How to Program a CC1310-868 Module – A Practical Guide for Developers

The CC1310-868 MHz wireless module is a powerful Sub-1GHz solution based on Texas Instruments’ CC1310 wireless MCU. Whether you’re building a long-range sensor network, an industrial remote control, or a telemetry system, programming the module correctly is the first critical step.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process — from setting up your development environment to running your first RF transmission, and even using a Coral RF CC1310 Dongle as a packet sniffer for gateway debugging and protocol analysis.

1. Understanding the CC1310-868 Module

The CC1310 is a wireless MCU that integrates:

• ARM® Cortex®-M3 processor (48 MHz)

• Sub-1GHz RF transceiver

• Memory: 128 kB Flash, 20 kB RAM

• Peripherals: SPI, UART, I²C, GPIO, ADC, Timers

Modules like the Coral RF N530BS or N620PA break out these pins and provide a ready-to-use RF front-end, allowing you to focus on firmware development without worrying about RF layout.

Typical applications:

• Long-range industrial sensors

• Wireless meter reading

• Building automation

• Drone telemetry

• Agricultural IoT

2. What You’ll Need

3. Step 1: Set Up the Development Environment

1. Install Code Composer Studio (CCS)
   Download from Texas Instruments website. Include support for CC13xx devices during installation.

2. Install the SimpleLink SDK
   Download the SimpleLink CC13x2/CC26x2 SDK (or CC13x0 SDK for CC1310). This provides drivers, protocol stacks, and example projects.

3. Install SmartRF Studio 7
   This tool helps you configure RF parameters (frequency, data rate, deviation, output power) and generate register settings.

4. Connect the Debugger
   Connect your XDS110 or J-Link to the module’s JTAG/SWD pins:

   • VDD → 3.3V

   • GND → GND

   • TCK → TCK

   • TMS → TMS (or SWDIO)

   • RST → Reset (optional)

   If using a LAUNCHXL-CC1310 board as a debugger, remove the jumpers between the debugger and target sections, then connect the target module.

4. Step 2: Import and Build an Example Project

1. Open CCS and select a workspace.

2. Go to Project → Import CCS Projects.

   • Browse to the SDK installation folder (examples/rtos/CC1310_LAUNCHXL/).

   • Choose an example like rfPacketTx or rfPacketRx.

3. Build the project (right-click → Build). Ensure no compilation errors.

5. Step 3: Configure RF Parameters for 868 MHz

By default, the example may be set for a different frequency. You need to configure it for 868 MHz.

Option A: Using SmartRF Studio

1. Open SmartRF Studio.

2. Select CC1310 and choose your desired configuration (e.g., 868 MHz, 50 kbps, GFSK).

3. Export register settings as a C file.

4. Replace the rfSettings structure in your project with the generated settings.

Option B: Modify Code Manually

In the example code, locate the rfSettings structure and modify the frequency:

Also verify:

• Symbol rate (e.g., 50 kbps)

• Deviation (e.g., 25 kHz)

• Output power (e.g., 14 dBm for N530AS, or 27 dBm for N620PA with PA enable)

6. Step 4: Adjust GPIO and Pin Mapping

Your Coral RF module may have different pin assignments than the TI LaunchPad. Modify the board file or pin definitions accordingly.

For example, if your module uses DIO6 as an LED indicator, define it in the code:

Check the module’s datasheet for the exact pinout.

7. Step 5: Flash the Module

1. Connect your debugger to the module.

2. In CCS, select the correct target configuration (CC1310).

3. Click Run → Debug (or the bug icon).

4. If successful, the code will be flashed and execution will start. You should see the LED toggling or RF output on a spectrum analyzer.

8. Step 6: Test RF Communication

To verify RF functionality:

1. Transmitter: Load rfPacketTx onto one module. It will send packets periodically.

2. Receiver: Load rfPacketRx onto another module (or a LaunchPad). It will receive packets and display them via UART.

Use a N534AP USB-to-UART adapter to view output on a serial terminal (115200 baud, 8N1).

If you have a spectrum analyzer, confirm that the carrier is at 868 MHz with the expected power level.

9. Step 7: Use Coral RF Dongle as a Packet Sniffer for Gateway Debugging

Once your CC1310 modules are transmitting, you may need to capture and analyze packets to debug your network, gateway, or protocol. Coral RF offers CC1310-based USB dongles (e.g., N534AP) that can be configured as a packet sniffer.

How to Set Up the Dongle as a Sniffer

1. Download TI SmartRF Packet Sniffer 2
   This tool allows you to capture RF packets using a CC1310 device.

2. Flash the Sniffer Firmware

   • Connect the Coral RF dongle (e.g., N534AP) to your PC via USB.

   • Use SmartRF Flash Programmer to flash the sniffer firmware (available in the TI Packet Sniffer package).

   • Select the appropriate device (CC1310) and the firmware image.

3. Configure the Sniffer

   • Open SmartRF Packet Sniffer 2.

   • Select the connected dongle.

   • Set the same RF parameters as your target network:

     • Frequency: 868 MHz

     • Modulation: GFSK

     • Data rate, deviation, etc. (matching your module settings)

   • Start capturing.

4. Analyze Packets

   • The sniffer will display captured packets with timestamps, RSSI, and payload.

   • You can filter by address, length, or content to debug gateway behavior, retransmissions, or interference.

Typical Use Cases

This turns your Coral RF CC1310 Dongle into a powerful development and debugging tool, complementing your gateway and node setup.

10. Common Issues and Troubleshooting

11. Going Further: Custom Applications

Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can extend your project with:

• Low-power modes – Use TI’s Power Manager to achieve battery life of years.

• Sensor integration – Connect I²C or SPI sensors.

• Over-the-air updates – Implement firmware updates via RF.

• Custom protocols – Build proprietary lightweight protocols for your network.

Coral RF provides reference designs and engineering support to help you move from prototype to production.

12. Coral RF CC1310 Modules & Dongles – Ideal for Your Project

All Coral RF products come with datasheets, reference schematics, and direct technical support.

13. Get Started Today

Ready to program your CC1310-868 module and start debugging with a Coral RF sniffer? Contact us for samples, development boards, and technical assistance.

📧 Email: info@coralradio.com
🌐 Website: www.coralradio.com
🔍 Inquiry: Reference “CC1310 Sniffer Guide” for priority support.