.NET nanoFramework SX127X LoRa library Regression Testing

Posted on May 9, 2022 by devmobilenz

After the big refactor the SparkFun LoRa Gateway-1-Channel (ESP32) configuration wouldn’t compile because, the constant for the interrupt pin number didn’t exist (interruptPinNumber vs. dio0PinNumber). A “using” for the Nuget Package nanoFramework.Hardware.Esp32 was also missing.

While “smoke testing” the application I noticed that if I erased the flash, power cycled the device, then ran the application the first execution would fail because the Semtech SX127X could not be detected.

SX127XLoRaDeviceClient first execution startup failure

SX127XLoRaDeviceClient second execution startup success

As part of debugging I built the SparkFun LoRa Gateway-1-Channel (ESP32) version of ShieldSPI and it worked…

After printing the code out and reviewing it I noticed that the Configuration.SetPinFunction for the Serial Peripheral Interface(SPI) Master Out Slave In(MOSI), MOSI(Master In Slave Out) and Clock pins was after the opening of the SPI port.

static void Main(string[] args)
{
	byte SendCount = 0;
#if ESP32_WROOM_32_LORA_1_CHANNEL // No reset line for this device as it isn't connected on SX127X
	int chipSelectLine = Gpio.IO16;
	int dio0PinNumber = Gpio.IO26;
#endif
#if NETDUINO3_WIFI
	// Arduino D10->PB10
	int chipSelectLine = PinNumber('B', 10);
	// Arduino D9->PE5
	int resetPinNumber = PinNumber('E', 5);
	// Arduino D2 -PA3
	int dio0PinNumber = PinNumber('A', 3);
#endif
#if ST_STM32F769I_DISCOVERY
	// Arduino D10->PA11
	int chipSelectLine = PinNumber('A', 11);
	// Arduino D9->PH6
	int resetPinNumber = PinNumber('H', 6);
	// Arduino D2->PA4
	int dio0PinNumber = PinNumber('J', 1);
#endif
	Console.WriteLine("devMobile.IoT.SX127xLoRaDevice Range Tester starting");

	try
	{
#f ESP32_WROOM_32_LORA_1_CHANNEL
		Configuration.SetPinFunction(Gpio.IO12, DeviceFunction.SPI1_MISO);
		Configuration.SetPinFunction(Gpio.IO13, DeviceFunction.SPI1_MOSI);
		Configuration.SetPinFunction(Gpio.IO14, DeviceFunction.SPI1_CLOCK);
#endif

		var settings = new SpiConnectionSettings(SpiBusId, chipSelectLine)
		{
			ClockFrequency = 1000000,
			Mode = SpiMode.Mode0,// From SemTech docs pg 80 CPOL=0, CPHA=0
			SharingMode = SpiSharingMode.Shared
		};

		using (_gpioController = new GpioController())
		using (SpiDevice spiDevice = new SpiDevice(settings))
		{

#if ESP32_WROOM_32_LORA_1_CHANNEL
			_sx127XDevice = new SX127XDevice(spiDevice, _gpioController, dio0Pin: dio0PinNumber);
#endif

#if NETDUINO3_WIFI || ST_STM32F769I_DISCOVERY
			_sx127XDevice = new SX127XDevice(spiDevice, _gpioController, dio0Pin: dio0PinNumber, resetPin:resetPinNumber);
#endif
...

		}
		catch (Exception ex)
		{
				Console.WriteLine(ex.Message);
		}
	}

I assume that the first execution after erasing the flash and power cycling the device, the SPI port pin assignments were not configured when the port was opened, then on the next execution the port was pre-configured.

The RangeTester application flashes on onboard Light Emitting Diode(LED) every time a valid message is received. But, on the ESP32 it turned on when the first message arrived and didn’t turn off. After discussion on the nanoFramework Discord this has been identified as an issue(May 2022).

The library is designed to be a approximate .NET nanoFramework equivalent of Arduino-LoRa so it doesn’t support/implement all of the functionality of the Semtech SX127X.

.NET nanoFramework SX127X LoRa library Refactoring

Posted on May 8, 2022 by devmobilenz

I had been planning this for a while, then the code broke when I tried to build a version for my SparkFun LoRa Gateway-1-Channel (ESP32). There was a namespace (static configuration class in configuration.cs) collision and the length of SX127XDevice.cs file was getting silly.

This refactor took a couple of days and really changed the structure of the library.

VS2022 Solution structure after refactoring

I went through the SX127XDevice.cs extracting the enumerations, masks and defaults associated with the registers the library supports.

The RegOpMode.cs file is a good example…

namespace devMobile.IoT.SX127xLoRaDevice
{
	using System;

	// RegOpMode bit flags from Semtech SX127X Datasheet
	[Flags]
	internal enum RegOpModeModeFlags : byte
	{
		LongRangeModeLoRa = 0b10000000,
		LongRangeModeFskOok = 0b00000000,
		LongRangeModeDefault = LongRangeModeFskOok,
		AcessSharedRegLoRa = 0b00000000,
		AcessSharedRegFsk = 0b01000000,
		AcessSharedRegDefault = AcessSharedRegLoRa,
		LowFrequencyModeOnHighFrequency = 0b00000000,
		LowFrequencyModeOnLowFrequency = 0b00001000,
		LowFrequencyModeOnDefault = LowFrequencyModeOnLowFrequency
	}

	internal enum RegOpModeMode : byte
	{
		Sleep = 0b00000000,
		StandBy = 0b00000001,
		FrequencySynthesisTX = 0b00000010,
		Transmit = 0b00000011,
		FrequencySynthesisRX = 0b00000100,
		ReceiveContinuous = 0b00000101,
		ReceiveSingle = 0b00000110,
		ChannelActivityDetection = 0b00000111,
	};
}

The library is designed to be a approximate .NET nanoFramework equivalent of Arduino-LoRa so it doesn’t support/implement all of the functionality of the Semtech SX127X. Still got a bit of refactoring to go but the structure is slowly improving.

I use Fork to manage my Github repositories, it’s an excellent product especially as it does a pretty good job of keeping me from screwing up.

.NET nanoFramework SX127X LoRa library RegPaConfig RegPaDac The never ending story

Posted on May 1, 2022 by devmobilenz

While trying different my NET nanoFramework Semtech SX127X library configurations so I could explore the interactions of RegOcp(Over current protection) + RegOcpTrim I noticed something odd about the power consumption so I revisited how the output power is calculated.

Netduino3 Wifi with USB power consumption measurement

RegPaConfig register configuration options

The SX127X also has a power amplifier attached to the PA_BOOST pin and a higher power amplifier which is controlled by the RegPaDac register.

// Set RegPAConfig & RegPaDac if powerAmplifier/OutputPower settings not defaults
if ((powerAmplifier != Configuration.RegPAConfigPASelect.Default) || (outputPower != Configuration.OutputPowerDefault))
{
	if (powerAmplifier == Configuration.RegPAConfigPASelect.PABoost)
	{
		byte regPAConfigValue = (byte)Configuration.RegPAConfigPASelect.PABoost;

		// Validate the minimum and maximum PABoost outputpower
		if ((outputPower < Configuration.OutputPowerPABoostMin) || (outputPower > Configuration.OutputPowerPABoostMax))
		{
			throw new ApplicationException($"PABoost {outputPower}dBm Min power {Configuration.OutputPowerPABoostMin} to Max power {Configuration.OutputPowerPABoostMax}");
		}

		if (outputPower <= Configuration.OutputPowerPABoostPaDacThreshhold)
		{
			// outputPower 0..15 so pOut is 2=17-(15-0)...17=17-(15-15)
			regPAConfigValue |= (byte)Configuration.RegPAConfigMaxPower.Default;
			regPAConfigValue |= (byte)(outputPower - 2);

			_registerManager.WriteByte((byte)Configuration.Registers.RegPAConfig, regPAConfigValue);
			_registerManager.WriteByte((byte)Configuration.Registers.RegPaDac, (byte)Configuration.RegPaDac.Normal);
		}
		else
		{
			// outputPower 0..15 so pOut is 5=20-(15-0)...20=20-(15-15) // See https://github.com/adafruit/RadioHead/blob/master/RH_RF95.cpp around line 411 could be 23dBm
			regPAConfigValue |= (byte)Configuration.RegPAConfigMaxPower.Default;
			regPAConfigValue |= (byte)(outputPower - 5);

			_registerManager.WriteByte((byte)Configuration.Registers.RegPAConfig, regPAConfigValue);
			_registerManager.WriteByte((byte)Configuration.Registers.RegPaDac, (byte)Configuration.RegPaDac.Boost);
		}
	}
	else
	{
		byte regPAConfigValue = (byte)Configuration.RegPAConfigPASelect.Rfo;

		// Validate the minimum and maximum RFO outputPower
		if ((outputPower < Configuration.OutputPowerRfoMin) || (outputPower > Configuration.OutputPowerRfoMax))
		{
			throw new ApplicationException($"RFO {outputPower}dBm Min power {Configuration.OutputPowerRfoMin} to Max power {Configuration.OutputPowerRfoMax}");
		}

		// Set MaxPower and Power calculate pOut = PMax-(15-outputPower), pMax=10.8 + 0.6*MaxPower 
		if (outputPower > Configuration.OutputPowerRfoThreshhold)
		{
			// pMax 15=10.8+0.6*7 with outputPower 0...15 so pOut is 15=pMax-(15-0)...0=pMax-(15-15) 
			regPAConfigValue |= (byte)Configuration.RegPAConfigMaxPower.Max;
			regPAConfigValue |= (byte)(outputPower + 0);
		}
		else
		{
			// pMax 10.8=10.8+0.6*0 with output power 0..15 so pOut is -4=10-(15-0)...10.8=10.8-(15-15)
			regPAConfigValue |= (byte)Configuration.RegPAConfigMaxPower.Min;
			regPAConfigValue |= (byte)(outputPower + 4);
		}

		_registerManager.WriteByte((byte)Configuration.Registers.RegPAConfig, regPAConfigValue);
		_registerManager.WriteByte((byte)Configuration.Registers.RegPaDac, (byte)Configuration.RegPaDac.Normal);
	}
}

// Set RegOcp if any of the settings not defaults
if ((ocpOn != Configuration.RegOcp.Default) || (ocpTrim != Configuration.RegOcpTrim.Default))
{
	byte regOcpValue = (byte)ocpTrim;

	regOcpValue |= (byte)ocpOn;

	_registerManager.WriteByte((byte)Configuration.Registers.RegOcp, regOcpValue);
}

After reviewing the code I realised that the the RegPaDac test around line 14 should <= rather than <

.NET nanoFramework SX127X LoRa library DIO0,DIO1,DIO2,DIO3,DIO4,DIO5

Posted on April 26, 2022 by devmobilenz

All the previous versions of my .NET nanoFramework Semtech SX127X (LoRa® Mode) library only supported a Dio0 (RegDioMapping1 bits 6&7) EventHandler. This version supports mapping Dio0, Dio1, Dio2, Dio3, Dio4 and Dio5.

The Dragino Arduino Shield featuring LoRa® technology does not have Dio3 and Dio4 connected so I have been unable to test that functionality.

The SX127XLoRaDeviceClient main now has OnRxTimeout, OnReceive, OnPayloadCrcError, OnValidHeader, OnTransmit, OnChannelActivityDetectionDone, OnFhssChangeChannel, and OnChannelActivityDetected event handlers (Based on RegIrqFlags bit ordering)

static void Main(string[] args)
{
	int sendCount = 0;
...
#if NETDUINO3_WIFI
	// Arduino D10->PB10
	int chipSelectLine = PinNumber('B', 10);
	// Arduino D9->PE5
	int resetPinNumber = PinNumber('E', 5);
	// Arduino D2 -PA3
	int dio0PinNumber = PinNumber('A', 3);
	// Arduino D6 - PB9
	int dio1PinNumber = PinNumber('B', 9);
	// Arduino D7
	int dio2PinNumber = PinNumber('A', 1);
	// Not connected on Dragino LoRa shield
	//int dio3PinNumber = PinNumber('A', 1);
	//  Not connected on Dragino LoRa shield
	//int dio4PinNumber = PinNumber('A', 1);
	// Arduino D8
	int dio5PinNumber = PinNumber('A', 0);
#endif
...
	Console.WriteLine("devMobile.IoT.SX127xLoRaDevice Client starting");

	try
	{
		var settings = new SpiConnectionSettings(SpiBusId, chipSelectLine)
		{
			ClockFrequency = 1000000,
			Mode = SpiMode.Mode0,// From SemTech docs pg 80 CPOL=0, CPHA=0
			SharingMode = SpiSharingMode.Shared
		};

		using (SpiDevice spiDevice = new SpiDevice(settings))
		using (GpioController gpioController = new GpioController())
		{
...
#if NETDUINO3_WIFI || ST_STM32F769I_DISCOVERY
			sx127XDevice = new SX127XDevice(spiDevice, gpioController, dio0Pin:dio0PinNumber, resetPin:resetPinNumber, dio1Pin: dio1PinNumber, dio2Pin: dio2PinNumber);
#endif

			sx127XDevice.Initialise(Frequency
						, lnaGain: Configuration.RegLnaLnaGain.Default
						, lnaBoost: true
						, powerAmplifier: Configuration.RegPAConfigPASelect.PABoost							
						, rxPayloadCrcOn: true
						, rxDoneignoreIfCrcMissing: false
						);

#if DEBUG
			sx127XDevice.RegisterDump();
#endif

			//sx127XDevice.OnRxTimeout += Sx127XDevice_OnRxTimeout;
			sx127XDevice.OnReceive += SX127XDevice_OnReceive;
			//sx127XDevice.OnPayloadCrcError += Sx127XDevice_OnPayloadCrcError;
			//sx127XDevice.OnValidHeader += Sx127XDevice_OnValidHeader;
			sx127XDevice.OnTransmit += SX127XDevice_OnTransmit;
			//sx127XDevice.OnChannelActivityDetectionDone += Sx127XDevice_OnChannelActivityDetectionDone;
			//sx127XDevice.OnFhssChangeChannel += Sx127XDevice_OnFhssChangeChannel;
			//sx127XDevice.OnChannelActivityDetected += SX127XDevice_OnChannelActivityDetected;

			sx127XDevice.Receive();
			//sx127XDevice.ChannelActivityDetect();

			Thread.Sleep(500);

			while (true)
			{
				string messageText = $"Hello LoRa from .NET nanoFramework Count {sendCount+=1}!";

				byte[] messageBytes = UTF8Encoding.UTF8.GetBytes(messageText);
				Console.WriteLine($"{DateTime.UtcNow:HH:mm:ss}-TX {messageBytes.Length} byte message {messageText}");
				sx127XDevice.Send(messageBytes);

				Thread.Sleep(50000);

				Console.WriteLine($"{DateTime.UtcNow:HH:mm:ss} Random {sx127XDevice.Random()}");
			}
		}
	}
	catch (Exception ex)
	{
		Console.WriteLine(ex.Message);
	}
}

The Dio0 pin number is the only required pin number parameter, the resetPin, and Dio1 thru Dio5 pin numbers are optional. All the RegDioMapping1 and RegDioMapping2 mappings are disabled on intialisation so there should be no events while the SX127X is being configured.

public SX127XDevice(SpiDevice spiDevice, GpioController gpioController,
	int dio0Pin,
	int resetPin = 0, // Odd order so as not to break exisiting code
	int dio1Pin = 0,
	int dio2Pin = 0,
	int dio3Pin = 0,
	int dio4Pin = 0,
	int dio5Pin = 0
	)
{
	_gpioController = gpioController;

	// Factory reset pin configuration
	if (resetPin != 0)
	{
		_resetPin = resetPin;
		_gpioController.OpenPin(resetPin, PinMode.Output);

		_gpioController.Write(resetPin, PinValue.Low);
		Thread.Sleep(20);
		_gpioController.Write(resetPin, PinValue.High);
		Thread.Sleep(50);
	}

	_registerManager = new RegisterManager(spiDevice, RegisterAddressReadMask, RegisterAddressWriteMask);

	// Once the pins setup check that SX127X chip is present
	Byte regVersionValue = _registerManager.ReadByte((byte)Configuration.Registers.RegVersion);
	if (regVersionValue != Configuration.RegVersionValueExpected)
	{
		throw new ApplicationException("Semtech SX127X not found");
	}

	// See Table 18 DIO Mapping LoRa® Mode
	Configuration.RegDioMapping1 regDioMapping1Value = Configuration.RegDioMapping1.Dio0None;
	regDioMapping1Value |= Configuration.RegDioMapping1.Dio1None;
	regDioMapping1Value |= Configuration.RegDioMapping1.Dio2None;
	regDioMapping1Value |= Configuration.RegDioMapping1.Dio3None;
	_registerManager.WriteByte((byte)Configuration.Registers.RegDioMapping1, (byte)regDioMapping1Value);

	// Currently no easy way to test this with available hardware
	//Configuration.RegDioMapping2 regDioMapping2Value = Configuration.RegDioMapping2.Dio4None;
	//regDioMapping2Value = Configuration.RegDioMapping2.Dio5None;
	//_registerManager.WriteByte((byte)Configuration.Registers.RegDioMapping2, (byte)regDioMapping2Value);

	// Interrupt pin for RXDone, TXDone, and CadDone notification 
	_gpioController.OpenPin(dio0Pin, PinMode.InputPullDown);
	_gpioController.RegisterCallbackForPinValueChangedEvent(dio0Pin, PinEventTypes.Rising, InterruptGpioPin_ValueChanged);

	// RxTimeout, FhssChangeChannel, and CadDetected
	if (dio1Pin != 0)
	{
		_gpioController.OpenPin(dio1Pin, PinMode.InputPullDown);
		_gpioController.RegisterCallbackForPinValueChangedEvent(dio1Pin, PinEventTypes.Rising, InterruptGpioPin_ValueChanged);
	}

	// FhssChangeChannel, FhssChangeChannel, and FhssChangeChannel
	if (dio2Pin != 0)
	{
		_gpioController.OpenPin(dio2Pin, PinMode.InputPullDown);
		_gpioController.RegisterCallbackForPinValueChangedEvent(dio2Pin, PinEventTypes.Rising, InterruptGpioPin_ValueChanged);
	}

	// CadDone, ValidHeader, and PayloadCrcError
	if (dio3Pin != 0)
	{
		_gpioController.OpenPin(dio3Pin, PinMode.InputPullDown);
		_gpioController.RegisterCallbackForPinValueChangedEvent(dio3Pin, PinEventTypes.Rising, InterruptGpioPin_ValueChanged);
	}

	// CadDetected, PllLock and PllLock
	if (dio4Pin != 0)
	{
		_gpioController.OpenPin(dio4Pin, PinMode.InputPullDown);
		_gpioController.RegisterCallbackForPinValueChangedEvent(dio4Pin, PinEventTypes.Rising, InterruptGpioPin_ValueChanged);
	}

	// ModeReady, ClkOut and ClkOut
	if (dio5Pin != 0)
	{
		_gpioController.OpenPin(dio5Pin, PinMode.InputPullDown);
		_gpioController.RegisterCallbackForPinValueChangedEvent(dio5Pin, PinEventTypes.Rising, InterruptGpioPin_ValueChanged);
	}
}

The same event handler (InterruptGpioPin_ValueChanged) is used for Dio0 thru Dio5. Each event has a “process” method and the RegIrqFlags register controls which one(s) are called.

private void InterruptGpioPin_ValueChanged(object sender, PinValueChangedEventArgs pinValueChangedEventArgs)
{
	Byte regIrqFlagsToClear = (byte)Configuration.RegIrqFlags.ClearNone;

	// Read RegIrqFlags to see what caused the interrupt
	Byte irqFlags = _registerManager.ReadByte((byte)Configuration.Registers.RegIrqFlags);

	//Console.WriteLine($"IrqFlags 0x{irqFlags:x} Pin:{pinValueChangedEventArgs.PinNumber}");

	// Check RxTimeout for inbound message
	if ((irqFlags & (byte)Configuration.RegIrqFlagsMask.RxTimeoutMask) == (byte)Configuration.RegIrqFlags.RxTimeout)
	{
		regIrqFlagsToClear |= (byte)Configuration.RegIrqFlags.RxTimeout;

		ProcessRxTimeout(irqFlags);
	}

	// Check RxDone for inbound message
	if ((irqFlags & (byte)Configuration.RegIrqFlagsMask.RxDoneMask) == (byte)Configuration.RegIrqFlags.RxDone)
	{
		regIrqFlagsToClear |= (byte)Configuration.RegIrqFlags.RxDone;

		ProcessRxDone(irqFlags);
	}

	// Check PayLoadCrcError for inbound message
	if ((irqFlags & (byte)Configuration.RegIrqFlagsMask.PayLoadCrcErrorMask) == (byte)Configuration.RegIrqFlags.PayLoadCrcError)
	{
		regIrqFlagsToClear |= (byte)Configuration.RegIrqFlags.PayLoadCrcError;

		ProcessPayloadCrcError(irqFlags);
	}

	// Check ValidHeader for inbound message
	if ((irqFlags & (byte)Configuration.RegIrqFlagsMask.ValidHeaderMask) == (byte)Configuration.RegIrqFlags.ValidHeader)
	{
		regIrqFlagsToClear |= (byte)Configuration.RegIrqFlags.ValidHeader;

		ProcessValidHeader(irqFlags);
	}

	// Check TxDone for outbound message
	if ((irqFlags & (byte)Configuration.RegIrqFlagsMask.TxDoneMask) == (byte)Configuration.RegIrqFlags.TxDone)
	{
		regIrqFlagsToClear |= (byte)Configuration.RegIrqFlags.TxDone;

		ProcessTxDone(irqFlags);
	}

	// Check Channel Activity Detection done 
	if (((irqFlags & (byte)Configuration.RegIrqFlagsMask.CadDoneMask) == (byte)Configuration.RegIrqFlags.CadDone))
	{
		regIrqFlagsToClear |= (byte)Configuration.RegIrqFlags.CadDone;

		ProcessChannelActivityDetectionDone(irqFlags);
	}

	// Check FhssChangeChannel for inbound message
	if ((irqFlags & (byte)Configuration.RegIrqFlagsMask.FhssChangeChannelMask) == (byte)Configuration.RegIrqFlags.FhssChangeChannel)
	{
		regIrqFlagsToClear |= (byte)Configuration.RegIrqFlags.FhssChangeChannel;

		ProcessFhssChangeChannel(irqFlags);
	}

	// Check Channel Activity Detected 
	if (((irqFlags & (byte)Configuration.RegIrqFlagsMask.CadDetectedMask) == (byte)Configuration.RegIrqFlags.CadDetected))
	{
		regIrqFlagsToClear |= (byte)Configuration.RegIrqFlags.CadDetected;

		ProcessChannelActivityDetected(irqFlags);
	}

	_registerManager.WriteByte((byte)Configuration.Registers.RegIrqFlags, regIrqFlagsToClear);
}

private void ProcessRxTimeout(byte irqFlags)
{
	OnRxTimeoutEventArgs onRxTimeoutArgs = new OnRxTimeoutEventArgs();

	OnRxTimeout?.Invoke(this, onRxTimeoutArgs);
}

private void ProcessRxDone(byte irqFlags)
{
	byte[] payloadBytes;
...
}

The RegIrqFlags bits are cleared individually (with regIrqFlagsToClear) at the end of the event handler. Initially I cleared all the flags by writing 0xFF to RegIrqFlags but this caused issues when there were multiple bits set e.g. CadDone along with CadDetected.

devMobile.IoT.SX127xLoRaDevice Client starting
Register dump
Register 0x01 - Value 0X80
...
Register 0x4d - Value 0X84

00:00:09-CAD Detection Done
00:00:09-CAD Detected
00:00:09-RX PacketSnr 0.0 Packet RSSI -100dBm RSSI -96dBm = 9 byte message hello 41
00:00:09-RX PacketSnr 0.0 Packet RSSI -100dBm RSSI -96dBm = 9 byte message hello 42
00:00:09-RX PacketSnr 0.0 Packet RSSI -100dBm RSSI -96dBm = 9 byte message hello 43
00:00:09-RX PacketSnr 0.0 Packet RSSI -100dBm RSSI -96dBm = 9 byte message hello 44
00:00:09-RX PacketSnr 0.0 Packet RSSI -100dBm RSSI -96dBm = 9 byte message hello 45
00:00:09-RX PacketSnr 0.0 Packet RSSI -100dBm RSSI -94dBm = 9 byte message hello 46
00:00:09-RX PacketSnr 0.0 Packet RSSI -99dBm RSSI -94dBm = 9 byte message hello 47
00:00:19-RX PacketSnr 0.0 Packet RSSI -100dBm RSSI -96dBm = 9 byte message hello 48

It took some experimentation with the SX127xLoRaDeviceClient application to “reliably” trigger events for testing. To generate CAD Detected event, I had to modify one of the Arduino-LoRa sample applications to send messages without a delay, then have it running as the SX127xLoRaDeviceClient application was starting.

.NET nanoFramework SX127X LoRa library RegPaConfig RegPaDac

Posted on April 16, 2022 by devmobilenz

While updating my .NET nanoFramework Semtech SX127X library I revisited (because I thought it might still be wrong) how the output power is calculated. I started with the overview of the transmitter architecture in in the datasheet…

SX127X Overview of transmission pipeline

The RegPaConfig register has three settings PaSelect(RFO & PA_BOOST), MaxPower(0..7), and OutputPower(0..15). When in RFO mode the pOut has a range of -4 to 15 and PA_BOOST mode has a range of 2 to 20. (The AdaFruit version of the RadioHead library has differences to the Semtech Lora-net/LoRaMac-Node libraries)

RegPaConfig & RegOcp register configuration options

The SX127X also has a power amplifier attached to the PA_BOOST pin and a higher power amplifier which is controlled by the RegPaDac register.

The RegOcp (over current protection) has to be relaxed for the higher power modes

I started with the Semtech Lora-net/LoRaMac-Node library which reads the RegPaConfig, RegPaSelect and RegPaDac registers then does any updates required.

void SX1276SetRfTxPower( int8_t power )
{
    uint8_t paConfig = 0;
    uint8_t paDac = 0;

    paConfig = SX1276Read( REG_PACONFIG );
    paDac = SX1276Read( REG_PADAC );

    paConfig = ( paConfig & RF_PACONFIG_PASELECT_MASK ) | SX1276GetPaSelect( power );

    if( ( paConfig & RF_PACONFIG_PASELECT_PABOOST ) == RF_PACONFIG_PASELECT_PABOOST )
    {
        if( power > 17 )
        {
            paDac = ( paDac & RF_PADAC_20DBM_MASK ) | RF_PADAC_20DBM_ON;
        }
        else
        {
            paDac = ( paDac & RF_PADAC_20DBM_MASK ) | RF_PADAC_20DBM_OFF;
        }
        if( ( paDac & RF_PADAC_20DBM_ON ) == RF_PADAC_20DBM_ON )
        {
            if( power < 5 )
            {
                power = 5;
            }
            if( power > 20 )
            {
                power = 20;
            }
            paConfig = ( paConfig & RF_PACONFIG_OUTPUTPOWER_MASK ) | ( uint8_t )( ( uint16_t )( power - 5 ) & 0x0F );
        }
        else
        {
            if( power < 2 )
            {
                power = 2;
            }
            if( power > 17 )
            {
                power = 17;
            }
            paConfig = ( paConfig & RF_PACONFIG_OUTPUTPOWER_MASK ) | ( uint8_t )( ( uint16_t )( power - 2 ) & 0x0F );
        }
    }
    else
    {
        if( power > 0 )
        {
            if( power > 15 )
            {
                power = 15;
            }
            paConfig = ( paConfig & RF_PACONFIG_MAX_POWER_MASK & RF_PACONFIG_OUTPUTPOWER_MASK ) | ( 7 << 4 ) | ( power );
        }
        else
        {
            if( power < -4 )
            {
                power = -4;
            }
            paConfig = ( paConfig & RF_PACONFIG_MAX_POWER_MASK & RF_PACONFIG_OUTPUTPOWER_MASK ) | ( 0 << 4 ) | ( power + 4 );
        }
    }
    SX1276Write( REG_PACONFIG, paConfig );
    SX1276Write( REG_PADAC, paDac );
}

I also reviewed the Arduino-LoRa Semtech library which only writes to the RegPaConfig, RegPaSelect and RegPaDac registers.

void LoRaClass::setTxPower(int level, int outputPin)
{
  if (PA_OUTPUT_RFO_PIN == outputPin) {
    // RFO
    if (level < 0) {
      level = 0;
    } else if (level > 14) {
      level = 14;
    }

    writeRegister(REG_PA_CONFIG, 0x70 | level);
  } else {
    // PA BOOST
    if (level > 17) {
      if (level > 20) {
        level = 20;
      }

      // subtract 3 from level, so 18 - 20 maps to 15 - 17
      level -= 3;

      // High Power +20 dBm Operation (Semtech SX1276/77/78/79 5.4.3.)
      writeRegister(REG_PA_DAC, 0x87);
      setOCP(140);
    } else {
      if (level < 2) {
        level = 2;
      }
      //Default value PA_HF/LF or +17dBm
      writeRegister(REG_PA_DAC, 0x84);
      setOCP(100);
    }

    writeRegister(REG_PA_CONFIG, PA_BOOST | (level - 2));
  }
}

I updated the output power configuration code in the Initialise method of the SX127X library. After reviewing the SX127X datasheet I extended the way the pOut is calculated in RFO mode. The code uses two values for MaxPower(RegPAConfigMaxPower.Min & RegPAConfigMaxPower.Max) so that the full RTO output power range was available.

// Set RegPAConfig & RegPaDac if powerAmplifier/OutputPower settings not defaults
if ((powerAmplifier != Configuration.RegPAConfigPASelect.Default) || (outputPower != Configuration.OutputPowerDefault))
{
	if (powerAmplifier == Configuration.RegPAConfigPASelect.PABoost)
	{
		byte regPAConfigValue = (byte)Configuration.RegPAConfigPASelect.PABoost;

		// Validate the minimum and maximum PABoost outputpower
		if ((outputPower < Configuration.OutputPowerPABoostMin) || (outputPower > Configuration.OutputPowerPABoostMax))
		{
			throw new ApplicationException($"PABoost {outputPower}dBm Min power {Configuration.OutputPowerPABoostMin} to Max power {Configuration.OutputPowerPABoostMax}");
		}

		if (outputPower < Configuration.OutputPowerPABoostPaDacThreshhold)
		{
			// outputPower 0..15 so pOut is 2=17-(15-0)...17=17-(15-15)
			regPAConfigValue |= (byte)Configuration.RegPAConfigMaxPower.Default;
			regPAConfigValue |= (byte)(outputPower - 2);

			_registerManager.WriteByte((byte)Configuration.Registers.RegPAConfig, regPAConfigValue);
			_registerManager.WriteByte((byte)Configuration.Registers.RegPaDac, (byte)Configuration.RegPaDac.Normal);
		}
		else
		{
			// outputPower 0..15 so pOut is 5=20-(15-0)...20=20-(15-15) // See https://github.com/adafruit/RadioHead/blob/master/RH_RF95.cpp around line 411 could be 23dBm
			regPAConfigValue |= (byte)Configuration.RegPAConfigMaxPower.Default;
			regPAConfigValue |= (byte)(outputPower - 5);

			_registerManager.WriteByte((byte)Configuration.Registers.RegPAConfig, regPAConfigValue);
			_registerManager.WriteByte((byte)Configuration.Registers.RegPaDac, (byte)Configuration.RegPaDac.Boost);
		}
	}
	else
	{
		byte regPAConfigValue = (byte)Configuration.RegPAConfigPASelect.Rfo;

		// Validate the minimum and maximum RFO outputPower
		if ((outputPower < Configuration.OutputPowerRfoMin) || (outputPower > Configuration.OutputPowerRfoMax))
		{
			throw new ApplicationException($"RFO {outputPower}dBm Min power {Configuration.OutputPowerRfoMin} to Max power {Configuration.OutputPowerRfoMax}");
		}

		// Set MaxPower and Power calculate pOut = PMax-(15-outputPower), pMax=10.8 + 0.6*MaxPower 
		if (outputPower > Configuration.OutputPowerRfoThreshhold)
		{
			// pMax 15=10.8+0.6*7 with outputPower 0...15 so pOut is 15=pMax-(15-0)...0=pMax-(15-15) 
			regPAConfigValue |= (byte)Configuration.RegPAConfigMaxPower.Max;
			regPAConfigValue |= (byte)(outputPower + 0);
		}
		else
		{
			// pMax 10.8=10.8+0.6*0 with output power 0..15 so pOut is -4=10-(15-0)...10.8=10.8-(15-15)
			 regPAConfigValue |= (byte)Configuration.RegPAConfigMaxPower.Min;
			regPAConfigValue |= (byte)(outputPower + 4);
		}

		_registerManager.WriteByte((byte)Configuration.Registers.RegPAConfig, regPAConfigValue);
		_registerManager.WriteByte((byte)Configuration.Registers.RegPaDac, (byte)Configuration.RegPaDac.Normal);
	}
}

The formula for pOut and pMax in RegPaConfig documentation is included in the source code so I could manually calculate (including edge cases) the values as part of my testing. I ran the SX127XLoRaDeviceClient and inspected the PaConfig & RegPaDac in the Visual Studio 2022 debugger.

PABoost
Output power = 1
Output power = 21
Exception

Output power = 2
PaConfig = 192
RegPaDac = normal
	1100 0000

Output power = 16
PaConfig = 206
RegPaDac = normal
	1100 1110

Output power = 17
PaConfig = 204
RegPacDac = Normal
	1100 1100

Output power = 18
PaConfig = 205
RegPacDac = Boost
	1100 1101

Output power = 19
PaConfig = 206
RegPacDac = Boost
	1100 1110

Output power = 20
PaConfig = 207
RegPacDac = Boost
	1100 1111

RFO
Output power = -5
Output power = 16
Exception

Output power = -4
PAConfig = 0
	0000 0000

Output power = -1
PAConfig = 3
	0000 0011

Output power = 0
PAConfig = 4
	0000 0100

Output power = 1
PAConfig = 113
	0111 0001

OutputPower = 14
PAConfig = 126
	0111 1110

OutputPower = 15
PAConfig = 127
	0111 1111

I need to borrow some test gear to check my implementation

.NET nanoFramework SX127X LoRa library RegLna LnaGain

Posted on April 1, 2022 by devmobilenz

Every so often I print my code out (landscape for notes in margin, double sided to save paper, and colour so it looks like Visual Studio 2022) and within 100 lines noticed the first of no doubt many issues. The SX127X RegLNA enumeration was wrong.

// RegLna
[Flags]
public enum RegLnaLnaGain : byte
{
	G1 = 0b00000001,
	G2 = 0b00000010,
	G3 = 0b00000011,
	G4 = 0b00000100,
	G5 = 0b00000101,
	G6 = 0b00000110
}

The LnaGain value is bits 5-7 rather than rather than bits 0-2 which could be a problem if the specified lnaGain and lnaBoost values are not the default values.

// Set RegLna if any of the settings not defaults
if ((lnaGain != Configuration.LnaGainDefault) || (lnaBoost != Configuration.LnaBoostDefault))
{
	byte regLnaValue = (byte)lnaGain;

	regLnaValue |= Configuration.RegLnaLnaBoostLfDefault;
	regLnaValue |= Configuration.RegLnaLnaBoostHfDefault;

	if (lnaBoost)
	{
		if (_frequency > Configuration.SX127XMidBandThreshold)
		{
			regLnaValue |= Configuration.RegLnaLnaBoostHfOn;
		}
		else
		{
			regLnaValue |= Configuration.RegLnaLnaBoostLfOn;
		}
	}
	_registerManager.WriteByte((byte)Configuration.Registers.RegLna, regLnaValue);
}

The default lnaGain is G1 and the default lnaBoost is false so if the gain was set to G3(011) then LnaBoostHf current would be 150% and LnaGain would be 000 which is a reserved value.

// RegLna
[Flags]
public enum RegLnaLnaGain : byte
{
	G1 = 0b00100000,
	G2 = 0b01000000,
	G3 = 0b01100000,
	G4 = 0b10000000,
	G5 = 0b10100000,
	G6 = 0b11000000
}

I need to check my usage of Configuration.SX127XMidBandThreshold for LnaBoostLf vs. LnaBoostHf is correct.(arduino-LoRa)

.NET nanoFramework SX127X LoRa library “it’s all about timing”

Posted on March 22, 2022 by devmobilenz

Every so often my nanoFramework SX127X library RangeTester application wouldn’t start. When I poked around with the Visual Studio 2022 debugger the issue went away(a “Heisenbug” in the wild) which made figuring out what was going on impossible.

One afternoon the issue occurred several times in a row, the application wouldn’t startup because the SX127X device detection failed and message transmission was also not being confirmed.(TX Done).

Visual Studio output windows with SX127X detection failure

Visual Studio output windows with no Transmit confirmations

public SX127XDevice(SpiDevice spiDevice, GpioController gpioController, int interruptPin, int resetPin)
{
	_gpioController = gpioController;

	// Factory reset pin configuration
	_resetPin = resetPin;
	_gpioController.OpenPin(resetPin, PinMode.Output);

	_gpioController.Write(resetPin, PinValue.Low);
	Thread.Sleep(20);
	_gpioController.Write(resetPin, PinValue.High);
	Thread.Sleep(100);

	_registerManager = new RegisterManager(spiDevice, RegisterAddressReadMask, RegisterAddressWriteMask);

	// Once the pins setup check that SX127X chip is present
	Byte regVersionValue = _registerManager.ReadByte((byte)Configuration.Registers.RegVersion);
	if (regVersionValue != Configuration.RegVersionValueExpected)
	{
		throw new ApplicationException("Semtech SX127X not found");
	}

	// Interrupt pin for RX message & TX done notification 
	_gpioController.OpenPin(interruptPin, PinMode.InputPullDown);

	_gpioController.RegisterCallbackForPinValueChangedEvent(interruptPin, PinEventTypes.Rising, InterruptGpioPin_ValueChanged);
}

I could single step through the code and inspect variables with the debugger and it looks like a timing issue with order of the strobing of the reset pin and the initialisation of the RegisterManager. I’ll spend and hour starting and stopping the application, then smoke test the code for 24 hours with a couple of other devices generating traffic just to check.

.NET nanoFramework SX127X LoRa library playing nice with others

Posted on March 18, 2022 by devmobilenz

So nanoFramework applications using my SX127X library.NetNF can access other General Purpose Input Output(GPIO) ports and Serial Peripheral Interface(SPI) devices I have added SpiDevice and GpioController parameters to the two constructors.

// Hardware configuration support
private readonly int ResetPin;
private readonly GpioController _gpioController = null;
private readonly SpiDevice _sx127xTransceiver = null;
private readonly Object SX127XRegFifoLock = new object();
private double Frequency = FrequencyDefault;
private bool RxDoneIgnoreIfCrcMissing = true;
private bool RxDoneIgnoreIfCrcInvalid = true;

public SX127XDevice(SpiDevice spiDevice, GpioController gpioController, int interruptPin, int resetPin)
{
	_sx127xTransceiver = spiDevice;

	_gpioController = gpioController;

	// As soon as ChipSelectLine/ChipSelectLogicalPinNumber check that SX127X chip is present
	Byte regVersionValue = this.ReadByte((byte)Registers.RegVersion);
	if (regVersionValue != RegVersionValueExpected)
	{
		throw new ApplicationException("Semtech SX127X not found");
	}

	// Factory reset pin configuration
	ResetPin = resetPin;
	_gpioController.OpenPin(resetPin, PinMode.Output);

	_gpioController.Write(resetPin, PinValue.Low);
	Thread.Sleep(20);
	_gpioController.Write(resetPin, PinValue.High);
	Thread.Sleep(20);

	// Interrupt pin for RX message & TX done notification 
	_gpioController.OpenPin(interruptPin, PinMode.InputPullDown);

	_gpioController.RegisterCallbackForPinValueChangedEvent(interruptPin, PinEventTypes.Rising, InterruptGpioPin_ValueChanged);
}

public SX127XDevice(SpiDevice spiDevice, GpioController gpioController, int interruptPin)
{
	_sx127xTransceiver = spiDevice;

	_gpioController = gpioController;

	// As soon as ChipSelectLine/ChipSelectLogicalPinNumber check that SX127X chip is present
	Byte regVersionValue = this.ReadByte((byte)Registers.RegVersion);
	if (regVersionValue != RegVersionValueExpected)
	{
		throw new ApplicationException("Semtech SX127X not found");
	}

	// Interrupt pin for RX message & TX done notification 
	_gpioController.OpenPin(interruptPin, PinMode.InputPullDown);

	_gpioController.RegisterCallbackForPinValueChangedEvent(interruptPin, PinEventTypes.Rising, InterruptGpioPin_ValueChanged);
}

I then “over refactored”(broke) the constructor without the resetPin by removing the GpioController parameter which is necessary for the RegisterCallbackForPinValueChangedEvent.

.NET nanoFramework SX127X LoRa library on Github

Posted on March 15, 2022 by devmobilenz

The source code of my nanoFramework SX127X library is now available on GitHub. I have tested the library and sample applications on Netduino 3Wifi, Sparkfun LoRa Gateway 1 Channel ESP32 for LoRaWAN and ST Micro STM32F7691 Discovery devices.(I can add more platform configurations if there is interest).

STM32F769I Discovery, Netduino 3 Wifi and Sparkfun testrig

I started with a proof of concept update of my RFM9X for nanoFramework library to the new nanoFramework System.Device model (“inspired” by .Net Core System.Device) which was slow going. I then tried “back porting” my SX127X for .Net Core library to the .NET nanoFramework which was much quicker.

namespace devMobile.IoT.SX127xLoRaDevice
{
	using System;
	using System.Text;
	using System.Threading;

	class Program
	{
		private const double Frequency = 915000000.0;
#if ESP32_WROOM_32_LORA_1_CHANNEL
      private const int SpiBusId = 1;
#endif
#if NETDUINO3_WIFI
		private const int SpiBusId = 2;
#endif
#if ST_STM32F769I_DISCOVERY
		private const int SpiBusId = 2;
#endif
		private static SX127XDevice sx127XDevice;

		static void Main(string[] args)
		{
			int SendCount = 0;
#if ESP32_WROOM_32_LORA_1_CHANNEL // No reset line for this device as it isn't connected on SX127X
			int chipSelectLine = Gpio.IO16;
			int interruptPinNumber = Gpio.IO26;
#endif
#if NETDUINO3_WIFI
			// Arduino D10->PB10
			int chipSelectLine = PinNumber('B', 10);
			// Arduino D9->PE5
			int resetPinNumber = PinNumber('E', 5);
			// Arduino D2 -PA3
			int interruptPinNumber = PinNumber('A', 3);
#endif
#if ST_STM32F769I_DISCOVERY
			// Arduino D10->PA11
			int chipSelectLine = PinNumber('A', 11);
			// Arduino D9->PH6
			int resetPinNumber = PinNumber('H', 6);
			// Arduino D2->PA4
			int interruptPinNumber = PinNumber('J', 1);
#endif
			Console.WriteLine("devMobile.IoT.SX127xLoRaDevice Client starting");

			try
			{
#if ESP32_WROOM_32_LORA_1_CHANNEL
				Configuration.SetPinFunction(Gpio.IO12, DeviceFunction.SPI1_MISO);
				Configuration.SetPinFunction(Gpio.IO13, DeviceFunction.SPI1_MOSI);
				Configuration.SetPinFunction(Gpio.IO14, DeviceFunction.SPI1_CLOCK);

				sx127XDevice = new SX127XDevice(SpiBusId, chipSelectLine, interruptPinNumber);
#endif
#if NETDUINO3_WIFI || ST_STM32F769I_DISCOVERY
				sx127XDevice = new SX127XDevice(SpiBusId, chipSelectLine, interruptPinNumber, resetPinNumber);
#endif

				sx127XDevice.Initialise(SX127XDevice.RegOpModeMode.ReceiveContinuous,
							Frequency,
							lnaGain: SX127XDevice.RegLnaLnaGain.G3,
							lnaBoost:true, 
							powerAmplifier: SX127XDevice.PowerAmplifier.PABoost,
							rxPayloadCrcOn: true,
							rxDoneignoreIfCrcMissing: false
							);

#if DEBUG
				sx127XDevice.RegisterDump();
#endif

				sx127XDevice.OnReceive += SX127XDevice_OnReceive;
				sx127XDevice.Receive();
				sx127XDevice.OnTransmit += SX127XDevice_OnTransmit;

				Thread.Sleep(500);

				while (true)
				{
					string messageText = $"Hello LoRa from .NET nanoFramework {SendCount += 1}!";

					byte[] messageBytes = UTF8Encoding.UTF8.GetBytes(messageText);
					//Console.WriteLine($"{DateTime.UtcNow:HH:mm:ss}-TX {messageBytes.Length} byte message {messageText}");
					//sx127XDevice.Send(messageBytes);

					Thread.Sleep(50000);
				}
			}
			catch (Exception ex)
			{
				Console.WriteLine(ex.Message);
			}
		}

		private static void SX127XDevice_OnReceive(object sender, SX127XDevice.OnDataReceivedEventArgs e)
		{
			try
			{
				// Remove unprintable characters from messages
				for (int index = 0; index < e.Data.Length; index++)
				{
					if ((e.Data[index] < 0x20) || (e.Data[index] > 0x7E))
					{
						e.Data[index] = 0x7C;
					}
				}

				string messageText = UTF8Encoding.UTF8.GetString(e.Data, 0, e.Data.Length);

				Console.WriteLine($"{DateTime.UtcNow:HH:mm:ss}-RX PacketSnr {e.PacketSnr:0.0} Packet RSSI {e.PacketRssi}dBm RSSI {e.Rssi}dBm = {e.Data.Length} byte message {messageText}");
			}
			catch (Exception ex)
			{
				Console.WriteLine(ex.Message);
			}
		}

		private static void SX127XDevice_OnTransmit(object sender, SX127XDevice.OnDataTransmitedEventArgs e)
		{
			sx127XDevice.SetMode(SX127XDevice.RegOpModeMode.ReceiveContinuous);

			Console.WriteLine($"{DateTime.UtcNow:HH:mm:ss}-TX Done");
		}

#if NETDUINO3_WIFI || ST_STM32F769I_DISCOVERY
		static int PinNumber(char port, byte pin)
		{
			if (port < 'A' || port > 'J')
				throw new ArgumentException();

			return ((port - 'A') * 16) + pin;
		}
#endif
	}
}

The sample application shows how to configure the library for different devices (SPI port, interrupt pin and optional reset pin) then send/receive payloads. The library is intended to be initialised then run for long periods of time (I’m looking at a month long soak test next) rather than changing configuration while running. The initialise method has many parameters which have “reasonable” default values. (Posts coming about optimising power consumption and range).

I’m looking at extending the library with optional functionality like tamper detection via signing and privacy via payload encryption, and mesh network support.

.NET nanoFramework SX127X LoRa library with Interrupts

Posted on March 14, 2022 by devmobilenz

To test the nanoFramework transmit and receive with interrupts implementation I used three Dragino LoRa Shields, a Seeeduino V4.2 and a pair of Netduino 3 Wifi devices.

I started with transmit as I was confident my Netduino 3 Wifi & Seeeduino + Dragino LoRa Shields could receive messages.

The TransmitInterrupt application loads the message to be sent into the First In First Out(FIFO) buffer, RegDioMapping1 is set to interrupt onTxDone(PacketSent-00), then RegRegOpMode-Mode is set to Transmit. When the message has been sent InterruptGpioPin_ValueChanged is called, and the TxDone(0b00001000) flag is set in the RegIrqFlags register.

The ReceiveInterrupt application sets the RegDioMapping1 to interrupt on RxDone(PacketReady-00), then the RegRegOpMode-Mode is set to Receive(TX-101). When a message is received InterruptGpioPin_ValueChanged is called, with the RxDone(0b00001000) flag set in the RegIrqFlags register, and then the message is read from First In First Out(FIFO) buffer.

namespace devMobile.IoT.SX127x.ReceiveTransmitInterrupt
{
...
   public sealed class SX127XDevice
   {
...
      public SX127XDevice(int busId, int chipSelectLine, int interruptPin, int resetPin)
      {
         var settings = new SpiConnectionSettings(busId, chipSelectLine)
         {
            ClockFrequency = 1000000,
            Mode = SpiMode.Mode0,// From SemTech docs pg 80 CPOL=0, CPHA=0
            SharingMode = SpiSharingMode.Shared
         };

         SX127XTransceiver = new SpiDevice(settings);

         GpioController gpioController = new GpioController();


         // Factory reset pin configuration
         gpioController.OpenPin(resetPin, PinMode.Output);

         gpioController.Write(resetPin, PinValue.Low);
         Thread.Sleep(20);
         gpioController.Write(resetPin, PinValue.High);
         Thread.Sleep(20);

         // Interrupt pin for RX message & TX done notification 
         gpioController.OpenPin(interruptPin, PinMode.InputPullDown);

         gpioController.RegisterCallbackForPinValueChangedEvent(interruptPin, PinEventTypes.Rising, InterruptGpioPin_ValueChanged);
      }
...
   }

      private void InterruptGpioPin_ValueChanged(object sender, PinValueChangedEventArgs e)
      {
         byte irqFlags = this.ReadByte(0x12); // RegIrqFlags
         Debug.WriteLine($"RegIrqFlags 0X{irqFlags:x2}");

         if ((irqFlags & 0b01000000) == 0b01000000)  // RxDone 
         {
            Debug.WriteLine("Receive-Message");
            byte currentFifoAddress = this.ReadByte(0x10); // RegFifiRxCurrent
            this.WriteByte(0x0d, currentFifoAddress); // RegFifoAddrPtr

            byte numberOfBytes = this.ReadByte(0x13); // RegRxNbBytes

            // Allocate buffer for message
            byte[] messageBytes = this.ReadBytes(0X0, numberOfBytes);

            // Remove unprintable characters from messages
            for (int index = 0; index < messageBytes.Length; index++)
            {
               if ((messageBytes[index] < 0x20) || (messageBytes[index] > 0x7E))
               {
                  messageBytes[index] = 0x20;
               }
            }

            string messageText = UTF8Encoding.UTF8.GetString(messageBytes, 0, messageBytes.Length);
            Debug.WriteLine($"Received {messageBytes.Length} byte message {messageText}");
         }

         if ((irqFlags & 0b00001000) == 0b00001000)  // TxDone
         {
            this.WriteByte(0x01, 0b10000101); // RegOpMode set LoRa & RxContinuous
            Debug.WriteLine("Transmit-Done");
         }

         this.WriteByte(0x40, 0b00000000); // RegDioMapping1 0b00000000 DI0 RxReady & TxReady
         this.WriteByte(0x12, 0xff);// RegIrqFlags
      }

   public class Program
   {
...
   #if NETDUINO3_WIFI
      private const int SpiBusId = 2;
#endif
...

      public static void Main()
      {
         int SendCount = 0;
...
#if NETDUINO3_WIFI
         // Arduino D10->PB10
         int chipSelectLine = PinNumber('B', 10);
         // Arduino D9->PE5
         int resetPinNumber = PinNumber('E', 5);
         // Arduino D2 -PA3
         int interruptPinNumber = PinNumber('A', 3);
#endif
...
  
       Debug.WriteLine("devMobile.IoT.SX127x.ReceiveTransmitInterrupt starting");

         try
         {
...
#if NETDUINO3_WIFI || ST_STM32F769I_DISCOVERY
            SX127XDevice sx127XDevice = new SX127XDevice(SpiBusId, chipSelectLine, interruptPinNumber, resetPinNumber);
#endif
            Thread.Sleep(500);

            // Put device into LoRa + Sleep mode
            sx127XDevice.WriteByte(0x01, 0b10000000); // RegOpMode 

            // Set the frequency to 915MHz
            byte[] frequencyWriteBytes = { 0xE4, 0xC0, 0x00 }; // RegFrMsb, RegFrMid, RegFrLsb
            sx127XDevice.WriteBytes(0x06, frequencyWriteBytes);

            // More power PA Boost
            sx127XDevice.WriteByte(0x09, 0b10000000); // RegPaConfig

            sx127XDevice.WriteByte(0x01, 0b10000101); // RegOpMode set LoRa & RxContinuous

            while (true)
            {
               // Set the Register Fifo address pointer
               sx127XDevice.WriteByte(0x0E, 0x00); // RegFifoTxBaseAddress 

               // Set the Register Fifo address pointer
               sx127XDevice.WriteByte(0x0D, 0x0); // RegFifoAddrPtr 

               string messageText = $"Hello LoRa {SendCount += 1}!";

               // load the message into the fifo
               byte[] messageBytes = UTF8Encoding.UTF8.GetBytes(messageText);
               sx127XDevice.WriteBytes(0x0, messageBytes); // RegFifo 

               // Set the length of the message in the fifo
               sx127XDevice.WriteByte(0x22, (byte)messageBytes.Length); // RegPayloadLength
               sx127XDevice.WriteByte(0x40, 0b01000000); // RegDioMapping1 0b00000000 DI0 RxReady & TxReady
               sx127XDevice.WriteByte(0x01, 0b10000011); // RegOpMode 

               Debug.WriteLine($"Sending {messageBytes.Length} bytes message {messageText}");

               Thread.Sleep(10000);
            }
         }
         catch (Exception ex)
         {
            Debug.WriteLine(ex.Message);
         }
      }
...
   }
}

ReceiveTransmitInterrupt application output

The ReceiveTransmitInterrupt application combines the functionality TransmitInterrupt and ReceiveInterrupt programs. The key differences are the RegDioMapping1 setup and in InterruptGpioPin_ValueChanged where the TxDone & RxDone flags in the RegIrqFlags register specify how the interrupt is handled.

devMobile's blog

Random wanderings through Microsoft Azure esp. the IoT bits, AI on Micro controllers, .NET nanoFramework, .NET Core on *nix, and GHI Electronics TinyCLR

Tag Archives: RFM96