Intermediate
30 min

Empowering Europe with Cat 1 LTE excellence using ELS61-EU and PIC18F46K20

Cat 1 LTE made for Europe: Efficient and reliable

LTE Cat.1-EU Click (for Europe) with EasyPIC v8

Published Nov 01, 2023

Click board™

LTE Cat.1-EU Click (for Europe)

Dev. board

EasyPIC v8

Compiler

NECTO Studio

MCU

PIC18F46K20

Our multi-band wireless module, designed to deliver highly efficient Cat 1 LTE connectivity, is tailored to meet the specific needs of the European region, ensuring seamless, reliable, and future-ready network performance

A

A

Hardware Overview

How does it work?

LTE Cat.1-EU Click is based on the ELS61, a wireless module from Thales. The main difference between these two modules is the supported frequency bands, which comply with each region's regulations. A complete list of supported bands for each module and other relevant info about the module itself can be found in the ELS61 series modem datasheet. The ELS61-EU module featured on LTE Cat.1-EU Click comes with a Java® embedded virtual machine leveraging a robust ARM11 architecture that allows device manufacturers to utilize the massive to reduce complexity and speed application integration. The latest Java ME 3.2 client runtime platform reduces total cost of ownership (TCO) and time to market by sharing internal resources such as memory, a large existing codebase, and proven software building blocks. The module uses Multi MIDlet

Java execution to host and run multiple applications and protocols simultaneously. The UART bus of the ELS61 series module is connected to one side of the level shifter, while the other side (shifted) is connected to the respective mikroBUS™ UART pins. However, the ELS61 series module is designed as the traditional DCE device (Data Communication Equipment), offering the full UART pin count, including the hardware flow control pins (CTS, RTS). These pins are routed to the mikroBUS™ CS (CTS) and the INT pin (RTS) and can be used in the MCU software if the hardware flow control is needed. An extended security concept with the latest TLS/SSL engine provides secure and reliable TCP/IP connectivity. Its sophisticated sandbox modeling and layered architectures simplify device management and allow simultaneous progress of network operator

approvals and application code development for a shorter time to market. The LTE Cat.1 module delivers long product lifespans of up to seven years, efficient bandwidth and power utilization, plus a feature set that meets the rigorous requirements of M2M IoT solutions, including extended operating temperatures from -40°C to 85°C. The LTE Cat.1-EU Click ensures easy integration and a fast time to market for innovative solutions, and it also provides a dependable connectivity platform with the support needed for a fast time to market and a value you can trust. Given these features' possibilities, the LTE Cat.1-EU Click can be used for various applications such as metering, tracking and tracing, remote surveillance, connected signs, fleet management, and mHealth.

LTE Cat.1-EU Click hardware overview image

Features overview

Development board

EasyPIC v8 is a development board specially designed for the needs of rapid development of embedded applications. It supports many high pin count 8-bit PIC microcontrollers from Microchip, regardless of their number of pins, and a broad set of unique functions, such as the first-ever embedded debugger/programmer. 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, EasyPIC v8 provides a fluid and immersive working experience, allowing access anywhere and under any

circumstances at any time. Each part of the EasyPIC 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 DEVICE, and CAN are also included, including the well-established mikroBUS™ standard, two display options (graphical and character-based LCD), and several different DIP sockets. These sockets cover a wide range of 8-bit PIC MCUs, from the smallest PIC MCU devices with only eight up to forty pins. EasyPIC 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.

EasyPIC v8 horizontal image

Microcontroller Overview

MCU Card / MCU

PIC18F46K20

Architecture

PIC

MCU Memory (KB)

64

Silicon Vendor

Microchip

Pin count

40

RAM (Bytes)

3936

You complete me!

Accessories

LTE Flat Rotation Antenna is a versatile choice for boosting the performance of 3G/4G LTE devices. With a wide frequency range of 700-2700MHz, it ensures optimal connectivity on major cellular bands worldwide. This flat antenna features an SMA male connector, making it easy to attach directly to your device or SMA module connector. One of its standout features is its adjustable angle, which can be set in 45⁰ increments (0⁰/45⁰/90⁰), allowing you to fine-tune the antenna's orientation for maximum signal reception. With an impedance of 50Ω and a VSW Ratio of <2.0:1, this antenna ensures a reliable and efficient connection. Its 5dB gain, vertical polarization, and omnidirectional radiation pattern enhance signal strength, making it suitable for various applications. Measuring 196mm in length and 38mm in width, this antenna offers a compact yet effective solution for improving your connectivity. With a maximum input power of 50W, it can handle the demands of various devices.

LTE Cat.1-EU Click accessories image

This multiband LTE Rubber Antenna with adjustable angle is an excellent choice for all 3G/4G LTE-based click boards from our offer, as well as other devices that require excellent throughput on all major cellular bands worldwide. The antenna has an SMA male connector, which allows it to be mounted directly on the Click board™ or the female SMA module connector. The antenna position can be adjusted in 45⁰ increments (0⁰/45⁰/90⁰).

LTE Cat.1-EU Click accessories 2 image

Used MCU Pins

mikroBUS™ mapper

NC
NC
AN
Reset
RE1
RST
UART CTS
RE0
CS
SPI Clock
RC3
SCK
SPI Data OUT
RC4
MISO
SPI Data IN
RC5
MOSI
Power Supply
3.3V
3.3V
Ground
GND
GND
SPI Chip Select
RC0
PWM
UART RTS
RB0
INT
UART TX
RC6
TX
UART RX
RC7
RX
I2C Clock
RC3
SCL
I2C Data
RC4
SDA
Power Supply
5V
5V
Ground
GND
GND
1

Take a closer look

Click board™ Schematic

LTE Cat.1-EU Click Schematic schematic

Step by step

Project assembly

EasyPIC v8 front image hardware assembly

Start by selecting your development board and Click board™. Begin with the EasyPIC v8 as your development board.

EasyPIC v8 front image hardware assembly
GNSS2 Click front image hardware assembly
MCU DIP 40 hardware assembly
GNSS2 Click complete accessories setup image hardware assembly
EasyPIC v8 Access DIPMB 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 DIP 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

1. Application Output - In Debug mode, the 'Application Output' window enables real-time data monitoring, offering direct insight into execution results. Ensure proper data display by configuring the environment correctly using the provided tutorial.

2. UART Terminal - Use the UART Terminal to monitor data transmission via a USB to UART converter, allowing direct communication between the Click board™ and your development system. Configure the baud rate and other serial settings according to your project's requirements to ensure proper functionality. For step-by-step setup instructions, refer to the provided tutorial.

3. Plot Output - The Plot feature offers a powerful way to visualize real-time sensor data, enabling trend analysis, debugging, and comparison of multiple data points. To set it up correctly, follow the provided tutorial, which includes a step-by-step example of using the Plot feature to display Click board™ readings. To use the Plot feature in your code, use the function: plot(*insert_graph_name*, variable_name);. This is a general format, and it is up to the user to replace 'insert_graph_name' with the actual graph name and 'variable_name' with the parameter to be displayed.

Software Support

Library Description

This library contains API for LTE Cat.1-EU Click driver.

Key functions:

  • ltecat1eu_send_cmd - This function sends the specified command to the click module

  • ltecat1eu_send_cmd_with_parameter - This function sends commands to the click module

  • ltecat1eu_send_text_message - This function sends text message to a phone number.

Open Source

Code example

The complete application code and a ready-to-use project are available through the NECTO Studio Package Manager for direct installation in the NECTO Studio. The application code can also be found on the MIKROE GitHub account.

/*!
 * @file main.c
 * @brief LTE Cat.1-EU Click Example.
 *
 * # Description
 * This example reads and processes data from LTE Cat.1-EU clicks.
 *
 * The demo application is composed of two sections :
 * 
 * ## Application Init 
 * Initializes driver and wake-up module and sets default configuration for connecting device to network.
 * 
 * ## Application Task  
 * Waits for device to connect to network and then sends SMS to selected phone number.
 * 
 * ## Additional Function
 * - static void ltecat1eu_clear_app_buf ( void )
 * - static void ltecat1eu_error_check( err_t error_flag )
 * - static void ltecat1eu_log_app_buf ( void )
 * - static void ltecat1eu_check_connection( void )
 * - static err_t ltecat1eu_rsp_check ( void )
 * - static err_t ltecat1eu_process ( void )
 * 
 * @note
 * In order for the example to work, 
   user needs to set the phone number and sim apn to which he wants to send an SMS
 * Enter valid data for the following macros: SIM_APN and PHONE_NUMBER_TO_MESSAGE.
 * E.g. 
    SIM_APN "vipmobile"
    PHONE_NUMBER_TO_MESSAGE "+381659999999"
 *
 * @author Stefan Ilic
 *
 */

#include "board.h"
#include "log.h"
#include "ltecat1eu.h"

#define APP_OK                      0
#define APP_ERROR_DRIVER           -1
#define APP_ERROR_OVERFLOW         -2
#define APP_ERROR_TIMEOUT          -3

#define RSP_OK                     "OK"
#define RSP_SYSSTART               "^SYSSTART"
#define RSP_ERROR                  "ERROR"

#define SIM_APN                    ""  // Set valid SIM APN
#define PHONE_NUMBER_TO_MESSAGE    ""  // Set Phone number to message
#define MESSAGE_CONTENT            "LTE Cat.1-EU Click"   // Messege content 

#define PROCESS_BUFFER_SIZE        100

#define WAIT_FOR_CONNECTION        0
#define CONNECTED_TO_NETWORK       1

static ltecat1eu_t ltecat1eu;
static log_t logger;

static char app_buf[ PROCESS_BUFFER_SIZE ] = { 0 };
static int32_t app_buf_len = 0;
static int32_t app_buf_cnt = 0;

static uint8_t app_connection_status        = WAIT_FOR_CONNECTION;

static err_t app_error_flag;

/**
 * @brief LTE Cat.1-EU clearing application buffer.
 * @details This function clears memory of application buffer and reset it's length and counter.
 * @note None.
 */
static void ltecat1eu_clear_app_buf ( void );

/**
 * @brief LTE Cat.1-EU data reading function.
 * @details This function reads data from device and concats data to application buffer.
 * 
 * @return @li @c  0 - Read some data.
 *         @li @c -1 - Nothing is read.
 *         @li @c -2 - Application buffer overflow.
 *
 * See #err_t definition for detailed explanation.
 * @note None.
 */
static err_t ltecat1eu_process ( void );

/**
 * @brief LTE Cat.1-EU check for errors.
 * @details This function checks for different types of errors and logs them on UART.
 * @note None.
 */
static void ltecat1eu_error_check( err_t error_flag );

/**
 * @brief LTE Cat.1-EU logs application buffer.
 * @details This function logs data from application buffer.
 * @note None.
 */
static void ltecat1eu_log_app_buf ( void );

/**
 * @brief LTE Cat.1-EU response check.
 * @details This function checks for response and returns the status of response.
 * @param[in] response : Expected response.
 * 
 * @return application status.
 * See #err_t definition for detailed explanation.
 * @note None.
 */
static err_t ltecat1eu_rsp_check ( char * response );

/**
 * @brief LTE Cat.1-EU chek connection.
 * @details This function checks connection to the network and 
 *          logs that status to UART.
 * 
 * @note None.
 */
static void ltecat1eu_check_connection( void );

void application_init ( void )  {
    log_cfg_t log_cfg;  /**< Logger config object. */
    ltecat1eu_cfg_t ltecat1eu_cfg;  /**< Click config object. */

    /** 
     * 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 " );
    Delay_ms( 1000 );
    
    // Click initialization.
    ltecat1eu_cfg_setup( &ltecat1eu_cfg );
    LTECAT1EU_MAP_MIKROBUS( ltecat1eu_cfg, MIKROBUS_1 );
    err_t init_flag  = ltecat1eu_init( &ltecat1eu, &ltecat1eu_cfg );
    if ( init_flag == UART_ERROR ) {
        log_error( &logger, " Application Init Error. " );
        log_info( &logger, " Please, run program again... " );

        for ( ; ; );
    }
    
    log_info( &logger, " Power on device... " );
    
    ltecat1eu_power_on( &ltecat1eu );
    
    // CFUN - restart ME
    ltecat1eu_send_cmd_with_parameter( &ltecat1eu, LTECAT1EU_CMD_CFUN, "0" );
    app_error_flag = ltecat1eu_rsp_check( RSP_SYSSTART );
    ltecat1eu_error_check( app_error_flag );
    
    // AT
    ltecat1eu_send_cmd( &ltecat1eu, LTECAT1EU_CMD_AT );
    app_error_flag = ltecat1eu_rsp_check( RSP_OK );
    ltecat1eu_error_check( app_error_flag );
    Delay_ms( 500 );
    
    // ATI - product information
    ltecat1eu_send_cmd( &ltecat1eu, LTECAT1EU_CMD_ATI );
    app_error_flag = ltecat1eu_rsp_check( RSP_OK );
    ltecat1eu_error_check( app_error_flag );
    Delay_ms( 500 );
    
    // CGMR - firmware version
    ltecat1eu_send_cmd( &ltecat1eu, LTECAT1EU_CMD_CGMR );
    app_error_flag = ltecat1eu_rsp_check( RSP_OK );
    ltecat1eu_error_check( app_error_flag );
    Delay_ms( 500 );
    
    // COPS - deregister from network
    ltecat1eu_send_cmd_with_parameter( &ltecat1eu, LTECAT1EU_CMD_COPS, "2" );
    app_error_flag = ltecat1eu_rsp_check( RSP_OK );
    ltecat1eu_error_check( app_error_flag );
    Delay_ms( 500 );
    
    // CGDCONT - set sim apn
    ltecat1eu_set_sim_apn( &ltecat1eu, SIM_APN );
    app_error_flag = ltecat1eu_rsp_check( RSP_OK );
    ltecat1eu_error_check( app_error_flag );
    Delay_ms( 500 );
     
    // CFUN - full funtionality
    ltecat1eu_send_cmd_with_parameter( &ltecat1eu, LTECAT1EU_CMD_CFUN, "1" );
    app_error_flag = ltecat1eu_rsp_check( RSP_OK );
    ltecat1eu_error_check( app_error_flag );
    Delay_ms( 500 );
    
    // COPS - automatic mode
    ltecat1eu_send_cmd_with_parameter( &ltecat1eu, LTECAT1EU_CMD_COPS, "0" );
    app_error_flag = ltecat1eu_rsp_check( RSP_OK );
    ltecat1eu_error_check( app_error_flag );
    Delay_ms( 2000 );
    
    // CEREG - network registration status
    ltecat1eu_send_cmd_with_parameter( &ltecat1eu, LTECAT1EU_CMD_CEREG, "2" );
    app_error_flag = ltecat1eu_rsp_check( RSP_OK );
    ltecat1eu_error_check( app_error_flag );
    Delay_ms( 500 );
    
    // CIMI - request IMSI
    ltecat1eu_send_cmd( &ltecat1eu, LTECAT1EU_CMD_CIMI );
    app_error_flag = ltecat1eu_rsp_check( RSP_OK );
    ltecat1eu_error_check( app_error_flag );
    Delay_ms( 500 );
    
    app_buf_len = 0;
    app_buf_cnt = 0;
    app_connection_status = WAIT_FOR_CONNECTION;
    log_info( &logger, " Application Task " );
    Delay_ms( 5000 );
}

void application_task ( void ) {
    if ( app_connection_status == WAIT_FOR_CONNECTION ) {
        // CGATT - request IMSI
        ltecat1eu_send_cmd_check( &ltecat1eu, LTECAT1EU_CMD_CGATT );
        app_error_flag = ltecat1eu_rsp_check( RSP_OK );
        ltecat1eu_error_check( app_error_flag );
        Delay_ms( 500 );
        
        // CEREG - network registration status
        ltecat1eu_send_cmd_check( &ltecat1eu, LTECAT1EU_CMD_CEREG );
        app_error_flag = ltecat1eu_rsp_check( RSP_OK );
        ltecat1eu_error_check( app_error_flag );
        Delay_ms( 500 );
        
        // CSQ - signal quality
        ltecat1eu_send_cmd( &ltecat1eu, LTECAT1EU_CMD_CSQ );
        app_error_flag = ltecat1eu_rsp_check( RSP_OK );
        ltecat1eu_error_check( app_error_flag );
        Delay_ms( 5000 );
    } else {
        log_info( &logger, "CONNECTED TO NETWORK" );
        
        // SMS message format - text mode
        ltecat1eu_send_cmd_with_parameter( &ltecat1eu, "AT+CMGF", "1" );
        app_error_flag = ltecat1eu_rsp_check( RSP_OK );
        ltecat1eu_error_check( app_error_flag );
        Delay_ms( 3000 );
        
        for( ; ; ) {   
            log_printf( &logger, "> Sending message to phone number...\r\n" );
            ltecat1eu_send_text_message( &ltecat1eu, PHONE_NUMBER_TO_MESSAGE, MESSAGE_CONTENT );
            app_error_flag = ltecat1eu_rsp_check( RSP_OK );
            ltecat1eu_error_check( app_error_flag );
            Delay_ms( 10000 );
            Delay_ms( 10000 );
            Delay_ms( 10000 );
        }
    }
}

void main ( void )  {
    application_init( );

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

static void ltecat1eu_clear_app_buf ( void ) {
    memset( app_buf, 0, app_buf_len );
    app_buf_len = 0;
    app_buf_cnt = 0;
}

static err_t ltecat1eu_process ( void ) {
    err_t return_flag = APP_ERROR_DRIVER;
    int32_t rx_size;
    char rx_buff[ PROCESS_BUFFER_SIZE ] = { 0 };
    
    rx_size = ltecat1eu_generic_read( &ltecat1eu, rx_buff, PROCESS_BUFFER_SIZE );

    if ( rx_size > 0 ) { 
        int32_t buf_cnt = 0;
        return_flag = APP_OK;

        if ( app_buf_len + rx_size >= PROCESS_BUFFER_SIZE ) {
            ltecat1eu_clear_app_buf(  );
            return_flag = APP_ERROR_OVERFLOW;
        } else {
            buf_cnt = app_buf_len;
            app_buf_len += rx_size;
        }

        for ( int32_t rx_cnt = 0; rx_cnt < rx_size; rx_cnt++ ) {
            if ( rx_buff[ rx_cnt ] != 0 ) {
                app_buf[ ( buf_cnt + rx_cnt ) ] = rx_buff[ rx_cnt ];
            } else {
                app_buf_len--;
                buf_cnt--;
            }
        }
    } 

    return return_flag;
}


static err_t ltecat1eu_rsp_check ( char * response ) {
    uint16_t timeout_cnt = 0;
    uint16_t timeout = 50000;
    
    err_t error_flag = ltecat1eu_process(  );
    if ( ( error_flag != 0 ) && ( error_flag != -1 ) ) {
        return error_flag;
    }
    
    while ( ( strstr( app_buf, response ) == 0 ) && ( strstr( app_buf, RSP_ERROR ) == 0 ) ) {
        error_flag = ltecat1eu_process(  );
        if ( ( error_flag != 0 ) && ( error_flag != -1 ) ) {
            return error_flag;
        }
        
        timeout_cnt++;
        if ( timeout_cnt > timeout ) {
            while ( ( strstr( app_buf, response ) == 0 ) && ( strstr( app_buf, RSP_ERROR ) == 0 ) ) {
                ltecat1eu_send_cmd( &ltecat1eu, LTECAT1EU_CMD_AT );
                ltecat1eu_process(  );
                Delay_ms( 100 );
            }
            ltecat1eu_clear_app_buf(  );
            return APP_ERROR_TIMEOUT;
        }
        
        Delay_ms( 1 );
    }
    
    ltecat1eu_check_connection();
    
    ltecat1eu_log_app_buf();
    
    log_printf( &logger, "-----------------------------------\r\n" );
    
    return APP_OK;
}

static void ltecat1eu_error_check( err_t error_flag ) {
    if ( ( error_flag != 0 ) && ( error_flag != -1 ) ) {
        switch ( error_flag ) {
            case -2: {
                log_error( &logger, " Overflow!" );
                break;
            }
            case -3: {
                log_error( &logger, " Timeout!" );
                break;
            }
            default: {
                break;
            }
        }
    }
}

static void ltecat1eu_log_app_buf ( void ) {
    for ( int32_t buf_cnt = 0; buf_cnt < app_buf_len; buf_cnt++ ) {
        log_printf( &logger, "%c", app_buf[ buf_cnt ] );
    }
    log_printf( &logger, "\r\n" );
    ltecat1eu_clear_app_buf(  );
}

static void ltecat1eu_check_connection( void ) {
    #define CONNECTED "+CGATT: 1"
    
    if ( strstr( app_buf, CONNECTED ) != 0 ) {
        app_connection_status = CONNECTED_TO_NETWORK;
    }
}

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

Additional Support

Resources

Love this project?

'Buy This Kit' button takes you directly to the shopping cart where you can easily add or remove products.