Introduction; Radio Boards; Ordering Information; Getting Started - Silicon Laboratories EFR32xG21 User Manual

1. Introduction

The EFR32xG21 Wireless Gecko Wireless SoC is featured on a radio board that plugs directly into a Wireless Starter Kit (WSTK) Main-
board. The mainboard features several tools for easy evaluation and development of wireless applications. An on-board J-Link debug-
ger enables programming and debugging on the target device over USB or Ethernet. The Advanced Energy Monitor (AEM) offers real-
time current and voltage monitoring. A virtual COM port interface (VCOM) provides an easy-to-use serial port connection over USB or
Ethernet. The Packet Trace Interface (PTI) offers invaluable debug information about transmitted and received packets in wireless links.
All debug functionality, including AEM, VCOM, and PTI, can also be used towards external target hardware instead of the attached ra-
dio board.
To further enhance its usability, the mainboard contains sensors and peripherals that demonstrate some of the many capabilities of the
EFR32xG21. A 20-pin expansion header (EXP header) is also provided that allows connection of expansion boards (EXP boards) to
the kit.

1.1 Radio Boards

A Wireless Starter Kit consists of one or more mainboards and radio boards that plug into the mainboard. Different radio boards are
available, each featuring different Silicon Labs devices with different operating frequency bands.
Since the mainboard is designed to work with all different radio boards, the actual pin mapping from a device pin to a mainboard feature
is done on the radio board. This means that each radio board has its own pin mapping to the Wireless Starter Kit features, such as
buttons, LEDs, the display, the EXP header and the breakout pads. Because this pin mapping is different for every radio board, it is
important that the correct document be consulted which shows the kit features in context of the radio board plugged in.
This document explains how to use the Wireless Starter Kit when the EFR32xG21 2.4 GHz 10 dBm Radio Board (BRD4181B) is com-
bined with a Wireless STK Mainboard. The combination of these two boards is hereby referred to as a Wireless Starter Kit (Wireless
STK).

1.2 Ordering Information

BRD4181B can be obtained as part of SLWSTK6006A EFR32xG21 2.4 GHz Mesh Networking Starter Kit, SLWSTK6023A EFR32xG21
Bluetooth Starter Kit, or as a separate radio board, SLWRB4181B.
Part Number Description
SLWSTK6006A EFR32xG21 2.4 GHz Mesh Networking Starter Kit 3x BRD4001A Wireless Starter Kit Mainboard
SLWSTK6023A EFR32xG21 Bluetooth Starter Kit
SLWRB4181B EFR32xG21 2.4 GHz 10 dBm Radio Board

1.3 Getting Started

Detailed instructions for how to get started can be found on the Silicon Labs web pages:
silabs.com/start-efr32xg21
silabs.com | Building a more connected world.
UG429: EFR32xG21 2.4 GHz 10 dBm Wireless Starter Kit User's Guide
Table 1.1. Ordering Information
Contents
3x BRD4180B EFR32xG21 2.4 GHz 20 dBm Radio Board
3x BRD4181B EFR32xG21 2.4 GHz 10 dBm Radio Board
3x AA battery holders
3x USB Type A to Mini-B cables
1x 10-pin 1.27mm IDC debug cable
1x BRD8010A Debug Adapter Board
1x BRD4001A Wireless Starter Kit Mainboard
1x BRD4181B EFR32xG21 2.4 GHz 10 dBm Radio Board
1x USB Type A to Mini-B cables
1x BRD4181B EFR32xG21 2.4 GHz 10 dBm Radio Board
Introduction
Rev. 1.0 | 4