User Manual

12 CompactRF
TM
Operating Manual: Chapter 3 Modes of Operation
M
S
Network 1
M
SR
M
SR
Network 2
M
S
S
S
Network 3
M
R
S
S
S
Network 4
M R
SR
S
Network 5
Figure 4 - Sample Network
Topologies. Virtually any
Combination of Slaves and
Repeaters May be Used.
When configured as a Slave, the CompactRF searches for synchronization
with a Master. Network topologies consisting of a single Master and
virtually any combination of Slaves and Repeaters may be deployed. The
functionality of any particular CompactRF
TM
can be configured as follows:
n Master Point-to-Point: The modem is configured to
communicate with a single Slave, either directly, or through one
or more Repeaters.
n Master Point-to-Multipoint: The modem is configured to
communicate with one or more Slaves and/or Repeaters.
n Slave: The modem is configured to communicate with one
Master either directly or through one or more Repeaters..
n Repeater: The modem is configured to pass information from
either a Master or another Repeater onto subsequent Repeaters
and/or Slaves and vice versa. The Repeater also acts as a Slave
in the sense that, like a Slave, it passes information to/from its
serial port.
Examples of different network topologies are shown in Figure 4. Network
1 shows Point-to-Point communication between a Master and Slave.
Network 2 makes use of a Repeater to communicate with the Slave.
Network 3 illustrates a simple Point-to-Multipoint network with no
Repeaters. Networks 4 and 5 gives examples of Point-to-Multipoint
networks consisting of both Repeaters and Slaves. There is effectively no
restriction to the number of Repeaters and Slaves that can be added to a
network. As seen in Network 4, a Master can communicate directly with
both Slaves and Repeaters.
3.2 Command Mode
The CompactRF firmware has been designed to allow the user to select
between two different Command Mode interfaces: Menu Interface; or, AT
Command Interface. The menu interface is ideal for applications which
involve human configuration of the operating parameters of the modem.
The AT Command interface is more suited for direct interface with another
microcontroller or for higher level Windows-based software applications.
The CompactRF development board is a useful tool for familiarizing
yourself with the various operating parameters and user interface.
Reference schematics for the development board can be found in Appendix
G. To access the CompactRF’s command mode using the development
board:
1. Insert the module into the socket with the antenna connector towards
the edge of the board.
2. Attach the supplied antenna.
3. Connect a straight through serial cable between the DB9 connector and
the serial port on your PC
4. Apply power to the development board
5. Run any terminal application program such as Hyperterminal
6. Set the serial port to 9600 baud, 8N1
7. Momentarily press the configure (CFG) button