Linx HHCP EVAL-***-HHCP, HHLR EVAL-***-HHLR, KEY# EVAL-***-KEY# OEM Transmitter Evaluation Kit User's Guide

OEM Transmitter
Evaluation Kit
User's Guide
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Technologies product is intended for use in any application without
redundancies where the safety of life or property is at risk.
NO OEM LINX REMOTE CONTROL OR FUNCTION MODULE
SHOULD EVER BE USED IN LIFE AND PROPERTY SAFETY
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from the data line or RSSI lines without a protocol or encoder/
of any Linx customer who uses one or more of these products to
decoder to validate the data. Without validation, any signal from
incorporate appropriate redundancies and safety standards for the Life
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All RF products are susceptible to RF interference that can prevent
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Do not use any Linx
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Excessive voltage or extended operation at the maximum voltage could
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cause product failure. Exceeding the reflow temperature profile could
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and may cause product failure which is not immediately evident.
Do not make any physical or electrical modifications to any Linx
product. This will void the warranty and regulatory and UL certifications
and may cause product failure which is not immediately evident.
Table of Contents
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Introduction
Ordering Information
OEM Transmitter Button Assignments
DS Series Receiver / Decoder Evaluation Board
Theory of Operation
Using the Kit
Setting the Address
Input Interpretation Selection Switches
Selecting the Protocol
Development Using the Prototyping Area
Using the Boards as a Design Reference
Range Testing
About Antennas
In Closing
DS Series Decoder Evaluation Board Schematic
Resources
OEM Transmitter Basic Evaluation Kit
User's Guide
Figure 1: OEM Transmitter Basic Evaluation Kit
Introduction
Linx OEM RF transmitters offer a simple, efficient and cost-effective method
of adding remote control and command capabilities to any product. The
Basic Evaluation Kit provides a designer all the tools necessary to correctly
incorporate Linx OEM transmitters and receiver modules into a product.
The evaluation board serves several important functions:
•
Rapid Evaluation: It allows the performance of the transmitters and
receivers to be evaluated quickly in a user's environment.
•
Range Testing: Using the OEM transmitter and the included
development board, a simplex transmission is generated that can be
used to evaluate the range performance of the products.
•
Prototype Development: An on-board prototyping area is provided,
which allows for additional circuitry to be placed directly on the board
so that it can act as the first prototype of the product. All of the signals
are available on a breakout header for easy access.
•
Design Benchmark: During the design process of your product, the kit
provides a known benchmark against which the performance of your
own design may be judged.
The kit includes 2 OEM transmitters, 2 DS Series encoders / decoders*, 2
LR Series receivers*, 2 PCB-mount RP-SMA connectors*, 1 development
board, 1 CW Series antenna, 2 AAA batteries and full documentation.
*One part is soldered to the board, one extra is for use on the first prototype board
– 1 –
Revised 3/18/2015
DS Series Receiver / Decoder Evaluation Board
Ordering Information
Ordering Information
8
Part Number
Description
EVAL-***-HHCP
Compact Handheld Basic Evaluation Kit
EVAL-***-HHLR
Long-Range Handheld Basic Evaluation Kit
EVAL-***-KEY#
Keyfob Basic Evaluation Kit
*** = 315, 418 (Standard) or 433MHz
# = Number of buttons: 1 to 5
2
3
14
1
11
5
4
9
Figure 2: Ordering Information
D6
D5
D4
D3
D2
D1
D0
CMD-HHCP-***
CMD-HHLR-***
7
12
OEM Transmitter Button Assignments
D7
6
10
D3
D0 D4 D2
D1
CMD-KEY#-***
Figure 4: DS Series Decoder Evaluation Board
1. Battery – 3VDC (use 2 AAA style batteries)
2. Power Switch
3. Power On Indicator LED
4. Prototyping Area
5. Breakout Header
6. LR Series Receiver Module
7. DS Series Encoder / Decoder
8. Reverse-Polarity SMA Antenna Connector
9. LEDs – D1–D7
10. Buzzer – D0
11. Protocol Selection Switch
12. Data and Address Line Interpretation Configuration Switches
13. Address Configuration DIP Switch
14. Valid Transmission Received LED
Figure 3: OEM Transmitter Button Assignments
–2 –
13
– 3 –
Theory of Operation
Setting the Address
OEM Transmitters
Linx OEM transmitters are a great way to quickly bring a remote control
product to market. They are fully assembled and certified, eliminating the
need for design, tooling, and certification. Linx can also customize the
transmitters with customer specific art, logos or switch layouts.
The operation of the OEM transmitter is straightforward. When a button(s)
is pressed on the OEM transmitter, the states of D0 to D7 are formatted
into packets by an on-board encoder IC. These encoded packets are sent
to a Linx transmitter that, through the antenna, conveys the data into free
space.
Receiver / Decoder Evaluation Board
The receiver board is powered by two AAA batteries. A Linx LR Series
receiver is used for reception of the transmitted signal. This receiver
provides exceptional sensitivity, allowing the transmitter and receiver to
operate at distances of up to 1,000 feet (depending on TX model and
signal conditions). The data recovered by the receiver is decoded by the
DS Series set as a decoder. If the settings of the 10-position DIP switch on
the receiver board match the address setting of the transmitter, the data
line outputs are updated to match the state of the buttons on the OEM
transmitter. To demonstrate this, one data line on the evaluation board is
used to drive a buzzer while the other lines activate LEDs. This board also
has a prototyping area with all of the receiver and decoder lines brought
out to a header.
Using the Kit
Using the kit is straightforward. Simply attach the antenna to the board and
install the batteries. Set the address on the transmitter and on the board
to the same settings, turn on the power to the board, and press a button
on the transmitter. When D0 is pressed, the buzzer sounds; when S1–S7
are pressed, the LEDs turn on. When any button (D0–D7) is pressed on the
transmitter, the corresponding decoder output (D0–D7) is active high (VCC)
on the prototyping header.
The DS Series encoder and decoder each have ten address lines that must
match in order for the transmitter and receiver to talk to each other. If they
do not match, then the decoder ignores the transmission and takes no
action.
To set the address on the receiver evaluation board, note the A0–A9 labels
on the board and turn the DIP switches on or off as desired. If a switch is
on, the address line is connected to ground. If it is off, then the address line
is pulled high to VCC.
Figure 4: The Evaluation Board Address DIP Switch
The four OEM transmitters have different ways of setting their address
lines. For your convenience, a brief explanation follows; however, the OEM
transmitter manual or Application Note AN-00300 should be referenced for
complete details.
The HHCP and HHLR utilize a ten-position DIP switch that is accessed by
a cover on the back of the remote. The switch numbers match the address
lines with switch number 1 corresponding to A0 and number 10 to A9.
The Keyfob has ten internal cut traces numbered 0 to 9 to match A0 to A9.
If the trace is intact, it is connected to ground; when cut, it is floating.
Note: All address switches ON and all switches OFF are not valid
states and are not recognized by the decoder. At least one switch
must be set differently from the rest.
Note: All switches (address, protocol select and interpretation
configuration) must match on both the transmitter and the decoder /
receiver board.
–4 –
– 5 –
Input Interpretation Selection Switches
Development Using the Prototyping Area
The DS Series was designed to replace an encoder and decoder from
Holtek. These parts had tri-state lines, so the address and data lines could
be high, low or floating. The DS can only be high or low, so these selection
switches are included for backwards compatibility. In the case of the OEM
transmitters, the switches should be set as follows: D_CFG to 0 or down,
A_CFG0 to 0 or down and A_CFG1 to 1 or up (Figure 5). These lines are
hardwired in the transmitter so must be set on the receiver board to match.
Please see the DS Series data guide for more information on the input line
interpretation.
In addition to evaluation functions, the boards may also be used for
product development. The evaluation board features a prototyping area for
the addition of application-specific circuitry. This area has connections to
VCC at the top and to ground at the bottom that can be used to power any
circuitry that is added.
Note: If added circuitry requires a higher current than can be provided
by the batteries, the batteries must be removed and the board
powered from an external source.
The holes are plated and set at 0.1" on center with a 0.04" diameter,
accommodating industry-standard SIP and DIP packages. The data line
outputs, Valid Transmission (VT) and the DATA line from the receiver (DIN)
have been wired out to a header row to the right of the prototyping area.
This allows easy access for connection to external circuitry. Data line D0 is
connected to a buzzer, D1 to D7 and VT are connected to LEDs.
Figure 5: The Evaluation Board Input Interpretation Selection Switches
Selecting the Protocol
The DS Series encoder / decoder offers two over-the-air protocols:
Holtek and serial. The Holtek selection is used when communicating with
other Holtek devices. This is a legacy protocol that provides backwards
compatibility.
The serial selection offers a much more reliable protocol that offers better
range and response time. The protocol is selected by a switch on the
HHPC and HHLR transmitter and the Protocol Select Switch on the
evaluation board, as shown in Figure 6. The CMD-Key# transmitter does
not support serial protocol. The protocols are not interoperable, so the
switches must be set the same on both sides.
Using the Boards as a Design Reference
Since the OEM transmitters are a finished product, most of the designer’s
work will be incorporating the receiver into the end product. The basic
evaluation board included in this kit is very simple, yet illustrates some
important techniques that should be incorporated into the board layout.
The receiver’s mounting pads extend slightly past the edge of the part. This
eases hand assembly and allows for better heat conduction under the part
if rework is necessary. A full ground plane fill is placed on the bottom of the
board. This ground plane serves three important purposes:
First, since a quarter-wave antenna is employed, the ground plane is
critical to serve as a counterpoise (please see Application Note AN-00500
“Antennas: Design, Application, and Performance” for details on how a
ground plane affects antenna function).
Second, a ground plane suppresses the transfer of noise between stages
of a product as well as unintentional radiation of noise into free space.
Figure 6: The Evaluation Board Protocol Selection Switch
–6 –
Third, a ground plane allows for the implementation of a microstrip feed
between the module and the antenna. The term microstrip refers to a PCB
trace running over a ground plane that is designed to serve as a 50-ohm
transmission line. See the LR Series receiver data guide or the calculator
available on our website for details on microstrip calculations.
– 7 –
Range Testing
About Antennas
Complex mathematical models exist for determining path loss in many
environments. These models vary as the transmitter and receiver are
moved from indoor operation to outdoor operation. Although these models
can provide an estimation of range performance in the field, the most
reliable method is to simply perform range tests using the transmitter and
receiver in the intended usage environment.
The choice of antennas is one of the most critical and often overlooked
design considerations. The range, performance and legality of an RF link
are critically dependent upon the type of antenna employed. Linx offers
a variety of antenna styles that can be considered for a design. Included
with the kit is a Linx connectorized whip antenna that should be connected
prior to using the kit. Despite the fact the antenna is not centered on the
board’s ground plane, it exhibits an outstanding VSWR of <1.7 and suitably
demonstrates the module's best practical performance.
Simple range testing can be performed with the transmitter and receiver
evaluation board. To prepare the board for range testing, simply turn it
on by switching the power switch to the ON position. Pressing D0 on the
transmitter activates the buzzer on the receiver board, while D1 activates
the LED.
As the maximum range of the link in an area is approached, it is not
uncommon for the signal to cut in and out as the transmitter moves. This
is normal and can result from other interfering sources or fluctuating signal
levels due to multipath. Multipath results in cancellation of the transmitted
signal as direct and reflected signals arrive at the receiver at differing times
and phases. The areas in which this occurs are commonly called “nulls”
and simply walking a little further usually restores the signal. If this does not
restore the signal, then the maximum effective range of the link has been
reached.
To achieve maximum range, keep objects such as your hand away from
the antenna and ensure that the antenna on the transmitter has a clear and
unobstructed line-of-sight path to the receiver board. Range performance
is determined by many interdependent factors. If the range you are able to
achieve is significantly less than what is specified for the products being
tested, then there is likely a problem either with the board or the ambient
RF environment in which the board is operating. First, check the battery,
switch positions, address settings, and antenna connection. Next, measure
the receiver's RSSI voltage with the transmitter turned off to determine
if ambient interference is present. If this fails to resolve the issue, please
contact Linx technical support.
–8 –
In Closing
Here at Linx, “Wireless Made Simple” is more than just our motto, it is
our commitment. A commitment to the highest caliber of product, service
and support. That is why, should you have questions or encounter any
difficulties using the evaluation kit, you’ll be glad to know many resources
are available to assist you. First, check carefully for the obvious, then
visit our website at www.linxtechnologies.com or call +1 541 471 6256
between 8AM and 4PM Pacific Time to speak with an application engineer.
Legal Notice: All Linx kits are designed in keeping with high
engineering standards; however, it is the responsibility of the user
to ensure that the products are operated in a legal and appropriate
manner. The purchaser understands that the legal operation may
require additional permits, approvals, or certifications prior to use,
depending on the country and operation.
– 9 –
Resources
BZ1
DS Series Decoder Evaluation Board Schematic
8
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GND
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LICAL-EDC-DS001
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A8
A7
A6
A5
A4
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A2
A1
A0
P_SEL
D0
D1
D2
D3
D4
D5
GND
D6
D7
E/D_SEL
D_CFG
A_CFG0
A_CFG1
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
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R20 200
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R19 200
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28
27
26
25
24
23
22
21
20
19
18
17
16
15
DIN
RF Design Services
For customers who need help implementing Linx modules, Linx offers
design services including board layout assistance, programming,
certification advice and packaging design. For more complex RF solutions,
Apex Wireless, a division of Linx Technologies, creates optimized designs
with RF components and firmware selected for the customer’s application.
Call +1 800 736 6677 (+1 541 471 6256 if outside the United States) for
more information.
Antenna Factor Antennas
Linx’s Antenna Factor division has the
industry’s broadest selection of antennas
by
for a wide variety of applications. For
customers with specialized needs, custom
antennas and design services are available along with simulations of
antenna performance to speed development. Learn more at
www.linxtechnologies.com.
9
NC
DATA
RXM-XXX-LR
P_SEL
D0
D1
D2
D3
D4
D5
GND
D6
D7
GND
D_CFG
A_CFG0
A_CFG1
8
11
10
NC
NC
RSSI
PDN
7
6
R18 100k A9
100k A4
R8
R16 100k A8
100k A3
R5
R14 100k A7
100k A2
R4
R13 100k A6
100k A1
R3
R10 100k A5
100k A0
VCC
R2
A0
A1
A2
A3
A4
A5
A6
A7
A8
A9
20
19
18
17
16
15
14
13
12
11
GND
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
GND
VCC
GND
S1
SW4
GND
VCC
A_CFG1
SW3
GND
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A_CFG0
SW2
VCC
SW1
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A[0..9]
VCC
12
NC
VCC
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VCC
14
13
NC
NC
GND
NC
4
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3
15
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A2
A1
A0
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200 ohm
D9
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D3
D4
D5
D6
D7
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
VT
GND
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R21
620 ohm
D8
TP1
1
B1
BAT-HLD-AAA
S2
VCC
VALID TXM BLUE
1
Support
For technical support, product documentation, application notes, regulatory
guidelines and software updates, visit www.linxtechnologies.com
Figure 7: DS Series Decoder Board Schematic
–10 –
– 11 –
Linx Technologies
159 Ort Lane
Merlin, OR, US 97532
Phone: +1 541 471 6256
Fax: +1 541 471 6251
www.linxtechnologies.com
Disclaimer
Linx Technologies is continually striving to improve the quality and function of its products. For this reason, we
reserve the right to make changes to our products without notice. The information contained in this Data Guide
is believed to be accurate as of the time of publication. Specifications are based on representative lot samples.
Values may vary from lot-to-lot and are not guaranteed. “Typical” parameters can and do vary over lots and
application. Linx Technologies makes no guarantee, warranty, or representation regarding the suitability of any
product for use in any specific application. It is the customer’s responsibility to verify the suitability of the part for
the intended application. NO LINX PRODUCT IS INTENDED FOR USE IN ANY APPLICATION WHERE THE SAFETY
OF LIFE OR PROPERTY IS AT RISK.
Linx Technologies DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL LINX TECHNOLOGIES BE LIABLE FOR ANY OF CUSTOMER’S INCIDENTAL OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING IN ANY WAY FROM ANY DEFECTIVE OR NON-CONFORMING PRODUCTS
OR FOR ANY OTHER BREACH OF CONTRACT BY LINX TECHNOLOGIES. The limitations on Linx Technologies’
liability are applicable to any and all claims or theories of recovery asserted by Customer, including, without
limitation, breach of contract, breach of warranty, strict liability, or negligence. Customer assumes all liability
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conveyed any license or right to the use or ownership of such items.
©2015 Linx Technologies. All rights reserved.
The stylized Linx logo, Wireless Made Simple, WiSE, CipherLinx and the stylized CL logo are trademarks of Linx Technologies.