User manual

User Manual
Version 1.1
2013-09-09
RaspBee ZigBee addon board
www.dresden-elektronik.de
Page 6 of 21
1. Overview
The RaspBee™ is a ZigBee addon board for the Raspberry Pi (RPi). By using the RaspBee
the Raspberry Pi becomes a full functional wireless node which can be seamlessly integrated
into ZigBee networks. This will enhance the application range of RPi with monitoring and
controlling ZigBee networks. ZigBee compatible devices are available from a lot of
manufacturers.
The RaspBee addon board has been designed to interconnect with the RPi standard user
header. Due to its slim size the RPi still fits into most housings available on the market.
The addon board contains a powerful radio module with integrated power amplifier and low
noise amplifier. Together with the assembled onboard chip antenna which has been
optimally tuned this ensures a superior RF performance.
The RaspBee board is available in two options: the “premium” variant comes preflashed with
a ZigBee firmware, the “basic” variant is shipped without firmware. In delivery condition both
include a bootloader for simple firmware updates.
Even though the basic variant targets custom firmware development, our ZigBee firmware
can be downloaded and run. The wireless network will then be limited to five devices
however. For larger installations, the premium version is recommended.The ZigBee firmware
is interfaced by a software called deCONZ which runs on the RPi and is responsible for
ZigBee network control and monitoring.
Basically, the RaspBee is a reference design for the ZigBee radio module deRFmega256-
23M12 by dresden elektronik.
2. Applications
Mainly the RaspBee is designed to handle ZigBee Light Link (ZLL) and ZigBee Home
Automation (ZHA) applications in connection with the RaspBee ZigBee firmware and RPi
software deCONZ. A more detailed description of the ZLL standard, the features, benefits
and available certified products can be found on the official alliance website [1].
It is also possible to use a custom firmware for wireless applications. Follow the instructions
in Sections 5 and 10 for detailed instructions on software installation and customer
modifications.
Note: Regard that dependent on the modifications the radio certification and compliance
may become invalid. Please get in contact with us to advise you for a custom FCC
certified and/or compliant design.
3. Features
The RaspBee board contains the features listed below. Figure 1 illustrates the feature parts
in a detailed view.
3.1. Short facts
 Slim size: 48.0 x 16.5 x 12.0 mm
 Supply voltage: 5.0 V
 Onboard 2.4 GHz ZigBee radio module ‘deRFmega256-23M12’