4.3.1 Bluetooth RF Test Demonstration

In this demonstration, the user can transmit Bluetooth Low Energy packets, enter RX mode and Test mode with the PIC32CX-BZ3 by using the MCHPRT3.

Perform the following steps for the demonstration of the Bluetooth RF TX modulation test:

  1. Set up the connection between the PIC32 WBZ351 Curiosity Board and PC. For more details, refer to Getting Started with MCHPRT3.
  2. In the RF BT tab, perform the following steps:
    1. From the “RF Modes” drop-down list, select TX Mode.
    2. From the “Channel” drop-down list, select 2402 MHz for channel 37.
    3. From the “Payload” drop-down list, select PRBS9 (default value).
    4. From the “PHY” drop-down list, select the Data Rate (1M,2M, S=2 and S=8), for example, select PHY 1M.
    5. From the “Power” drop-down list, select the Output Power, for example, select 11dB.
    6. From the “Packet Length” drop-down list, select the Packet Length (0-255), for example, 255 (default value).

3. Click START to transmit the Bluetooth Low Energy packet.

Figure 4-7. MCHPRT3 PIC32CX-BZ3 GUI for Bluetooth RF TX Modulation Test Demonstration

Perform the following steps for the demonstration of the Bluetooth RF RX mode:

  1. Set up the connection between the PIC32 WBZ351 Curiosity Board and PC. For more details, refer to Getting Started with MCHPRT3.
  2. In the RF BT tab, perform the following steps:
    1. From the “RF mode” drop-down list, select RX Mode.
    2. From the “Channel” drop-down list, select 2402 MHz for channel 37.
  3. Click START to receive the Bluetooth Low Energy packet. The number of received packets is shown in the drop-down list, “RX Packet”.
Figure 4-8. MCHPRT3 PIC32CX-BZ3 GUI for Bluetooth RF RX Mode Demonstration
Perform the following steps for the demonstration of the Bluetooth RF CW tone test:
  1. Set up the connection between the PIC32 WBZ451 Curiosity Board and PC. For more details, refer to Getting Started with MCHPRT3.
  2. In the RF BT tab, perform the following steps:
    • From the “RF Modes” drop-down list, select CW Mode.
    • From the “Channel” drop-down list, select 2402 MHz for channel 37.
    • From the “Power” drop-down list, select the Output Power, for example, select 11 dB.
  3. Click START to transmit the CW tone at the selected channel.
    Figure 4-9. MCHPRT3 PIC32CX-BZ3 GUI for Bluetooth RF CW Mode Demonstration

Perform the following steps for the demonstration of the Bluetooth Low Energy Test mode:

  1. For the Bluetooth Low Energy Test mode, the sample must contain the following connection:
    • HCI_TXD (PA5 from the module)
    • HCI_RXD (PA6 from the module)
    • VDD (connect with external power supply)
    • Ground
  2. Use the USB-to-UART serial converter to make the connection between the sample and PC by connecting the HCI_TXD, HCI_RXD and ground with the converter.
  3. Power the sample with 3.3V supply.
  4. Select the respective COM PORT (the COM port with the converter) in MCHPRT3.
  5. In the RF BT tab, perform the following steps:
    1. From the “RF mode” drop-down list, select Test Mode.
  6. Click START to enter the Bluetooth test mode, then click Disconnect in the GUI. Disconnect the UART interface from the DUT while keeping the power supply, then connect it with the Bluetooth tester.
Figure 4-10. MCHPRT3 PIC32CX-BZ3 GUI for Bluetooth Test Mode Connecting with Bluetooth Tester Demonstration

Perform the following steps for the demonstration of the Bluetooth Low Energy adaptivity frequency hopping (AFH) packet transmission:

  1. Set up the connection between the PIC32 WBZ351 Curiosity Board and PC. For more details, refer to Getting Started with MCHPRT3.
  2. In the RF BT tab, perform the following steps:
    1. From the “RF mode” drop-down list, select AFH Mode.
    2. From the “Payload” drop-down list, select PRBS9 (default value).
    3. From the “PHY” drop-down list, select the Data Rate (1M,2M, S=2 and S=8), for example, select PHY 1M.
    4. From the “RF mode” drop-down list, select the Output Power, for example, select 11 dB.
    5. From the “Packet Length” drop-down list, select the Packet Length (0-255), for example, 255 (default value).

3. Click START to transmit the Bluetooth Low Energy packet with adaptivity frequency hopping.

Figure 4-11. MCHPRT3 PIC32CX-BZ3 GUI for Bluetooth Adaptivity Frequency Hopping (AFH) TX Test Demonstration