–

–

–

–

The three position slide switch (2) controls the CMD_DATA_TYPE line. This

line tells the module that the data coming in on the CDI is either command

data for configuring the module (middle position) or packet data to be

transmitted over the air (top position). The bottom position connects this

line to the DTR line on the USB or RS-232 interface. This allows the PC

software to control the line, giving it the ability to configure the module and

send data.

Test points for CMD_DATA_IN (3) and CMD_DATA_OUT (4) are provided so

that the communications can be monitored.

The PC Software

The kit includes PC software that can be used to configure the module

through the PC interface daughter board. Figure 11 shows the software.

The left side of the window contains

labels that expand to show links to useful

information (Figure 12). This includes the

Linx Technologies contact information

and links to the website for the latest

product documentation and software

updates. Clicking on these links opens

the page in the computer’s default web

browser.

Figure 11: Development Kit PC Software

The command portion of the window

starts in the middle of the window (Figure

13). At the top is a box that states the

product name, firmware version and

serial number.

Below this is a selection that determines

how the module is configured (Figure 14).

Writing to RAM is faster, but the settings

are lost when power is cycled to the module. Programming to flash takes a

bit longer (5ms/byte), but the settings are retained when power is cycled to

the module.

Below this are the configuration settings

(Figure 15). These allow the software to

change the channel, baud band, transmit

and receive mode and the output

power. By default the module looks to

its hardware pins for these configuration

settings, so software control must be

enabled for it to take control. This is

done by checking the Enable checkbox

in each section.

The Channel configuration allows the

user to select from among all 101 channels offered by the module rather

than just the eight available with the hardware lines. A selection box shows

the channel and a text box shows the channel’s frequency.

The Baud Band setting adjusts internal filters and other settings to set

the transceiver’s maximum over-the-air data rate. The Baud Band section

allows for the selection from among the four baud bands.

The Transmit/Receive Mode selection activates the transceiver’s transmitter

or receiver. When the receiver is active the measured RSSI level is shown in

the text box.

The Output Power section allows the module’s transmitter output power

level to be adjusted. The NT Series has 57 power levels that drop the

power in approximately 0.5dB increments. The adjacent text box shows

the approximate power. This is not a measured value, but an approximate

value based on characterization of the modules.

Figure 12: Development Kit PC Software

11

10

Figure 13: Development Kit PC Software

Figure 14: Development Kit PC Software

Figure 15: Development Kit PC Software