Qorvo QM33120WDK1 - User Manual

-
QM33120WDK1
USER GUIDE
QM33120WDK1 UG Rev. A, July 2022
Subject to change without notice | All rights reserved
1 of 11
www.qorvo.com
®
Product Overview
The Qorvo® QM33120WDK1 is a development kit for the low
power low cost QM33110W and QM33120W UWB transceivers.
This kit can be used to evaluate the hardware performance of
the devices in TWR, TDoA and AoA systems and can help to
build an evaluation real time location system (RTLS).
It also enables the development of applications based on
DW3110, DW3120, DW3210, DW3220 UWB transceivers.
It includes two different daughter boards (AoA and non-AoA)
mounted on two Nordic nRF52840 DK evaluation boards.
Application firmware development is facilitated by the features
of the Nordic boards such as on-board J-Link debugger, USB
and Bluetooth
®
Low Energy interfaces.
The QM33120WDK1 is designed to develop applications
compatible with PHY and MAC FiRa specifications.
QM33120WEVB Block Diagram
Key Features
• Convenient kit for evaluation of QM331x0W transceivers
• Daughter boards compatible with Nordic nRF52840 DK
• Provided with UWB CH5/CH9 dual and single antennas
• Access to all QM331x0W GPIOs and interfaces
• Headers on power traces to measure transceiver currents
• Software development with free to use IDE and debugger
• nRF52840 DK evaluation board with:
- nRF52840 Soc with Bluetooth 5.3
- USB interface
- Integrated BLE antenna
- J-Link on-board for debugging and flashing via USB
• Supports UWB RF bands 5 (6.5 GHz) and 9 (8 GHz)
• IEEE 802.15.4-2020 and IEEE 802.15.4z-2020 BPRF
compliant
• Allow development of FiRA compatible applications
• Works with Apple Nearby Interaction software
• Software suite compliant with FiRa PHY/MAC specification
Applications
• Development of point-to-point applications including tag and
anchor
• Software provided for low power TWR and AoA based
systems
• Supports Apple Nearby Interactions applications

Summary

Product Overview

QM33120 WDK1 Block Diagram

Visual representation of the QM33120WEVB module's components and connections.

Key Features

Lists the primary functionalities and benefits of the QM33120WDK1 development kit.

Applications

Details the use cases and software development possibilities offered by the kit.

Kit Contents

Nordic nRF52840 DK Configuration

Firmware Update

QM331 x0 WEVB Power Options

QM331 x0 WEVB Solder Bridge Jumpers

QM331 x0 W GPIOs

QorvoOne GUI

Schematic

Testpoints and Connectors

Testpoints

Locations for probing signals and monitoring circuit behavior.

External Board Connectors

Interface points for connecting external hardware and peripherals.

Contact Information

Important Notice

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Important Technical Specifications
3. Usage Features
4. Maintenance Features

The Qorvo QM33120WDK1 is a comprehensive development kit designed for evaluating and developing applications with the low-power, low-cost QM33110W and QM33120W UWB transceivers. This kit is particularly useful for building real-time location systems (RTLS) and for evaluating the hardware performance of devices in Two-Way Ranging (TWR), Time Difference of Arrival (TDoA), and Angle of Arrival (AoA) systems. It also supports the development of applications based on DW3110, DW3120, DW3210, and DW3220 UWB transceivers.

Function Description:

The QM33120WDK1 kit includes two distinct daughter boards: an AoA-capable board (QM33120WEVB) and a non-AoA board (QM33110WEVB). These daughter boards are designed to be mounted on two Nordic nRF52840 DK evaluation boards. The AoA daughter board, equipped with the QM33120W UWB transceiver, can measure both angular position and distance, making it suitable for initiator nodes in AoA systems. The non-AoA daughter board, featuring the QM33110W UWB transceiver, primarily measures distance and is recommended for tag applications in AoA systems.

The Nordic nRF52840 DK evaluation boards provide a robust platform for application firmware development. They integrate essential features such as an on-board J-Link debugger, a USB interface, and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) connectivity, which simplifies the development process. The kit is designed to facilitate the creation of applications compatible with FiRa PHY and MAC specifications, and it supports Apple Nearby Interaction applications.

The kit's architecture allows for flexible power options for the QM331x0W transceiver, which can be powered by either DC/DC converters or Low-Dropout (LDO) regulators. DC/DC power improves efficiency, while LDO reduces power supply noise. By default, the transceiver is DC/DC powered. The kit also includes solder bridge jumpers that enable configuration of the clock source (Crystal Quartz or TCXO) for the QM331x0W transceiver and ensure compatibility with older microcontroller evaluation boards.

Important Technical Specifications:

• Transceivers Supported: QM33110W and QM33120W UWB transceivers.
• Daughter Boards:
  • QM33120WEVB: AoA-capable, measures angular position and distance (Arduino Shield format).
  • QM33110WEVB: Tag-capable, measures distance (Arduino Shield format).
• Evaluation Boards: Two Nordic nRF52840 DK boards, each featuring:
  • nRF52840 SoC with Bluetooth 5.3.
  • USB interface.
  • Integrated BLE antenna.
  • J-Link on-board debugger for flashing and debugging via USB.
• Antennas:
  • JL359: Directional dual antenna for channel 5 and 9 AoA applications.
  • JL159: Omnidirectional single antenna for channel 5 and 9 (recommended for tags).
• UWB RF Bands: Supports bands 5 (6.5 GHz) and 9 (8 GHz).
• Compliance: IEEE 802.15.4-2020 and IEEE 802.15.4z-2020 BPRF compliant.
• Power Measurement: Headers on power traces allow for measuring transceiver currents.
• GPIO Access: Provides access to all QM331x0W GPIOs and interfaces.
• Clock Tree: Configurable with either a Crystal Quartz or a TCXO, with solder bridge options (R3, R4, R5, J17) to select the clock source and power the TCXO LDO.
• Power Rails:
  • VDD1 (3.3V LDO or nRF52840 DK board).
  • VDD2 (2.5V DC/DC or 2.5V LDO).
  • VDD3 (1.6V DC/DC or 1.6V LDO).
  • Jumpers (J1, J2, J3) for measuring VDD1, VDD2, and VDD3 currents.
• GPIO Correlation: Specific QM331x0W GPIOs (GPIO 0-8) are mapped to nRF52840 GPIOs (P1.04, P1.06, P1.07, P1.05, P0.28, P0.04, P0.03, P0.29, P1.10).

Usage Features:

• Ease of Evaluation: The kit offers a convenient way to evaluate QM331x0W transceivers, with daughter boards compatible with Nordic nRF52840 DKs.
• Firmware Development: Software development is supported by free-to-use IDEs and debuggers, leveraging the Nordic nRF52840 DK's J-Link debugger and USB interface.
• Pre-programmed Boards: The nRF52840 DK boards come pre-programmed, allowing for immediate use. Users are advised to check the Qorvo website for the latest firmware updates and use Segger J-Flash Lite for programming.
• Kit Assembly: Daughter boards are shipped connected to the nRF52840 DK boards. Antennas should be screwed onto the QM331x0WEVB boards with proper orientation and torque (1 N*m recommended). Plastic stands and standoffs are provided for mounting the nRF52840 DK boards vertically.
• Connectivity: Both nRF52840 boards connect to a PC via included Micro USB cables for communication and power.
• QorvoOne GUI: The kit includes QorvoOne GUI software, which automatically detects connected boards and displays them on the main screen. For AoA evaluation, the QM33120WEVB (with the dual antenna) should be configured as an initiator.
• Application Development: Allows for the development of point-to-point applications (tag and anchor), low-power TWR, and AoA-based systems.
• FiRa and Apple Nearby Interaction Support: Enables the creation of FiRa-compatible applications and supports Apple Nearby Interaction.

Maintenance Features:

• Firmware Updates: Users can update the nRF52840 DK firmware by downloading Segger J-Link software and using Segger J-Flash Lite. This ensures the use of the latest features and bug fixes.
• Solder Bridge Configuration: Solder bridge jumpers allow for hardware configuration changes, such as selecting the clock source (Crystal Quartz or TCXO) or maintaining compatibility with older microcontroller evaluation boards. This provides flexibility for advanced users or specific application requirements.
• Current Measurement: Headers on power traces enable direct measurement of transceiver currents, which is crucial for power optimization and debugging.
• Documentation: The user guide provides detailed instructions for setup, configuration, and firmware updates, ensuring users can maintain and troubleshoot the kit effectively.
• Support: Qorvo provides contact information for technical support via web, telephone, and email for any issues or questions regarding the kit.

Qorvo QM33120WDK1 Specifications