TIDA-010003

Simple 6LoWPAN mesh end-node improves network performance reference design

TIDA-010003

Design files

Overview

This reference design implements a simple RF mesh network end node for smart meter Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) networks. The network is an IPv6 over low-power wireless personal area networks (6LoWPAN) solution. The design implements this network in a single CC1310 SimpleLink™ Wireless MCU to optimize performance and minimize system cost. The complete 6LoWPAN mesh network runs on top of the TI-15.4 stack based on IEEE-802.15.4e/g protocols and implements an un-slotted channel hopping (USCH) mode to provide protection against network interference.

Features
  • IPv6 networking over low-power RF in the <1GHz ISM bands
  • Implements mesh network protocols of 6LoWPAN, RPL, IPv6/ICMPv6 and UDP
  • Implements TI-15.4 stack with IEEE 802.15.4e based frequency hopping and MAC data encryption
  • Software layer architecture identical to Wi-SUN FAN v1.0
  • Supports low-power mode configuration for the battery-powered end nodes
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A fully assembled board has been developed for testing and performance validation only, and is not available for sale.

Important note

This reference design contains example software for implementing 6LoWPAN networks based on the Contiki-OS RTOS. This example implementation included the uIP TCP/IP stack, identified to be potentially vulnerable outlined in the following advisory: Amnesia open-source TCP/IP stack vulnerabilities (AMNESIA:33).

We have discontinued this example software and recommend you evaluate our Wi-SUN solution. If you plan to use the previous version of this reference design, please note it is considered OBSOLETE, and there is no plan to update it at this time. It is recommended that TI customers who referenced example software that included Contiki-OS evaluate the recommendations provided by the ICS Advisory and either:

  1. Ensure to take appropriate actions to mitigate these potential vulnerabilities in Contiki-OS, or
  2. Move to Contiki-NG 4.6.

Design files & products

Design files

Download ready-to-use system files to speed your design process.

TIDUE96A.PDF (5204 K)

Reference design overview and verified performance test data

TIDRWJ4.PDF (420 K)

Detailed schematic diagram for design layout and components

TIDRWJ5.PDF (46 K)

Complete listing of design components, reference designators, and manufacturers/part numbers

TIDRWJ6.PDF (371 K)

Detailed overview of design layout for component placement

TIDRWJ8.ZIP (2460 K)

Files used for 3D models or 2D drawings of IC components

TIDCEQ8.ZIP (266 K)

Design file that contains information on physical board layer of design PCB

TIDRWJ7.PDF (1266 K)

PCB layer plot file used for generating PCB design layout

Products

Includes TI products in the design and potential alternatives.

Arm Cortex-M4 MCUs

TM4C1294NCPDT32-bit Arm Cortex-M4F based MCU with 120-MHZ, 1-MB flash, 256-KB RAM, USB, ENET MAC+PHY

Data sheet: PDF
Direction-controlled voltage translators

SN74AVC4T245Four-bit dual-supply bus transceiver with configurable voltage-level shifting

Data sheet: PDF | HTML
ESD protection diodes

TPD6E0046 channel 1.6-pF, 5.5-V, 8-kV ESD protection diode for High Speed Interfaces

Data sheet: PDF | HTML
Linear & low-dropout (LDO) regulators

TPS7961-A, low-dropout voltage regulator with enable

Data sheet: PDF | HTML
Shunt voltage references

LM4040Fixed voltage, 45-µA, precision micropower shunt voltage reference

Data sheet: PDF | HTML
Sub-1 GHz wireless MCUs

CC1310SimpleLink™ 32-bit Arm Cortex-M3 Sub-1 GHz wireless MCU with 128kB Flash

Data sheet: PDF | HTML

Technical documentation

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Type Title Date
* Design guide Simple 6LoWPAN Mesh End-Node Improves Network Performance Reference Design (Rev. A) Apr. 11, 2019
Cybersecurity advisory Amnesia Open-Source TCP/IP Stack Vulnerabilities (AMNESIA:33) (Rev. A) PDF | HTML Jan. 11, 2021
Application note Integrating the 6LoWPAN Mesh Designs into a New TI-15.4 Stack Example Sep. 25, 2018
Application note Implementing a Pairwise Key Mechanism for the 6LoWPAN Mesh TI Designs Sep. 25, 2018
Application note How to Configure Different Frequency Bands for the 6LoWPAN Mesh TI Designs Sep. 25, 2018
More literature Wireless Network Challenges and Solutions for a Smarter Grid IoT Jun. 18, 2018

Related design resources

Hardware development

EVALUATION BOARD
LAUNCHXL-CC1310 CC1310 LaunchPad™ development kit for sub-1-GHz SimpleLink™ wireless MCU

Software development

SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT KIT (SDK)
SIMPLELINK-CC13X0-SDK SimpleLink™ Sub-1 GHz CC13x0 Software Development Kit

Reference designs

REFERENCE DESIGN
TIDA-010024 Secured 6LoWPAN mesh end-node with enhanced network capacity reference design TIDA-010032 Universal data concentrator reference design supporting Ethernet, 6LoWPAN RF mesh & more

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