FT 3120® and FT 3150® Free Topology Smart Transceivers
Frequently Asked Questions
Below please find answers to commonly asked questions about the FT 3120 and FT
3150 Free Topology Smart Transceivers. Please be sure to refer to the following companion
documents:
-The FT 3120 and FT 3150 Free Topology Smart Transceiver datasheet for electrical and
mechanical specifications
-The readme.txt file included in the LonBuilder® and the NodeBuilder®service
packs for firmware and application program considerations
General Information
What are the FT 3120 and FT 3150 Free Topology Smart Transceivers?
What architectural enhancements have been incorporated into these products?
The FT 3120 and FT 3150 Free Topology Smart Transceivers integrate a free topology twisted
pair transceiver and a Neuron® 3120 or Neuron 3150 network processor
core, respectively, to create a low cost, smart transceiver on a chip.
Both products also include a patent pending external communication transformer,
which exhibits exceptional magnetic and common mode noise rejection characteristics.
Additionally, the Neuron core has been enhanced to support higher input
clock rates and to provide more embedded memory (FT 3120 Smart Transceiver).
The FT 3120 Smart Transceiver also supports a new programming methodology.
All of the above enhancements and the corresponding benefits are described
in detail in the following sections.
What are the key benefits of the FT 3120/FT 3150 Free Topology Smart Transceiver over current Neuron Chip and FTT-10A Free Topology Transceiver
solutions? Why should I consider migrating to the new solution?
The FT 3120 and FT 3150 Free Topology Smart Transceivers provide the following benefits:
- Lower cost
- Higher performance
· Exceptional immunity from magnetic noise and common mode noise
--Enables properly designed nodes to meet the European EN-61000-4-6
Level 3 requirements
--No need for magnetic shields or network isolation chokes in most applications
· Faster clock speed: 40MHz for the FT 3120 Free Topology Smart Transceiver
and 20MHz for the FT 3150 Free Topology Smart Transceiver
--Achieve faster application response times
· Larger embedded memory for the FT 3120 Free Topology Smart Transceiver: 4KB
of EEPROM
--Develop more complex applications without requiring external memory
- Off-the-shelf programming solutions for the FT 3120 Free Topology Smart Transceiver
· Choose from a range of universal device programmers from multiple
vendors
· Also compatible with the previous generation Model 21700 Neuron
3120 Chip Programmer from Echelon
The FT 3120 and FT 3150 Free Topology Smart Transceiver solutions are pin compatible
with current Neuron Chip and FTT-10A solutions, thus providing an easy
upgrade path
What are the differences between the FT-X1 and FT-X2 Communication Transformers?
The FT-X1 is a through-hole communication transformer. The FT-X2 is a new surface-mount communication transformer that will be sampling in November 2005, with volume shipments available at the end of 1 Q 2006. The FT-X1 and FT-X2 are expected to have similar magnetic and noise immunity and performance-related specifications. Customers seeking the flexibility to use either the FT-X1 or FT-X2 transformers on the same circuit board may use a dual footprint layout for the FT-X1 and FT-X2 (also shown below). The dimensions for the pad layouts can be obtained from the FT 3120 and FT 3150 Free Topology Smart Transceiver datasheet.
How do I order the FT 3120 and the FT 3150 Free Topology Smart Transceivers? How will they be shipped?
The FT 3120 and FT 3150 Free Topology Smart Transceiver is comprised of two components: (1) the FT 3120 or FT 3150 IC; and (2) the FT-X1or FT-X2 Communication Transformer. There are 3 product configurations of FT 3120 and FT 3150 Free Topology Smart Transceivers (see table below). All the 3 configurations are supplied with the FT-X1or FT-X2 external communication transformer. The FT 3120 and FT 3150 IC and the communication transformer were designed to be used as a pair. Both the IC as well as the transformer must be ordered on the same purchase order in the same quantity. Orders that do not include both the IC and the transformer in equal quantities will not be accepted. The IC and the transformer have separate model (ordering) numbers and will be shipped in separate boxes.
If a transformer other than the FT-X1 or FT-X2 Communication Transformer is used, then Echelon will not guarantee the performance of the FT 3120 or FT 3150 Smart Transceiver and in that event the warranty for the FT 3120 or FT 3150 Smart Transceiver will be void.
Models 14211-500, 14221-800 and 14230-450 will be shipped through June 2006 after which time these parts will be discontinued. All orders for Models 14211-500 and 14221-800 must be placed by 15 December2005.
The sampling for FT-X2 will begin in December 2005 and the volume parts will be available at the end of Q1 2006.
FT 3120 and FT 3150 Free Topology Smart Transceivers Product
Configurations
| Smart Transceiver IC Product Number/ (Model Number) |
Maximum Input Clock |
EEPROM
(Kbytes) |
RAM
(Kbytes) |
External Memory Interface |
IC Package |
Default Communication Parameter |
FT 3120-E4S40
(14211-500)
|
40 MHz |
4 Kbytes |
2 Kbytes |
No |
32 SOIC |
TP/FT-10 @ 10MHz
|
FT 3120-E4S40 RoHS-compliant
(14212R-500)*
|
40 MHz |
4 Kbytes |
2 Kbytes |
No |
32 SOIC |
TP/FT-10 @ 10MHz |
FT 3120-E4P40
(14221-800)
|
40 MHz |
4 Kbytes
|
2 Kbytes |
No |
44 TQFP |
TP/FT-10 @ 10MHz
|
FT 3120-E4P40 RoHS-compliant
(14222R-800)* |
40 MHz |
4 Kbytes |
2 Kbytes |
No
|
44 TQFP
|
TP/FT-10 @ 10MHz
|
FT 3150-P20
(14230-450)
|
20 MHz |
0.5 Kbytes |
2 Kbytes
|
Yes
|
64 TQFP |
N/A
|
FT 3150-P20
RoHS-compliant
(14230R-450) |
20 MHz |
0.5 Kbytes |
2 Kbytes
|
Yes
|
64 TQFP |
N/A
|
| Communication Transformer Product
Number |
Model Number |
Transformer
Package |
FT-X1 (RoHS-compatible)
|
14240R
|
6-pin through-hole
|
FT-X2 (RoHS-compatible) |
14250R |
4-pin surface-mount |
How will I be able to order samples? How will they
be shipped?
Each sample kit consists of 5 units of the FT3120 or FT
3150 Free Topology Smart Transceivers i.e. 5 units each of the FT 3120 / FT 3150 IC
and the FT-X1/FT-X2 Communication Transformer. Please contact your sales person
for more details. The following are the model numbers that can be used to order samples:
14212R-ES - RoHS FT 3120-E4S40 + FT-X1
14222R-ES - RoHS FT 3120-E4P40 + FT-X1
14230R-ES - RoHS FT 3150-P20 + FT-X1 |
14XXXX - RoHS FT 3120-E4S40 + FT-X2
14XXXX - RoHS FT 3120-E4P40 + FT X2
14XXXX - RoHS FT 3150-P20 + FT-X2 |
Architectural Information
What input clock rates do the FT 3120 and FT 3150 Free Topology Smart Transceivers support?
The FT 3150 transceiver can operate at 5MHz, 10MHz, and 20MHz while the
FT 3120 transceiver can additionally operate at 40MHz. Note that both
products do not support clock frequencies below 5MHz.
What is the expected data retention and endurance
of the embedded EEPROM?
The embedded EEPROM memory may be written up to 10,000 times with no data
loss. Data stored in the EEPROM will be retained for at least 10 years.
EEPROM programming must be limited to -25° to 85°C for a guaranteed
10 year data retention over the -40° to 85°C operating temperature
range.
Will the FT 3120 / FT 3150 Free Topology Smart Ttransceivers require new
firmware? How will it be distributed?
The FT 3120 and the FT 3150 transceivers will require the Version
13.1 of the LonTalk® system firmware. The FT 3120 firmware (Version
13.1) will
be pre-programmed in the 12KB on-chip ROM. The FT 3150 firmware (Version
13.1) will
form
part of the image
file that is exported by the LonBuilder® / NodeBuilder® development
tool.
Note: See Product Alert on FT3150
Smart Transceiver in Product Support.
What are the implications of the new Version 13 firmware?
The new Version 13 firmware will require that your existing application
code to be recompiled. This topic is covered in detail in the section
on Pin compatibility and migration path.
Noise Immunity
What improvements can I expect from the communication
transformer incorporated with the FT 3120 and FT 3150 Free Topology Smart Transceiver
solutions? How will it help in complying with the European EN61000-4-6
regulations?
The FT 3120 and FT 3150 Free Topology Smart Transceivers, in conjunction with the FT-X1
Communication Transformer, offer improvements over the FTT-10A Free Topology
Transceiver in two areas:
- Magnetic noise immunity
- Common mode noise immunity
Magnetic noise immunity
Our laboratory characterization indicates that the FT 3120 and FT 3150
Free Topology Smart Transceivers are typically 10 times more immune to interference
from stray magnetic fields than the FTT-10A transceiver. This improvement
does not require any changes to existing board designs.
Common mode noise immunity
Our laboratory characterization indicates that the FT 3120 and FT 3150
Free Topology Smart Transceivers are typically 10 times more immune to high frequency
(150kHz-80MHz) common mode noise interference than the FTT-10A transceiver.
A direct upgrade to the FT 3120/FT 3150 solution, without making any
other board level changes, will provide significantly improved immunity
to common mode noise. The resulting immunity should exceed European EN61000-4-6
Level 2 specifications (3Vrms common mode noise).
It is possible to further optimize the common mode noise immunity of
a node incorporating the FT 3120/FT 3150 by making a modification to the
standard FTT-10A ESD/Surge protection circuitry. The following modifications
will result in common mode noise immunity that exceeds European EN61000-4-6
Level 3 specifications (10Vrms common mode noise) or equivalent, and 56pF, 5% capacitors to the T1 and T2 nets. Refer to the FTT-10A
Free Topology Transceiver User’s Guide Version 5 for the referenced
figures and details.
If your node is based on:
Figure 2.1: "FTT-10A Transceiver Interconnection Using PCB
Spark Gaps"
OR
Figure 2.2: "FTT-10A Transceiver Interconnection Using Discrete
Spark Gaps"
|
Replace capacitor C2 with varistor VR1 (Panasonic
ERZV05D471, Digi-Key P7186-ND (470V, 5mm, 40pF) or equivalent.
|
Important note: ESD and surge specifications should be individually verified
for all designs incorporating the above protection circuit. The above
surge/ESD protection circuits have been verified to match the corresponding
ESD and surge specifications of the FTT-10A Free Topology Transceiver:
|
Test
|
Test Description
|
Corresponding European EN Test
|
EN Test Immunity Level
|
ESD
|
+/-15kV air discharge and +/-7.5kV contact discharge,
including open-jack hits
|
EN61000-4-2
|
Level 4
|
Surge
|
+/- 2kV surges to either network line with respect
to the node's ground
|
EN61000-4-5
|
Level 3
|
Common mode noise
|
10Vrms
|
EN61000-4-6
|
Level 3*
|
* Requires 56pF capacitors
Is it necessary to use a magnetic shield with the
FT 3120 and FT 3150 Free Topology Smart Transceivers?
The FT 3120 and FT 3150 Free Topology Smart Transceivers typically offer a 10x improvement in magnetic
noise immunity over the FTT-10A transceiver. This will eliminate the need
for magnetic shields in most applications with severe magnetic interference.
Is it necessary to use a Network Isolation Choke
with the FT 3120 and FT 3150 Free Topology Smart Transceivers?
The FT 3120 and FT 3150 Free Topology Smart Transceivers can communicate reliably
in the presence of over 3Vrms common mode noise (EN61000-4-6 Level 2)
with no changes to your existing PCB. This level of immunity will eliminate
the need for a network isolation choke in most light industrial applications.
By implementing the modifications to the standard FTT-10A ESD/Surge protection
circuitry described above, the FT 3120 and FT 3150 Free Topology Smart Transceivers
will be able to communicate reliably in the presence of 10Vrms of common
mode noise (EN61000-4-6 Level 3) without the need for a network isolation
choke.
Pin Compatibility and Migration Path
Are there any pin-out differences between the Neuron
3120 Chip/ Neuron 3150 Chip and the FTT-10A in comparison with the FT 3120 and FT 3150 Free Topology Smart Transceivers?
The FT 3120 IC is pin compatible with all Neuron 3120 Chips and the
FT 3150 IC is pin compatible with all Neuron 3150 Chips from Motorola
and Toshiba. Additionally, the 6-pin FT-X1 Through-hole Communication
Transformer is pin compatible with the 9-pin FTT-10A Free Topology Transceiver.
This design ensures that most applications can migrate to the FT 3120 and FT
3150 Free Topology Smart Transceivers without requiring any layout changes. However, the following pinout
description changes have been incorporated to better clarify the functionality
of certain pins:
FT 3120 / FT 3150 IC
Neuron Chip pin name
|
FT 3120 / FT 3150 IC pin name
|
CP0
|
T1
|
CP1
|
T2
|
CP2
|
COMM_ACTIVE
|
CP3
|
SLEEP_
|
CP4
|
RTMP
|
External communication transformer
FTT-10A pin name
|
Communication transformer pin name
|
RXD
|
T1
|
TXD
|
T2
|
Vcc
|
N/A; pin eliminated
|
GND
|
N/A; pin eliminated
|
CLK
|
N/A; pin eliminated
|
All other pins remain the same.
Are there any changes in the dimensions of the FT
3120 / FT 3150 Free Topology Smart Transceiver based solutions?
The FT 3120 Free Topology Smart Transceiver will be available in the same packages
(32SOIC and 44TQFP) as the Neuron 3120 Chips from Toshiba and Motorola,
and therefore will retain the same dimensions. The FT 3150 Smart Transceiver
is offered in a new 64 TQFP package which is thinner than the 64 PQFP
currently used with the Neuron 3150 Chips from Toshiba and Motorola. Below
are the dimensions excluding leads.
Neuron 3150 Chips from Motorola and Toshiba: 14mm(L) x 14mm(W) x 2.7mm(H)
New FT3150 Free Topology Smart Transceivers from Echelon: 14mm(L) x 14mm(W) x 1.4mm(H)
The external communication transformer has the same dimensions (with three
fewer pins) as the FTT-10A transceiver.
How can I migrate from my current FTT-10A Free Topology Transceiver
and Neuron Chip application to the new FT 3120 or FT 3150 Free Topology Smart Transceiver?
What do I need to be aware of in the process of upgrading?
There are two choices available for upgrading from Neuron + FTT-10A to FT 3120/ FT 3150 + Communication Transformer:
(i) Using FT-X2 as the external communication transformer, the need for through-hole assembly process may be eliminated (if FTT-10A was the only through-hole part on the board). This saves time, effort and money in the board assembly process.
(ii) Using FT-X1 as the external communicatio transformer offers a pin compatible upgrade path for most applications. The FT 3120 IC is pin compatible with
all Neuron 3120 Chips and the FT 3150 IC is pin compatible with all Neuron
3150 Chips from Motorola and Toshiba. Additionally the 6-pin through-hole
communication transformer FT-X1 is pin compatible with the 9-pin FTT-10A Twisted
Pair Transceiver. This ensures that most applications can change to the
new FT 3120/FT 3150 Smart Transceiver without requiring any PCB layout
changes.
Customers must however take note of the following points:
- A direct upgrade to the FT 3120/FT 3150 Free Topology Smart Transceiver solution
will typically provide 10 times more immunity to common mode noise over
the FTT-10A. The resulting immunity will exceed European EN61000-4-6
Level 2 specifications. Applications requiring additional improvement
in common mode noise immunity may implement the modifications to standard
FTT-10A ESD/Surge protection circuitry described in the section on Noise
immunity. These modifications will result in common mode noise immunity
that exceeds European EN61000-4-6 Level 3 specifications.
- The FT 3120 and FT 3150 Free Topology Smart Transceivers execute application code
with a new LonTalk system firmware (Version 13.1). As a result, your
application
code will need to be recompiled.
- Designs migrating to the FT 3150 Free Topology Smart Transceiver from previous
Motorola or Toshiba based designs will experience a slight increase
in memory
usage when recompiling with the new Version 13.1 LonTalk system firmware.
FT 3150 Smart Transceiver based applications will require 30 bytes
of
additional on-chip RAM and as much as 28 bytes of additional on-chip
EEPROM.
- The FT 3120 and FT 3150 Free Topology Smart Transceivers are capable of operating
twice as fast as the current Neuron Chips from Toshiba: FT 3120 Free Topology Smart Transceiver @ 40MHz and FT 3150 Free Topology Smart Transceiver @ 20MHz. Customers
who do not plan to upgrade their applications to the higher clock speeds
need not modify their code. However, customers wanting to upgrade their
applications to these higher clock speeds must take note that most
I/O
models and timers will run at speeds that scale with the higher clock
speed. Customers will therefore have to make the appropriate modifications
to their application code.
- The FT 3120 Free Topology Smart Transceiver will require an external clock oscillator
to operate at 40MHz. It is important to note that external clock oscillators
may typically take on the order of 5ms to stabilize after power up.
The FT 3120 Free Topology Smart Transceiver should be held in reset until the CLK1
input is stable. With some oscillators this may require the use of a
reset pulse-stretching Low Voltage Detection chip / circuit. Check the
oscillator specifications for more information on startup stabilization
times.
- The TMPN3120A20 and the TMPN3120FE5 have an on-board A/D converter
while the FT 3120 Smart Transceiver does not. Applications currently
using the A/D converter will have to design the A/D converter externally
when you change to the FT 3120 Smart Transceiver.
- The TMPN3120A20, TMPN3120FE3, and the TMPN3120FE5 have 16KB system
firmware stored in the on-chip ROM with 1KB, 2KB, and 3KB of EEPROM
available respectively for application code. This firmware includes
several arithmetic, self-installation, and I/O functions compared with
the previous generation 10KB firmware. However, the new FT 3120 Free Topology Smart Transceiver includes a more compact 12KB system firmware in its on-chip
ROM. This firmware was optimized to include the most commonly used system
functions out of the 16KB firmware. As a result the FT 3120 Free Topology Smart Transceiver
provides the most cost effective overall solution by reducing the on-chip
ROM memory requirements. The FT 3120 Free Topology Smart Transceiver on the other
hand provides 4KB of on-chip EEPROM to enable larger application code.
We recommend that customers recompile their application code with the
development tools upgrade installed to determine the feasibility of
migrating from the above listed Toshiba Neuron 3120 Chips (especially
the TMPN3120FE5) to the FT 3120 Smart Transceiver.
- The CP0 and CP1 pins are now analog pins T1 and T2 that are used to
interface with the FT-X1 communication transformer. Any external components
on these lines will seriously impair the performance of the FT 3120 and F 3150 Smart Transceivers.
-If your application has any series resistors on the CP0 or CP1 lines
of the Neuron Chip (as sometimes done for enhanced ESD performance),
they must be replaced with zero ohm jumpers.
- If your application has any LEDs on the CP0 or CP1 lines of the Neuron
Chip, they must be removed. The new FT 3120 and FT 3150 Free Topology Smart Transceivers
now provide an alternate pin (COMM_ACTIVE) to interface with LEDs for
monitoring receive and transmit activity. This implementation in detail
on the FT
3120® and FT 3150® Free Topology Smart Transceiver Development Resources
page.
The following table provides a summary of the upgrade recommendations
discussed above:
| Designs using FTT-10A Transceiver and: |
Migrating to: |
Solution |
Motorola Neuron 3150xx Chip
Toshiba Neuron 3150xx Chip
|
FT 3150 Free Topology Smart Transceiver
|
-I/O models and timing parameters may require modification
for operation @ 20MHz.
-Application program must be recompiled in all cases.
-External components (if any) on the CP0 and CP1 lines must be removed.
|
Motorola Neuron 3120B1 Chip
Motorola Neuron 3120E2 Chip
Toshiba Neuron 3120B1 Chip
Toshiba Neuron 3120E1 Chip
|
FT 3120 Free Topology Smart Transceiver
|
-I/O models and timing parameters may require modification
for operation @ 20MHz/40MHz.
-Application program must be recompiled in all cases.
-External components (if any) on the CP0 and CP1 lines must be removed.
|
Toshiba Neuron 3120FE3 Chip
|
FT 3120 Free Topology Smart Transceiver
|
-I/O models and timing parameters may require modification
for operation @ 40MHz.
-Application program must be recompiled in all cases.
-Feasibility in some cases will depend on current application size
and firmware functions used.
-External components (if any) on the CP0 and CP1 lines must be removed.
|
Toshiba Neuron 3120A20 Chip
|
FT 3120 Free Topology Smart Transceiver
|
-I/O models and timing parameters may require modification
for operation @ 40MHz.
-Application program must be recompiled in all cases.
-A/D must be implemented externally
-Feasibility in some cases will depend on current application size
and firmware functions used
-External components (if any) on the CP0 and CP1 lines must be removed.
|
Toshiba Neuron 3120FE5 Chip
|
FT 3120 Free Topology Smart Transceiver
|
-I/O models and timing parameters may require modification
for operation @ 40MHz.
-Application program must be recompiled in all cases.
-A/D must be implemented externally
-Feasibility in some cases will depend on current application size
and firmware functions used.
-External components (if any) on the CP0 and CP1 lines must be removed.
|
Will the FT 3120 or FT 3150 Free Topology Smart Transceivers require
an external Low Voltage Detector (LVD)?
External LVDs will not be required for designs using FT 3120 Free Topology Smart Transceiver, or for designs using FT 3150 Free Topology Smart Transceiver with external
ROMs. However the FT 3150 Free Topology Smart Transceiver will require an external pulse
stretching LVD for designs using external FLASH memory.
FT 3120 Programming
How can I program the FT 3120 Free Topology Smart Transceiver?
The FT 3120 Free Topology Smart Transceiver incorporates a new programming methodology
providing more flexibility in the choice of programming solutions. This
enables the FT 3120 Free Topology Smart Transceiver to be programmed using off-the-shelf
universal device programmers from major vendors. They include an extensive
range of single unit, gang, and automated handler programmers. Customers
and distributors already owning a universal programmer from qualified
vendors will only require the appropriate socket module and a software
upgrade from the programmer vendor. See web page on FT
3120® and
FT 3150® Smart Transceiver Additional Resources for more details.
Note that you will need to create an NFI image file when using universal
device programmers.
Can I use my existing Echelon Neuron 3120 Chip Programmer
with the FT 3120 Free Topology Smart Transceiver?
Yes. The FT 3120 Free Topology Smart Transceiver is compatible with the previous
generation Model 21700 Neuron 3120 Chip Programmer from Echelon. Note
that Echelon Neuron 3120 Chip Programmer will require new service pack
to be compatible with the FT 3120 Free Topology Smart Transceiver. The service pack
and installation instructions may be downloaded free of charge from: http://www.echelon.com/support/dev_toolbox/
Miscellaneous
Can I create a physical layer repeater using the
FT 3120 Free Topology Smart Transceiver?
You cannot create a physical layer repeater using the FT 3120 or the
FT 3150 Free Topology Smart Transceiver. If your application requirements exceed the
maximum number of transceivers per segment, you will have to use either
a LonWorks router or an FTT-10A transceiver-based physical layer repeater.
Does Echelon intend to phase out the FTT-10A Free
Topology Transceiver?
Echelon does not have any present plans to phase out the FTT-10A Free
Topology Transceiver.
