ZigBit™
OEM Modules
ZDM-A1281-*
Ultra-Compact 2.4GHz 802.15.4/ZigBee Modules
for Wireless Networking Applications
Product Datasheet
D
OC
. M-251~01
V
.1.13
WWW.MESHNETICS.COM
O
CTOBER
2007
©
2007 MeshNetics
Zi gBi t™
O EM M odule s
Product Datasheet
Table of Contents
Summary ............................................................................................................................................................. 3
Applications ........................................................................................................................................................ 3
Key features ........................................................................................................................................................ 3
Benefits................................................................................................................................................................ 3
ZigBit™ Module Overview ................................................................................................................................. 4
Specifications ..................................................................................................................................................... 5
Absolute Maximum Ratings**............................................................................................................................ 6
Physical/Environmental Characteristics and Outline ..................................................................................... 7
Pin Configuration................................................................................................................................................ 8
Mounting Information....................................................................................................................................... 12
Sample Antenna Reference Designs .............................................................................................................. 13
Agency Certifications....................................................................................................................................... 18
Related Documents .......................................................................................................................................... 20
Ordering Information........................................................................................................................................ 21
Disclaimer.......................................................................................................................................................... 22
Trademarks ....................................................................................................................................................... 22
Technical Support ............................................................................................................................................ 22
Contact Information.......................................................................................................................................... 22
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Summary
ZigBit™ stands for ultra-compact, low-power, high-sensitivity 2.4GHz 802.15.4/ZigBee OEM modules from
MeshNetics, based on the innovative Atmel’s mixed-signal hardware platform. They are designed for wireless
sensing, control and data acquisition applications. The ZigBit modules eliminate the need for costly and time-
consuming RF development, and shorten time to market for a wide range of wireless applications.
Two different versions of ZigBit modules are available: ZDM-A1281-B0 module with balanced RF port for
applications where the benefits of PCB or external antenna can be utilized and ZDM-A1281-A2 module with dual
chip antenna satisfying the needs of size sensitive applications.
Applications
ZigBit features standards-based networking stack, based on IEEE802.15.4 PHY and MAC layers, and ZigBee
NWK/APS/ZDO layers. It enables multipoint, multihop communications over an area of thousands of square meters
at moderate data rates without expensive infrastructure support. The architecture of the Wireless Sensor Networks
(WSN) allows for use of low powered devices. The applications include, but are not limited to:
•
Building automation & monitoring
•
Lighting controls
•
Wireless smoke and CO detectors
•
Structural integrity monitoring
HVAC monitoring & control
Inventory management
Environmental monitoring
Security
•
•
Water metering
Industrial monitoring
•
Machinery condition and performance monitoring
•
Monitoring of plant system parameters such as
temperature, pressure, flow, tank level, humidity,
vibration, etc.
Automated meter reading (AMR)
•
•
•
•
•
Key features
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Ultra compact size (24 x 13.5 mm for
ZDM-A1281-A2 module and 18.8 x 13.5 mm for
ZDM-A1281-B0 module)
Innovative (patent-pending) balanced dual chip
antenna
design
with
antenna
gain
of
approximately 0 dBi (for ZDM-A1281-A2 version)
High RX sensitivity (-101 dBm)
Outperforming link budget (104 dB)
Up to 3 dBm output power
Very low power consumption
(< 6 µA in deep sleep mode)
Ample memory resources (128K bytes of flash
memory, 8K bytes RAM, 4K bytes EEPROM)
Wide range of interfaces (both analog and digital):
•
10 spare GPIO, 2 spare IRQ lines
•
4 ADC lines
•
UART with CTS/RTS control
•
I
2
C, USART/SPI
Up to 30 lines can be configured as GPIO
Capability to write own MAC address into the
EEPROM
Optional antenna reference designs
IEEE 802.15.4 compliant
2.4 GHz ISM band
eZeeNet embedded software, including UART
bootloader and AT command set
Benefits
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Less physical space constraints
Best-in-class RF link range
Longer battery life
Easy prototyping with 2-layer PCB
More memory for user software application
Mesh networking capability
Easy-to-use low cost Evaluation Kit
Single source of support for HW and SW
Worldwide license-free operation
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ZigBit™ Module Overview
ZigBit is a low-power, high-sensitivity IEEE802.15.4/
ZigBee-compliant OEM module. This multi-functional
device occupies less than a square inch of space, which
is comparable to a typical size of a single chip. Based on
a solid combination of Atmel’s latest AVR Z-Link
hardware platform [1], the ZigBit offers superior radio
performance with exceptional ease of integration.
ZigBit modules comply with the FCC (Part 15), IC and
ETSI (CE) rules applicable to the devices radiating in
uncontrolled environment. For details, see section
Agency Certifications
below.
ZigBit fully satisfies the requirements of the “Directive
2002/95/EC of the European Parliament and the Council
of 27January 2003 on the restriction of the use of certain
hazardous substances in electrical and electronic
equipment” (RoHS). MeshNetics provides fully compliant
product in all regions where the directive is enforced July
1, 2006.
The
ZigBit
contains
Atmel’s
ATmega1281V
Microcontroller [1] and AT86RF230 RF Transceiver [2].
The module features 128kb flash memory and 8 kb RAM.
The ZigBit already contains a complete RF/MCU-related
design with all the necessary passive components
included. The module can be easily mounted on a simple
2-layer PCB. Compared to a single-chip, a module-based
solution offers considerable savings in development time
& NRE cost per unit during the design & prototyping
phase.
Innovative (patent-pending) dual chip antenna design in
ZDM-A1281-A2 module eliminates the balun and
achieves good performance over ZigBee frequency
band.
MeshNetics provides tools for building ready-to-use
applications around the ZigBit module. The Development
Kit helps prototyping and testing an 802.15.4 or ZigBee
networking solution. It includes the sensor boards with
multiple interfaces, an out-of-the-box data acquisition
software suite, as well as accessories and
documentation. The sample data-acquisition application
allows network monitoring and sensor data collection, all
visualized via graphic interface.
The ZigBit modules come bundled with the eZeeNet
networking firmware. The eZeeNet enables the module-
based OEM products to form self-healing, self-organizing
mesh networks. The eZeeNet stack conforms to
IEEE802.15.4/ ZigBee specifications [3], [4], [5].
Depending on your design requirements, you can use
the ZigBit to operate a sensor node, where it would
function as a single MCU. Or you can pair it to a host
processor, where the module would serve essentially as
a modem.
In the former case, a user application should be bundled
with the eZeeNet Software. The eZeeNet’s programming
interface gives users flexibility to manage network and
minimize power consumption.
IRQ
UART
USART/SPI
I2C
JTAG
Analog
ATmega1281
Micro
controller
AT86RF230
ZDM-A1281-B0 Block Diagram
VCC (1.8 – 3.6V)
IRQ
UART
USART/SPI
I2C
JTAG
Analog
ATmega1281
Micro
controller
AT86RF230
RF
Transceiver
RF I/O
GPIO
SPI Bus
ZDM-A1281-A2 Block Diagram
VCC (1.8 – 3.6V)
RF
Transceiver
Chip
Antenna
GPIO
SPI Bus
eZeeNet™ Block Diagram
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In the latter case, the host processor can control data transmission and manage module peripherals via powerful set
of AT commands. This way, a minimum engineering effort for development of customer’s devices is required.
Additionally, the sensors can be connected directly to the module, thus expanding the existing set of sensor
interfaces. The over-the-air control via AT-commands makes debugging and network testing easier. It also enables
wireless module configuration during OEM mass-production process and provides flexible commissioning protocol
for installation and maintenance of ZigBit-based devices.
The eZeeNet is compact private profile software from MeshNetics that is specifically tailored for data acquisition
applications. It allows optimizing the network traffic, reducing power consumption, scheduling, and smart power
management. The eZeeNet software comes with a set of drivers for standard peripherals (I
2
C, GPIO, ADC, etc.) that
ensure the ZigBit module easy integration.
Specifications
Test Conditions (unless otherwise stated): V
cc
= 3 V, f=2.45 GHz, T
amb
= 25 °C
Module Operating Conditions
Parameters
Supply Voltage (V
cc
)
Current Consumption: RX mode
Current Consumption: TX mode
Current Consumption: Radio is turned off,
MCU is active for 50% of the time.
Current Consumption: Power Save mode
Range
1.8 to 3.6
19
18
14
6
Unit
V
mA
mA
mA
μA
see Note
see Note
see Note
see Note
Condition
Note: Parameters specified above are measured under the following conditions:
•
•
•
•
•
•
eZeeNet software is running at 4 MHz clock rate, DTR line management is turned off
all interfaces are set to the default state (see
Pin Assignment Table)
output TX power is 0 dBm
JTAG is not connected
V
cc
= 3.0 V
actual current consumption depends on multiple factors, including but not limited to the board
design and materials, extra MCU load by user’s application, peripherals usage, EEPROM
reading/writing, eZeeNet settings, network activity and so on.
RF Characteristics
Parameters
Frequency Band
Number of Channels
Channel Spacing
Transmitter Output Power
Receiver Sensitivity
On-Air Data Rate
TX Output / Rx Input Nominal Impedance
Range
2.400 to 2.4835
16
5
-17 to +3
- 101
250
100
MHz
dBm
dBm
kbps
Ohms
For balanced
output
Adjusted in 16
steps
PER = 1%
Unit
GHz
Condition
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