RC11xx-RC232
2010 Radiocrafts AS RC11xx-RC232 Data Sheet (rev. 1.42) Page 1 of 22
Radiocrafts
Embedded Wireless Solutions
Low Cost Multi-Channel RF Transceiver Module
Product Description
The RC11XX-RC232 RF Transceiver Modules are compact surface-mounted high performance
modules for FSK operation with embedded protocol. The modules are completely shielded and
pre-certified for operation under the European radio regulations for license-free use.
Applications
• OEM equipment
• Radio modems
• Alarm and security systems
• Point-of-sales terminals
• Bar code scanners
• Telemetry stations
• Fleet management
Features
• Very small module (12.7 x 25.4 x 3.3 mm)
• Very low sleep current consumption
• Embedded RC232™ protocol with Addressing and Error check
• 128 byte data buffer
• Two-wire UART interface for easy RS232/422/485 wire replacement (handshake optional)
• Compact shielded module for SMD mounting
• No external components
• No configuration required for single-channel use
• Easy to use data interface
• Wide supply voltage range, 2.0 – 3.9 V
• RC1140/80-RC232 conforms with EU R&TTE directive (EN 300 220, EN 301 489, EN 60950)
• RC1190-RC232 conforms with regulations for operation under FCC CFR 47 part 15
Quick Reference Data
Parameter
RC1140
-
RC232
RC1180
-
RC232
RC1190
-
RC232
Unit
Frequency bands 433.05 – 433.79 868.0 – 870.0 902 – 915 MHz
Number of channels 17 16 50
Data rate 1.2 - 100 1.2 - 100 1.2 - 100 kbit/s
Max output power 9 9 -1 dBm
Sensitivity -110 -110 -110 dBm
Supply voltage 2.0 – 3.9 2.0 – 3.9 2.0 – 3.9 Volt
Current consumption, RX /
TX
24 / 35 24 / 37 24 / 37 mA
Current consumption, SLEEP
Typ. 0.3 Typ 0.3 Typ 0.3 uA
Temperature range -40 to +85 -40 to +85 -40 to +85 °C
RC11xx-RC232
2010 Radiocrafts AS RC11xx-RC232 Data Sheet (rev. 1.42) Page 2 of 22
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Typical application circuit
See page 19 for additional schematic information regarding recommended Reset and Power
supply filtering, and how to include a firmware upgrade connector.
Quick Product Introduction
How do I transmit data?
Send your data to the RXD pin on the module. Use the UART format with settings (19200, 8, 1,
N, no flow control). Up to 128 bytes are buffered in the module. The module will transmit the data
when
• the max packet length is reached
• the unique end character is sent
• the modem timeout limit is reached
The packet length, end character and timeout limit are configurable in-circuit.
How do I receive data?
Any received data packet with correct address and check sum will be sent on the TXD pin using
the same UART format as for transmit.
What about the antenna?
In most cases a simple quarter wavelength wire or a PCB track will do. Connect a piece of wire to
the RF pin with length corresponding to the quarter of a wavelength. For space limited products,
contact Radiocrafts and we will recommend the best antenna solution for your application.
How do I change the RF channel or any other parameter?
To change configurable parameters, assert the CONFIG pin, and send the command string using
the same serial interface as for transmitting data. Parameters can be changed permanently and
stored in non-volatile memory in the module.
RCTools
RCTools is a powerful and easy to use PC suite that helps you during test, development and
deployment of the RC11XX-RC232. Visit www.radiocrafts.com for a free download and full
documentation.
GND
CTS
RTS
CONFIG
TXD
RXD
GND
GND
VCC
RESET
NC
GND
RF
GND
VCC
Antenna
{
To host meter or
RS232/422/485
driver
NC
Optional
RC11xx-RC232
2010 Radiocrafts AS RC11xx-RC232 Data Sheet (rev. 1.42) Page 3 of 22
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Pin Assignment
Pin Description
Pin no
Pin name
Pin type
Description
Equivalent circuit
1 GND System ground
2 CTS/RXTX Output UART Clear to Send or
UART RXTX
3 RTS/SLEEP Input UART Request to Send.
Set low to enter Sleep
mode if RTS handshake
is not in use.
(See Note 2)
4 CONFIG Input Configuration Enable.
Active low. Should
normally be set high.
(See Note 2)
5 TXD Output UART TX Data
6 RXD Input UART RX Data.
Use external max 8k2
kohm pull-up resistor if
connected to an open
collector output from a
host MCU or other high
impedance circuitry like
level shifters.
(See Note 1)
7 GND System ground
8 GND System ground
GND
GND
VCC
Output:
20k
Input:
GND
CTS/RXTX
RTS/SLEEP
CONFIG
TXD
RXD
GND
GND
VCC
RESET
NC
GND
RF
GND
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
14
13
12
11
10
9
8
15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22
30 29 28 27 26 25 24 23
VCC
RC11xx-RC232
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9 RF RF I/O connection to
antenna
10 GND System ground
11 NC Not connected
12 RESET Input Main reset (active low).
Should normally be left
open. Internal 12 kΩ pull-
up resistor.
13 VCC Supply voltage input.
Internally regulated.
14 GND System ground
15-22 RESERVED Test pins or pins
reserved for future use.
Do not connect!
23-30 RESERVED Test pins or pins
reserved for future use.
Do not connect!
Note 1: For UART communication the TXD and RXD are used for serial data, and CTS and RTS for flow control
(optional). RXD must be high when not sending data to the module and when module is in sleep mode.
Note 2: The internal pull-ups on CONFIG and RTS/SLEEP pin are disabled in Sleep mode to minimise the sleep current.
GND
GND
1.8 V
VREG
VREG
2u2
VCC
VCC
RESET
12k
10k
RF
RC11xx-RC232
2010 Radiocrafts AS RC11xx-RC232 Data Sheet (rev. 1.42) Page 5 of 22
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Block Diagram
Circuit Description
The module contains a communication controller with embedded RC232™ protocol software, a
high performance RF transceiver and an internal voltage regulator.
The communication controller handles the radio packet protocol, the UART interface and controls
the RF transceiver. Data to be sent by the host is received at the RXD pin and buffered in the
communication controller. The data packet is then assembled with preamble, start-of-frame
delimiter (SOF), address information and CRC check sum before it is transmitted on RF. The
preamble and SOF is always used. The address and CRC are optional.
The RF transceiver modulates the data to be transmitted on RF frequency, and demodulates data
that are received.
Received data are checked for correct address and CRC by the communication controller. If the
address matches the modules own address, and no CRC errors were detected, the data packet is
sent to the host on the TXD line after removing the header.
The asynchronous UART interface consists of RXD and TXD. Optionally CTS, RTS can be used
for hardware handshake flow control. RXTX can be used to control the direction of an RS485
driver circuit.
When the CONFIG pin is asserted the communication controller interprets data received on the
RXD pin as configuration commands. There are commands to change the radio channel, the
output power, the destination address etc. Permanent changes of the configuration is also
possible and are then stored in internal non-volatile memory.
The RF protocol and the configuration commands are described in detail in the RC232™ User
Manual.
The supply voltage is connected to the VCC pin. The module contains an internal voltage
regulator and can therefore operate over a wide supply voltage range.
GND
CTS
RTS
CONFIG
TXD
RXD
GND
Communication
controller
GND
VCC
RESET
NC
GND
RF
GND
Voltage
Regulator
RF
Transceiver
RC11xx-RC232
2010 Radiocrafts AS RC11xx-RC232 Data Sheet (rev. 1.42) Page 6 of 22
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RC232™ Embedded Protocol
The module offers a buffered packet radio in the RC232™ embedded protocol. Using the
buffered packet radio mode, all data to be sent is stored in the module before they are transmitted
by the RF circuitry. Likewise, when data is received they are stored in the module before they are
sent to the host. This allows the communication controller to add address information and to do
error check of the data. In buffered mode the UART interface is used to communicate with the
host.
The embedded protocol, configuration commands and configuration memory is described in the
RC232™ User Manual. This protocol is used in a wide range of RF modules available from
Radiocrafts. Please refer to the latest revision available on Radiocrafts web-site.
Power Management
The module can be set in SLEEP mode in order to reduce the power consumption.
When the SLEEP pin is not enabled (RF_SLEEP_MODE = 0x00) the module can be set in Sleep
mode by activating CONFIG and sending a ‘Z’ command. The module is woken up when
CONFIG is deactivated (goes high). Note: During Sleep the CONFIG pin does not have any
internal pull-up, so the CONFIG pin must be driven high in order to wake the module. Any activity
on the RXD pin will make the module wake up, but immediately return to Sleep as long as
CONFIG is kept low. Such activity on the RXD pin should be avoided in order to reduce current
consumption.
When the SLEEP pin is enabled (RF_SLEEP_MODE = 0x02) the module can be set in Sleep
mode by activating RTS/SLEEP (asserting low). The module is woken up when RTS/SLEEP is
deactivated (goes high). Note: During Sleep the RTS/SLEEP pin does not have any internal pull-
up, so the RTS/SLEEP pin must be driven high in order to wake up the module. Any activity on
the RXD or CONFIG pins will not make the module wake up. Activity on module pin 16 and 17
can wake the module and must be avoided (do not connect, as previously stated in this
document). CONFIG must be high when awakening the module to avoid setting the module
directly in configuration mode.
All configuration settings and RAM values are retained during Sleep. The pull-ups on RTS/SLEEP
and CONFIG pin are disabled during sleep mode in order to minimise the sleep current
consumption. If the module is shut completely off, all configuration settings in non-volatile
memory is restored, but values in RAM are overwritten with default settings.
IDLE SLEEP IDLEMODE
RTS/SLEEP
Enter SLEEP Mode Using RTS/SLEEP pin
IDLE SLEEP IDLEMODE
CONFIG
Enter SLEEP Mode Using CONFIG and Z Comand
UART Comand Z
CONFIG
RC11xx-RC232
2010 Radiocrafts AS RC11xx-RC232 Data Sheet (rev. 1.42) Page 7 of 22
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Timing Information
The figure and table below shows the timing information for the module when changing between
different operating states.
The IDLE state is the normal state where the module search for preamble on the air and wait for
a character to be received on the UART. RXD is the state when receiving characters from the
host filling up the internal buffer. TX state is when the data is transmitted on the air. RX state is
when data is received from the air after preamble detection. TXD is the state where the received
data is sent to the host on the UART.
CONFIG is the state entered by asserting the CONFIG pin and used during parameter
configuration, while MEMORY CONFIG is the sub-state entered by the ‘M’ command where the
configuration memory is being programmed. Note the limitation on maximum number of write
cycles using the ‘M’ command, see Electrical Specifications.
IDLE TX
t
RXD-TX
First character on
UART RXD
IDLE
t
TX-IDLE
RXD t
PACKET_TIMEOUT
Last character on
UART RXD
t
TX
IDLE TXD
t
RX-TXD
Preamble detected
IDLE
t
TXD-IDLE
RX
First character on
UART TXD
t
TXD
Last character on
UART TXD
t
RXD-CTS
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Symbol
Value
Description
/ Note
t
RX-TXD
180 us Time from last byte is received from the air until first character is sent
on the UART
t
TXD
Min 590 us t
TXD
= # bytes received x 590 us/char (10 bits at 19.2 kBd + 70 us
delay per character)
t
TXD-IDLE
900 us Time from last character is sent on the UART until module is in IDLE
mode (ready for RXD and RX)
T
RXD-CTS
20 us Time from last character is received by the UART (including any
timeout) until CTS is activated
t
RXD-TX
960 us Time from last character is received by the UART (including any
timeout) until the module sends the first byte on the air.
T
TX-IDLE
960 us Time from last character is sent on the air until module is in IDLE
mode (ready for RXD and RX)
t
OFF
-
IDLE
3.2 ms
t
RESET
-
IDLE
3.0 ms
t
SLEEP
-
IDLE
1.28 ms
t
CONFIG-
PROMPT
590 us Time from CONFIG pin is set low until prompt (“>”)
t
C#-CONFIG
1.1 ms Delay after channel-byte is sent until prompt (“>”). (For other
commands like ’M’, ’T’ there is no delay but immediate prompt)
t
MEMORY-
CONFIG
30.52 ms In this period the internal flash is programmed. Do not reset, turn the
module off, or allow any power supply dips in this period as it may
cause permanent error in the Flash configuration memory. After 0xFF
the host should wait for the ‘>’ prompt before any further action is
done to ensure correct re-configuration.
T
CONFIG-
IDLE
1.42 ms
t
TX
Min 20 ms t
TX
= # bytes to send x 1.67 ms/byte (at 4.8 kbit/s) + 7 bytes preamble,
sync and length + 2 bytes address + 2 bytes CRC
T
RSSI
4 ms Time from end of S command to start of RSSI byte received on UART
OFF IDLE
t
OFF-IDLE
SLEEP IDLE
t
SLEEP-IDLE
RESET IDLE
t
RESET-IDLE
CONFIG CONFIG
t
C-CONFIG
IDLE
t
CONFIG-IDLE
’C’ ’X’
CONFIG MEMORY CONFIG CONFIG
t
MEMORY-CONFIG
’M’ 0xFF
IDLE
t
CONFIG-IDLE
’X’
IDLE
t
CONFIG-PROMPT
CONFIG
set low
RC11xx-RC232
2010 Radiocrafts AS RC11xx-RC232 Data Sheet (rev. 1.42) Page 9 of 22
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RF Frequency, Output Power Levels and Data Rates
The following table shows the available RF channels and their corresponding frequencies,
nominal output power levels and available data rates.
Model
RF channel
Output power
Data rate
RC1140
-
RC232
1: 433.100 MHz
2: 433.200 MHz
3: 433.300 MHz
4: 433.400 MHz
5: 433.500 MHz
6: 433.600 MHz
7: 433.700 MHz
8: 433.800 MHz
9: 433.900 MHz
10: 434.000 MHz
11: 434.100 MHz
12: 434.200 MHz
13: 434.300 MHz
14: 434.400 MHz
15: 434.500 MHz
16: 434.600 MHz
17: 434.700 MHz
Channel 1-5:
1: -20 dBm
2: -10 dBm
3: 0 dBm
4: 5 dBm
5: 9 dBm
1: 1.2 kbit/s
2: 4.8 kbit/s
3: 19.0 kbit/s
4: 32.768 kbit/s
5: 76.8 kbit/s
6: 100 kbit/s
7: For future use
Channel 5-17:
1: -20 dBm
2: -10 dBm
3: 0 dBm
4: 5 dBm
5: 9 dBm
RC1180
-
RC232
1: 868.050 MHz
2: 868.150 MHz
3: 868.250 MHz
4: 868.350 MHz
5: 868.450 MHz
6: 868.550 MHz
7: 868.650 MHz
8: 868.750 MHz
9: 868.850 MHz
10: 868.950 MHz
11: 869.050 MHz
12: 869.150 MHz
13: 869.525 MHz
14: 869.750 MHz
15: 869.850 MHz
16: 869.950 MHz
1: -20 dBm
2: -10 dBm
3: 0 dBm
4: 5 dBm
5: 9 dBm
1: 1.2 kbit/s
2: 4.8 kbit/s
3: 19.0 kbit/s
4: 32.768 kbit/s
5: 76.8 kbit/s
6: 100 kbit/s
7: For future use
RC1190
-
RC232
50 channels:
902+nx0.5 MHz
for n = [1, 50]
default:
1: 902.5 MHz
1: -20 dBm
2: -10 dBm
3: 0 dBm
4: not recommended*
5: not recommended*
1: 1.2 kbit/s
2: 4.8 kbit/s
3: 19.0 kbit/s
4: 32.768 kbit/s
5: 76.8 kbit/s
6: 100 kbit/s
7: For future use
* Not recommended due to higher output power than the FCC limit.
RF channel and output power level can be set using the configuration commands ‘C’ and ‘P’
respectively. The data rate can only be changed in configuration memory by using the ‘M’
command setting RF_DATA_RATE. The default RF channel and output power level can be set in
the configuration memory by using the ‘M’ command setting RF_CHANNEL and RF_POWER.
RC11xx-RC232
2010 Radiocrafts AS RC11xx-RC232 Data Sheet (rev. 1.42) Page 10 of 22
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The default values are used after power ON and RESET. The default factory settings are shown
in bold in the table above.
For more details on changing the RF channel, output power or data rate, refer to the description
of the configuration commands.
The use of RF frequencies, maximum allowed RF power and duty-cycles are limited by national
regulations. The RC1180-RC232 and RC1140-RC232 is complying with the applicable directives
within the European Union when used within these limitations.
RC1190-RC232 is pending approval under FCC for use in the US and Canada. For more
information see section “Regulatory Compliance Information”.
RSSI Reading
The module provides a digital Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) through the ‘S’
command, or attached to received messages. The module returns an 8 bit character (one byte)
indicating the current input signal strength (followed immediately by a second character which is
the prompt (‘>’) when in command mode). The signal strength can be used as an indication of
fading margin, or as a carrier sense signal to avoid collisions.
The signal strength measure by the S command is the instantaneous value. The RSSI value
appended to a received message (RSSI_MODE = 1) is the signal strength of that received
packet.
The RSSI value increases with increased input signal strength in 0.5 dB steps. Input signal
strength is given by (typ.):
P = - RSSI / 2 [dBm]
The dynamic range of the RSSI (P) goes from the Sensitivty level up to typical -30 dBm (RSSI
saturation level).
Temperature Reading
The module provides readings of a digital temperature monitoring sensor (TEMP) through the ‘U’
command. The module returns an 8 bit character (one byte) indicating the current temperature in
degrees Celsius (°C) followed immediately by a second character which is the prompt (‘>’).
The TEMP value increases with increased temperature in 1 °C steps and accuracy of +/- 2 °C.
Temperature is given by:
T = TEMP(dec) - 128 [°C] (example: TEMP=0x98 equals +24 °C)
Power Supply voltage Reading
The module provides readings of an internal power supply voltage monitoring sensor (VCC)
through the ‘V’ command. The module returns an 8 bit character (one byte) indicating the current
power supply voltage level followed immediately by a second character which is the prompt (‘>’).
The command can be useful for battery power monitoring.
The VCC value increases with increased power supply voltage in 30 mV steps. The power supply
voltage is given by:
V = VCC(dec)*0.030 [V] (example: VCC=0x68 equals 3.12 V)
RC11xx-RC232
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Module Configuration
The configuration of the module can be changed in-circuit from the host during operation, at the
time of installation of the equipment, at the manufacturing test, or even as a standalone module.
The configuration is changed sending commands on the UART interface after the module is set in
configuration mode. The configuration mode is entered by asserting the CONFIG pin (set low).
In command mode the module will respond by sending a ‘>’ prompt on the TXD pin. This
indicates that the module is ready to receive commands. The CONFIG pin can then be de-
asserted. Note that the CONFIG pin must be de-asserted before the Exit command (‘X’) is sent to
the module in order to return to normal operation.
After a command is executed, the module responds with the ‘>’ prompt character again indicating
it is ready for a new command. Do not send a new command before the ‘>’ prompt is received.
The time required to execute a command can vary depending on the command (see the Timing
Information section). There is no ‘>’ prompt after the ‘X’ exit command.
The parameters that are set by commands directly take immediate effect after returning to normal
operation (IDLE), but will not be stored in non-volatile memory, and will be lost in case the supply
power is turned off or if the module is reset. These parameters are for example the radio channel
and output power.
A list of commands is shown in the table below.
Parameter
Command
Argument in hex (decimal)
Note
Channel ‘C’ – 0x43 0x01-0x0C (1-12)
Data is stored in volatile
memory only.
Output power ‘P’ – 0x50 0x01-0x05 (1-5) Data is stored in volatile
memory only.
Signal
Strength
(RSSI)
‘S’ – 0x53 Returns one byte indicating
the signal strength
See page 10 for details
Destination
address
‘T’ – 0x54
0x00 – 0xFF (0-255)
Data is stored in volatile
Memory only.
Temperature
monitoring
‘U’ – 0x55
Returns one byte indicating
the temperature.
See page 10 for details
Battery
monitoring
‘V’ – 0x56
Returns one byte indicating
the power supply voltage.
See page 10 for details
Memory Read
one byte
‘Y’ – 0x59
0x00 – 0x7F
(The argument is the address
in the configuration memory.)
Return one byte value
from the configuration
memory.
Memory
configuration
‘M’ – 0x4D (Address, Data): see list of
parameters below.
0xFF exits memory
configuration.
Used to enter memory
configuration menu.
Parameters changed are
stored in non-volatile
memory.
Memory Reset ‘@RC’ No arguments, but CONFIG
must be low for this
command.
Resets the configuration
memory back to factory
default values in the whole
non-volatile memory.
Exit command ‘X’ – 0x58 (none) Exit to normal operation
mode. All changes of
parameters take effect.
Sleep mode ‘Z’ – 0x5A (none) CONFIG pin must be
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2010 Radiocrafts AS RC11xx-RC232 Data Sheet (rev. 1.42) Page 12 of 22
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asserted while in SLEEP
mode. Exit sleep mode by
releasing CONFIG pin.
Test mode 0 ‘0’ – 0x30 (none) List all configuration
memory parameters
Test mode 1 ‘1’ – 0x31 (none) TX carrier
Test mode 2 ‘2’ – 0x32 (none) TX modulated signal
PN9 sequence
Test mode 3 ‘3’ – 0x33 (none) RX mode
Test Mode 4 ‘4’ – 0x34 (none) Radio off mode
(RX and TX off)
Note: ASCII characters are written as ‘X’, hexadecimal numbers are written like 0x00, and
decimal numbers are written like 10 throughout the text. A table of ASCII characters and their
respective hex and decimal values are found in the Appendix.
Commands must be sent as ASCII characters or their corresponding binary value. All arguments
must be sent as binary values to the module (not as ASCII representation for hex or decimal).
Any invalid command will be ignored and the ‘>’ prompt will be re-sent. The CONFIG line must be
de-asserted after the first ‘>’ prompt was received, but before the ‘X’ command.
To make permanent changes to default values and other parameters, the Memory Configuration
command ‘M’ is used. This command should be followed by pairs of byte being the memory
address and the new value to be stored at that address. In order to exit the Memory Configuration
mode command ‘X’ must be sent.
Example:
To select RF channel 3, send the follow sequence after asserting the CONFIG line and the ‘>’
prompt is received:
Command Hex Response Comment/Note
CONFIG asserted ‘>’ De-assert CONFIG after ‘>’ prompt
‘C’ 0x43 ‘>’
3 0x03 ‘>’ Wait for ‘>’ prompt
[A new command could be issued here]
‘X’ 0x58 (none) Module returns to IDLE state
It is important to enter Test mode 3 before exiting the configuration mode (‘X’) if Test mode 1 or 2
has been used. This will ensure proper operation in normal mode.
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Configuration Memory
The table below shows the complete list of configurable parameters stored in non-volatile
memory. These values can be changed using the ‘M’ command. All addresses and arguments
must be sent as binary values to the module (not as ASCII representation for hex or decimal).
Parameter
Description
Address
hex
Argument
dec
Factory
setting
hex (dec)
Comment
Radio configuration
RF_CHANNEL Default RF
channel
0x00 RC1140: 1-17
RC1180: 1-16
RC1190: 1-50
0x01 (1)
See table page 9 for details
RF_POWER Default RF
output power
0x01 1-5 0x05 (5) See table page 9 for details
RF_DATA_RATE Default RF data
rate
0x02 1-7
0x03 (3)
See table page 9 for details
SLEEP_MODE Sleep Mode 0x04 0: SLEEP pin
disabled
1: reserved
2: SLEEP pin
enabled
0x00 (0) When enabled, the module
will enter sleep mode by
asserting sleep pin low.
Do not use in combination
with enabled UART flow
control.
RSSI_MODE Append RSSI 0x05 0-1 0x00 (0) 0: No RSSI append No
1: RSSI append
Radio packet configuration
PACKET_LENGTH Max packet
length.
0x0F 0x01-0x80
(1-128)
0x80
(128)
PACKET_TIMEOUT Time before
modem time-
out and
transmitting the
buffer
0x10 0x00-0xFE
(0-254)
0x00 (0): None
0x01 (1): 32 ms
0x02 (2): 48 ms
0x03 (3): 64 ms
0x7C (124): 2 s
0xF9 (249): 4 s
0x7C
(124)
None means packet timeout
is disabled (not 0 s).
Timeout value is
(PACKET_TIMOEOUT x 16
ms) + 0/16 ms min/max
0xFE (254) is max, giving
4.080 sec.
Default is 2 s = 0x7C (124)
PACKET_END_
CHARACTER
0x11 0x00: Off
0x01-0xFF: On
0x00 0: No end character
1-255: Use value as end
character
Medium access,
addressing and network management
ADDRESS_MODE 0x14 0x02 (2) 0: No addressing
2: Use addressing
CRC_MODE 0x15 0x02 (2) 0: None
2: CRC16
UNIQUE_ID (UID) 0x19 0-255 0x01 (1)
SYSTEM_ID (SID) 0x1A 0-255 0x01 (0)
DESTINATION_ID
(DID)
0x21 0-255 0x01 (1)
BROADCAST_
ADDRESS
0x28 0-255 0xFF
(255)
Data and configuration interface, UART Serial Port
UART_BAUD_RATE Baud rate 0x30 0x00: Not used
0x01: 2400
0x02: 4800
0x03: 9600
0x04. 14400
0x05: 19200
0x06: 28800
0x07: 38400
0x08: 56700
0x09: 76800
0x0A: 115200
0x0B: 230400
0x05 (5) BE CAREFUL
IFCHANGING AS HOST
MAY LOOSE CONTACT
WITH MODULE!
Does not take effect until
module is re-booted / reset.
RC11xx-RC232
2010 Radiocrafts AS RC11xx-RC232 Data Sheet (rev. 1.42) Page 14 of 22
Radiocrafts
Embedded Wireless Solutions
UART_FLOW_CTRL UART flow
control
0x35 0: None
1:CTS only
3:CTS/RTS
4:RXTX(RS485)
0x00 (0)
PART_NUMBER 0x3C-
0x49
RCxxxx
RC232
HW_REV_NO 0x4B-
0x4E
x.yz x, y and z; Any number 0d-
9d
FW_REV_NO 0x50-
0x53
x.yz x, y and z; Any number 0d-
9d
Note: Address location not listed should not be changed from the default value.
Antenna Connection
The antenna should be connected to the RF pin. The RF pin is matched to 50 Ohm. If the
antenna connector is placed away from the module at the motherboard, the track between the RF
pin and the connector should be a 50 Ohm transmission line.
On a two layer board made of FR4 the width of a microstrip transmission line should be 1.8 times
the thickness of the board, assuming a dielectric constant of 4.8. The line should be run at the top
of the board, and the bottom side should be a ground plane.
Example: For a 1.6 mm thick FR4 board, the width of the trace on the top side should be 1.8 x 1.6
mm = 2.88 mm.
The simplest antenna to use is the quarter wave whip antenna. A quarter wave whip antenna
above a ground plane yields 37 Ohm impedance and a matching circuit for 50 Ohm are usually
not required.
A PCB antenna can be made as a copper track where the ground plane is removed on the back
side. The rest of the PCB board should have a ground plane as large as possible, preferably as
large as the antenna itself, to make it act as a counterweight to the antenna. If the track is shorter
than a quarter of a wavelength, the antenna should be matched to 50 ohms.
The lengths of a quarter wave antenna for different operational frequencies are given in the table
below.
Frequency
[MHz]
Length
[cm]
433 16.4
868 8.2
915 7.8
RC11xx-RC232
2010 Radiocrafts AS RC11xx-RC232 Data Sheet (rev. 1.42) Page 15 of 22
Radiocrafts
Embedded Wireless Solutions
PCB Layout Recommendations
The recommended layout pads for the module are shown in the figure below. All dimensions are
in thousands of an inch (mil). The circle in upper left corner is an orientation mark only, and
should not be a part of the copper pattern.
A PCB with two or more layers and with a solid ground plane in one of the inner- or bottom
layer(s) is recommended. All GND-pins of the module shall be connected to this ground plane
with vias with shortest possible routing, one via per GND-pin.
On the back side of the module there are several test pads. These test pads shall not be
connected, and the area underneath the module should be covered with solder resist. If any
routing or vias is required under the module, the routing and vias must be covered with solder
resist to prevent short circuiting of the test pads. It is recommended that vias are tented.
Reserved pins should be soldered to the pads but the pads must be left floating.
Note that Radiocrafts technical support team is available for schematic and layout review of your
design.
RC11xx-RC232
2010 Radiocrafts AS RC11xx-RC232 Data Sheet (rev. 1.42) Page 16 of 22
Radiocrafts
Embedded Wireless Solutions
Mechanical Drawing
Mechanical Dimensions
The module size is 12.7 x 25.4 x 3.3 mm.
Carrier Tape and Reel Specification
Carrier tape and reel is in accordance with EIA Specification 481.
Tape width
Component
pitch
Hole pitch
Reel
diameter
Units per
reel
44 mm 16 mm 4 mm 13” Max 1000
Soldering Profile Recommendation
JEDEC standard IEC/JEDEC J-STD-020B (page 11 and 12), Pb-Free Assembly is
recommended.
The standard requires that the heat dissipated in the "surroundings" on the PCB is taken into
account. The peak temperature should be adjusted so that it is within the window specified in the
standard for the actual motherboard.
Aperture for paste stencil is normally areal-reduced by 20-35%. Nominal stencil thickness of 0.1 -
0-12 mm is recommended. Consult your production facility for best experience aperture
reduction.
Top view
Side view
Bottom view
End view
Drawings are not to scale
Radiocrafts
25.4 mm 12.7 mm
8.5 mm
13.6 mm
0.9 mm
1.4 mm
2.1 mm
2.1 mm
0.38 mm
23.6 mm 10.9 mm
1.9 mm
3.2 mm
RCXXXX YYYYWW
NN A.BB
Part nr: RCXXXX
Lot code: YYYYWW (YYYY=prod. year, WW= prod. week)
Hardware revision: A.BB
Approval marking: NN = CE, FCC or others
3.3 mm
RC11xx-RC232
2010 Radiocrafts AS RC11xx-RC232 Data Sheet (rev. 1.42) Page 17 of 22
Radiocrafts
Embedded Wireless Solutions
Absolute Maximum Ratings
Parameter
Min
Max
Unit
Caution ! ESD sensitive device.
Precaution should be used when handling
the device in order to prevent permanent
damage.
Supply voltage, VCC -0.3 3.9 V
Voltage on any pin -0.3 VCC+0.3V
max 3.9V
V
Input RF level 10 dBm
Storage temperature -50 150 °C
Operating temperature -40 85 °C
Under no circumstances the absolute maximum ratings given above should be violated. Stress
exceeding one or more of the limiting values may cause permanent damage to the device.
Electrical Specifications
T=25°C, VCC = 3.0V if nothing else stated.
Parameter
Min
Typ.
Max
Unit
Condition / Note
Operating frequency
RC1140
RC1180
RC1190
433.05
868.0
902.0
434.79
870.0
928.0
MHz
Number of channels
RC1140
RC1180
Rc1190
17
16
50
Input/output impedance
50
Ohm
Data rate
1.2
4.8
19.0
32.768
76.8
100
kbit/s
Frequency stability +/-40 ppm Including 10 years of aging.
Frequency stability aging 1 ppm/year Starting after 10 years
Transmit power
-20
9
dBm
FSK deviation 5.2 127 kHz Depends on data rate
Channel Filter bandwidth
58 540 kHz Depends on data rate
Spurious emission, TX
< 1 GHz
> 1 GHz
47 – 74 MHz
87.5 – 118 MHz
174 – 230 MHz
470 – 862 MHz
-36
-30
-54
-54
-54
-54
dBm
Sensitivity
1.2 kbit/s
4.8 kbit/s
19.0 kbit/s
32.768 kbit/s
76.8 kbit/s
100 kbit/s
-110
-106
-104
-101
-99
-97
dBm
1% packet error rate,
20 bytes packet length
Adjacent channel rejection
29 dB
Alternate channel selectivity
53 dB
RC11xx-RC232
2010 Radiocrafts AS RC11xx-RC232 Data Sheet (rev. 1.42) Page 18 of 22
Radiocrafts
Embedded Wireless Solutions
Image channel rejection 28 dB
Blocking / Interferer rejection /
desensitization
+/- 1 MHz
+/- 2 MHz
+/- 5 MHz
+/- 10 MHz
30
35
50
60
43
49
68
72
dB
Wanted signal 3 dB above
sensitivity level, CW
interferer.
Minimum numbers
corresponds to class 2
receiver requirements in
EN300220.
Saturation -14 dBm
Spurious emission, RX -57 dBm
Supply voltage 2.0 3.9 V
Current consumption, RX/IDLE
24
mA
Apply over entire supply
voltage range
RC1140 TX
Current consumption, TX
-20 dBm
-10 dBm
0 dBm
5 dBm
9 dBm
18
20
22
25
35
mA
Apply over entire supply
voltage range
RC1180/1190 TX
Current consumption, TX
-20 dBm
-10 dBm
0 dBm
5 dBm
9 dBm
16
17
22
30
37
mA
Current consumption, SLEEP 0.3 1.0 uA
Digital I/O
Input logic level, low
Input logic level, high
Output logic level, low (1µA)
Output logic level, high(-1µA)
70 %
0
30 %
VCC
V
Of VCC
Of VCC
RESET pin
Input logic level, low
Input logic level, high
70 %
30 %
V
Minimum 250 ns pulse
width
UART Baud Rate tolerance
+/- 2 % UART receiver and
transmitter
Configuration memory write
cycles
1000 The guaranteed number of
write cycles using the ‘M’
command is limited
Regulatory Compliance Information
The use of RF frequencies and maximum allowed RF power is limited by national regulations.
The RC1140-RC232 and RC1180-RC232 has been designed to comply with the R&TTE directive
1999/5/EC. According to R&TTE directives, it is the responsibility of Radiocrafts’ customers (i.e.
RC11XX-RC232 end user) to check that the host product (i.e. final product) is compliant with
R&TTE essential requirements. The use of a CE marked radio module can avoid re-certification
of the final product, provided that the end user respects the recommendations given by
Radiocrafts. A Declaration of Conformity is available from Radiocrafts on request.
The RC1190-RC232 has been tested towards FCC regulations for license free operation under
part 15. However, a final approval is required by FCC for the end product.
The relevant regulations are subject to change. Radiocrafts AS do not take responsibility for the
validity and accuracy of the understanding of the regulations referred above. Radiocrafts only
guarantee that this product meets the specifications in this document. Radiocrafts is exempt from
any responsibilities related to regulatory compliance.
RC11xx-RC232
2010 Radiocrafts AS RC11xx-RC232 Data Sheet (rev. 1.42) Page 19 of 22
Radiocrafts
Embedded Wireless Solutions
Power Supply
Noisy external circuitry may under certain scenarios affect the transmitted signal on RC11XX-RC232
and precaution should be taken for EU R&TTE conformity. Example of circuits that can generate noise
on the RC11XX-RC232 transmitted spectrum may be DC/DC converters and some level converters
like RS232 and RS485. To increase spectrum margin it is important to add an EMI filter bead on the
VCC pin of the RC11XX-RC232 module. Alternatively the RC11XX-RC232 may be powered form a
separate voltage regulator. This will ensure that potential switching noise is filtered out from the power
supply to the RC11XX-RC232. A block diagram of a typical PC serial port interface is illustrated below.
Suggested part numbers:
Component
Manufacturer
Part number
EMI filter bead Murata BLM11A102S, ordering code
BLM18xx102xN1D
Programming Interface
For future firmware updates and possible custom variants
it is recommended to include a 2x5 pins
programming connector to the module programming pins. The connector should be a 2.54 mm pitch
pin-row (same pitch in both directions), SMD or through-hole version, with the connections shown
below.
Reset connection
To minimize effect of noise on the Reset-line, the Reset pin on the module (pin 12) must be connected
to external circuitry via an RC-network. It is recommended to connect Reset to either a supervisory
circuit or microcontroller I/O-pin. If the Reset is driven by a push-pull output, an additional series
resistor of 5k6 shall be inserted as shown in the figure, to allow an external programmer used for
firmware upgrade to assert Reset low. In noisy surroundings and where Reset is not driven by a push-
pull output, it is recommended that the connection ‘A’ below is pulled to VCC via one or more resistors
where the equivalent pull-up resistor is close to 5k6
2 To VCC
4 To Pin 19, Debug Data
1nF
2k7
VCC
RESET
Connect to
programming
connector
pin Reset
Place directly
on Reset-pin as
close as possible
on pin
5k6 Connect to
supervisory
circuit or
MCU I/O-pin
GND 1
RS232-, RS485-,
RS422- or USB
levelshifter or
microcontroller
(MCU)
RTS
CTS
CONFIG
TXD
RXD
To Pin 20, 3
Debug clock
7
To Pin 12, Reset
EMI filter bead,
place close to
VCC pin
VCC
GND
VCC
To programming connector
A
RC11xx-RC232
2010 Radiocrafts AS RC11xx-RC232 Data Sheet (rev. 1.42) Page 20 of 22
Radiocrafts
Embedded Wireless Solutions
Appendix: ASCII Table
HEX
DEC
CHR
CTRL
HEX
DEC
CHR
0
0
NUL
^@
40
64
@
1
1
SOH
^A
41
65
A
2
2
STX
^B
42
66
B
3
3
ETX
^C
43
67
C
4
4
EOT
^D
44
68
D
5
5
ENQ
^E
45
69
E
6
6
ACK
^F
46
70
F
7
7
BEL
^G
47
71
G
8
8
BS
^H
48
72
H
9
9
HT
^I
49
73
I
0A
10
LF
^J
4A
74
J
0B
11
VT
^K
4B
75
K
0C
12
FF
^L
4C
76
L
0D
13
CR
^M
4D
77
M
0E
14
SO
^N
4E
78
N
0F
15
SI
^O
4F
79
O
10
16
DLE
^P
50
80
P
11
17
DC1
^Q
51
81
Q
12
18
DC2
^R
52
82
R
13
19
DC3
^S
53
83
S
14
20
DC4
^T
54
84
T
15
21
NAK
^U
55
85
U
16
22
SYN
^V
56
86
V
17
23
ETB
^W
57
87
W
18
24
CAN
^X
58
88
X
19
25
EM
^Y
59
89
Y
1A
26
SUB
^Z
5A
90
Z
1B
27
ESC
5B
91
[
1C
28
FS
5C
92
\
1D
29
GS
5D
93
]
1E
30
RS
5E
94
^
1F
31
US
5F
95
_
20
32
SP
60
96
`
21
33
!
61
97
a
22
34
"
62
98
b
23
35
#
63
99
c
24
36
$
64
100
d
25
37
%
65
101
e
26
38
&
66
102
f
27
39
'
67
103
g
28
40
(
68
104
h
29
41
)
69
105
i
2A
42
*
6A
106
j
2B
43
+
6B
107
k
2C
44
,
6C
108
l
2D 45
−
−−
−
6D 109 m
2E
46
.
6E
110
n
2F
47
/
6F
111
o
30
48
0
70
112
p
31
49
1
71
113
q
32
50
2
72
114
r
33
51
3
73
115
s
34
52
4
74
116
t
35
53
5
75
117
u
36
54
6
76
118
v
37
55
7
77
119
w
38
56
8
78
120
x
39
57
9
79
121
y
3A
58
:
7A
122
z
3B
59
;
7B
123
{
3C
60
<
7C
124
|
3D
61
=
7D
125
}
3E 62 > 7E 126
~
3F
63
?
7F
127
DEL
RC11xx-RC232
2010 Radiocrafts AS RC11xx-RC232 Data Sheet (rev. 1.42) Page 21 of 22
Radiocrafts
Embedded Wireless Solutions
Document Revision History
Document Revision
Changes
1.0 First release
1.1 Pull-up description during sleep and additional info regarding channel
selection is added.
1.2 Updated timing table, Reset connection.
1.21 Minor correction
1.30 Mechanical drawing update, Product status change and minor corrections
1.40 New commands added (U, V, Y and @RC). Sensitivity corrected. I/O pin
direction and stencil thickness included. RSSI timing added. Updated
application circuit.
1.41 Minor text correction
1.42 RTS/SLEEP pin info and configuration added. VCC range clarified to be max
3.9 V. RSSI dynamic range added and minor corrections.
Product Status and Definitions
Current
Status
Data Sheet Identification
Product Status
Definition
Advance Information Planned or under
development
This data sheet contains the design
specifications for product
development. Specifications may
change in any manner without notice.
Preliminary Engineering Samples
and First Production
This data sheet contains preliminary
data, and supplementary data will be
published at a later date. Radiocrafts
reserves the right to make changes at
any time without notice in order to
improve design and supply the best
possible product.
X
No Identification Noted
Full Production
This data sheet contains final
specifications. Radiocrafts
reserves the right to make
changes at any time without notice
in order to improve design and
supply the best possible product.
Obsolete Not in Production This data sheet contains
specifications on a product that has
been discontinued by Radiocrafts.
The data sheet is printed for
reference information only.
RC11xx-RC232
2010 Radiocrafts AS RC11xx-RC232 Data Sheet (rev. 1.42) Page 22 of 22
Radiocrafts
Embedded Wireless Solutions
Disclaimer
Radiocrafts AS believes the information contained herein is correct and accurate at the time of this printing. However,
Radiocrafts AS reserves the right to make changes to this product without notice. Radiocrafts AS does not assume any
responsibility for the use of the described product; neither does it convey any license under its patent rights, or the rights
of others. The latest updates are available at the Radiocrafts website or by contacting Radiocrafts directly.
As far as possible, major changes of product specifications and functionality, will be stated in product specific Errata
Notes published at the Radiocrafts website. Customers are encouraged to check regularly for the most recent updates on
products and support tools.
Trademarks
RC232™ is a trademark of Radiocrafts AS. The RC232™ Embedded RF Protocol is used in a range of products from
Radiocrafts. The protocol handles host communication, data buffering, error check, addressing and broadcasting. It
supports point-to-point, point-to-multipoint and peer-to-peer network topologies.
All other trademarks, registered trademarks and product names are the sole property of their respective owners.
Life Support Policy
This Radiocrafts product is not designed for use in life support appliances, devices, or other systems where malfunction
can reasonably be expected to result in significant personal injury to the user, or as a critical component in any life support
device or system whose failure to perform can be reasonably expected to cause the failure of the life support device or
system, or to affect its safety or effectiveness. Radiocrafts AS customers using or selling these products for use in such
applications do so at their own risk and agree to fully indemnify Radiocrafts AS for any damages resulting from any
improper use or sale.
© 2010, Radiocrafts AS. All rights reserved.
Contact Information
Web site: www.radiocrafts.com
Address:
Radiocrafts AS
Sandakerveien 64
NO-0484 OSLO
NORWAY
Tel: +47 4000 5195
Fax: +47 22 71 29 15
E-mail: radiocrafts@radiocrafts.com
sales@radiocrafts.com
support@radiocrafts.com
