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TRF7970A EVM controlled by Matlab

Other Parts Discussed in Thread: TRF7970A, RF430FRL152HEVM, RF430FRL152H

Hi,

I'm looking for a document which explains the protocol used between the TRF7970A EVM and the USB port (connected to a PC). If it's a standard serial protocol, where can I find a document with recognised frames ?

I'm doing this in order to made a "user friendly" software (Matlab GUI) with data transfer between a RF430FRL152HEVM and a TRF7970A EVM.

Thank you.

Vincent

CCS 6.1.0.00104 and ISO15693 protocol

  • Hey Vincent,

    There isn't really a good document discussing this. I discussed the command structure in this e2e post: e2e.ti.com/.../861236

    The "commands" that are supported are discussed in the TRF7970AEVM UG: www.ti.com/.../slou321a.pdf

    The easiest way to decode each transmission is to use the GUI to generate the correct string, and then just modify it from there. If you look at host.c, you will see the switch tree which parses the received command.

    Have you tried using the FRL152EVM GUI? It's made to interface to the existing TRF7970A EVM. Software Section: www.ti.com/.../rf430frl152hevm;HQS=ep-mcu-sec-frl152h-pr-evm2-en

    If you have any feedback on the FRL152H GUI, we'd love to hear it as we are still fixing bugs and making updates, etc.

    Thanks,
    JD
  • Hi John,

    Thank you for your help. I've found PC GUI to MCU Commands in SLOA157.pdf file but I don't understand the Rx process.
    When a frame is received by the 7970A, in which register can I look at received data ?

    Thanks
  • Are you asking about RF communication or the GUI-Host communication? For the TRF7970A RF communication, received data is stored in the FIFO.

    for the GUI communication, this is handled in the MSP430 host, and stored in a buffer. I believe the firmware typically refers to it as "pbuf".

    Thanks,
    JD
  • Hi,

    I'm asking about the communication between RF and GUI.
    I'd like to send a command from the GUI to the 7970A. Then the card call back by sending FIFO data from the 7970A FIFO (or a register of the MSP430) to the GUI.

    Thanks

  • Hey Vincent,

    I think I understand what you are trying to do, but I don't think this EVM software is going to do what you are wanting.  

    It basically sounds like you want the GUI to have full control and see all the data that is sent back from the TRF7970A.  This is not how the TRF7970AEVM code operates.  It could be modified, but that may just get more complicated.  

    What information and control are you wanting?  Do you want to just read, or do you also need to write?  Do you just need to get the Tag ID, or do you also need to read/write the memory?

    If you just need the Tag ID, the EVM will do this automatically in "standalone" mode.  Just plug in the board and open the COM port, and present a tag.  We also some some code for the G2553 Launchpad + TRF7970A Boosterpack that can read tag data and sends it back to the PC.I attached this project as well.  TRF7970ABP_Project_11_08_2014.zip

    Neither of these projects have the hooks to be controlled via COM port, but you could add this layer.  

    Thanks,

    JD

  • Hi John,

    You're totally right because this is not as easy as I think.

    I need to send a frame form the GUI to the 7970A board, in order to transmit informations over the RFID antenna (it's the downlink phase) to another RFID board. When data are received by the other card, it send back a frame to the 7970A. I'm trying to read these received data, but I've not found any information to recover received data, after the uplink phase. Especially the address of the FIFO register (in MSP430 or TRF7970A unit).

    Thank you for your help.

    Vincent

  • Vincent -
    you have looked at this document, too? It may help you understand the GUI to EVM protocol structure
    www.ti.com/.../sloa141.pdf
  • Hi,

    I've just discovered this helpful document with your link. Thank you very much.
    For my prototype, I'm looking for a tutorial which explains how the 7970A board works because I don't understand the "downlink process" (i.e. where data are stored when they come from the antenna).

    Thanks

    Vincent
  • Hi,

    I've just understand that the "write" command, transmitted over the RFID antenna, is not saved on the board. Now, I realise how it's easy to work with it.

    But I have a new problem about the downlink process. When I move the 7970A antenna near of a MSP430 test board, an interrupt is generated and I send back a test frame (0xABCD). But, on the GUI, nothing appears on the "return line". I've noticed that the interrupt is requested when the two antennas are very close but without having sent a frame.

    Anyone could help me ?


    Thanks

    Vincent

  • Vincent -
    can you send a picture of your setup or describe it a bit more?

    reason I ask here is that the interrupt you say is generated..what was sent/being sent before that occurred? (because more than one interrupt should be firing if you are looking for tags)

    and sending a test frame to a tag (if that is what you are doing) won't result in anything coming back from the tag...so a little more detail on what you are doing/want to do would be most helpful for us to then help you
  • Hi Josh,

    I have two RFID cards :
    - 7970A EVM in standalone mode (detection of tags) ;
    - RF430FRL152HEVM with RFID module activated and interrupt when a valid frame is received.

    When the two boards are close, an interrupt is requested. When I remove the 7970A board, the RF430FRL152HEVM still remain in the interrupt.

    My question is what the 7970A EVM do in standalone mode ? What frame is send ?

    I'm sorry for this beginner question but RFID technology is a new concept for me.

    Thank you.

    Vincent
  • Vincent - 

    the TRF79xxAEVMs, when in standalone mode, are "polling" for multiple technologies (this means they are (in turn) looking for: ISO15693, ISO14443A, ISO14443B and FeliCa tags - just first steps of getting the tag devices activated and selected, to get UID, PUPI or IDm + PMm)

    in your case, since you are using the TRF7970AEVM with the RF430FRL152HEVM, i would suggest that you use the GUI that was created for that tag, for use with that EVM, until you are comfortable with both, as while the RF430FRL152H is an ISO15693 tag, it is also alot more than that.

    what is your goal ultimately? what kind of system are you wanting to create and for what end purpose/function are you aiming at?