HOW DOES IT WORK?

ISM 5 Click is based on the Si4461, a high-performance, low-current transceiver from Silicon Labs made for the Sub-GHz 868MHz frequency band. This high-performance component is designed for efficient operation in the time division duplexing (TDD) mode, seamlessly alternating between transmitting and receiving data packets. It supports a broad range of modulations, including (G)FSK, 4(G)FSK, (G)MSK, and OOK, and uses a single-conversion mixer to downconvert signals modulated by FSK/GFSK or OOK to a low intermediate frequency (IF). A programmable gain amplifier (PGA) enhances the signal before a high-performance ADC digitizes it, enabling the built-in digital signal processor (DSP) to handle filtering, demodulation, slicing, and packet management. This digital approach enhances receiver flexibility and performance compared to traditional analog systems. The demodulated data is accessible to the host MCU through a configurable GPIO on an unpopulated header or via a standard SPI bus using a 64-byte RX FIFO.

Key specifications of the Si4461 include its exceptional receive sensitivity of -129dBm and maximum output power of -16dBm. It boasts low active power consumption with ultra-low current modes with 30nA in Shutdown and 40nA in Standby. The device's synthesizer supports variable data rates from 100bps up to 1Mbps, complemented by rapid wake and hop times and a highly versatile packet handler that autonomously manages nearly any packet structure. Its dual 64-byte FIFOs for TX and RX streamline data management, making it ideal for applications such as smart metering, home security systems, remote control, telemetry, home automation, industrial control, and sensor networks.

As mentioned, the ISM 5 Click communicates with the host MCU through a standard 4-wire SPI, capable of up to 10MHz operational frequency. It also features a Shutdown mode for minimal power consumption, activated by setting the SDN pin of the mikroBUS™ socket high, and an interrupt capability, the INT pin of the mikroBUS™ socket, to signal the MCU upon specific events by setting this pin in a LOW logic state. This functionality ensures efficient power management and responsive system behavior. Moreover, the ISM 5 Click includes an SMA antenna connector for connecting a Rubber Right Angle 868MHz Antenna for optimal performance, available through the MIKROE shop.

This Click board™ can be operated only with a 3.3V logic voltage level. The board must perform appropriate logic voltage level conversion before using MCUs with different logic levels. Also, it comes equipped with a library containing functions and an example code that can be used as a reference for further development.

SPECIFICATIONS