Ensure a stable, long-range connection that meets your specific needs with CC1120 and STM32F091RC
Sub-Gigahertz innovation for your next project!
Published Feb 26, 2024
Click board™
ccRF3 Click
Dev. board
Nucleo-64 with STM32F091RC MCU
Compiler
NECTO Studio
MCU
STM32F091RC
Our solution seamlessly integrates sub-gigahertz wireless communication, enhancing your project's connectivity and ensuring data flows smoothly across all devices.
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Hardware Overview
How does it work?
ccRF3 Click is based on the CC1120, a high-performance RF transceiver for narrowband systems from Texas Instruments. At the center of the CC1120, there is a fully integrated fractional-N ultra-high-performance frequency synthesizer, which brings excellent phase noise performance, providing very high selectivity and blocking performance. This flexible receiver is amplified by a low noise amplifier (LNA) and converted in quadrature (I/Q) to the intermediate frequency (IF), after which high dynamic range ADCs digitize the signals. The transmitter is based on direct synthesis of the RF frequency, so to use the spectrum effectively, the CC1120 has extensive data filtering and shaping in TX mode to support high throughput data communication in narrowband channels. The CC1120 also brings down other techniques like eWOR, sniff mode, antenna diversity, WaveMatch, and more. Antenna diversity can increase performance if enabled in a multipath environment, while the CC1120
automatically controls the required onboard antenna switch. The AGC module of the CC1120 returns an estimate of the signal strength (RSSI) received by the antenna. In addition, there is also an integrated temperature sensor for FS calibration. The transmission is done by one of the supported modulations (2-FSK, 2-GFSK, 4-FSK, MSK, and OOK). Besides the support for retransmissions and automatic acknowledgment of received packages, the CC1120 also has TCXO, power modes, built-in coding gain support for increased range and robustness, and many more. The CC1120 uses an SPI serial interface to communicate with the host MCU. In addition, this Click board™ features an RST pin for resetting the CC1120 and a few user-configurable pins labeled GP0, GP2, and GP3 that can be used for monitoring different signals or setting modes. The Clear Channel Assessment (CCA) indicates if the current channel is free or busy with two flags available on GP2 and GP0 while the current CCA
state is viewable on GP3. In synchronous serial operation mode, GP0 is explicitly used for serial data input for TX operation. The ccRF 2 Click uses u.Fl connector for adding the appropriate u.Fl Sub-GHz antenna, offered by Mikroe, and it shouldn’t be powered up without one according to the used frequency. Also, this Click board™ features a 433MHz impedance-matched, multi-function, integrated ceramic passive component switch for the Texas Instruments CC1120 chipset. The CC1120 can be configured using the SmartRF™ Studio software. SmartRF™ Studio is highly recommended for obtaining optimum register settings and evaluating performance and functionality. 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.
Features overview
Development board
Nucleo-64 with STM32F091RC MCU offers a cost-effective and adaptable platform for developers to explore new ideas and prototype their designs. This board harnesses the versatility of the STM32 microcontroller, enabling users to select the optimal balance of performance and power consumption for their projects. It accommodates the STM32 microcontroller in the LQFP64 package and includes essential components such as a user LED, which doubles as an ARDUINO® signal, alongside user and reset push-buttons, and a 32.768kHz crystal oscillator for precise timing operations. Designed with expansion and flexibility in mind, the Nucleo-64 board features an ARDUINO® Uno V3 expansion connector and ST morpho extension pin
headers, granting complete access to the STM32's I/Os for comprehensive project integration. Power supply options are adaptable, supporting ST-LINK USB VBUS or external power sources, ensuring adaptability in various development environments. The board also has an on-board ST-LINK debugger/programmer with USB re-enumeration capability, simplifying the programming and debugging process. Moreover, the board is designed to simplify advanced development with its external SMPS for efficient Vcore logic supply, support for USB Device full speed or USB SNK/UFP full speed, and built-in cryptographic features, enhancing both the power efficiency and security of projects. Additional connectivity is
provided through dedicated connectors for external SMPS experimentation, a USB connector for the ST-LINK, and a MIPI® debug connector, expanding the possibilities for hardware interfacing and experimentation. Developers will find extensive support through comprehensive free software libraries and examples, courtesy of the STM32Cube MCU Package. This, combined with compatibility with a wide array of Integrated Development Environments (IDEs), including IAR Embedded Workbench®, MDK-ARM, and STM32CubeIDE, ensures a smooth and efficient development experience, allowing users to fully leverage the capabilities of the Nucleo-64 board in their projects.
Microcontroller Overview
MCU Card / MCU
Architecture
ARM Cortex-M0
MCU Memory (KB)
256
Silicon Vendor
STMicroelectronics
Pin count
64
RAM (Bytes)
32768
You complete me!
Accessories
Click Shield for Nucleo-64 comes equipped with two proprietary mikroBUS™ sockets, allowing all the Click board™ devices to be interfaced with the STM32 Nucleo-64 board with no effort. This way, Mikroe allows its users to add any functionality from our ever-growing range of Click boards™, such as WiFi, GSM, GPS, Bluetooth, ZigBee, environmental sensors, LEDs, speech recognition, motor control, movement sensors, and many more. More than 1537 Click boards™, which can be stacked and integrated, are at your disposal. The STM32 Nucleo-64 boards are based on the microcontrollers in 64-pin packages, a 32-bit MCU with an ARM Cortex M4 processor operating at 84MHz, 512Kb Flash, and 96KB SRAM, divided into two regions where the top section represents the ST-Link/V2 debugger and programmer while the bottom section of the board is an actual development board. These boards are controlled and powered conveniently through a USB connection to program and efficiently debug the Nucleo-64 board out of the box, with an additional USB cable connected to the USB mini port on the board. Most of the STM32 microcontroller pins are brought to the IO pins on the left and right edge of the board, which are then connected to two existing mikroBUS™ sockets. This Click Shield also has several switches that perform functions such as selecting the logic levels of analog signals on mikroBUS™ sockets and selecting logic voltage levels of the mikroBUS™ sockets themselves. Besides, the user is offered the possibility of using any Click board™ with the help of existing bidirectional level-shifting voltage translators, regardless of whether the Click board™ operates at a 3.3V or 5V logic voltage level. Once you connect the STM32 Nucleo-64 board with our Click Shield for Nucleo-64, you can access hundreds of Click boards™, working with 3.3V or 5V logic voltage levels.
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.
Right angle 433MHz rubber antenna boasts a frequency range of 433MHz, ensuring optimal performance within this spectrum. With a 50Ohm impedance, it facilitates efficient signal transmission. The antenna's vertical polarization enhances signal reception in a specific orientation. Featuring a 1.5dB gain, it can improve signal strength to some extent. The antenna can handle a maximum input power of 50W, making it suitable for various applications. Its compact 50mm length minimizes spatial requirements. Equipped with an SMA male connector, it easily interfaces with compatible devices. This antenna is an adaptable solution for wireless communication needs, particularly when vertical polarization is crucial.
Used MCU Pins
mikroBUS™ mapper
Take a closer look
Click board™ Schematic
Step by step
Project assembly
Start by selecting your development board and Click board™. Begin with the Nucleo-64 with STM32F091RC MCU as your development board.
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 ccRF3 Click driver.
Key functions:
ccrf3_cmd_strobe- Set command strobe function.ccrf3_send_tx_data- Send TX data function.ccrf3_receive_rx_data- Receive RX data function.
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 ccRF3 Click example
*
* # Description
* This example demonstrates the use of ccRF 3 click board.
*
* The demo application is composed of two sections :
*
* ## Application Init
* Initializes the driver, performs the default configuration and enables the selected mode.
*
* ## Application Task
* Depending on the selected mode, it reads the received data or sends the desired message
* every 2 seconds. All data is being logged on the USB UART where you can track their changes.
*
* @author Stefan Ilic
*
*/
#include "board.h"
#include "log.h"
#include "ccrf3.h"
#define TEXT_TO_SEND "MikroE\r\n"
static ccrf3_t ccrf3;
static log_t logger;
static uint8_t rx_buffer[ 255 ];
#define DEMO_APP_TRANSMITTER
void application_init ( void )
{
log_cfg_t log_cfg; /**< Logger config object. */
ccrf3_cfg_t ccrf3_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_printf( &logger, " Application Init \r\n" );
// Click initialization.
ccrf3_cfg_setup( &ccrf3_cfg );
CCRF3_MAP_MIKROBUS( ccrf3_cfg, MIKROBUS_1 );
if ( SPI_MASTER_ERROR == ccrf3_init( &ccrf3, &ccrf3_cfg ) )
{
log_error( &logger, " Communication init." );
for ( ; ; );
}
log_printf( &logger, "----------------------\r\n" );
log_printf( &logger, " Hardware reset\r\n" );
ccrf3_hw_reset( &ccrf3 );
Delay_ms( 1000 );
if ( CCRF3_ERROR == ccrf3_default_cfg ( &ccrf3 ) )
{
log_error( &logger, " Default configuration." );
for ( ; ; );
}
log_printf( &logger, "----------------------\r\n" );
#ifdef DEMO_APP_TRANSMITTER
ccrf3_set_tx_mode( &ccrf3 );
log_printf( &logger, " Transmitter mode\r\n" );
#else
ccrf3_set_rx_mode( &ccrf3 );
log_printf( &logger, " Receiver mode\r\n" );
#endif
log_printf( &logger, "----------------------\r\n" );
Delay_ms( 100 );
log_printf( &logger, " Application Task \r\n" );
log_printf( &logger, "----------------------\r\n" );
}
void application_task ( void )
{
#ifdef DEMO_APP_TRANSMITTER
ccrf3_send_tx_data( &ccrf3, TEXT_TO_SEND, strlen( TEXT_TO_SEND ) );
log_printf( &logger, " Sent message: MikroE\r\n" );
log_printf( &logger, " Packet number: %u\r\n", ccrf3.packet_counter );
log_printf( &logger, "----------------------\r\n" );
Delay_ms( 2000 );
#else
uint8_t num_bytes = ccrf3_receive_rx_data( &ccrf3, &rx_buffer[ 0 ] );
if ( num_bytes )
{
log_printf( &logger, " Received message: " );
for ( uint8_t cnt = 3; cnt < rx_buffer[ 0 ]; cnt++ )
{
log_printf( &logger, "%c", rx_buffer[ cnt ] );
}
log_printf( &logger, " Packet number: %u", ccrf3.packet_counter );
log_printf( &logger, "\r\n----------------------\r\n" );
}
#endif
}
void main ( void )
{
application_init( );
for ( ; ; )
{
application_task( );
}
}
// ------------------------------------------------------------------------ END
