Programmable 2.4GHz Radio Module with AVR ATmega168.

The programmable wireless radio module iDwaRF-168 combines a Cypress 2.4GHz DSSS radio transceiver with an Atmel AVR ATmega168 microcontroller. In combination with the free iDwaRF-Net firmware a powerfull and expandable platform for custom specific wireless application is available.

See infosheet for details.

Firmware

The freely available iDwaRF-Net firmware provides the complete functionality for a wireless, star-like N:1 sensor network. The wireless protocol is completely encapsulated, for data transmission and communication between host (e.g. PC) and iDwaRF hub a simple serial ASCII protocol is implemented. Additional user functions can be easily embedded into the sensor firmware and simple data structures are used for communication. Several example allications, e.g. covering the onboard components of the iDwaRF-NodeBoard or a wireless chat via terminal programms, can easily be adapted to own applications.

Information for Start-Up

For bringing the iDwaRF-168 modules into operation together with the iDwaRF-Net firmware, you have to first solder the 7.3728MHz crystal and then program the ATmega168 fusebits according to the values given in the infosheet. Without proper fusebit settings, USART communication with the host PC will not work!

You need an ISP adapter, which is capable of programming low-voltage targets, like our CrispAVR-USB or similar tools, like AVRISP-mkII or STK500 by Atmel. Using non-low-voltage capable ISP adapters, like our STK200 compatible CrispAVR-200, is not recommended!

Accessories

For easy operation of the iDwaRF modules, an iDwaRF-NodeBoard and an iDwaRF-HubBoard are available. The NodeBoard provides some onboard sensor components (LED, push button, temperature sensor, light sensor), whereas the HubBoard has a USB interface for PC connectivity. The picture on the right shows an iDwaRF-NodeBoard PCB with battiery clip and attached iDwaRF-168 module. Please note, that the iDwaRF-168 is not included in the kit and has to be ordered seperately.

A suitable ISP adapter for programming the iDwaRF modules is the CrispAVR-USB.

Technical Data

• Cypress CYWUSB6935 DSSS radio transceiver (WirelessUSB-LR)
• non-licensed ISM band (2.4GHz - 2.483GHz), can be used world wide
• -95dBm receiver sensitivity, 0dBm output power
• seperate transmit and receive antennas integrated in the PCB
• range +50m
• data rate up to 62.5kBit/s
• bidirectional, Module can both send and receive
• Atmel AVR ATmega168 microcontroller
• free N:1 wireless network software as C-library for hub and sensors
• 8 IO pins configurable out of UART, I2C, SPI, ADC, PWM, digital IOs
• supply voltage range 2.7V - 3.6V
• sleep current ~10µA
• 1x 14pin header with IO signals (2.54mm / 0.1" pitch)
• size 25x30mm

Product Documentation

• iDwaRF-168 Infosheet
• iDwaRF-168 Schematics
• iDwaRF-168 PCB

Datasheets and Drivers

Atmel

• Atmel AVR ATmega168 Mikrocontroller

Cypress

• CYWUSB6935 radio transceiver

Eagle Library

• Schematic symbols and layout footprints as Eagle library