SX1272 Development Kit

USER GUIDE
WIRELESS & SENSING PRODUCTS

SX1272 Development Kit

USER GUIDE

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Table of Contents

Table of Contents .......................................................................................................................................... 2

Index of Figures ............................................................................................................................................ 3
1 Preamble ................................................................................................................................................ 4
2 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 4
3 Getting Started ....................................................................................................................................... 5
3.1 Evaluation Kit Contents ................................................................................................................. 5
3.2 Ordering information ..................................................................................................................... 6
3.3 Updating the firmware ................................................................................................................... 6
4 Eiger Platform Presentation ................................................................................................................. 10
4.1 Platform Description .................................................................................................................... 10
4.2 SX1272 Module Hardware .......................................................................................................... 11
5 Eiger platform for PER Testing ............................................................................................................ 12
5.1 Menu Description ........................................................................................................................ 12
5.2 Using the Eiger platform .............................................................................................................. 12
5.2.1 System Window....................................................................................................................... 13
5.2.2 PER Demo Window................................................................................................................. 15
5.2.3 PER Rx Bar-graph................................................................................................................... 23
6 SX1272SKA Software Description ....................................................................................................... 24
6.1 SX1272SKA Quick start Guide ................................................................................................... 24
6.2 LoRa Mode .................................................................................................................................. 27
6.2.1 LoRa Menu .............................................................................................................................. 27
6.2.2 LoRa Common Window .......................................................................................................... 28
6.2.3 LoRa Parameters Window ...................................................................................................... 29
6.3 FSK Mode ................................................................................................................................... 30
6.3.1 FSK Menu ............................................................................................................................... 30
6.3.2 Common window ..................................................................................................................... 31
6.3.3 Transmitter window ................................................................................................................. 32
6.3.4 Receiver window ..................................................................................................................... 33
6.3.5 IRQ and Map window .............................................................................................................. 34
6.3.6 Packet Handler window ........................................................................................................... 35
6.3.7 Sequencer window .................................................................................................................. 36
6.3.8 Temperature window ............................................................................................................... 37
7 How to... ............................................................................................................................................... 38
7.1 … perform a simple transmission / reception in LoRa ................................................................ 38
7.2 … perform a simple transmission / reception in FSK .................................................................. 40
7.3 … perform Continuous transmission and Reception in LoRa ..................................................... 44
7.4 … Log the Transmitted or Received packets .............................................................................. 45
7.5 … perform a CW or PN9 Tx test on the SX1272 ........................................................................ 46
7.6 … check the frequency accuracy of the SX1272 module ........................................................... 46
8 Troubleshooting ................................................................................................................................... 47
8.1 The Eiger platform indicates very high PER even in short range ............................................... 47
8.2 The communication range in Lora is very poor ........................................................................... 47
8.3 The SX1272SKA do not detect the device through the USB ...................................................... 47
8.4 The Eiger platform does not seem to work anymore .................................................................. 47
8.5 The Eiger platform touch screen is not accurate ........................................................................ 47

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Index of Figures

Figure 1: SX1272 Development Kit (SX1272DVK1BAS - 868MHz version) ................................................ 5

Figure 2: Eiger platform description ............................................................................................................ 10
Figure 3: Sx1272 Module Schematic .......................................................................................................... 11
Figure 4: Connect both USB ports to use the SX1272SKA ........................................................................ 24
Figure 5: SX1272 window organization ...................................................................................................... 25
Figure 6: Register table ............................................................................................................................... 26
Figure 7: SX1272SKA Boot-up windows .................................................................................................... 28
Figure 8: LoRa Radio parameters window .................................................................................................. 29
Figure 9: FSK window structure .................................................................................................................. 30
Figure 10: FSK Common window ............................................................................................................... 31
Figure 11: FSK Transmitter window ............................................................................................................ 32
Figure 12: FSK Receiver window ................................................................................................................ 33
Figure 13: FSK IRQ and Map window ........................................................................................................ 34
Figure 14: FSK Packet Handler window ..................................................................................................... 35
Figure 15: FSK Sequencer window ............................................................................................................ 36
Figure 16: FSK Temperature window ......................................................................................................... 37

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1 Preamble
This document describes how to use the SX1272 Evaluation kit. This document describes especially the
SX1272 Eiger platform and the SX1272 SKA User Interface. We strongly recommend for the user to read
thoroughly the datasheet of the SX1272 prior to start working on the device. Most of this document
assumes a general knowledge on the SX1272 and modern RF communications.

2 Introduction
The SX1272 is a single-chip integrated circuit ideally suited for today's high performance ISM band RF
applications. Added to the renowned, high-performance and low-cost, FSK / OOK RF transceiver modem,
the SX1272 is also equipped with the LoRa proprietary transceiver modem. This advanced feature set,
including a state of the art packet engine, greatly simplifies system design whilst the high level of
integration reduces the external BOM to a handful of passive decoupling and matching components. It is
intended for use as high-performance, long range, half-duplex bi-directional RF links, and where stable
and constant RF performances are required over the full operating range of the device down to 1.8V.

The SX1272 is intended for applications over a wide frequency range, including the 868 MHz European
and the 902-928 MHz North American ISM bands. Coupled with a link budget in excess of 135 dB in FSK
in excess of 155 dB in LoRa, the SX1272 really offers the possibility of two modems in one single
package. The SX1272 complies with both ETSI and FCC regulatory requirements and is available in a
5x5 mm QFN 28 lead free package.

The SX1272 Evaluation kit, based around the Eiger platform, allows the user to test every aspect of the
radio, both from the system and RF point of view.

On one hand, the Eiger platform is a touch screen portable device which has been design to enable quick
and easy testing of the PER performances of the SX1272. On the other hand, the SX1272SKA is a PC
based evaluation tool which allows in depth testing of the radio.

This document is therefore divided in two parts: the first part present the SX1272 Eiger module and how
to perform PER test in LoRa and FSK; the second part of this document present the SX1272 SKA and
how it can be used to test every single aspect of the radio.

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3 Getting Started
3.1 Evaluation Kit Contents
The SX1272SKA evaluation kit consists of:
 2 x Eiger platforms
 2 x SX1272 modules
 2 x ½ wave dipole antennas
 2 x Mini-USB cables
 Insert sheet

Figure 1: SX1272 Development Kit (SX1272DVK1BAS - 868MHz version)

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3.2 Ordering information

Each of part of the SX1272 Evaluation kit can be ordered as a single entity or in a whole package. When
ordering, please refer to the following parts numbers:

SX1272DVK1BAS SX1272 Development Kit (868MHz version)

SX1272DVK1CAS SX1272 Development Kit (915MHz version)

SX1272RF1BAS SX1272 Evaluation Module (868MHz version + antenna)

SX1272RF1CAS SX1272 Evaluation Module (915MHz version + antenna)

For more information on each of the options available, please, contact your local Semtech representative.
The SX1272SKA evaluation software, the firmware, drivers and all SX1272 related materials are available
on the Semtech website: http://www.semtech.com/wireless-rf/rf-transceivers/

3.3 Updating the firmware

Updating the Eiger platform firmware is straight forward given that the user follows some simple steps.
The first step is to install the Eiger platform drivers on the PC used to update the firmware. These drivers,
called RLink USB drivers are located in the folder RLinkDrv given with every version of the firmware. To
install the driver, simply launch the file RLinkUSBInstall.exe.

Once the RLink drivers are installed, the firmware upgrade is done through the update.bat file which will
upload the correct version of the firmware depending on several options related to the Eiger platform or
module being used. When launching the application, the following window opens:

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This window invites the user to select the STM32 daughter board fitted on the Eiger platform. The
pictures below should help the user to recognize which daughter board is which. Added to this, the
STM32F407 daughter board is equipped with a small camera clearly visible at the back of the module.

STM32F103 Module STM32F407 Module

The upgrader then needs to know which version of the SX1272 is used with the Eiger platform. Most
users should have the Version 2 of the device. In case of doubt, please contact your Semtech
representative.

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If the Eiger platform is not powered up, is wrongly connected or if the RLink drivers are not installed, the
following message will be displayed on the screen:

In this situation, the user need to make sure the device is correctly powered and turned on. Please, refer
to section 4.1 of this document for more information.

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This is what the full upgrader should look like at the end of the software update.

Once the software has been upgraded, it is recommended to reset all the internal settings on the Eiger
platform. For more information on how to achieve this, please, refer to section 5.2.1.1 of this document.

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4 Eiger Platform Presentation

4.1 Platform Description
The Eiger platform is intended to enable a quick and easy range test of the sx1272 module. Here most of
the modem parameters are pre-configured and the user only needs to set some RF parameters.

5-Way main button Antenna SMA Connector

Top/Bottom/Right/Left/Center Do not start TX without an antenna or
Short center click to start load connected
2-secondes center click to shutdown

LoRa board LEDs

Receive Mode
Green: PER packet rcvd OK
Red: NonPER packet rcvd OK
Transmit Mode
Yellow: Packet sent (flashes
Eiger platform LEDs for each packet
When screen is turned off the green
led will blink

S_VDC_Switch
Leave in uppermost position
Charging LEDs
Bottom red: charging
Top green: battery is charged
Red+Green: charging error or battery
fully charged Plaform main USB connector
Mini-B USB type
Use to charge the platform
battery or power it when
battery is off or empty. It is also
Eiger platform function ‘buttons’ used to update the firmware
Only used to move between screens

Battery switch
Switch the Eiger platform
STM32 daughter board ON or OFF (indicated by ‘1’
This USB should only be and ‘0’).
plug for the SX1272SKA
to enable communication
with PC software

Figure 2: Eiger platform description

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4.2 SX1272 Module Hardware

The SX1272SKA is a USB based evaluation software designed to allow simple and easy evaluation of the
suitability of the SX1272 for a given application. The low component count reference design implemented
in the SX1272RF1xAS reference board is illustrated below in Figure 3.

Figure 3: Sx1272 Module Schematic

The circuit has been specifically match to offer the best performances in the 860-930MHz range.

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5 Eiger platform for PER Testing

5.1 Menu Description
The Eiger menu is organized around the touch screen which allows the user to set on the fly a limited
number of parameters. We will here describe each menu window so that the user can quickly start doing
PER testing.

The idea behind the PER demo is to set one of the Eiger platform as a transmitter and the other one as a
receiver. Then both platforms can me moved away one from the other, in an urban or in an open field
environment, to easily capture the PER between the transmitter and the receiver.

The PER demo operates in FSK or in LoRa modes so that the advantages and drawbacks of each
modulation can been seen easily.

5.2 Using the Eiger platform

The home screen is the first window displayed on the control touch screen.

Battery level

Firmware version

Access the PER Demo Menu

Access the System Menu

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5.2.1 System Window

Temperature

Reset the Eiger platform Settings

Get the battery status

Access the bootloader menu

Information on the firmware

Return to Home Screen

5.2.1.1 Settings

In case of miss-operation or to simply reset the Eiger module into a known state, it is possible the reset
the touch screen parameters or to reset the device parameters to their default parameters.

Reset the touch screen calibration

Reset to the default parameters

Apply the reset

Once a box is ticked, “clicking” on the Apply button will reset the selected parameters. The ticked box will
then go un-ticked.

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5.2.1.2 Battery
Indicates the battery state

Indicates the battery level

Indicates the voltage delivered by the

battery

5.2.1.3 Bootloader
Reboot the system

Update the firmware through an SD

card

Reset touch screen calibration

5.2.1.4 About

Indicates the Firmware version

Indicates the Build date

Indicates the Build time

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5.2.2 PER Demo Window

Set the device as Receiver for the PER test

Set the device as Transmitter for the PER test

Set the RF Settings for the PER test

The PER Demo menu is the core of the Eiger platform testing. The menu is divided in three main areas,
Tx, Rx and Settings. The PER Settings menu allows the user to set several parameters of the Radio for
Tx and Rx.

A text in green indicates that the value can be changed. For example, on the first window of the PER
Setting screen, you will see:

“Clicking” on this parameters allow the

user to change its value.
Here, the user can set the device in
LoRa (Default) or FSK mode

Set the RF settings

Set the packet settings

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5.2.2.1 PER Settings Menu running in FSK mode

For a given modulation, there is only a limited set of parameters that can be set by the user. Most of the
parameters are set automatically in the software to keep the interface user friendly.

Set the RF Band (868MHz or 915MHz)

Set the RF frequency (within the band)

Set the Bitrate: 4.8kbps, 9.6kbps,

19.2kbps, 38.4kbps, 57.6kbps or
100kbps

Set the RF output (module dependent)

Set the Output Power boost

Set the RF output power

Set the inter-packet delay

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5.2.2.2 PER Packet Settings Menu running in FSK mode

Set Device ID

Enable or Disable payload CRC

Set the payload size (in Bytes): 9, 16,

24, 48 or 64

In FSK mode, the payload is built in the following way:

Payload
Preamble SyncWord Payload CRC
length
(8 Bytes) (0x69-0x81-0x7E-0x96) (Platform ID, 32-bit packet cnt, ‘P’, ‘E’, ’R’, FCS, ‘Padding [xx Bytes]’) (2 Bytes)
(1 Byte)

The preamble length, the SyncWord and the basic payload structure cannot be changed by the user.
However, the payload length is adjustable and the ‘Padding’ field will increase or decrease depending of
the payload size. The CRC can also be enabled or disabled from the packet settings menu. All in all the
smallest packet will be 22 bytes long and the longest packet will be 78 bytes long in total.

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5.2.2.3 PER Settings Menu running in LoRa mode

Set the RF Band (868MHz or 915MHz)

Set the RF frequency (within the band)

Set the Spreading factor: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10,

11 or 12

Set the Error Coding: 4/5, 4/6, 4/7, 4/8

Set the Bandwidth: 125KHz, 250KHz

or 500KHz

Set the RF output (module dependent)

Set the Output Power boost

Set the inter-packet delay Set the RF output power

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5.2.2.4 PER Packet Settings Menu running in LoRa mode

Set Device ID

Enable or Disable payload CRC

Set the payload size (in Bytes): 9, 16,

24, 48 or 64

Enable or Disable Low Datarate

Optimization (mandatory for SF12 and
SF11

In LoRa mode, the payload is built in the following way:

Preamble Header Payload CRC

(8 Symb.) (8 Symb.) (Platform ID, 32-bit packet cnt, ‘P’, ‘E’, ’R’, FCS, ‘Padding [xx Bytes]’) (2 Bytes)

The preamble length, the Header and the basic payload structure cannot be changed by the user.
However, the payload length is adjustable and the ‘Padding’ field will increase or decrease depending of
the payload size. The CRC can also be enabled or disabled from the packet settings menu.

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5.2.2.5 PER TX Mode

Once the RF parameters are set, putting the Eiger module in TX mode will initiate the packet transmission.
The TX window displays the RF parameters and the number of packet sent since the beginning of the test.

PER Tx window in Lora mode:

TX Modulation parameters

Number of packet sent

Reset the counter

PER Tx window in FSK mode:

TX Modulation parameters

Number of packet sent

Reset the counter

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5.2.2.6 PER RX Mode

PER Rx window in Lora mode:

Indicate the SNR

Indicate the RSSI

Packet indicator

Number of correct packet received

Number of packet missed

Number of non PER packet

received

PER

Reset the PER counter

In LoRa mode, when sub-noise reception is occurring (SNR < 0), the displayed RSSI value is
extrapolated using the SNR indicator. When the SNR > 0, the actual SNR is not computed and the value
is clamped.

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PER Rx window in FSK mode:

Indicate the RSSI

Packet indicator

Number of correct packet received

Number of packet missed

Number of non PER packet received

PER

Reset the PER counter

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5.2.3 PER Rx Bar-graph

In Rx mode, a bar-graph indicates the distribution of the error over time. This is especially useful to detect
the cause of the error, whether a burst of noise in the frequency band or if the device in in the limit of
reception range. The examples below highlight what each case looks like:

Here, the device is at the limit of the reception range

Blue: the reception is good and we
are receiving every packet sent

Yellow: We have some disturbance

in the frequency band or we are
arriving at the limit range of
reception and we start missing
packets.

As we can see in the picture below, the device lost many packets in a short amount of time.

Yellow: We have had a strong burst

of noise in the band and we have
missed most of the packet during a
small amount of time

The link has improved and we are

only missing a few packets after the
original noise burst.

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6 SX1272SKA Software Description

The SX1272SKA is organized on a PC software GUI communicating through USB with the Eiger
platforms. In this situation, the Eiger platforms are only used as a gateway to communicate with the
SX1272.

6.1 SX1272SKA Quick start Guide

It is recommended that this user guide is read in conjunction with the SX1272 datasheet.
1. Plug the Eiger Platform USB ports to the computer (one USB is used to power the platform while
the other USB is used for communication).
2. Run the SX1272 User Interface software: Start > All Programs > SX1272SKA > SX1272SKA
3. The SX1272SKA should connect automatically to the User Interface Software. If not, click on the
USB connect button, located in the top left hand corner of the window toolbar.
4. Once connected the SX1272SKA shows the default configuration of the SX1272 register settings
upon power-up. If the EVK is not connected, the GUI screen is grayed out and an error message
is displayed in the bottom left hand corner of the status bar.

Connect these two USB to power

the Eiger platforms

Connect these two USB to

communicate with the Eiger
platforms

Figure 4: Connect both USB ports to use the SX1272SKA

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The SX1272SKA has been developed to test all the capabilities and features of the FSK and LoRa
modems present in the device. However, both modems have different control commands and must be
operated independently.

Opens Registers window

Refresh all registers value

Set Radio in LoRa or FSK
mode
Connect or disconnect to the module
Save Radio configuration
Load Radio Configuration

SX1272SKA Version
Eiger Module Firmware Version
SX1272 Chipset Version
Radio config file
currently loaded

Figure 5: SX1272 window organization

While this approach has limitation on testing the system capability of the device, it allows the user to
thoroughly evaluate the device from the radio point of view

This chapter is presenting the various windows and field that controls the radio operations. While some
controls can be obvious, some others may need the user to refer to the datasheet to get a full description
of the commands.

A load radio configuration is implemented and allows the opening of SX1272SKA configuration files (.cfg).
This is implemented through a standard Windows file dialog box and may also be accessed through the
short cut buttons of the Window Toolbar.

In the same way, it is possible to save the SX1272SKA configuration files (.cfg). This is implemented
through a standard Windows file dialog box. The default file name is the last configuration file saved.

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For reference purposes, it is possible to display the register map of the device. This can help the user to
refer to the datasheet register when testing the device.

Figure 6: Register table

For advance user only, it is also possible to read or write the register directly by pressing the
<CTRL>+<ALT>+<T> keys of the PC keyboard simultaneously.

This window allows the user to write to and read from the contents of individual configuration register
addresses. Note that address and data are entered in hexadecimal format.

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6.2 LoRa Mode

6.2.1 LoRa Menu

By default, when the application is launched, the SX1272SKA is configured in LoRa.

Refresh all
registers value

Direct access to sub menu

Opens Registers window

Indicates the Modem IRQ and Modem status

Indicates the Modem operating Mode

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6.2.2 LoRa Common Window

3
6

Figure 7: SX1272SKA Boot-up windows

1: Set the default basic parameters for the Radio.

2: Set the parameters related to the transmission of the data such as output power.

3: Set the parameters related to the reception of the data such as AGC or LNA boost settings.

4: Set the mapping for the device IO pins. The Status of the IO is then displayed over time in the
section 5 of the window.

5: This section indicates the modem and DIOs status

6: Set the operating mode of the device.

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6.2.3 LoRa Parameters Window

4
1

Figure 8: LoRa Radio parameters window

1: Set the Radio settings for the LoRa modulation

2: Details status of the reception

3: Set the payload to be transmitted control the emission or reception of the radio

4: Enable or disable the IRQ related to the LoRa modulation

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6.3 FSK Mode

6.3.1 FSK Menu

The FSK menu is organized around several windows allowing the user to set the radio step by step. The
detail of each window is described from section 5.2.1.1 onward.
Some information are however global to the FSK radio operation and are thus displayed on every window
as shown on figure 9.

Refresh all
registers value

Opens Registers window

RSSI / Spectrum Analyzer Indicates the Modem IRQ status

Indicates the Modem operating Mode

Figure 9: FSK window structure

In FSK mode, it is possible to perform a quantitative spectrum analysis but reading the RSSI value across
a range of Frequency. It is also possible to have a qualitative measurement of the RSSI as it is detected
by the chipsets. This tool is especially useful when a more expensive spectrum analyzer is not at hand
reach.
When Monitor is set to ON, the GUI will constantly scan the status of the FSK IRQ register and displays
the status on the right hand side of the GUI. Setting Monitor to OFF disables this features.

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6.3.2 Common window

Figure 10: FSK Common window

The Common window allows the user to set the common Tx/Rx parameters for the modulation.
Parameters such as the modulation type (FSK or OOK), Frequency, Bitrate, frequency deviation or the
oscillator details can be entered in this window.

When Frequency Hopping is used, the control bit “Fast Hoping” need to be set so that the internal PLL
can optimize to jump from one frequency to the next in the smallest amount of time.

It is also in this window that the Gaussian Filter parameter is set for the transmission.
A general description would be:

1: Set the general parameters for the modulation

2: Set the modulation Type and the Gaussian filter parameter (Tx Only)

3: Set the oscillators parameters

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6.3.3 Transmitter window

Figure 11: FSK Transmitter window

As indicated through its name, the transmitter window groups the configuration parameters related to the
transmission:

1: This field allows the user to select the radio output pin. Depending of the SX1272 module version,
it may or may not be possible to select the RFO pin as output.

2: Set the output power of the radio. The maximum output power is 20dBm.

3: Overload current protection

4: PLL Bandwidth

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6.3.4 Receiver window

8
1 5

7 9

Figure 12: FSK Receiver window

This window allows the user to set the parameters for the packet reception:

1: Set the reception bandwidth filter and set the AFC reception bandwidth filter
Please, note that the AFC bandwidth filter is disregarded if AFC Auto is set to OFF

2: Enable or disable the AGC and set the step threshold (I am not sure what it does actually)

3: Enable or disable the preamble detector and set the preamble detector parameters.
Please, note that the preamble detector must be enabled if the reception is triggered on preamble
detection.

4: Enable or disable the LNA boost

5: Enable or disable the AFC and read the FEI

6: Control the RSSI detection. If the reception is triggered on the RSSI detection, these parameters
allow controlling the level of RSSI triggering the reception and smoothing the peak detector to
avoid false detection in case of random peak in the frequency band.

7: These parameters control the events that trig a reception and the behavior of the receiver in case
of collision

8: Enable or Disable the bit synchronizer and configure the OOK demodulator

9: Set internal timing between events

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6.3.5 IRQ and Map window

Figure 13: FSK IRQ and Map window

The IRQ and Mapping window is used to set and control the IRQs in the device:

1: Indicates the current status of the device

2: Enable or disable the preamble detection IRQ (when starting on RSSI detection)

3: Configures the IRQ and how they are mapped with the DIOs of the device.

4: Disable or Enable and set the clock out of the device

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6.3.6 Packet Handler window

3 4

Figure 14: FSK Packet Handler window

The packet handler is the main interface windows to control the transmission or reception of packets once
the radio has been setup. Whether in transmission or reception, this window allow the user to defined the
packet to be transmitted or to be received

1: This field allows the user to define the packet structure.

2: Once the packet structure has been defined, this view allows the user that all each field of the
packet structure is set correctly.

3: Enter the payload to be transmitted or display the payload received.

4: Control the packet handler transmission or reception.

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6.3.7 Sequencer window

Figure 15: FSK Sequencer window

The sequencer window allows the user to setup the internal state machine of the device and control how
the device will react following an event. For more information on the FSK internal state machine, please,
refer to the datasheet.

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6.3.8 Temperature window

Figure 16: FSK Temperature window

The SX1272 is fitted with an internal temperature sensor. Note that user is prompted to calibrate the
SX1272 temperature sensor by clicking on the Calibrate button to access the temperature calibration
dialog box. If auto calibration is set, a new calibration will be performed at every temperature change that
exceeds the threshold. Threshold value could be set to 5, 10, 15 and 20°C.

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7 How to...
7.1 … perform a simple transmission / reception in LoRa
Performing a simple Transmission – Reception in LoRa is fairly straight forward.
First, the user needs to set the RF transmission parameters:

Set the frequency: 915,000,000 Hz

Second, the user needs to set the LoRa modulation parameters:

Set the Spreading Factor

Set the Coding Rate

Set the Bandwidth

Optimize transmission for Low

Datarate OFF (mandatory for SF11
and SF12 with BW=125KHz)

Set the Payload

Click “Start” to start Transmitting Set the Device in Transmitter Mode

It is important to notice that the device mode of operation is standby between packets, this is why the
Operating mode is left in “Standby”.

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On the Reception side, the principle is exactly the same. We first need to set the basic radio parameters:

Set the frequency: 915,000,000 Hz

Then we need to set the device in reception after setting the Lora modulation parameters.

Set the Spreading Factor

Set the Coding Rate

Set the Bandwidth

Optimize transmission for Low datarate

OFF (mandatory for SF11 and SF12)

Enable the payload CRC check

Click “Start” to start Receiving Set the Device in Receiver Mode

At this stage, the transmission – reception should be complete and the user should see the LEDs blinking
on the Eiger platforms.

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7.2 … perform a simple transmission / reception in FSK

First, you need to set the RF parameters for the transmission:

Set the frequency: 915,000,000 Hz

Set the bitrate: 19,200 bps

Set the Frequency deviation: 50,000 Hz

In the transmitter, receiver and IRQ windows, all the parameters can be left at their default values and
then we simply need to set our packet structure.

Set the preamble size: 5

Set the preamble polarity: 0x55

Set the Sync Word size: 4

Set the Sync Word: 0x69- 0x81-…

Set the packet length: variable

Set the payload: 0xA1-0xA2-…

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At this stage the radio is fully configured on the transmitter side. We can now set the device in Transmitter
mode so that packets are ready to be sent from the device.

Tx Packets: Indicates the number of

packets sent

Set the Device in Transmitter Mode

A small control window appears

allowing the user to set the number of
packets to be sent. Setting the value
to ‘0’ will make the device transmitting
indefinitely.

To start sending packets, simply click on the “Start” button.

Notice the green LED indicating when

a packet is sent

Press “Start” to start sending packets

Press “Stop” to stop sending packets

The device is now sending packet. You can also see the Yellow LED flashing on the Eiger modules to
indicate that the device is currently transmitting.

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We must now configure the receiver side. Open a new window of the SX1272SKA and configure the radio
as done for the transmitter side. The process is identical:

Set the frequency: 915,000,000 Hz

Set the bitrate: 19,200 bps

Set the Frequency deviation: 50,000 Hz

In the receiver, it is necessary to set some parameters to configure the receiver.

Set the Rx Bandwidth: 100,000 Hz

Set the AFC Auto: ON

Set the AFC Auto clear: ON

Set the Frequency deviation: 50,000 Hz

Set AGC Auto: ON

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To finish, the user must simply set the packet handler parameters as in Tx:

Set the preamble size: 5

Set the preamble polarity: 0x55

Set the Sync Word size: 4

Set the Sync Word: 0x69- 0x81-…

Set the packet length: variable

Press “Start” to start receiving packets

Set the Device in Receiver Mode

The received payload is displayed here Number of packet received

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7.3 … perform Continuous transmission and Reception in LoRa

It is possible to set the SX1272 in Continuous Tx mode to perform a spectral evaluation of the LoRa
modulation. In this mode, the SX1272 will be going through the FiFo and send whatever data are present
in the RAM.

Set the device in

continuous TX mode

It is also possible to set the device in Continuous Rx mode. In this mode, the device is continuously
receiving the packet sent from the transmitter.

Set the device in

continuous RX mode

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7.4 … Log the Transmitted or Received packets

The SX1272SKA has a logging facility which allows the user to get the exact time stamps at which a
packet has been sent or received and with all the information related to this packet.

Start the Logging of the transmitted or received packets

Depending if you are in FSK mode or in LoRa mode, a different pop-up window will appear:

In FSK mode, the packet logger allows to the user to only log a
limited amount of packet (indicated by the value “Max Samples”).
Then, when the packets are being transmitted or received, the
number of desired packets will be logged in the file selected.

In LoRa mode, the packet logger is enabled or

disabled. Once enabled, all transmitted or received
packets will be logged in the selected file until the
packet logger is disabled.

When enabling the packet logger, it is possible to

start a complete new log in a new file or to append an
existing file.

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7.5 … perform a CW or PN9 Tx test on the SX1272

The SX1272 does not have a dedicated CW or PN9 Tx test mode implemented. However, it is possible to
perform this test manually by setting the device in Tx continuous mode, and feed PN9/15 data stream to
the DATA pin (DIO2/DATA), from a signal generator.

7.6 … check the frequency accuracy of the SX1272 module

There is a very simple way to get the frequency error of the sx1272 modules. The core idea is to set the
device in FSK and to set the frequency deviation to 0. In this case, the device will only emit a signal at the
center frequency. The difference between the measured value and the set value gives you the frequency
error.

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8 Troubleshooting
Each Eiger platform, radio module or software kit has been thoroughly tested before to be released for
customer evaluation. The section below highlights some of the common issues faced by users and how it
can be fixed.

8.1 The Eiger platform indicates very high PER even in short range
There are several reasons which can have a dramatic influence over the performance of the platform.
One of the common reasons is that the frequency selected is in the GSM or in another already used
frequency band. If the frequency you have selected is already used by another RF system, the
communication will obviously be affected. We therefore recommend to the user to check the RF band
usage in his location before to start any PER testing.

8.2 The communication range in Lora is very poor

There are two aspects which can limit the LoRa performances: the emission power and the antenna.
Please, make sure that we are using enough power to reach the distance you want to achieve. The Eiger
platform can output up to 20dBm signals. The other aspect is the antenna, please, make sure the
antenna you are using is designed to operate at the frequency region you are transmitting in.

8.3 The SX1272SKA do not detect the device through the USB
This issue is usually caused by a wrong connection of the USB
The step below should fix the issue.

1- Make sure the Eiger Platform is powered down (Battery switch set to 0) and is not connected to
the PC through the USB.
2- Reconnect the side USB to the PC, the red LED on the left side should light up
3- Connect the bottom USB to the PC.
4- Power the device up (Battery switch set to 1)
5- Press the five-way central push button until the screen light up.
6- Launch the SX1272SKA on the PC

8.4 The Eiger platform does not seem to work anymore

The battery is probably empty and you should connect the device through the side USB to a computer for
a few hours, time for the battery to charge.

8.5 The Eiger platform touch screen is not accurate

This is probably due to a miss-calibration of the touch screen. In this situation, the user should reset the
touch screen calibration and perform an accurate calibration using the stylus provided.

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© Semtech 2013
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Contact Information

Semtech Corporation
Wireless & Sensing Products Division
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Phone: (805) 498-2111 Fax: (805) 498-3804
E-mail: [email protected]
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