The nRD24H1 is a 2-way RF remote control reference design based upon Nordic Semiconductor's nRF24L01 industry-leading, low cost, ultra low power 2.4 GHz transceiver.
Using RF in remote controls provides a number of benefits compared to traditional Infrared (IR) technology. First, RF eliminates the need for line-of-sight operation, because the remote control does not have to be pointed directly at the device it is controlling. Second, 2-way communication between the remote and the device enables exciting new functionality, such as status display or advanced menu browsing.
The nRF24L01 has an air data-rate of 2 Mbps and a 10 m range while operating at ultra low peak power. This ultra low power consumption enables coin cell battery operation. The transceiver operates in the 2.4 GHz band offering for worldwide license-free implementation.
Key applications for the reference design include remote controls for Media Centre PCs, docking stations for portable music players, home entertainment systems and home appliances such as air conditioning units.
The nRD24H1 reference design significantly eases the development of RF remote controls by providing a comprehensive solution comprising hardware, software and full documentation.
The hardware consists of three key items. The remote control side includes a low cost PCB antenna, the nRF24L01 2.4 GHz transceiver and an 8-bit microcontroller integrated into a compact module. This Remote Control RF Module is mounted on a separate remote control application board featuring six control buttons and a battery holder. The RF module supports up to 49 control buttons plus one LED without modification. Because the RF module integrates all critical functions, different remote control concepts can be easily developed by reusing the RF module without further changes.
On the receiver side, a production ready USB dongle integrates the nRF24L01 transceiver, a full-speed USB controller and a low cost PCB antenna. The dongle supports the standard Human Interface Device (HID) class driver, eliminating the need for a custom driver for operation. All design files are included in the kit, including layout, schematics and a bill-of-material (BOM).
The software includes a unique RF protocol optimized for remote control application. The protocol features an advanced agile frequency hopping scheme providing excellent co-existence performance with other 2.4 GHz systems such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and cordless phones. Support for 2-way communication is built into the protocol enabling data to be sent to the remote control from the host. The protocol is implemented as a standalone software module providing a simple and intuitive API to the application layer. This allows developers to easily modify and enhance the supplied application code without having to handle a complex RF protocol. All software is provided as ANSI-C source code.
An extended set of documentation is supplied, including a "Getting Started Guide", providing a step-by-step instruction on how to operate the reference design. The "User Guide" contains a detailed system description and guidelines on how to use the reference design to develop a complete remote control product. The software documentation includes a "Software Developer Guide" that describes the protocol and the application layers, plus a "Software Developer Reference" providing detailed source code documentation.
Kit content includes:
· Remote Control Application with mounted RF Module (1 pcs)
· Spare RF Module (1 pcs)
· USB Dongle (1 pcs)
· Batteries
· nRF24L01 samples (5 pcs)
· Printed "Getting Started Guide" (1 pcs)
· CD
- Design files (Schematics, layout and BOM)
- "User Guide"
- "Software Developer Guide"
- "Software Developer Reference"
- "RF Qualification Test Report"
- "USB Qualification Test Report"
- Software source code (ANSI C)
Ordering information:
Ordering code: nRD24H1-A
Description: Remote Control Reference Design
Version: 1.0
Price: US$249
Estimated shipping date is February 15, 2007
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