2
Atmel AVR2081
8485B-AVR-04/12
3 Simple range measurement
The pre-flashed RF performance test suite on the Atmel REB231FE2 evaluation kit
assemblies features a simple range measurement application. Each assembly
operates in a standalone manner, and is able to transmit or receive data frames. A
successful transmit or receive operation is indicated by a blinking LED.
3.1 Power up the assemblies
Apply power to both REB-CBB assemblies by
switching on the power switch located on the top
side of the CBB. The assemblies run a power-on
check and indicate the successful completion by
switching on the second of the three LEDs, LED-
D2.
3.2 Run simple range measurement application
Choose one of the REB-CBB assemblies, and press button T1
to start the simple range measurement application.
First, the REB-CBB initiates a connection and configuration
procedure by sending broadcast frames and waiting for a
response from the second REB-CBB. After a successful
configuration, the REB-CBBs turn on LED-D1 to indicate that
status. The initiator starts to transmit data frames. Each data frame transmission is
indicated by blinking the TX status LED-D2. A successful data frame reception on the
second node is indicated by blinking the RX status LED-D3. The RX status LED stops
blinking if no data frames are received, such as when, for example, the node has left
the communication range. Data frame transmission can be stopped by pressing T1
once more on the node transmitting frames.
The REB-CBBs are able to transmit and receive simultaneously. Pressing button T1 on
both nodes initiates each node to transmit frames. Operating modes are indicated as:
LED-D1 a successful start-up, LED-D2 in transmit and LED-D3 in receive mode.
NOTE For stable data transfer, ensure the nodes are at least 0.5m apart. When the nodes
are too close together the high output power of the TX can saturate the RX node and
consequently degrades its performance significantly (data loss).
NOTE The node configuration gets lost when resetting or switching off the REB-CBB power
supply; to restart, a reset or power cycle is required for both REB-CBB assemblies
before pressing T1 on one (or both) REB-CBB(s).
4 Packet error rate measurement
The RF performance test suite features a packet error rate measurement (as defined
by IEEE
®
802.15.4), and allows to explore various radio transceiver features, radio
transceiver registers, and performance by tuning with customized configurations. For
this application, at least one REB-CBB assembly needs to be connected to a PC.
4.1 Board assembling
1. Assemble the boards as described in Chapter 2, Board
assembling.
2. Make sure that the power switch on both assemblies is
in the off position.
D3 D2 D1 T1
RX TX configuration
status
OFF
Power
switch
ON
