Sealite AV-RFM-01 Radio Frequency Module User Manual
- June 3, 2024
- Sealite
Table of Contents
Sealite AV-RFM-01 Radio Frequency Module
Introduction
The AV-RFM-01 is a wireless communication module that operates in the 2.4GHz ISM band. It is designed to provide the radio interface for Sealite products to be controlled wirelessly using the AvMesh TM network. The AV-RFM-01 is to be used in Sealite products only and is not for sale to third parties. User manual integration instructions are internal, confidential manufacturing documents.
AvMeshTM Communications System
The AvMeshTM Communications System is a wireless communication platform that
operates by broadcasting signals from a wireless remote controller to the
lights in the system via a 2.4GHz encrypted mesh network. Instead of
connecting to all other devices through a single centralized point, the
lights, also known as nodes, act as centralized points and connect to all
other nodes that are nearby in the mesh network. The nodes send signals to
other nodes that are within range and the signals are passed from node to node
until the final destination is reached. This allows all the lights in the
system to be controlled wirelessly, even if the final destination is out of
range of the wireless controller. The mesh network is made up of a primary
network and reserve network. The primary AvMeshTM network serves as the main
pathway for signal propagation through the system. The secondary network
provides a backup path for the signals if the primary network fails. In the
AvMeshTM Communications System, signals are sent from a wireless remote
controller to the lights that are within range (approximately 1.4km but this
may decrease depending on a number of factors).
From here, the signal is re-sent by the nodes to the other lights within range
(approximately 300m but this may decrease depending on a number of factors)
until the signal has been sent to all of the lights throughout the entire mesh
network. It is important to note that the signals mostly rely on line-of-sight
propagation in order to be transmitted and received by the lights. If the
lights are not in direct line of sight to each other, they will not be able to
pass on the signals. As the message propagates through the area such as a
runway, each node delays repeating the signal by 0.6-3.2 seconds. This is done
so that the nodes are not repeating over the top of the controller or each
other. It is important to note that for distances greater than the operational
range of the lights, there may be a delay in those lights receiving the
information, as the further away the lights are from the controller, the
longer it will take the signal to propagate to all lights in the system.
Node Information
Each light in the AvMeshTM Communications System is capable of determining
whether or not it needs to become a node and repeat commands in the mesh
network. The lights are able to configure themselves as either primary or
reserve nodes or remain as listen only lights depending on what is required to
provide the airfield enough coverage.
Primary Node
The primary nodes make up the primary network. This node is able to receive
and decode signals from the Avlite wireless remote controller, another primary
node or a reserve node and act upon the signal itself. The primary node is
able to pass on the received signal to other lights within range. 4.1 Node
Information AvMesh® RF Communications Systems Installation & Service Manual
Latest products and information available at
www.avlite.com 21
Reserve Nodes
The reserve nodes make up the reserve network. This type of node is able to
receive and decode signals from either the Avlite wireless remote controller,
a primary node or another reserve node and act upon the signal itself. The
reserve node is also able to pass on the received signal to other lights
within range.
Listen only Lights
A light is configured as listen only upon first start-up. Listen only lights
receive and decode signals from either the Avlite wireless remote controller,
a primary node or a reserve node and acts upon the signal itself. However,
listen only lights are not able to pass on signals to other lights. From the
above descriptions, the primary and reserve nodes are, in essence, repeaters
as they repeat the received signals to all the other lights within range. This
includes all light groups, not just the light groups they belong to. The light
groups they do not belong to will simply pass the signal on to the surrounding
lights within range and will not act upon the signal. Primary and reserve
nodes are therefore required to behave as both a transmitter and receiver.
AV-RFM-01 Theory of Operation
The AV-RM-01 is a 2.4GHz wireless communication module which interfaces to a
host MCU through a serial UART to act as a wireless serial communications
interface. The circuit of the device is composed of a Nordic nRF52833
multiprotocol SoC combined with an nRF21540 front-end module to boost the
transmit power for longer operational range. The module operates using an
802.15.4 propriety protocol. The radio RF signal from the Nordic nRF21540
front-end module is passed to a U.FL connector for connection to an external
antenna. The antenna used during compliance testing is a TE connectivity
2118059-1 flat patch PCB antenna with a peak gain of +4dBi. To ensure RF
signal integrity, the ground is common to all circuit elements and connected
to the host device ground through the interface connectors.
Product Design
| Dimensions | 28.25mm x 27.50mm x 7.50mm |
|---|---|
| Weight | 4g (approx.) |
| Power Requirements | 3.3VDC |
An EMC shield is installed on the underside of the radio module.
Product Compliance
Compliance statement (FCC Part 15.19)
“This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules Operation is subject to
the following two conditions:
- This device may not cause interference; and
- This device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.”
Modification warning (FCC Part 15.21)
Warning: Any changes or modifications not expressively approved by the grantee
could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment
Information to the user (FCC Part 15.105), Class B product
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class
B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are
designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However,
there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular
installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and
on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more
of the following measures:
- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna
- Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver
- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected
- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help
FCC MPE RF Exposure statement
This equipment complies with the FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for
an uncontrolled environment. This equipment should be installed and operated
with a minimum distance of 20 cm between the radiator and all persons during
normal operation.
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