM5
5.1pF
CM6
5.1pF
LM5
6.2nH
C1
1uF
TX
SMAVERT
RFVDD
RFVDD
RFVDD
RF_NIRQ RF_SDN
RFVDDRFVDD
EBID_SCL EBID_SDA
VPP
VPP
VPP
VPP
VPP
EBID_SCL
EBID_SDA
RF_SDA
RF_SCL
RF_SDN
RF_NIRQ
RF_SDA RF_SCL
RFVDD
RFVDD
RF_SDA
RF_SCL
RF_SDN
RF_NIRQ
16 Rev. 0.4
Figure 10. 4012-PSC10B915 RF Pico Board Schematic
Page 17
EZRadio-DK User ’s Guide
Figure 11. UPPI-930-RF MCU Pico Board Schematic
Rev. 0.4 17
Page 18
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Disclaimer
Silicon Laboratories intends to provide customers with the latest, accurate, and in-depth documentation of all peripherals and modules available for system and software implementers
using or intending to use the Silicon Laboratories products. Characterization data, available modules and peripherals, memory sizes and memory addresses refer to each specific
device, and "Typical" parameters provided can and do vary in different applications. Application examples described herein are for illustrative purposes only. Silicon Laboratories
reserves the right to make changes without further notice and limitation to product information, specifications, and descriptions herein, and does not give warranties as to the accuracy
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thereof, "the world’s most energy friendly microcontrollers", Ember®, EZLink®, EZMac®, EZRadio®, EZRadioPRO®, DSPLL®, ISOmodem ®, Precision32®, ProSLIC®, SiPHY®,
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