Pixie Module Overview

The Pixie ZigBee transceiver provides a complete ZigBee transceiver solution for OEMs, integrating IEEE 802.15.4 2.4GHz PHY / MAC layers with Microchip Technology’s NWK / APL / ZDO layers.

The Pixie module is electrically virtually identical to the Microchip PICDEM Z ZigBee development environment and is fully compatible with Microchip Technology’s free ZigBee stack. It provides a path for extremely rapid migration from Microchip’s PICDEM Z ZigBee development environment to market-ready product.

• Switcher HC-L profile (preloaded)
• Sniffer packet eavesdropping
• DataStream serial profile
• Trace asset tracking
• DARC data acquisition & remote control

Details of the firmware solutions are availabel direct from the Flexipanel website.

The Pixie transceiver is capable of full function device (FFD) operation and is suitable for router and coordinator nodes. The lower cost Pixie Lite version is used for reduced function devices, e.g. endpoints, with 2 fewer I/O lines and being 3mm more compact.

Pixie Module Features

• FCC / CE compliance planned
• Integrated Microchip PIC Microcontroller
• MAC address provided
• Integral antenna
• Output power 1mW / 0dBm, 100m range
• Consumes just 20mA (Rx), 18mA (Tx)
• 15 general I/O lines, featuring 8-channel 10-bit A/D, serial UART, 4 interrupts, counter input
• Master SPI
• Screening-can, external antenna, 3-20V voltage regulator and crystal options
• Surface mount and DIL through-hole versions
• Wide temperature range -40ºC to +85ºC
• 2.1V - 3.6V supply, ideal for Li rechargeables
• Small Form Factor

Pixie Evaluation Board Overview

The Pixie Evaluation Board is designed for research and development with FlexiPanel Ltd’s Pixie ZigBee modules. It is designed to be compatible with FlexiPanel’s schedule of firmware solutions.

The Pixie Evaluation boards are supplied in sets of two, one with a Pixie ZigBee module mounted onboard, the other with a Pixie Lite module mounted on-board. The modules are preloaded with Pixie Switcher firmware. This is simple switching firmware using the ZigBee HC-L profile for turning things on and off. A short tutorial is given in the evaluation kit datasheet. Detailed instructions are provided on the Pixie Switcher data sheet, available from Flexipanel.

Pixie Configuration Tool

The Pixie Configuration tool is a USB to TTL-level serial adapter for use with Pixie ZigBee and LinkMatik / Toothpick Bluetooth devices. It connects directly to a PC USB socket. USB driver software is supplied. On the PC, the tool looks like a COM port can is compatible with Windows serial port applications such as Windows HyperTerminal.