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distance covered by cc2531

mahesh k
Expert 1530 points

Other Parts Discussed in Thread: CC2531, Z-STACK, CC2530

Hi,

I am using CC2531 USB dongle and Z-stack Home 1.1.0 stack.

when i am doing range testing, the router could join the coordinator, only up to distance of only 15 feet Line of Sight. 

i am using MAC_PHY_TRANSMIT_POWER = 0xF5 .

what is the actual distance can the cc2531 cover. why i am getting only shorter ranges?

Pl. help me.

Thanks in advance,

Mahesh KV

  • 0
    Guru 735695 points

    It seems that you try to change TX power. I would suggest you to use orignal project to test it. Make sure there is no problem in range first.

  • 0 in reply to YiKai Chen
    Expert 1530 points

    As the original distance is very short, i increased the power level.

  • 0 in reply to mahesh k
    Guru 735695 points

    It is strange to hear that. Which project do you use to test range?

  • 0 in reply to YiKai Chen
    Expert 1530 points

    We have integrated CC2531 code from ZStack-CC2530-2.5.1a  in to zstack home 1.1.0 and using Generic App.

  • 0 in reply to mahesh k
    Guru 735695 points

    Did you try range test on original GenericApp of ZStack 2.5.1a? According to my experience, cc2530 can transmit more than 30m in free space without any problem.

  • 0 in reply to YiKai Chen
    Expert 1530 points

    We made our own hardware using the design from TI.  

    when we use our custom hardware and the cc2531 dongle, the range is just 15 feet.( 5 m)

    when we use 2 cc2531 USB dongles, the range is 12meters 

    this test is performed indoor line of sight

    we have to do the test out door Line of sight. we have not done yet.

  • 0 in reply to mahesh k
    Expert 1530 points

    Hi Yikai chen,

    i tested the original zstack 2.3.1 and recorded the packet RSSI in the sniffer. when i used 2 CC2531USB dongles. 1 for the coordinator and another for the router.  in a third USB dongle, i loaded sniffer code provided by TI.

    when i put the sniffer at a distance of 1 feet, from the coordinator i saw the RSSI value of -71db.

    when i went further away from the coordinator, the RSSI value went on decreasing to -98db.

    How can i improve the signal strength.  i tried to change the MAC_PHY_TRANSMIT_POWER value from default (0XE0) value to 0xF5 .

    But there is no improvement in the RSSI value.

    Pl. help me to increase the signal strength.

    Thanks in advance

    Mahesh KV

  • 0 in reply to mahesh k
    Guru 735695 points

    Hi Mahesh,

    Since I can't do field test on your site, I would suggest you to contact your local TI FAE or sales representative for help.

  • 0 in reply to YiKai Chen
    Expert 1530 points

    Hi Yikai Chen,

    Shall i have to any changes in power level values in software to increase level?

    As of now i changed the value of MAC_PHY_TRANSMIT_POWER from 0xE0 to 0xF5.

    Shall i have to change any other values?

    Thanks,

    Mahesh KV

  • 0 in reply to mahesh k
    Guru 735695 points

    No, I don't think you need to change anything in software to increase power level. If it is possible, I would suggest you to use spectrum analyzer to check the TX signal first.

  • 0 in reply to YiKai Chen
    Expert 1530 points

    Hi Yikai Chen,

    we dont have a spectrum analyzer. just now i did the packet TX and RX test using Smart RF Studio 7.

    I put infinite packet Tx on one cc2531 usb dongle and put infinite packet RX on another cc2531 USB dongle. 

    i monitored the received packets. I noted the the RSSI value shown. i am using Tx power 4.5dBm.

    it is also giving me values betwen -65 dbm to -100dbm. these values are similar to the values i got while testing the USB dongles after loading zstack.

    these tests i am doing on CC2531 USB dongles. these dongles are purchased from TI. my doubt is why am not getting more power even with dongles provided by TI.

    Thanks ,

    Mahesh KV