Specifications

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10.RFModuleSupport
This chapter provides customization information for the XBee/XBee-PRO SE modules. In addition
to providing an extremely flexible and powerful API, the XBee and XBee-PRO SE modules are a
robust development platform that have passed FCC and ETSI testing. Developers can customize
default parameters, or even write or load custom firmware for Ember's EM250 chip.
X-CTU Configuration Tool
Digi provides a Windows X-CTU configuration tool for configuring module parameters and updating
firmware. The XCTU has the capability to do the following:
• Update firmware on a local module (requires USB or serial connection)
• Read or write module configuration parameters on a local or remote device
• Save and load configuration profiles containing customized settings.
Contact Digi support for more information about the X-CTU.
XBee Bootloader
XBee modules use a modified version of Ember’s bootloader. This bootloader version supports a
custom entry mechanism that uses module pins DIN (pin 3), DTR
/ SLEEP_RQ (pin 9), and RTS (pin
16). To invoke the boot loader, do the following:
1. Set DTR
/ SLEEP_RQ low (TTL 0V) and RTS high.
2. Send a serial break to the DIN pin and power cycle or reset the module.
3. When the module powers up, DTR
/ SLEEP_RQ and DIN should be low (TTL 0V) and RTS should
be high.
4. Terminate the serial break and send a carriage return at 115200bps to the module.
5. If successful, the module will send the Ember boot loader menu out the DOUT pin at
115200bps.
6. Commands can be sent to the boot loader at 115200bps.
Note: Hardware flow control should be disabled when entering and communicating with the
EM250 bootloader.
Programming XBee Modules
Firmware on the XBee and XBee-PRO SE modules can be updated through one of two means:
•Serially
•SIF header.
Each method is described below.
Serial Firmware Updates
Serial firmware updates make use of the XBee custom bootloader which ships in all units. This
modified bootloader is based on Ember's standalone bootloader, but with a modified entry
mechanism. The modified entry mechanism uses module pins 3, 9, and 16 (DIN, DTR, and RTS
respectively).
The X-CTU program can update firmware serially on the XBee and XBee-PRO SE modules. Contact
Digi support for details.
If an application requires custom firmware to update the XBee firmware serially, the following
steps are required.