CC2540: RX Blocking Test Issues

Yannick de Alwis

Part Number: CC2540
Other Parts Discussed in Thread: CC2640

Hi,

UL is currently running receiver blocking tests on the CC2540 SoC. They have encountered a problem with the EUT not receiving (or showing that it has received) any packets from their Rhode and Schwarz callbox. They are following the instructions provided by TI in the SWRA536–February 2016 Report.

Is the access address "0x71764129" provided in this report applicable to the CC2540, or must a different address be used?

Also, does a proprietary waveform from TI need to used for this test? UL is using a Rhode and Schwarz callbox with a standard waveform for the test.

Thanks,

over 8 years ago

0 Fredrik K over 8 years ago

TI__Guru** 106705 points

Hi Yannick,

The packets sent by the R&S tester may not be what the SmartRF Studio SW expects which is why you are not receiving anything. I would recommend using the attached waveform files on a regular signal generator.

Cheers,
Fredrik

0 Yannick de Alwis over 8 years ago in reply to Fredrik K

Prodigy 100 points

Hi Fredrik,

Thanks for your reply. Which waveform files are you referring to that UL should use?

Thanks again.

0 Fredrik K over 8 years ago in reply to Yannick de Alwis

TI__Guru** 106705 points

The files are linked to from the first page of the application note.

0 Yannick de Alwis over 8 years ago in reply to Fredrik K

Prodigy 100 points

I see them now. Thanks! I will let you know if this does not work.

0 Yannick de Alwis over 8 years ago in reply to Fredrik K

Prodigy 100 points

Hi again Fredrik,

It appears that UL does not have the specific equipment and software required to generate the waveform file. They would like to know how to load this waveform on their equipment, if it is possible. Is there an alternative way to send these waveforms to the EUT?

Thanks,

0 Fredrik K over 8 years ago in reply to Yannick de Alwis

TI__Guru** 106705 points

Hi Yannick,

Yes, that is possible. The key point is to build the packets correctly, as described in the application note, so that SmartRF Studio will receive them.

It is also possible to use another CC2640 as "generator" controlled by SmartRF Studio. In that case it is however very important to ensure proper isolation between the generator device and the DUT, to avoid RF power leakage from one board to another past the attenuators.

Regards,
Fredrik

0 R.M over 8 years ago in reply to Fredrik K

TI__Genius 9215 points

Hi Yannick,

The waveform included in the SWRA536 application note have the access address hard coded to 0x71764129 (Testmode access address). That is why you need to use the same address in SmartRF Studio.

What R&S equipment do UL use? We need to identify what access address this equipment uses when transmitting packages.
Have you tried to use the standard access address for advertising packages, 0x8e89bed6, in SmartRF Studio?

Regards,
Reidar

0 Yannick de Alwis over 8 years ago in reply to R.M

Prodigy 100 points

Hi Reidar,

I have requested information from UL about the equipment that they are using. They tried the standard access address and it does not work. Will keep you posted. In the meantime, do you have any other suggestions for us?

Thanks!

Yannick

0 Yannick de Alwis over 8 years ago in reply to R.M

Prodigy 100 points

Reidar,

Just got the info you wanted from UL. The call box they are using is R&S CMW500. Do you have the correct access address for this equipment?

Thanks,
Yannick

0 Fredrik K over 8 years ago in reply to Yannick de Alwis

TI__Guru** 106705 points

Hi Yannick,

Do they not have a standard signal generator available?

Regards,
Fredrik

0 R.M over 8 years ago in reply to Fredrik K

TI__Genius 9215 points

Hi Yannick,

I just verified that I am able to receive packages in SmartRF studio with access address 0x71764129 when using a CBT Bluetooth tester from Rohde&Schwarz. I did also check the default configuration on a CMW270 tester and verified that it is also using access address 0x71764129.

Can you check with UL that Test Packet Sync Word is set correctly (see screenshot from CMW270 below)?

Regards,

Reidar

0 Yannick de Alwis over 8 years ago in reply to R.M

Prodigy 100 points

Yes, the test packet sync word is set correctly, but it still does not work.

0 R.M over 8 years ago in reply to Yannick de Alwis

TI__Genius 9215 points

Hi Yannick,

This is strange since we have verified that CC2540EM can receive BLE packages with sync word set to 0x71764129 using SmartRF Studio.

Questions:
1. I assume you use custom CC2540 HW when testing this. Do you have an CC2540EM available that you can try the same test with?
2. Are you able to receive packages if you use your custom HW to send packages using SmartRF Studio instead of CMW500?
3. How do UL generate the BLE package using CMW500? Upload ARB waveform (wv file)?
4. Do UL use R&S CMWrun for their testing?

Regards,
Reidar

Bluetooth®︎

Bluetooth forum

CC2540: RX Blocking Test Issues