Radio Controller Board RCB231ED V4.1.1

The Radio Controller Board RCB231ED V4.1.1 is an affordable, high-performance radio module based on the 2.4 GHz radio transceiver AT86RF231 [datasheet] combined with Atmel's low power AVR microcontroller ATmega1281V [datasheet].

The RCB231ED V4.1.1 module is ideally suitable for unfavorable receipt conditions or the mobile employment by use of the Antenna Diversity. The radio module is equipped with two ceramic antennas and supports antenna diversity. The hardware selects automatically the antenna with the valid transmission path. Thus within building installations a very high availability is reached.

Additionally to the antenna diversity the used AT86RF231 possesses extended hardware functions - e.g. 128 bit AES engine. Thereby solutions can be realized according to standard IEEE 802.15.4 and for ZigBee^TM- and ISM applications.

The module's transmitting power is 1 dBm ERP and its receiving sensitivity is -98 dBm. Ranges of over 300 m in a free field can be reached even with low power consumption. The module's 60 pin interface allows for flexible operation with use of all of the ATmega1281V components and because of this, quick realization of different applications.

Power is supplied either by 2 AAA batteries or via the 60 pin interface and operates in the range of 1.8..3.6 VDC. Energy consumption is approximately 22 mA in sending and receiving mode and less than 1 µA in standby. The module has a 32 kHz low power timer.

Accessories:
Recommended connectors 30-pin:
- SAMTEC TFM-115-02-S-D (available at Farnell, article no. 1690087)
- Tyco 5-104655-4 (available at Farnell, article no. 1106324 or RS Components, article no. 406-893)

Using the following evaluation boards made by dresden elektronik this radio controller board (RCB) can be started quickly:
Sensor Terminal Board (RCB)
RCB Breakout Board
RCB Breakout Board light

Further radio boards from dresden elektronik
- Further radio boards with transceiver and microcontroller can be found under Radio Controller Boards.
- Radio boards without microcontrollers can be found under Radio Extender Boards.

The Radio Controller Board RCB231ED V4.1.1 is an affordable, high-performance radio module based on the 2.4 GHz radio transceiver AT86RF231 [datasheet] combined with Atmel's low power AVR microcontroller ATmega1281V [datasheet].

The RCB231ED V4.1.1 module is ideally suitable for unfavorable receipt conditions or the mobile employment by use of the Antenna Diversity. The radio module is equipped with two ceramic antennas and supports antenna diversity. The hardware selects automatically the antenna with the valid transmission path. Thus within building installations a very high availability is reached.

Additionally to the antenna diversity the used AT86RF231 possesses extended hardware functions - e.g. 128 bit AES engine. Thereby solutions can be realized according to standard IEEE 802.15.4 and for ZigBee^TM- and ISM applications.

The module's transmitting power is 1 dBm ERP and its receiving sensitivity is -98 dBm. Ranges of over 300 m in a free field can be reached even with low power consumption. The module's 60 pin interface allows for flexible operation with use of all of the ATmega1281V components and because of this, quick realization of different applications.

Power is supplied either by 2 AAA batteries or via the 60 pin interface and operates in the range of 1.8..3.6 VDC. Energy consumption is approximately 22 mA in sending and receiving mode and less than 1 µA in standby. The module has a 32 kHz low power timer.

Accessories:
Recommended connectors 30-pin:
- SAMTEC TFM-115-02-S-D (available at Farnell, article no. 1690087)
- Tyco 5-104655-4 (available at Farnell, article no. 1106324 or RS Components, article no. 406-893)

Using the following evaluation boards made by dresden elektronik this radio controller board (RCB) can be started quickly:
Sensor Terminal Board (RCB)
RCB Breakout Board
RCB Breakout Board light

Further radio boards from dresden elektronik
- Further radio boards with transceiver and microcontroller can be found under Radio Controller Boards.
- Radio boards without microcontrollers can be found under Radio Extender Boards.

Technical data
Dimensions	50 x 50 mm
Control and display elements	1 button (freely programmable) 3 LEDs (freely programmable)
Power supply	2 AAA batteries (1.8 - 3.6V)
Power consumption	Active: 22 mA Power down: <1 µA
Starting time	250 µs
Interfaces	2 x 30 PIN I/O connector
Antenna	2 ceramic antennas
Antenna diversity	Automatic
Antenna gain	1 dBi
Range	>300 m
Frequency range	2.4 GHz
Transmitting power	1 dBm ERP
Receiver sensitivity	-98 dBm
Communication standard	IEEE 802.15.4
Microcontroller	Atmel ATmega1281V [datasheet]
Transceiver	Atmel AT86RF231 [datasheet]
Board information on EEPROM	- MAC address - Serial number - Calibration values - Board model information