Beginner
10 min

Collect and transmit data in various industrial settings with LE70-868 and PIC32MX764F128L

Short-range RF (Radio Frequency) communication specifically made for use in the 868MHz

tRF Click with Fusion for PIC v8

Published Nov 02, 2023

Click board™

tRF Click

Dev Board

Fusion for PIC v8

Compiler

NECTO Studio

MCU

PIC32MX764F128L

Add short-range RF communication capabilities to a wide range of applications, particularly those focused on monitoring and control within the ISM band

A

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Hardware Overview

How does it work?

tRF Click is based on the LE70-868, a short-range wireless module from Telit. Due to its robustness and simplicity, it is ideally suited for replacing communication over cables, such as RS485 links (Profibus, Modbus) and half-duplex RS232 links, with wireless technology. With features such as Listen Before Talk (LBT), AES 128 encryption, excellent RX sensitivity of -117 dBm, 15 to 27 dBm output power, error reporting, and more, it is a perfect choice for establishing secure and reliable long-range network coverage, even in noisy environments. This module is composed of digital and RF sections. The RF section is responsible for frequency synthesis, packet handling, power amplification, and low noise reception. This module has a maximum power of 500mW, staying compliant with the ERC recommendation 70-03, Annex 1. The digital section takes care of all the I/O management and communication interfaces. The embedded MCU with the Telit software stack is also a part of this section. The module can be switched to command mode when it receives the command string (+++) via the UART. While configured to work in a command mode, it is possible to set the values of the registers. The radio communication is stopped while in this mode. The LE70-868 RF module documentation shows a list of registers, allowing a simplified device configuration. This module can operate in three different modes. In Transparent mode, its default mode, data is sent without addressing or encapsulation. Data sent to the UART RX pin of the module is sent over the air transparently as it is, where up to 115.2 kbps communication speed via UART is supported. All modules in range operating

on the same radio frequency can receive the data. The Addressed Secured mode uses frame addressing, CRC check, and acknowledgment. It allows a multipoint network to be realized, in which every module can communicate with other network modules. This mode also allows telemetry commands to be sent over the network and supports broadcasting (when sending data at address 0). Data is buffered before sending, so the frames should remain small enough to fit in the buffer. The Smart Repeater mode allows data communication between the coordinator and the end nodes, extending the function of the Addressed Secured mode. It allows every type of network distribution to be established - star topology, line topology, and a combination of these two. It can be used to extend the range of the network. Some additional features include LBT (Listen Before Talk), a feature that performs radio frequency scanning before it sends data, ensuring the radio band is free - avoiding data collisions. It works for both Transparent and Addressed modes. AES 128-bit data encryption helps achieve the required network security, while the Wake on Radio feature allows low power consumption, allowing modules to remain in Sleep mode, waking up periodically. The module wakes up entirely and processes the message when valid frames are received. As mentioned, tRF click uses the UART interface to communicate with the host MCU, supporting speed from 1.2 kbps to 115.2 kbps. In addition, the module is equipped with several configurable I/O pins. By default, they are used by the module to report status or as the control inputs. The IO9 pin is routed to the mikroBUS™ PWM pin labeled as

STS. This pin goes HIGH, during transmission over the serial port. While idle, it stays at the LOW logic level. The IO8 pin is routed to the mikroBUS™ INT pin labeled as ACK. In Addressed Secured mode, this signal goes to logic HIGH when an ACK notification is not received after frame transmission and repetition. The WKP/STB pin is used to wake the module or put it into standby mode. When the standby mode register S240 has the bit 0 set, while this pin stays at a HIGH logic level, the module will be in standby mode. The module will wake on the falling edge of this pin. It is routed to the mikroBUS™ AN pin labeled as STB. The #RESET pin is internally pulled up with a resistor. A LOW logic level on this pin will reset the embedded MCU of the module. It is routed to the RST pin of the mikroBUS™. The IO1 and IO2 pins are used to report network status by LEDs. The IO1 pin is routed to a red LED labeled TX, used to report any radio transmission from the module. The IO2 pin is routed to the yellow LED labeled RX, which reports any radio reception before the application layer processes it, activated when registers S261 and S262 are set to 0, respectively. SMA antenna connector is also included, allowing an 868MHz antenna to be connected for the optimal range of the module. This Click board™ can be operated only with a 3.3V logic voltage level. The board must perform appropriate logic voltage level conversion before using MCUs with different logic levels. Also, it comes equipped with a library containing functions and an example code that can be used as a reference for further development.

tRF Click hardware overview image

Features overview

Development board

Fusion for PIC v8 is a development board specially designed for the needs of rapid development of embedded applications. It supports a wide range of microcontrollers, such as different PIC, dsPIC, PIC24, and PIC32 MCUs regardless of their number of pins, and a broad set of unique functions, such as the first-ever embedded debugger/programmer over WiFi. The development board is well organized and designed so that the end-user has all the necessary elements, such as switches, buttons, indicators, connectors, and others, in one place. Thanks to innovative manufacturing technology, Fusion for PIC v8 provides a fluid and immersive working experience, allowing access anywhere and under any

circumstances at any time. Each part of the Fusion for PIC v8 development board contains the components necessary for the most efficient operation of the same board. In addition to the advanced integrated CODEGRIP programmer/debugger module, which offers many valuable programming/debugging options and seamless integration with the Mikroe software environment, the board also includes a clean and regulated power supply module for the development board. It can use a wide range of external power sources, including a battery, an external 12V power supply, and a power source via the USB Type-C (USB-C) connector. Communication options such as USB-UART, USB

HOST/DEVICE, CAN (on the MCU card, if supported), and Ethernet are also included, including the well-established mikroBUS™ standard, a standardized socket for the MCU card (SiBRAIN standard), and two display options (graphical and character-based LCD). Fusion for PIC v8 is an integral part of the Mikroe ecosystem for rapid development. Natively supported by Mikroe software tools, it covers many aspects of prototyping and development thanks to a considerable number of different Click boards™ (over a thousand boards), the number of which is growing every day.

Fusion for PIC v8 horizontal image

Microcontroller Overview

MCU Card / MCU

default

Type

8th Generation

Architecture

PIC32

MCU Memory (KB)

128

Silicon Vendor

Microchip

Pin count

100

RAM (Bytes)

32768

You complete me!

Accessories

868MHz right-angle rubber antenna is a compact and versatile solution for wireless communication. Operating within the frequency range of 868-915MHz, it ensures optimal signal reception and transmission. With a 50-ohm impedance, it's compatible with various devices and systems. This antenna boasts a 2dB gain, enhancing signal strength and extending communication range. Its vertical polarization further contributes to signal clarity. Designed to handle up to 50W of input power, it's a robust choice for various applications. Measuring just 48mm in length, this antenna is both discreet and practical. Its SMA male connector ensures a secure and reliable connection to your equipment. Whether you're working with IoT devices, remote sensors, or other wireless technologies, the 868MHz right-angle antenna offers the performance and flexibility you need for seamless communication.

tRF Click accessories image

Used MCU Pins

mikroBUS™ mapper

Standby/Wakeup
PB8
AN
Reset
PB0
RST
NC
NC
CS
NC
NC
SCK
NC
NC
MISO
NC
NC
MOSI
Power Supply
3.3V
3.3V
Ground
GND
GND
UART TX Status
PD1
PWM
Acknowledgement
PE8
INT
UART TX
PF13
TX
UART RX
PF12
RX
NC
NC
SCL
NC
NC
SDA
NC
NC
5V
Ground
GND
GND
1

Take a closer look

Schematic

tRF Click Schematic schematic

Step by step

Project assembly

Fusion for PIC v8 front image hardware assembly

Start by selecting your development board and Click board™. Begin with the Fusion for PIC v8 as your development board.

Fusion for PIC v8 front image hardware assembly
GNSS2 Click front image hardware assembly
SiBRAIN for PIC32MZ1024EFK144 front image hardware assembly
GNSS2 Click complete accessories setup image hardware assembly
v8 SiBRAIN Access MB 1 - upright/background hardware assembly
Necto image step 2 hardware assembly
Necto image step 3 hardware assembly
Necto image step 4 hardware assembly
NECTO Compiler Selection Step Image hardware assembly
NECTO Output Selection Step Image hardware assembly
Necto image step 6 hardware assembly
Necto image step 7 hardware assembly
Necto image step 8 hardware assembly
Necto image step 9 hardware assembly
Necto image step 10 hardware assembly
Necto PreFlash Image hardware assembly

Track your results in real time

Application Output

After pressing the "FLASH" button on the left-side panel, it is necessary to open the UART terminal to display the achieved results. By clicking on the Tools icon in the right-hand panel, multiple different functions are displayed, among which is the UART Terminal. Click on the offered "UART Terminal" icon.

UART Application Output Step 1

Once the UART terminal is opened, the window takes on a new form. At the top of the tab are two buttons, one for adjusting the parameters of the UART terminal and the other for connecting the UART terminal. The tab's lower part is reserved for displaying the achieved results. Before connecting, the terminal has a Disconnected status, indicating that the terminal is not yet active. Before connecting, it is necessary to check the set parameters of the UART terminal. Click on the "OPTIONS" button.

UART Application Output Step 2

In the newly opened UART Terminal Options field, we check if the terminal settings are correct, such as the set port and the Baud rate of UART communication. If the data is not displayed properly, it is possible that the Baud rate value is not set correctly and needs to be adjusted to 115200. If all the parameters are set correctly, click on "CONFIGURE".

UART Application Output Step 3

The next step is to click on the "CONNECT" button, after which the terminal status changes from Disconnected to Connected in green, and the data is displayed in the Received data field.

UART Application Output Step 4

Software Support

Library Description

This library contains API for tRF Click driver.

Key functions:

  • trf_generic_single_read - Generic single read function.

  • trf_generic_single_write - Generic single write function.

  • trf_generic_multi_write - Generic multi write function.

Open Source

Code example

This example can be found in NECTO Studio. Feel free to download the code, or you can copy the code below.

/*!
 * \file 
 * \brief Trf Click example
 * 
 * # Description
 * This is a example which demonstrates the use of Trf Click board.
 *
 * The demo application is composed of two sections :
 * 
 * ## Application Init 
 * Configuring clicks and log objects.
 * 
 * ## Application Task  
 * Checks if new data byte have received in rx buffer (ready for reading),
 * and if ready than reads one byte from rx buffer. In second case aplication task writes
 * message data via UART.
 * 
 * \author MikroE Team
 *
 */
// ------------------------------------------------------------------- INCLUDES

#include "board.h"
#include "log.h"
#include "trf.h"

// ------------------------------------------------------------------ VARIABLES

#define DEMO_APP_RECEIVER
//#define DEMO_APP_TRANSMITER

static trf_t trf;
static log_t logger;

static char demo_message[ 9 ] = { 'M', 'i', 'k', 'r', 'o', 'E', 13, 10, 0 };

// ------------------------------------------------------ APPLICATION FUNCTIONS

void application_init ( void )
{
    log_cfg_t log_cfg;
    trf_cfg_t cfg;

    /** 
     * Logger initialization.
     * Default baud rate: 115200
     * Default log level: LOG_LEVEL_DEBUG
     * @note If USB_UART_RX and USB_UART_TX 
     * are defined as HAL_PIN_NC, you will 
     * need to define them manually for log to work. 
     * See @b LOG_MAP_USB_UART macro definition for detailed explanation.
     */
    LOG_MAP_USB_UART( log_cfg );
    log_init( &logger, &log_cfg );
    log_info( &logger, "---- Application Init ----" );

    //  Click initialization.

    trf_cfg_setup( &cfg );
    TRF_MAP_MIKROBUS( cfg, MIKROBUS_1 );
    trf_init( &trf, &cfg );
    
    Delay_ms( 100 );
}

void application_task ( void )
{
    char tmp;
    uint8_t cnt;
    
#ifdef DEMO_APP_RECEIVER

    // RECEIVER - UART polling

    tmp =  trf_generic_single_read( &trf );
    log_printf( &logger, " %c ", tmp );
    
#endif
#ifdef DEMO_APP_TRANSMITER

    // TRANSMITER - TX each 2 sec
       
    for ( cnt = 0; cnt < 8; cnt ++ )
    {
        trf_generic_single_write( &trf, demo_message[ cnt ] );
        Delay_ms( 100 );
    }
       
    Delay_ms( 2000 );
    
#endif
}

void main ( void )
{
    application_init( );

    for ( ; ; )
    {
        application_task( );
    }
}


// ------------------------------------------------------------------------ END

Additional Support

Resources

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