We are working on RF measurements with a Bluetooth module from Renesas and need to configure the device for continuous TX carrier mode along with channel selection capabilities.
From our communication with Renesas, we understand:
There is no custom firmware developed for this purpose by Renesas.
The available firmware is CodeLess, which uses AT commands.
While transmission power can be adjusted using CodeLess, channel selection for TX carrier mode does not seem to be supported.
We would like to ask:
Is there a developer version of the app or a dedicated PC software that can allow us to set the device into continuous TX carrier mode and select specific channels for testing?
Is there any way to configure multiple channels or perform frequency hopping under a controlled test scenario?
While we understand that transmission power can be adjusted using CodeLess, could someone please guide us on how exactly this is done?
We appreciate any insights or shared experiences on setting up the Renesas BT module for RF testing, especially continuous transmission and channel configuration.
Thanks in advance!
Hi Suprio,Thank you for posting your question online.My understanding is that you are using the DA1453x or the DA1458x family of devices with SDK6 CodeLess SDK.
Suprio said:Is there a developer version of the app or a dedicated PC software that can allow us to set the device into continuous TX carrier mode and select specific channels for testing? Is there any way to configure multiple channels or perform frequency hopping under a controlled test scenario?
Please download the Generic SDK6 from here.Please download the SmartSnippets Toolbox from: SmartBond Development Tools | RenesasOn the SmartSnippets Toolbox User Manual you should focus on the RF Master tool: 5.1. RF Master — UM-B-083You should follow the DA1453x Bluetooth LE Direct Test ModeThe prod_test firmware can be found inside the Generic SDK6.
Suprio said:While we understand that transmission power can be adjusted using CodeLess, could someone please guide us on how exactly this is done?
Please refer on 9. AT Commands — DA145XX Tutorial SDK Getting startedWith the AT+PWRLVL command you can change the Tx Output Power level but you are not going to be able to perform RF tests.In order to perform RF Tests you should use the prod_test firmware image.Best Regards.OV_Renesas
Thanks for your prompt response! One more clarification would be appreciated to know that if it is possible to change the channels?
Could you please give me some insight or maybe the related info regarding changing or using multiple channels?
Hi Suprio,Thank you for the reply.Please follow the app notes on the 1st answer I shared.On SmartSnippets Toolbox you can go on Manager-->RF Master and then from the GUI you can select the Frequency you want:Best Regards,OV_Renesas
Thank you so much! It was a great help! Is there any way to verify in the toolbox if it's transmitting okay, without using a Second Board as a Receiver.
.
Hi Suprio,Thank you for the reply.If the SmartSnippets Toolbox fails to execute the operation you requested you should receive a message on the Log tab (right side).If there is no Errors on the Log tab then you can consider the operation successful.Best Regards,OV_Renesas
Thanks again for your continued support! I have another question: why is UART required when JTAG is already in use? It seems that downloading the firmware isn't possible without UART. I have attached some ss for your reference.
Hi Suprio,Thank you for the reply.
Suprio said: why is UART required when JTAG is already in use? It seems that downloading the firmware isn't possible without UART.
The DA1453x device of families support 2 programming methods:1) SWD interface2) UART interface (2-wire UART or 1-Wire UART)For the prod_test the SmartSnippets Toolbox is configured to perform 2-Wire UART programming.You can use the Programmer-->Flash code tab to download the FW via SWD interface or you can use the Renesas SmartBond Flash Programmer to utilize the SWD interface for programming the prod_test image.Best Regards,OV_Renesas
Thanks! I can Program the processor this way but Its not possible to configure it when I try to use the channels for continuous transmission without UART.
Hi Suprio,Thank you for the reply.Yes, you are correct.Please refer on DA1453x Bluetooth LE Direct Test ModeBest Regards,OV_Renesas
HI OV_Renesas, Thanks ! So the conclusion is UART is compulsory to configure the channels, am I right?
Hi Suprio,Yes, the UART is needed in order to perform the RF tests correctly.Best Regards,OV_Renesas
Hi OV_Renesas
Thank you for your kind assistance. We are currently using the DA14531MOD-00F01002332 module, and we would like to establish UART communication with it.
Could you please confirm which specific pins need to be soldered or connected for proper UART communication (TX, RX, GND, and VCC)?
Suprio said:Thank you for your kind assistance. We are currently using the DA14531MOD-00F01002332 module, and we would like to establish UART communication with it.
The DA14531MOD has an integrated SPI Flash. For that reason some GPIOs are not exposed.On the DA14531MOD you cannot use 2-wire UART programming. And for 1-wire UART programming you cannot use P0_3 but only P0_5.So, for the prod_test firmware you should use the following:For CodeLess SDK in order to use UART you can use the default GPIOs:4-Wire UART is mandatory if you want to use Binary mode (datapump set) or AT+SLEEP command.Best Regards,OV_Renesas