The Challenger RP2040 SubGHz board is an Arduino/Circuitpython compatible Adafruit Feather format micro controller board based on the Raspberry Pico (RP2040) chip.
We wanted to start playing around with ultra wide band (UWB) radios and positioning so we created this new Challenger board based on our proven RP2040 technology combined with a DWM3000 UWB module. This module is compatible with Apple’s U1 chip and supports channels 5 (6.5GHz) and 9 (8GHz).
DWM3000
Qorvo’s DWM3000 module is based on the DW3110 ultra-wideband (UWB) transceiver IC. It is IEEE 802.15.4a and IEEE 802.15.4z BPRF mode compliant and allows location of objects to a precision of 10 cm. The module has worldwide UWB support through its operation on UWB channel 5 (6.5 GHz) and channel 9 (8 GHz). The module is also interoperable with the Apple U1 chip and is designed to be compliant to the FiRa™ PHY and MAC specifications enabling interoperability with other FiRa™ compliant devices.
Here’s a simple table with a few of the highlights of the module listed:
Weight: 0.009 kg
Dimensions: 5.07 × 2.28 × 0.72 cm
Pinout
LiPo battery / charger
The board is equipped with a standard 2.0mm JST connector for connecting a rechargeable LiPo battery. There is also an internal battery charger circuit that charges your battery as long as a USB cable is inserted or the VUSB connection is connected to 5V.
USB Type C
In the recent years we have noticed that we are seeing more and more USB Type C cable laying around the lab due to the fact that all new phones and accessories use them. As of yet we haven’t seen any shortage of micro USB cables but we are not getting any new ones any more and old ones do break occasionally. So we decided to go for a USB Type C connector for this board. A bonus of this is that they are quite bit more durable and you don’t have to fiddle with the cable before plugging it in.
For more detailed information about this development board check out the datasheet.
Resources
- Datasheet
- Design files (Coming soon)
- Link to DWM3000 datasheet.
- Link to DWM3000 Schematic.
- Link to Qorvo Documentation page.