LFRD004: MAX7032 Transceiver Reference Design

General Description

The MAX7032 transceiver reference design (RD) is a self-contained evaluation platform for exercising the product as a simple 2-way remote control (RC) demonstrator system. With the use of the Maxim USB-to-JTAG board (MAXQJTAG-USB), the MAXQ610 on both boards can be programmed by the end user.

The 2-way RC boards provide for basic human interaction through a single momentary switch input and three LEDs for visual feedback. These boards are designed to be compact, providing a self-contained transceiver with the radio, microcontroller, and multiple "ports" for connecting various inputs to the system if desired. The design provides a small footprint MMCX connector for a variety of antenna-mounting options. Input to the microcontrollers (MCUs) can be configured to use up to six of the spare ports. This board can be operated from any 3V power source (1.7V to 3.6V for the MAXQ610, 2.1V to 3.6V for the MAX7032).

Both boards come preprogrammed with identical operational firmware and mirrored target addresses to demonstrate a simple wireless 2-way RC system. Gerber filesz and PADS¹ schematic and layout files are available for simple cut-and-paste designs of just the radio section or the full radio and MCU implementation.

Features

• Proven printed circuit board (PCB) layout
• Proven component parts list
• Preprogrammed transceiver (TRX) pair for quick demonstration capabilities
• Free MAXQ® microcontroller programming tools available for flexible operation

Quick Start

1. Pull the two RC boards out of box and connect the batteries.
2. Connect an antenna/cable to each of the MMCX connectors.
3. Position the radios within about 1m to 2m of each other and press the switch on one of the boards. The 2-way remote control will broadcast a frame and receive an echo back, indicated by the green LED.