Base Paper

WIRELESS COMMUNICATION BETWEEN MICROCONTROLLERS

THROUGH RF
In our daily life, a communication link between two devices becomes essential. This
communication may be wired or wireless. If two devices we are dealing with are close to
each other (like a MCU and a Memory) then a wired link is preferred. However in many
situations two devices we are dealing with are reasonably far apart. In such a case a wireless
link is preferred. Two most commonly used wireless communication technologies are listed
below.
IR Communications

Used in IrDA, and Remote controls

Short Range

Requires two devices to be in line of sight.

There should be no Opaque Obstacle in between the devices.

Easy and low cost to implement

RF Communication

Widely used, including Bluetooth, Radios, Cell phones, Satellite etc.

Wide range, from few meters to millions of kilometres (Can be Used to control
Robots in Mars)

Does not requires two devices to be in line of sight.

Can cross many obstacles

Circuits can be complicated and costly.

In this tutorial we will learn how to practically implement a wireless link between two
devices, here I am using MCUs. This link between MCUs used to send and receive digital
data. We will create a Radio Frequency link. However as I have said the RF circuits are little
complicated to assemble so we will use readymade RF Modules. These are easily available
and low cost.
WHAT IS A RF MODULE ?
A RF Module is a small circuit pre-built and tested. They come in Pair. One is RX or
the receiver unit and other one is a TX or Transmitter. The one we will be using is a low cost

module of about Rs. 1000 (US$ 15.00) per pair in Pakistan. They have reasonable range and
works really good. Typical data rate is 1000 bits per seconds.

As we can see they have very low pin count. This is because they are highly modular in
design. The PINs are
TX

Antenna

Vcc (Positive Supply)

DATA (Data Input)

GND

Antenna

GND

GND

Vcc (Positive Supply)

Vcc (Positive Supply)

DATA

DATA

GND

RX

So we just need to apply power and fit an antenna on the respective pin and its ready to
work. But the real TRICK is in sending and receiving data. And due to this many beginner
failed to use them at their first time.