User's Manual

Table Of Contents
TRF7970A EVM Description
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1 TRF7970A EVM Description
The TRF7970A EVM features include:
Support for:
ISO15693 standard based transponders
ISO14443 standard based transponders (Types A and B)
NFC Forum modes (RFID reader\writer, peer to peer, and card emulation)
FeliCa based transponders (UID read only)
Standalone polling mode for quick demonstration of transponder detection
Communication with host software graphical user interface (GUI) via USB VCP
The TRF7970A EVM also has the following hardware features specifically for development purposes:
MSP430F2370 ultra-low power microcontroller with JTAG connectivity to development environment for
custom firmware development.
Parallel or SPI connectivity via 0-Ω jumpers
Logic analyzer/oscilloscope test points for relevant signal observation during code development
SMA (edge mount and through-hole) pads for connecting customer designed magnetic dipole circuit
NOTE: Onboard antenna circuit should be disconnected by removing R3 beforehand to maintain
50-Ω impedance.
1.1 Default Configuration
As shipped, the TRF7970A EVM is fully functional as an RFID/NFC Forum reader/writer, NFC Forum
Initiator or NFC Forum Target. To evaluate the TRF7970A beyond the standalone mode, which only
requires that power be applied via the USB connector, the TRF7970A EVM GUI must be used.
CAUTION
The TRF7970A EVM contains components that can be potentially damaged by
electrostatic discharge. Always store and transport the EVM in the supplied
ESD bag when not in use. Always handle the TRF7970A EVM in an ESD
controlled environment. For more information regarding proper ESD handling
procedures see the Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) application report, SSYA008.
1.2 Hardware Description
As shown in Figure 1, the TRF7970A EVM is a self contained development platform which can be used to
independently evaluate/test the performance of the TRF7970A IC, custom firmware, customer designed
magnetic dipole antennas and/or potential transponders for a customer defined RFID/NFC Forum
application. The TRF7970AEVM is configured from the factory in parallel communication mode between
the MSP430F2370 and the TRF7970A via 0-Ω resistors between HDR_4 and HDR_5 pads. On power up,
the preloaded MSP430F2370 firmware also checks the voltage level of P2.3 (pin 15), which is factory
configured at HDR_7 to have I/O_SEL connected to Parallel connection via a 0-Ω resistor. If the user
wants to change to SPI with Slave Select operation, all that is needed is to move all the 0-Ω resistors
connecting HDR_4 and HDR_5 together over so HDR_5 and HDR_6 are connected as well as moving
0-Ω resistor over on HDR_7 so that I/O_SEL and SPI connected instead. The preloaded MSP430
firmware handles either hardware configuration case, parallel or SPI with SS.
4
TRF7970A Evaluation Module (EVM) SLOU321 August 2011
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