Intermediate
20 min

Maximize your data transmission capabilities with EMB-LR1276S and PIC18LF47K40

Reaching new horizons with 868MHz long-range transceivers

Nano LR Click with EasyPIC v8

Published Nov 09, 2023

Click board™

Nano LR Click

Dev. board

EasyPIC v8

Compiler

NECTO Studio

MCU

PIC18LF47K40

Our 868MHz long-range transceiver is meticulously engineered to extend the reach of your wireless communication, allowing you to collect and transmit critical data from remote and challenging locations with unmatched reliability.

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Hardware Overview

How does it work?

Nano LR Click is based on the EMB-LR1276S, a sub-1GHz wireless module that supports the LoRaWAN long-range wireless protocol based on the SAMR34 SiP from Embit. It offers a long-range spread spectrum communication with high interference immunity. Nano LR Click is ideal for various applications, such as IoT, home and building automation, wireless alarm and security systems, automated meter readings, industrial monitoring and control, and more. The EMB-LR1276S can be configured as an embedded microsystem or a simple data modem for

low-power applications in the 868MHz and 915MHz radio bands. It is equipped with up to 256 KB of Flash and up to 40 KB of SRAM, and it supports long-range and FSK modulation. Nano LR Click communicates with MCU using the UART interface with commonly used UART RX and TX pins with the hardware flow control pins UART CTS, RTS, RI (Clear to Send, Ready to Send, and Ring Indicator). Besides these pins, Nano LR Click also has GP1 and STAT pins, which are routed to the PWM and AN pins of the mikroBUS™ socket, respectively. STAT pin is also wired to a separate

LED indicator labeled STAT to enable quick and easy module status indication. Nano LR Click features the U.FL antenna connector with an impedance of 50Ω, so it can be equipped with the appropriate antenna that MIKROE offers. 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.

Nano LR 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

PIC18LF47K40

Architecture

PIC

MCU Memory (KB)

128

Silicon Vendor

Microchip

Pin count

40

RAM (Bytes)

3728

You complete me!

Accessories

Rubber Antenna GSM/GPRS Right Angle is the perfect companion for all GSM Click boards™ in our extensive lineup. This specialized antenna is designed to optimize your wireless connectivity with impressive features. With a wide frequency range spanning 824-894/1710-1990MHz or 890-960/1710-1890MHz, it can handle various frequency bands, ensuring a seamless and reliable connection. The antenna boasts an impedance of 50 Ohms and a gain of 2dB, enhancing signal reception and transmission. Its 70/180MHz bandwidth provides flexibility for diverse applications. The vertical polarization further enhances its performance. With a maximum input power capacity of 50W, this antenna ensures robust communication even under demanding conditions. Measuring a compact 50mm in length and featuring an SMA male connector, the Rubber Antenna GSM/GPRS Right Angle is a versatile and compact solution for your wireless communication needs.

Nano LR Click accessories 1 image

IPEX-SMA cable is a type of RF (radio frequency) cable assembly. "IPEX" refers to the IPEX connector, a miniature coaxial connector commonly used in small electronic devices. "SMA" stands for SubMiniature Version A and is another coaxial connector commonly used in RF applications. An IPEX-SMA cable assembly has an IPEX connector on one end and an SMA connector on the other, allowing it to connect devices or components that use these specific connectors. These cables are often used in applications like WiFi or cellular antennas, GPS modules, and other RF communication systems where a reliable and low-loss connection is required.

Nano LR Click accessories 2 image

Used MCU Pins

mikroBUS™ mapper

Module Status
RA2
AN
Reset
RE1
RST
UART CTS
RE0
CS
NC
NC
SCK
NC
NC
MISO
NC
NC
MOSI
Power Supply
3.3V
3.3V
Ground
GND
GND
General-Purpose I/O
RC0
PWM
UART RTS
RB0
INT
UART TX
RC6
TX
UART RX
RC7
RX
NC
NC
SCL
NC
NC
SDA
NC
NC
5V
Ground
GND
GND
1

Take a closer look

Click board™ Schematic

Nano LR 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 Nano LR Click driver.

Key functions:

  • nanolr_send_data - This function sends data command depends on the chosen network protocol.

  • nanolr_uart_isr - This function reads response bytes from the device and sets flag after each received byte.

  • nanolr_rsp_rdy - This function checks if the response is ready.

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 
 * \brief NanoLR Click example
 * 
 * # Description
 * This example reads and processes data from Nano LR clicks.
 *
 * The demo application is composed of two sections :
 * 
 * ## Application Init 
 * Initializes the driver, and performs the click default configuration.
 * 
 * ## Application Task  
 * Depending on the selected mode, it reads all the received data or sends a desired message
 * every 2 seconds. All data is being displayed on the USB UART.
 * 
 * ## Additional Function
 * - nanolr_process ( ) - Waits until a new message is ready, then parses it and displays the message
 *                        info on the USB UART.
 * 
 * 
 * \author MikroE Team
 *
 */
// ------------------------------------------------------------------- INCLUDES

#include "board.h"
#include "log.h"
#include "nanolr.h"
#include "string.h"

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

// #define DEMO_APP_RECEIVER
#define DEMO_APP_TRANSMITTER

#define TEXT_TO_SEND "MikroE - Nano LR click"

static nanolr_t nanolr;
static log_t logger;

// ------------------------------------------------------- ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS

void nanolr_process( )
{
    uint8_t tmp_buf[ 200 ];
    
    // Clear RX buffer
    nanolr_generic_read( &nanolr, tmp_buf, 200 );
    
    while ( nanolr_rsp_rdy( &nanolr ) == 0 )
    {
        nanolr_uart_isr ( &nanolr );
        Delay_ms( 1 ); 
    }

    nanolr_err_t error;
    nanolr_rsp_t response;

    error = nanolr_parser_rsp( &nanolr, &response );

    if ( error == 0 )
    {
        log_printf( &logger, "** Message received!\r\n" );
        log_printf( &logger, "** Message Length: %u\r\n", response.length );
        log_printf( &logger, "** Notification ID: 0x%.2X\r\n", ( uint16_t ) response.message_id );
        log_printf( &logger, "** Options: 0x%.4X\r\n", ( response.payload[ 0 ] << 8 ) | response.payload[ 1 ] );
        log_printf( &logger, "** RSSI in dBm: %d\r\n", ( response.payload[ 2 ] << 8 ) | ~response.payload[ 3 ] );
        log_printf( &logger, "** Source Address: 0x%.4X\r\n", ( response.payload[ 4 ] << 8 ) | response.payload[ 5 ] );
        log_printf( &logger, "** Destination Address: 0x%.4X\r\n", ( response.payload[ 6 ] << 8 ) | response.payload[ 7 ] );
        log_printf( &logger, "** Message Content: " );
        for ( uint16_t cnt = 8; cnt < response.length - 4; cnt++ )
        {
            log_printf( &logger, "%c", ( uint16_t ) response.payload[ cnt ] );
        }

        log_printf( &logger, "\r\n** Checksum: 0x%.2X\r\n", ( uint16_t ) response.crc );
    }
    else
    {
        log_printf( &logger, "** Message Error!\r\n" );
    }
    log_printf( &logger, "------------------------------------\r\n" );

    log_printf( &logger, "\r\n" );
}

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

void application_init ( void )
{
    log_cfg_t log_cfg;
    nanolr_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.

    nanolr_cfg_setup( &cfg );
    NANOLR_MAP_MIKROBUS( cfg, MIKROBUS_1 );
    nanolr_init( &nanolr, &cfg );

    nanolr_default_cfg( &nanolr );

    log_printf( &logger,  "----  Nano LR Click ----\r\n" );

#ifdef DEMO_APP_RECEIVER
    log_printf( &logger,  "---- RECEIVER MODE ----\r\n" );
#endif
    
#ifdef DEMO_APP_TRANSMITTER
    log_printf( &logger,  "---- TRANSMITER MODE ----\r\n" );
#endif 
    Delay_ms( 2000 );
}

void application_task ( void )
{    
#ifdef DEMO_APP_RECEIVER
    nanolr_process( );
#endif

#ifdef DEMO_APP_TRANSMITTER
    nanolr_send_data( &nanolr, TEXT_TO_SEND, strlen( TEXT_TO_SEND ) );
    log_printf( &logger, "The message \"%s\" has been sent!\r\n", ( uint8_t * ) TEXT_TO_SEND );
    log_printf( &logger, "------------------------------------------------------------\r\n" );
    Delay_ms( 2000 );
#endif
}

void main ( void )
{
    application_init( );

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

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

Additional Support

Resources

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