April 2013

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CC2538 Evaluation Module Kit Quick Start Guide

Opening the Box and Running the Packet Error Rate Test

1. Kit Contents

2 x CC2538 Evaluation Modules (CC2538EM)

The EMK is an add-on kit to supplement the

CC2538DK with evaluation boards.

The RF boards in this kit are FCC and IC

certified and tested/comply with ETSI/R&TTE

over temperature from 0 to 35°C.

2. How to use the Modules

The CC2538EM boards can be plugged into the

SmartRF06

Evaluation

Board

from

Texas

Instruments. This board is included in the

CC2538DK and in the SmartRF06EBK.

This board lets you run a packet error rate (PER)

test, control the device from SmartRF™ Studio and

it can be used as a development platform.

It is also possible to connect the EM to other TI

development

boards

with

the

appropriate

connectors

This guide will show how to use the modules

together with SmartRF06EB.

3. CC2538EM Overview

4. Plug the EM into the 06EB

Insert

a

CC2538EM

board

into

the

SmartRF06EB as shown above. NB! Note the

jumper on the upper row on the header on

the CC2538EM.

Caution!

The kit contains ESD

sensitive components. Handle with

care to prevent permanent damage.

To minimize risk of injury, avoid

touching

components

during

operation if symbolized as hot.

5. Power Options

The CC2538EM should be powered through the

SmartRF06EB, which will supply a voltage from

2.1V to 3.6V to the daughter card. The

SmartRF06EB can be powered in several

different ways:



USB (5V)



2 x 1.5V AAA alkaline batteries



1 x 3.0V CR2032 coin cell battery



External regulated power supply

Voltage regulators on the SmartRF06EB will set

the on-board voltage to 2.1V or 3.3V.

Warning!

To minimize risk of injury or property

damage, never use rechargeable batteries to

power the board. Always select a power source

that is suitably rated for use with this EVM, not

exceeding 3.6 VDC, with a current output

rating between 0 and 500 mA.

6. Select Power Source

The power source is selected using the Source

switch on the left hand side of the SmartRF06EB.

In “USB” position, the EM is powered over USB,

running at 3.3V. In “BAT” position, the board is

powered from batteries or an external source,

running at 2.1V. The 2.1V regulator can be

bypassed by shorting the pins on the “regulator

bypass” jumper. In this case, the EM is powered

directly from the external source or batteries.

Note that there should only be one active

power source at any one time. Do not leave the

EVM powered when unattended.

7. Welcome Screen

Turn on power with the Main Power switch.

You should now see the Texas Instruments

logo and a short description of the buttons on

the LCD. Pushing any of the five buttons on

the board will take you to the main menu.

NB! If you don’t see anything on the screen

make sure the board is correctly powered

(see step 5 and 6 above).

8. Select Board and Channel

Start by selecting the plug-in board you have,

either the CC2538EM or the combo board

CC2538-CC2591EM.

Then select which channel (frequency) to use.

9. Select Mode

One of the boards must operate as a transmitter

and the other as a receiver.

Select transmitter on one board …

… and receiver on the other board.

The receiver does not require any further set-up

and is now ready to receive packets.

Power Select Jumper

1-2: Vdd from EB

1-3: Vdd from USB

Micro USB

connector for

testing USB on

CC2538

Emulator

LEDs

USB 5V to

3.3V LDO

10-pin

ARM Debug

Connector

20-pin

ARM-JTAG

Connector

PCB Antenna

Footprint for SMA connector

(for conducted RF testing)

CC2538

SWRU348