LFRD002: Wireless automatic meter reading reference design

General Description

The MAX7032 transceiver reference design (RD) is a self-contained evaluation platform for exercising the device as a wireless automatic meter reading (AMR) demo system. With the use of the Maxim USB-to-JTAG board (MAXQJTAG-USB), the MAXQ610 on both the slave meter (MTR) and the master reader (RDR) board can be programmed by the end user.

The meter board enables basic human interaction through a single momentary switch input and an LED for visual feedback. The MTR is designed to be compact, providing a self-contained transceiver board with a radio, microcontroller, and multiple "ports" for connecting various meter inputs to the system. Two separate designs are provided: one with a built-in printed circuit board (PCB) antenna, and the other with a small-footprint antenna-mounting option. Input to the MTR system can be configured with up to six ports, and the primary input interfaces with a "pulse" or dry contact (reed) output meter. 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).

The reader board has seven menu keys for user input, a reset switch, a 102 pixel x 64 pixel LCD display with multicolor LED backlighting for menu interactions, plus a receive signal indicator (RSI) LED. The shape of the reader unit (RDR) fits within a Series 55 BOX enclosure, and has both an edge-connected antenna mount and a built-in PCB trace antenna.

Both systems are preprogrammed with operational firmware to demonstrate a simple wireless AMR meter (slave)/reader (master) system. Gerber files are available for simple cut-and-paste designs of the radio sections or the full 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 three boards (two MTR boards and the RDR board) out of box and install the batteries.
2. Connect the RDR antenna.
3. Navigate the RDR menu system MAIN MENU  AMR MENU  START COMM