promo.jpg
promo.jpg
promo.jpg
promo.jpg
promo.jpg

Evaluation Kit Supports Move from IR to RF

Feb. 24, 2017
This evaluation kit helps manufacturers of remote-control products transition to an RF testing environment.
Download this article in .PDF format
This file type includes high resolution graphics and schematics when applicable.
1. This evaluation kit supports both RF4CE and Bluetooth set-top-box testing environments.

Remote controls have traditionally utilized infrared (IR) technology. However, a change is now underway, as RF technology is increasingly being used in remote controls. In fact, according to industry estimates, almost 50% of TV and set-top-box remote controls currently entering the market are based on RF technology.

One company that is supporting the utilization of RF-based remote-control products is RedRat. The firm’s RF Module Evaluation Kit is intended for RF4CE and Bluetooth testing (Fig. 1). Manufacturers of set-top boxes and consumer electronics can take advantage of the evaluation kit’s components and software to allow RF testing scripts to be incorporated into current IR test processes. This capability enables evaluation before manufacturers and vendors move to a testing environment that is either mixed or fully RF-based.

With RedRat’s evaluation kit, set-top-box manufacturers can examine various factors associated with automated set-top-box control via RF protocols. Such factors include pairing with multiple boxes, the impact of interference in a test facility, and how rapidly commands can be sent. The company says its evaluation kit has been successfully incorporated into RF4CE and Bluetooth set-top-box testing environments of several large set-top-box manufacturers and broadband companies, both in the U.S. and Europe.

The evaluation kit contains a USB module adapter, which can be connected to a laptop or PC via USB. Both Windows and Linux operating systems are supported. Customers can also request Mac-compatible evaluation kits. Moreover, firmware updates are delivered via the RedRat Device Manager.

In addition, the evaluation kit contains an RF module for RF4CE and Bluetooth testing. RF4CE capability is enabled by Texas Instruments’ (TI) CC2533 system-on-a-chip (SoC) solution for 2.4-GHz IEEE 802.15.4 and ZigBee applications. The driving force behind the module’s Bluetooth capability is TI’s CC2564 dual-mode Bluetooth controller.

2. The kit’s evaluation software allows for target discovery, pairing, and control.

The kit also consists of evaluation software and associated scripting tools. The evaluation software includes a Windows “Toolbox” application to experiment with target discovery, pairing, and control (Fig. 2). Additional features include an HTTP REST application programming interface (API) for integration with third-party software, as well as a .NET API for direct use in third-party applications.

Although many newer set-top boxes utilize both IR and RF technologies, IR is expected to be phased out over time. With that being said, this evaluation kit appears primed to meet future needs in this arena.

RedRat Ltd., +44 1799 520092

Download this article in .PDF format
This file type includes high resolution graphics and schematics when applicable.

Sponsored Recommendations

Frequency Modulation Fundamentals

March 14, 2024
The development of crystal-clear FM communications was an innovation of genius and toil. Utilized today in applications such as radar, seismology, telemetry and two-way radios...

44 GHz Programmable Signal Generator

March 14, 2024
The Mini-Circuits SSG-44G-RC is a 0.1 to 44 GHz signal source with an RF output range of -40 to +17 dBm with fine resolution. This model supports CW and pulsed (? 0.5 ?s) outputs...

50W SSPA with Built-In Signal Source & Control

March 14, 2024
The RFS-2G42G5050X+ takes Mini-Circuits robust line of solid state, connectorized, high-power amplifiers for RF energy to a new level by integrating the versatility of a signal...

Webinar: Introduction to OTA Measurement for mmWave and Sub-THz

Feb. 19, 2024
Join Jeanmarc Laurent, a leading expert from MilliBox, for an exclusive live webinar showcasing a complete Over-the-Air (OTA) testing system setup. In this immersive session, ...