SiWx917 Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth LE Dev Kit

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Specifications

SiWx917 Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth LE Dev Kit

• Low-cost, small form factor development and evaluation
  platform

• Based on the SiWG917 Wireless System-on-Chip

• Ideal for developing energy-friendly IoT applications

• Built-in SEGGER J-Link debugger for easy debugging

• USB Type-C connector for programming

• 64 Mbit QSPI PSRAM for running applications

• Supported in Simplicity StudioTM

Product Usage Instructions

1. Getting Started

Connect the SiWx917 Dev Kit to your computer using a USB Type-C
cable.

2. Programming

Use the on-board J-Link debugger for programming the Dev Kit. A
USB virtual COM port is available for serial connection to the
target application.

3. Running Applications

Utilize the 64 Mbit QSPI PSRAM on the board to run applications
efficiently.

4. Debugging

The built-in SEGGER J-Link debugger allows for easy debugging of
applications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Does the SiWx917 Dev Kit support Bluetooth LE?

A: Yes, the SiWx917 Dev Kit supports Bluetooth LE in addition to
Wi-Fi 6.

Q: How do I connect the Dev Kit to Simplicity StudioTM?

A: Connect the Dev Kit to your computer via USB and open
Simplicity StudioTM to start development.

Q: Can I develop custom IoT applications on the SiWx917 Dev

Kit?

A: Yes, the SiWx917 Dev Kit is an ideal platform for developing
energy-friendly IoT applications, and a Board Support Package (BSP)
is provided to help developers get started.

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UG581: SiWx917 Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth LE Dev Kit User’s Guide

The SiWx917 Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth LE Dev Kit is a low-cost, small form factor development and evaluation platform for the SiWG917 Wireless System-on-Chip.
The board is a small and cost-effective, feature-rich, prototype and development platform based on the SiWG917 Wireless System-on-Chip. The SiWx917 Dev Kit is an ideal platform for developing energy-friendly IoT applications.
A built-in SEGGER J-Link debugger ensures easy debugging through the USB Type-C connector.

TARGET DEVICE
· SiWG917 Wireless System-on-Chip (SiWG917M111MGTBA)
· High-performance 2.4 GHz radio · 32-bit ARM® Cortex®-M4 with 180 MHz
maximum operating frequency · 8 MB flash and 320 kB RAM
KIT FEATURES

· 2.4 GHz ceramic chip antenna · Power control of on-board peripherals for
ultra-low power operation · Relative humidity and temperature sensor · Ambient light sensor · 6-axis inertial sensor · MEMS stereo microphones · RGB LED and two push buttons · 26-pin 2.54 mm breakout pads · Qwiic® connector · SEGGER J-Link on-board debugger · Virtual COM port · Mini Simplicity connector (not mounted)
for AEM using external Silicon Labs debugger · USB powered

SOFTWARE SUPPORT

· Simplicity StudioTM

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Copyright © 2024 by Silicon Laboratories

Rev. 1.0

Table of Contents
1. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 1.1 Kit Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 1.2 Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 1.3 Hardware Content . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 1.4 Kit Hardware Layout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2. Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 2.1 Recommended Operating Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 2.2 Current Consumption . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
3. Hardware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 3.1 Block Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 3.2 Power Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 3.3 SiWG917 Reset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 3.4 Peripherals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 3.4.1 Si7021 Relative Humidity and Temperature Sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 3.4.2 ICS-43434 MEMS Stereo Microphones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 3.4.3 ICM-40627 6-Axis Inertial Sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 3.4.4 VEML6035 Ambient Light Sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 3.4.5 External Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 3.4.6 Push Buttons and RGB LED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 3.4.7 ISP Mode Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 3.5 On-board Debugger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 3.6 Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 3.6.1 Breakout Pads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 3.6.2 Qwiic Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 3.6.3 Mini Simplicity Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 3.6.4 Debug USB Type-C Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
4. Debugging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 4.1 On-board Debugger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 4.2 External Debugger. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 4.2.1 External Debugger Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 4.3 Virtual COM Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
5. Schematics, Assembly Drawings, and BOM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
6. Kit Revision History and Errata . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 6.1 Revision History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 6.2 Errata . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
7. Board Revision History and Errata . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 7.1 Revision History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

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7.2 Errata . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 8. Document Revision History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

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UG581: SiWx917 Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth LE Dev Kit User’s Guide
Introduction
1. Introduction
The SiWx917 Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth LE Dev Kit (OPN: SiWx917-DK2605A) has been designed to inspire customers to make IoT devices and applications with the Silicon Labs SiWG917 Wireless System-on-Chip. The highlights of the board include different environmental sensors accessible to the SiWG917 wireless SoC. The peripherals have been grouped into power domains that can be turned on and off by the application code as needed.
Programming the SiWx917 Dev Kit is easily done using a USB Type-C cable and the on-board J-Link debugger. A USB virtual COM port provides a serial connection to the target application. Included on the board is a 64 Mbit QSPI PSRAM that can be used for running applications. The SiWx917 Dev Kit is supported in Simplicity StudioTM, and a Board Support Package (BSP) is provided to give application developers a flying start.
Energy profiling and advanced wireless network analysis and debugging tools are available through the provided Mini Simplicity Connector using an external Silicon Labs debugger.
Connecting external hardware to the SiWx917 Dev Kit can be done using the 26 breakout pads which present peripherals from the SiWG917 Wireless such as I2C, SPI, UART, and GPIOs. The board also features a Qwiic connector which can be used to connect hardware from the Qwiic Connect System through I2C.
1.1 Kit Contents
The following item is included as a part of the kit: · 1x SiWx917 Dev Kit board (BRD2605A)
1.2 Getting Started
Detailed instructions for how to get started with your new SiWx917 Dev Kit can be found on the Silicon Labs web page: https:// www.silabs.com/dev-tools
1.3 Hardware Content
The following key hardware elements are included on the SiWx917 Dev Kit: · SiWG917 Wireless SoC with 180 MHz operating frequency, 8 MB flash, and 320 kB RAM · 2.4 GHz ceramic antenna for wireless transmission · Silicon Labs Si7021 relative humidity and temperature sensor · TDK InvenSense ICM-40627 6-axis inertial sensor · Two ICS-43434 MEMS microphones · Ambient light sensor (VEML6035) · Macronix ultra low power 8 Mbit SPI flash (MX25R8035F) · RGB LED and two push buttons · Isolation switches for ultra-low power operation · On- board SEGGER J-Link debugger for easy programming and debugging, which includes a USB virtual COM port · Mini Simplicity connector for access to energy profiling and advanced wireless network debugging · Breakout pads for GPIO access and connection to external hardware · Qwiic connector for connecting external hardware from the Qwiic Connect System · Reset button

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1.4 Kit Hardware Layout SiWx917 Dev Kit layout is shown below.

Left I2S Microphone

2.4 GHz Chip Antenna
Top View

UG581: SiWx917 Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth LE Dev Kit User’s Guide
Introduction

Right I2S Microphone

30.4 mm Bottom View

qwiic Header 26-pin
Breakout Pads
ISP Button 6-axis
Inertial Sensor RGB LED
Reset Button

USB Type-C Connector – Virtual COM port – Debug access

SiWG917 Wireless SOC

On-board USB J-Link Debugger
Dip Switch for PSRAM
Ambient Light & UV
Sensor
Push Buttons

55.0 mm

Humidity and Temperature Sensor

Mini Simplicity Connector
Note: Mini Simplicity connector is not mounted on the board

Figure 1.1. SiWx917 Dev Kit Hardware Layout

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2. Specifications

UG581: SiWx917 Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth LE Dev Kit User’s Guide
Specifications

2.1 Recommended Operating Conditions

Parameter

Symbol

Min

Typ

Max

Unit

USB Supply Input Voltage

VUSB

—

5.0

—

V

Supply Input Voltage (VMCU supplied externally)1

VVMCU

1.9

3.3

3.6

V

Operating Temperature

TOP

-40

—

85

°C

Note:
1. Brightness of the RGB LED will vary with the supply voltage. Due to manufacturing tolerances, functionality is not guaranteed over the entire working range.

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UG581: SiWx917 Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth LE Dev Kit User’s Guide
Specifications
2.2 Current Consumption
The operating current of the board greatly depends on the application. The table below attempts to give some indication of how different features of the board contribute to the overall power consumption. Note that the numbers are taken from the data sheets for the devices. For a full overview of the conditions that apply for a specific number from a data sheet, the reader is encouraged to read the specific data sheet.
Table 2.1. Current Consumption

Parameter

Symbol

Condition

Typ

SiWx917 Current Consump- ISiWG917 Active current at 180MHz in high performance mode

50

tion1

Sleep without RAM Retention

1.5

RH/Temp Sensor Current Consumption2

ISi7021

Standby, -40 to +85 °C RH conversion in progress

0.06 150

Temperature conversion in progress

90

Peak IDD during I2C operations

3.5

Microphone Current Con-

IMIC

Sleep mode, fs less than 3.125 kHz

12

sumption3,4,

Performance mode (VDD = 1.8 V)

490

IMU Current Consumption5

IIMU

Full-chip sleep mode at 1.8 V supply

7.5

Accelerometer low power mode (Gyroscope desabled)

46

QSPI PSRAM Current Con- IAPS6404L Standby current (standard room temp)

100

sumption6

Ambient Light Sensor Cur-

IVEML6035 Shutdown at 1.8 V supply

0.5

rent Consumption7

Operation mode at 1.8 V supply (ALS only)

170

On-board Debugger Sleep Current Consumption8

IDBG

On-board debugger current consumption when USB cable

80

is not inserted (EFM32GG12 EM4S mode current con-

sumption)

Note: 1. From SiWG917 SoC data sheet. 2. From Si7021-A20 data sheet. 3. From ICS-43434 data sheet. 4. Per microphone. 5. From SICM-40627 data sheet. 6. From APS6404L-3SQR-ZR data sheet. 7. From VEML6035 data sheet. 8. From EFM32GG12 data sheet.

Unit µA/MHz
µA µA µA µA mA µA µA µA mA µA
µA µA nA

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UG581: SiWx917 Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth LE Dev Kit User’s Guide
Hardware
3. Hardware
The core of the SiWx917 Dev Kit is the SiWG917 Wireless System-on-Chip. The board also contains several peripherals connected to the SiWG917. Refer to section 1.4 Kit Hardware Layout for placement and layout of the hardware components.

3.1 Block Diagram An overview of the SiWx917 Dev Kit is illustrated in the figure below.

Debugging

Device Connectivity

USB Type-C Connector

Mini-Simplicity Breakout Pads Connector

Qwiic Connector

J-Link Debugger Memory
64-Mbit
QSPI PSRAM
IS2PS.4MMGAoHdze CoBAnnuntteetoncntnoar

SiWG917 Wireless SoC

Sensors Si7021

VEML6035

Temperature & Humidity
Sensor
ICS-43434

Ambient Light Sensor
ICM-40627

2x I2S Microphones

6-axis Inertial Sensor

Figure 3.1. Kit Block Diagram

Radio
2.4 GHz Antenna Buttons and LED
User Buttons & RGB LED

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UG581: SiWx917 Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth LE Dev Kit User’s Guide
Hardware
3.2 Power Supply The kit can be powered through one of these interfaces: · USB Type-C · Mini Simplicity connector The figure below shows the power options available on the kit and illustrates the main system power architecture.

Mini Simplicity Connector/
Breakout Pads

5V0

VMCU

USB Type-C

IN

OUT

LDO

SiWG917 Wireless SoC

Figure 3.2. SiWx917 Dev Kit Power Architecture
Power is normally applied through the USB cable. When the USB cable is connected, VBUS is regulated down to 3.3 V. Power can also be applied through the Mini Simplicity connector (or Breakout Pads). There must be no other power sources present on the kit as power is injected directly to the VMCU net. Powering the SiWx917 Dev Kit through the Mini Simplicity connector allows current measurements using the Advanced Energy Monitoring (AEM) as described in section 4.2 External Debugger. Important: When powering the board through the Mini Simplicity connector (not mounted on board), the USB power source must be removed.
The power supply options are summarized in the table below.
Table 3.1. SiWx917 Dev Kit Power Options

Supply Mode USB power
Mini Simplicity

Typical Input Voltage 5.0 V 3.3 V

VMCU Source On-board regulator Debugger dependent

3V3 On-board regulator
Disconnected

5V USB VBUS No voltage present

3.3 SiWG917 Reset
The SiWG917 can be reset by a few different sources: · A user pressing the RESET button. · The on-board debugger pulling the #POC_IN pin low. · An external debugger pulling the #POC_IN pin low.

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UG581: SiWx917 Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth LE Dev Kit User’s Guide
Hardware
3.4 Peripherals
The SiWx917 Dev Kit contains a set of peripherals that can be accessed from the SiWG917. All the peripherals (except QSPI PSRAM) have enable signals which can be used to completely turn off the peripherals that are not in use, or they can be put into a state that draws minuscule amount of power. This allows for the lowest possible power consumption in every application. The following peripherals are accessible to the SiWG917:
· Silicon Labs Si7021 relative humidity & temperature sensor · 2x TDK InvenSense ICS-43434 MEMS microphones with I2S output · TDK InvenSense ICM-40627 6-axis inertial measurement sensor · Vishay VEML6035 ambient light sensor · AP Memory Technology APS6404L-3SQR-ZR QSPI PSRAM · RGB LED and two push buttons
The figure below gives an overview of the peripherals that are connected to the SiWG917. Note that some of the peripherals share the same interface and enable signals.

ICM-40627
APS6404L QSPI
PSRAM

VMCU

SENSOR ENABLE

VMCU

SPI IMU CS
SPI 3
IMU INTERRUPT
TS3A27518E VMCU
OFF ON

Buttons

QSPI 6

PC10 (I2C0_SCL#14) PC11 (I2C0_SDA#16)

GPIO 2

SiWG917 Wireless SoC

RGB LED
GPIO 3

I2C 2 VMCU
I2C 2
ALS INTERRUPT VMCU
I2S 3
MIC ENABLE
SWO

Si7021 VEML6035 2x ICS-43434 ISP Button

Figure 3.3. Peripherals

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UG581: SiWx917 Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth LE Dev Kit User’s Guide
Hardware
3.4.1 Si7021 Relative Humidity and Temperature Sensor
The Si7021 I2C relative humidity and temperature sensor is a monolithic CMOS IC integrating humidity and temperature sensor elements, an analog-to-digital converter, signal processing, calibration data, and an I2C interface. The patented use of industry-standard, low-K polymeric dielectrics for sensing humidity enables the construction of low-power, monolithic CMOS Sensor ICs with low drift and hysteresis, and excellent long term stability. The Si7021 offers an accurate, low-power, factory-calibrated digital solution ideal for measuring humidity, dew-point, and temperature in applications ranging from HVAC/R and asset tracking to industrial and consumer platforms.
On the SiWx917 Dev Kit, the Si7021 is connected through a switch. The switch must therefore be enabled by setting UULP_VBAT_GPIO_1 high before it can be used by the application. This enables power to the Si7021 and connects the I2C lines used for the sensor to the SiWG917 I2C bus. Note the presence of the pull-down resistor on the SENSOR_ENABLE line to pull it LOW by default. The figure below shows how the Si7021 is connected to the SiWG917.

SiWG917

VMCU

VDD_SENSOR

Si7021

ULP_GPIO_7 ULP_I2C_SCL ULP_GPIO_6 ULP_I2C_SDA
UULP_VBAT_GPIO_1 SENSOR_ENABLE

SENSOR_I2C_SCL SENSOR_I2C_SDA
0: Sensor is not powered 1: Sensor is powered

Temperature & Humidity
Sensor

Figure 3.4. Si7021 Relative Humidity and Temperature Sensor

Although measures have been taken to thermally isolate the sensor from the board, temperature readings will be influenced when power is dissipated on the board. More accurate temperature measurements are achieved when powering the board through the Mini Simplicity connector as self-heating from the on-board LDO is eliminated and the on-board debugger is put in a low-power state.

3.4.2 ICS-43434 MEMS Stereo Microphones
The ICS-43434 microphones are omnidirectional MEMS microphones with a wideband frequency response and a digital I2S output. The microphones include a MEMS sensor, signal conditioning, ADC, filters, and different operating modes. The ICS-43434 is a bottom port microphone, and it is placed on the bottom side of SiWx917 Dev Kit with acoustic ventilation holes going through to the top side. These holes let sound waves into the microphone package.
On SiWx917 Dev Kit, the ICS-43434 microphones are connected through a switch. The switch must therefore be enabled by setting UULP_VBAT_GPIO_0 high before it can be used by the application. This enables power to the microphones and connects the I2S lines used for the sensor to the SiWG917. Note the presence of the pull-down resistor on the MIC_ENABLE line. The figure below shows how the ICS-43434 microphones are connected to the SiWG917.

SiWG917

VMCU

GPIO_46 GPIO_48 GPIO_47

I2S_CLK I2S_DIN I2S_WS

UULP_VBAT_GPIO_0 MIC_ENABLE

VDD_MIC
MIC_I2S_CLK MIC_I2S_DIN MIC_I2S_WS 0: Sensor is not powered 1: Sensor is powered

ICS-43434

VDD_MIC

I2S Microphone (R)

ICS-43434

VDD_MIC

I2S Microphone (L)

Figure 3.5. ICS-43434 MEMS Microphones

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UG581: SiWx917 Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth LE Dev Kit User’s Guide
Hardware

3.4.3 ICM-40627 6-Axis Inertial Sensor

The ICM-40627 is a 6-axis inertial sensor consisting of a 3-axis gyroscope and a 3-axis accelerometer. The sensor detects acceleration and angular rate in and around the X-, Y-, and Z-axes with integrated 16-bit ADCs and programmable digital filters.

On the SiWx917 Dev Kit, the ICM-40627 is connected through a switch. The switch must be enabled by setting UULP_VBAT_GPIO_1 high before it can be used by the application. This enables power to the ICM-40627 and connects the SPI lines used for the sensor to the SiWG917 SPI bus. Note the presence of the pull-down resistor on the SENSOR_ENABLE line to pull it LOW by default. The SPI CS line is also exported on the breakout pads, so simultaneous SPI operation on the breakout pads and IMU is not possible unless an alternative pin is used for SPI CS on the breakout pads. The figure below shows how the ICM-40627 is connected to the SiWG917.

SiWG917

VMCU

VDD_SENSOR

ULP_GPIO_8 ULP_GPIO_1 ULP_GPIO_2 ULP_GPIO_10 UULP_VBAT_GPIO_3

ULP_SPI_CLK ULP_SPI_MOSI ULP_SPI_MISO ULP_SPI_CS IMU_ALS_INT

UULP_VBAT_GPIO_1 SENSOR_ENABLE

IMU_SPI_CLK IMU_SPI_MOSI IMU_SPI_MISO IMU_SPI_CS IMU_INT
0: Sensor is not powered 1: Sensor is powered

ICM-40627
6-axis Intertial Sensor

Figure 3.6. ICM-40627 6-Axis Inertial Sensor
The inertial sensor is located close to the geometrical center of the board. The coordinate system and rotation of the sensor follows the right-hand rule, and the spatial orientation of the board is shown in the figure below.
Z

Y

X
Pin 1 chip identifier
Figure 3.7. SiWx917 Dev Kit Spatial Orientation

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UG581: SiWx917 Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth LE Dev Kit User’s Guide
Hardware

3.4.4 VEML6035 Ambient Light Sensor
The VEML6035 is an ambient light sensor with I2C digital interface.
On the SiWx917 Dev Kit, the VEML6035 is connected through a switch. The switch must therefore be enabled by setting UULP_VBAT_GPIO_1 high before it can be used by the application. This enables power to the VEML6035 and connects the I2C lines used for the sensor to the SiWG917 I2C bus. The I2C lines are shared with other on-board I2C peripherals. Note the presence of the pull-down resistor on the SENSOR_ENABLE line to pull it LOW by default. The I2C bus is shared with the Qwiic Connector and is also exported on the breakout pads. The figure below shows how the VEML6035 is connected to the SiWG917.

SiWG917

VMCU

ULP_GPIO_7 ULP_GPIO_6 UULP_VBAT_GPIO_3

I2C_SCL I2C_SDA GPIO

UULP_VBAT_GPIO_1 SENSOR_ENABLE

VDD_SENSOR
SENSOR_I2C_SCL SENSOR_I2C_SDA ALS_INT 0: Sensor is not powered 1: Sensor is powered

VEML6035
Ambient Light Sensor

Figure 3.8. VEML6035 Ambient Light Sensor

3.4.5 External Memory
The SiWx917 Dev Kit includes a 64 Mbit QSPI PSRAM that is isolated through switch to the SiWG917. The APS6404L-3SQR-ZR device features a high speed, low pin count interface. To keep current consumption down, it is important that the PSRAM is always put in power off mode when not used. This is done by controlling a slide switch to turn off the supply to 6 channel multiplexer. The multiplexer provides the I/O and power isolation to the PSRAM. The figure below shows how the QSPI PSRAM is connected to the SiWG917.

SiWG917

VMCU OFF ON

GPIO_52 GPIO_53 GPIO_54 GPIO_56 GPIO_57 GPIO_55

QSPI_SCLK QSPI_SIO0 QSPI_SIO1 QSPI_SIO2 QSPI_SIO3 QSPI_CS

QSPI_SCLK QSPI_SIO0 QSPI_SIO1 QSPI_SIO2 QSPI_SIO3 QSPI_CS

[64 -Mbit] APS6404L
QSPI PSRAM

TS3A27518E

Figure 3.9. QSPI PSRAM

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UG581: SiWx917 Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth LE Dev Kit User’s Guide
Hardware
3.4.6 Push Buttons and RGB LED
The kit has two user push buttons marked BTN0 and BTN1. They are connected directly to the SiWG917 and are debounced by RC filters with a time constant of 1 ms. The buttons are connected to pins UULP_VBAT_GPIO_2 and GPIO_49.
The kit also features an RGB LED marked LED0, controlled by GPIO pins on the SiWG917. The LED is connected in an active-low configuration, and each color can be controlled using the SiWG917’s GPIO pins.

SiWG917 UULP_VBAT_GPIO_2 GPIO_49
GPIO_50 GPIO_51 GPIO_15

BUTTON0 BUTTON1 LEDR LEDG LEDB

User Buttons & RGB LED

Figure 3.10. Buttons and RGB LED

3.4.7 ISP Mode Button The kit feature an ISP button for In System Programming, which helps to load firmware to SiWx devices.

SiWG917

JTAG_TDO_SWO

ISP_ENABLE

ISP Mode Button

Figure 3.11. ISP Mode Button

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UG581: SiWx917 Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth LE Dev Kit User’s Guide
Hardware
3.5 On-board Debugger
The SiWx917 Dev Kit contains a microcontroller separate from the SiWG917 Wireless that provides the user with an on-board J-Link debugger through the USB Type-C port. This microcontroller is referred to as the “on-board debugger” and is not programmable by the user. When the USB cable is removed, the on-board debugger goes into a very low power shutoff mode (EM4S).
In addition to providing code download and debug features, the on-board debugger also presents a virtual COM port for general purpose application serial data transfer.
The figure below shows the connections between the target SiWG917 device and the on-board debugger. The figure also shows the Mini Simplicity Connector, and how this is connected to the same I/O pins.
Refer to section 4. Debugging for more details on debugging.

Mini Simplicity Connector SiWEFGR93127MG

Host PC

DBG_VCOM_TX

DBG_VCOM_RX

USB

On-Board

DBG_SWCLK_C2CK

J-Link

DBG_SWDIO_C2D

Debugger

DBG_SWO

DBG_RESET

ULP_GPIO_11 (ULP_UART_TX) ULP_GPIO_9 (ULP_UART_RX) JTAG_TCK_SWCLK (JTAG_TCK/SWCLK) JTAG_TMS_SWDIO (TAG_TMS/SWDIO) JTAG_TDO_SWO (JTAG_TDO/SWO/ISP_ENABLE) POC_IN

Figure 3.12. On-Board Debugger Connections

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Hardware
3.6 Connectors
The SiWx917 Dev Kit features a Mini Simplicity Connector, a USB Type-C connector, and 26 breakout pads. The connectors are placed on the either side of the board, and their placement and pinout are shown in the figure below. For additional information on the connectors, see the following sub-chapters.
Breakout Pads

qwiic Connector
GND GPIO_25 – GPIO GPIO_26 – GPIO GPIO_27 – GPIO GPIO_28 – GPIO GPIO_29 – GPIO GPIO_30 – GPIO ULP_GPIO_7 – ULP_I2C_SCL BOARD_ID_SCL BOARD_ID_SDA
GPIO_6 – GPIO GPIO_10 – GPIO GPIO_12 – GPIO

VMCU ULP_SPI_MOSI – ULP_GPIO_1 ULP_SPI_MISO – ULP_GPIO_2 ULP_SPI_CLK – ULP_GPIO_8 ULP_SPI_CS – ULP_GPIO_10 ULP_UART_TX – ULP_GPIO_11 ULP_UART_RX – ULP_GPIO_9 ULP_I2C_SDA – ULP_GPIO_6 5V 3V3 GPIO – GPIO_11 GPIO – GPIO_7 GND

GND VMCU I2C_SDA – ULP_GPIO_6 I2C_SCL – ULP_GPIO_7

USB Type-C Connector

qwiic Connector

Mini Simplicity Connector (not mounted)

PTI_DATA – NC SWCLK – JTAG_TCK_SWCLK
SWO – JTAG_TDO_SWO VCOM_RX – ULP_GPIO_9
GND

NC – PTI_FRAME JTAG_TMS_SWDIO – SWDIO ULP_GPIO_11 – VCOM_TX RST VMCU

Pin 1

Figure 3.13. SiWx917 Dev Kit Connectors

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Hardware
3.6.1 Breakout Pads
Twenty six breakout pads are provided and allow connection of peripherals or add-on boards. Thirteen of the pads are located along the left side of the board and thirteen are located on the right side. The breakout pads expose I/O pins that can be used with most of the SiWG917’s features. Additionally, the VMCU (main power rail), 3V3 (LDO regulator output), and 5V power rails are also exposed.
The breakout pads are pinned out similar to the EXP header found on other Silicon Labs Starter Kits, which ensures that commonly used peripherals such as SPI, UART, and I2C buses are available on fixed locations. The rest of the pins are used for general purpose IO. The EXP header allows the definition of EXP boards that can plug into a number of different Silicon Labs starter kits.
The pin-routing on SiWG917 is very flexible, so most peripherals can be routed to any pin. However, pins may be shared between the breakout pads and other functions on the SiWx917 Dev Kit. The table below includes an overview of the EXP header and functionality that is shared with the kit.
Table 3.2. Expansion Header Pinout

Pin

Connection

EXP Header Function

Shared Feature

Right-side Breakout Pins

2

VMCU

SiWG917 voltage domain, included in AEM measurements.

4

ULP_GPIO_1

SPI_MOSI

IMU & Flash

6

ULP_GPIO_2

SPI_MISO

IMU & Flash

8

ULP_GPIO_8

SPI_CLK

IMU & Flash

10

ULP_GPIO_10

SPI_CS

IMU_SPI_CS (when SENSOR_ENABLE = 1)

12

ULP_GPIO_11

UART_TX

VCOM & Mini Simplicity

14

ULP_GPIO_9

UART_RX

VCOM & Mini Simplicity

16

ULP_GPIO_6

I2C_SDA

Qwiic I2C bus

18

5V

Board USB voltage

20

3V3

Board controller supply

22

GPIO_11

GPIO

—

24

GPIO_7

GPIO

—

26

GND

Ground

Left-side Breakout Pins

1

GND

Ground

3

GPIO_25

GPIO

—

5

GPIO_26

GPIO

—

7

GPIO_27

GPIO

—

9

GPIO_28

GPIO

—

11

GPIO_29

GPIO

—

13

GPIO_30

GPIO

—

15

ULP_GPIO_7

I2C_SCL

Qwiic I2C bus

17

BOARD_ID_SCL Connected to Board Controller for identification of add-on boards.

19

BOARD_ID_SDA Connected to Board Controller for identification of add-on boards.

21

GPIO_6

GPIO

—

23

GPIO_10

GPIO

—

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Pin

Connection

25

GPIO_12

UG581: SiWx917 Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth LE Dev Kit User’s Guide
Hardware

EXP Header Function GPIO

Shared Feature —

3.6.2 Qwiic Connector The SiWx917 Dev Kit features a Qwiic connector compatible with Qwiic Connect System hardware. The Qwiic connector provides an easy way to expand the functionality of the SiWx917 Dev Kit with sensors, LCDs, and other peripherals over the I2C interface. The Qwiic connector is a 4-pin polarized JST connector, which ensures the cable is inserted the right way. Qwiic Connect System hardware is daisy chain-able as long as each I2C device in the chain has a unique I2C address. Note: The Qwiic I2C lines are shared with the on-board I2C sensors, and are also exposed on the breakout pads.
The table below gives an overview of the Qwiic connections to the SiWG917.
Table 3.3. Qwiic Connector Pinout

Qwiic Pin Ground 3.3V SDA SCL

Connection
ULP_GPIO_6 ULP_GPIO_7

GND VMCU

Shared Feature
Breakout pads, I2C sensors Breakout pads, I2C sensors

3.6.3 Mini Simplicity Connector
The Mini Simplicity connector is a 10-pin, 1.27 mm pitch connector that allows the use of an external debugger such as the one found on a Silicon Labs Wireless Starter Kit mainboard. See section for more details. The pinout of the connector on the board is described in the table below with the names being referenced from the SiWG917.
Table 3.4. Mini Simplicity Connector Pin Descriptions

Pin number 1
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Function AEM
GND RST VCOM_RX VCOM_TX SWO SWDIO SWCLK PTI_FRAME PTI_DATA

Connection VMCU
GND RESET PA06 PA05 PA03 PA02 PA01 PC07 PC06

Description Target voltage on the debugged application. May be supplied and monitored by the AEM on an external debugger. Ground SiWG917 reset Virtual COM Rx Virtual COM Tx Serial Wire Output Serial Wire Data Serial Wire Clock Packet Trace Frame Packet Trace Data

3.6.4 Debug USB Type-C Connector
The debug USB port can be used for uploading code, debugging, and as a Virtual COM port. More information is available in section 4. Debugging.

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Debugging
4. Debugging
The SiWx917 Dev Kit contains an on-board SEGGER J-Link Debugger that interfaces to the target SiWG917 using the Serial Wire Debug (SWD) interface. The debugger allows the user to download code and debug applications running in the target SiWG917. Additionally, it also provides a VCOM port to the host computer that is connected to the target device’s serial port for general purpose communication between the running application and the host computer. The Packet Trace Interface (PTI) is also supported by the on-board debugger which offers invaluable debug information about transmitted and received packets in wireless links. The on-board debugger is accessible through the USB Type-C connector.
An external debugger can be used instead of the on-board debugger by connecting it to the Mini Simplicity Connector. This allows advanced debugging features as described in section 4.2 External Debugger. When using an external debugger it is very important to make sure that there is no power source present on the SiWx917 Dev Kit, as the external debugger might source a voltage on the target power domain (VMCU).
Important: When connecting an external debugger that sources voltage to the VMCU net, the USB cable must be removed from the SiWx917 Dev Kit. Failure to do so will create power conflicts.
The figure below shows the possible debug options.

On-board debugger

External debugger*

Conflict between debuggers

*USB power sources must be removed before connecting an external debugger that sources
voltage to the VMCU net.

Figure 4.1. SiWx917 Dev Kit Debugging Possibilities
4.1 On-board Debugger
The on-board debugger is a SEGGER J-Link debugger running on an EFM32 Giant Gecko. The debugger is directly connected to the debug and VCOM pins of the target SiWG917.
When the debug USB cable is inserted, the on-board debugger is automatically activated and takes control of the debug and VCOM interfaces. This means that debug and communication will not work with an external debugger connected at the same time. The onboard LDO is also activated, providing power to the board.
When the board is powered from the Mini Simplicity Connector, the on-board debugger goes into a very low power shutoff mode (EM4S), consuming about 80 nA. This means that current consumption measurement of SiWx917 using the Mini Simplicity Connector will not be affected too much by the on-board debugger power consumption.

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Debugging
4.2 External Debugger
A Wireless mainboard from Silicon Labs can be connected to the Mini Simplicity Connector and used for debugging instead of the onboard debugger. For instruction on using the mainboard for debugging, see AN958: Debugging and Programming Interfaces for Custom Designs. Note that the Wireless STK Mainboard (BRD4001A) requires a BRD8010A STK/WSTK Debug Adapter to get access to the Mini Simplicity Connector. Debugging with an external Wireless mainboard gives access to the following debugging features:
· Debugging of the target device through SWD · Communication using the VCOM port · Packet Trace Interface (for wireless devices only) · Advanced Energy Monitor
Note that the Mini Simplicity Connector cannot be used at the same time that the on-board debugger is active (USB cable is plugged in). For information on how to correctly connect to the kit, see Figure 4.1 SiWx917 Dev Kit Debugging Possibilities on page 19.
Powering the board when using the Mini Simplicity Connector with a Wireless mainboard can be done using the AEM voltage supply of the Wireless mainboard. When doing this, remove both the USB cable and the coin cell battery from the SiWx917 Dev Kit before connecting the Wireless mainboard to the Mini Simplicity Connector. The power switch on the Wireless mainboard should be set in “AEM.” Power-cycling of the board, if necessary, is easily done by flipping the power switch on the Wireless to “BAT” and back to “AEM,” assuming a battery is not inserted in the Wireless mainboard.
It is possible to have the SiWx917 Dev Kit powered by a battery and still use the Mini Simplicity Connector with a Wireless mainboard for debugging and communication. In this case, the power switch on the Wireless mainboard must be set to the “BAT” position and the coin cell battery on the Wireless mainboard must be removed. In this case, level shifters on the Wireless mainboard itself take care of interfacing to different voltage levels on the SiWx917 Dev Kit. Connecting the board to an external debugger in other ways than those described above might create power conflicts, compromise the ability to monitor power consumption, and hazardously feed power back to the on-board battery.
4.2.1 External Debugger Considerations
4.2.1.1 Power On Control (POC) and Reset
The power on control has two control options.
POC_OUT Connected to POC_IN:
The POC_IN input of the chip, should be made high only after supplies are valid to ensure the IC is in safe state until valid power supply is available. The POC_IN can be connected externally to the internally generated POC_OUT signal or can be controlled from external source like R/C circuit.
During power up, until the VBATT reaches 1.6 V , the POC_OUT signal stays low. Once the VBATT supply exceeds 1.6 V, the POC_OUT becomes high and the RESET_N is high at least 1.6 ms after VBATT supply is stable.
External Control for POC_IN:
The POC_IN and RESET_N signals can be controlled from external source like R/C circuits, RESET_N will be pulled low if POC_IN is low. POC_IN should be made high only after supplies are valid to ensure the IC is in safe state . For this a pull-up R/C circuit is applied across it to provide a delay, so that POC_IN should be high after 0.6 ms and RESET_N should be high after 1 ms of POC_IN high.

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Debugging
4.3 Virtual COM Port
The virtual COM port (VCOM) is a connection to a UART on the SiWG917 and allows serial data to be sent and received from the device. The on-board debugger presents this connection as a virtual COM port on the host computer that shows up when the USB cable is inserted.
Data is transferred between the host computer and the debugger through the USB connection, which emulates a serial port using the USB Communication Device Class (CDC). From the debugger, the data is passed on to the target device through a physical UART connection.
The serial format is 115200 bps, 8 bits, no parity, and 1 stop bit by default.
Note: Changing the baud rate for the COM port on the PC side does not influence the UART baud rate between the debugger and the target device. However, it is possible to change the VCOM baud rate through the kits’ Admin Console available through Simplicity Studio.
Alternatively, the VCOM port can also be used through the Mini Simplicity Connector with an external Wireless mainboard. Using the VCOM port through the Mini Simplicity Connector with an external Wireless mainboard works in a similar way, but it requires that the USB cable to the on-board debugger is unplugged. The board controller on the Wireless mainboard then makes the data available over USB (CDC) or an IP socket. Flow control is not available over the Mini Simplicity Connector.

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Schematics, Assembly Drawings, and BOM
5. Schematics, Assembly Drawings, and BOM
Schematics, assembly drawings, and Bill of Materials (BOM) are available through Simplicity Studio when the kit documentation package has been installed. They are also available from the kit page on the Silicon Labs website: silabs.com.

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6. Kit Revision History and Errata

UG581: SiWx917 Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth LE Dev Kit User’s Guide
Kit Revision History and Errata

6.1 Revision History
The kit revision can be found printed on the box label of the kit, as outlined in the figure below. The kit revision history is summarized in Table 6.1 Kit Revision History on page 23. The revision history given in this section may not list every kit revision. Revisions with minor changes may be omitted.

SiWx917 Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth LE Dev Kit

SiWx917-DK2605A

09-09-24

1632000960 A00

Figure 6.1. Revision Info Table 6.1. Kit Revision History

Kit Revision A00

Released 9 September 2024

Description Initial kit revision with BRD2605A Rev. A02.

6.2 Errata There are no known errata at present.

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7. Board Revision History and Errata

UG581: SiWx917 Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth LE Dev Kit User’s Guide
Board Revision History and Errata

7.1 Revision History
The board revision can be found laser printed on the board, and the board revision history is summarized in Table 7.1 Board Revision History on page 24. The revision history given in this section may not list every board revision. Revisions with minor changes may be omitted.
Table 7.1. Board Revision History

Revision A00

Released 4 June 2024

Description Initial release.

7.2 Errata There are no known errata at present.

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8. Document Revision History
Revision 1.0 September, 2024 · Initial document release.

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Document Revision History

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Disclaimer Silicon Labs intends to provide customers with the latest, accurate, and in-depth documentation of all peripherals and modules available for system and software implementers using or intending to use the Silicon Labs products. Characterization data, available modules and peripherals, memory sizes and memory addresses refer to each specific device, and “Typical” parameters provided can and do vary in different applications. Application examples described herein are for illustrative purposes only. Silicon Labs reserves the right to make changes without further notice to the product information, specifications, and descriptions herein, and does not give warranties as to the accuracy or completeness of the included information. Without prior notification, Silicon Labs may update product firmware during the manufacturing process for security or reliability reasons. Such changes will not alter the specifications or the performance of the product. Silicon Labs shall have no liability for the consequences of use of the information supplied in this document. This document does not imply or expressly grant any license to design or fabricate any integrated circuits. The products are not designed or authorized to be used within any FDA Class III devices, applications for which FDA premarket approval is required or Life Support Systems without the specific written consent of Silicon Labs. A “Life Support System” is any product or system intended to support or sustain life and/or health, which, if it fails, can be reasonably expected to result in significant personal injury or death. Silicon Labs products are not designed or authorized for military applications. Silicon Labs products shall under no circumstances be used in weapons of mass destruction including (but not limited to) nuclear, biological or chemical weapons, or missiles capable of delivering such weapons. Silicon Labs disclaims all express and implied warranties and shall not be responsible or liable for any injuries or damages related to use of a Silicon Labs product in such unauthorized applications.
Trademark Information Silicon Laboratories Inc.®, Silicon Laboratories®, Silicon Labs®, SiLabs® and the Silicon Labs logo®, Bluegiga®, Bluegiga Logo®, EFM®, EFM32®, EFR, Ember®, Energy Micro, Energy Micro logo and combinations thereof, “the world’s most energy friendly microcontrollers”, Redpine Signals®, WiSeConnect , n-Link, EZLink®, EZRadio®, EZRadioPRO®, Gecko®, Gecko OS, Gecko OS Studio, Precision32®, Simplicity Studio®, Telegesis, the Telegesis Logo®, USBXpress® , Zentri, the Zentri logo and Zentri DMS, Z-Wave®, and others are trademarks or registered trademarks of Silicon Labs. ARM, CORTEX, Cortex-M3 and THUMB are trademarks or registered trademarks of ARM Holdings. Keil is a registered trademark of ARM Limited. Wi-Fi is a registered trademark of the Wi-Fi Alliance. All other products or brand names mentioned herein are trademarks of their respective holders.
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www.silabs.com

References

• Silicon Labs
• Silicon Labs
• Development Tools - Silicon Labs
• Development Tools - Silicon Labs

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