Silicon Laboratories EFR32xG22E User Manual
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Silicon Laboratories EFR32xG22E User Manual

Silicon Laboratories EFR32xG22E User Manual

Energy harvesting explorer kit
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UG591: EFR32xG22E Energy Harvesting
Explorer Kit
EFR32xG22E Energy Harvesting Explorer Kit is an excellent starting point to explore
and evaluate different Energy Harvesting solutions with Silicon Labs' Multiprotocol
Wireless Systems on Chip (SoC).
This unique Energy Harvesting kit selection includes a lightweight board with one of
Silicon Labs most popular Multi-protocol Wireless SoCs, based on the Explorer Kit plat-
form, and different shields and adapters which, combined with the Explorer Kit's fea-
tures enable evaluation of multiple solutions for Energy Harvesting, making use of en-
ergy sources like photovoltaic cells, inductive or piezoelectric sources, Thermoelectric
Generators (TEG), in different applications, for example pulsed or continuous supply,
single or dual source.
• The Dual Harvester Shield is the most flexible shield, that can be used to harvest
energy from one or two sources at the same time. Typical use case scenarios are
complimentary photovoltaic cells, one photovoltaic cell and one piezoelectric source
taking energy from vibrations, etc. Adapters, for interfacing AC and DC sources to
the Dual Harvester Shield, are also provided
• The Kinetic Button Shield is engineered to demonstrate a specific application, using
an inductive switch, aka kinetic switch, to temporarily power the Wireless SoC and
transmit a sequence of packages, typically for interacting with a light bulb or coordi-
nator
• A supplementary Battery Shield is provided for debugging for example stand-alone
operation scenarios or evaluating battery lifetime
When connected to the Explorer Kit, the shield supplies exclusively the Wireless SoC,
while the debugger is left powered off, allowing stand-alone operation and true real-
time current measurements.
silabs.com | Building a more connected world.
Copyright © 2025 by Silicon Laboratories
FEATURES
• Energy Harvesting
• Self-powered operation
• Flexible PMIC
• Hardware and Software configurable
registers
• AC and DC sources
• Automatic power selection (self-powered
or debugger)
• Test Points for current and voltage
measurements
• Single or Dual source
ITEMS INCLUDED IN THIS KIT:
• BRD8201A Dual Harvester Shield
• BRD8202A Kinetic Button Shield,
equipped with the BRD8206A Kinetic
Switch Adapter
• BRD8203A Battery Shield
• BRD8204A AC Input Adapter
• BRD8205A DC Input Adapter
• BRD2710A EFR32xG22E Explorer Board
• 1x photovoltaic cell
• 1x lithium capacitor
ORDER INFORMATION:
• xG22-EK8200A
Rev. 1.0

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Summary of Contents for Silicon Laboratories EFR32xG22E

  • Page 1 UG591: EFR32xG22E Energy Harvesting Explorer Kit EFR32xG22E Energy Harvesting Explorer Kit is an excellent starting point to explore and evaluate different Energy Harvesting solutions with Silicon Labs' Multiprotocol FEATURES Wireless Systems on Chip (SoC). • Energy Harvesting This unique Energy Harvesting kit selection includes a lightweight board with one of •...

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    Table of Contents 1. Introduction ....... . 4 1.1 Kit Contents ....... 4 1.2 Compatibility and Prerequisites .
  • Page 3 6. Schematics, Assembly Drawings, and BOM ....36 7. Kit Revision History ......37 7.1 xG22-EK8200A Revision History .

  • Page 4: Introduction

    While the Energy Harvesting Shields for Explorer Kits are electrically compatible with all Silicon Labs' Explorer Kits, we recommend to use the shields with the BRD2710A board, that comes with the EFR32xG22E Energy Harvesting Explorer Kit itself, or with other Explor- er Kits optimized for Energy Harvesting.

  • Page 5: Intended Use

    UG591: EFR32xG22E Energy Harvesting Explorer Kit Introduction 1.3 Intended Use This section gives a brief overview of the different shields, the use they were designed for and the purposes they serve: • The Energy Harvesting Shields for Explorer Kits always need to be connected to an Explorer Kit to operate. The shields are de- signed to provide power to the Multi-protocol Wireless SoC located on the Explorer Kit boards.

  • Page 6: Safety Notes

    1.5 Getting Started Detailed instructions for how to get started with your new EFR32xG22E Energy Harvesting Explorer Kit can be found on the Silicon Labs web page: https://www.silabs.com/development-tools/wireless/efr32xg22e-energy-harvesting-explorer-kit.html silabs.com | Building a more connected world.

  • Page 7: Recommended Operating Conditions

    UG591: EFR32xG22E Energy Harvesting Explorer Kit Recommended Operating Conditions 2. Recommended Operating Conditions The following table is intended to serve as guideline for a correct use of the Energy Harvesting Shields for Explorer Kits. Exceeding maximum values can cause permanent damage to the hardware.

  • Page 8: Hardware

    UG591: EFR32xG22E Energy Harvesting Explorer Kit Hardware 3. Hardware This section illustrates the hardware architecture and features of each of the shields included in the Energy Harvesting Shields for Ex- plorer Kits. Figure 3.1. BRD8201A Dual Harvester Shield Figure 3.2. BRD8202A Kinetic Button Shield Figure 3.3.

  • Page 9: Dual Harvester Shield: Hardware Description

    UG591: EFR32xG22E Energy Harvesting Explorer Kit Hardware 3.1 Dual Harvester Shield: Hardware Description 3.1.1 Dual Harvester Shield: Block Diagram The following diagram illustrates the hardware architecture of the Dual Harvester Shield in connection with the Explorer Kit: Dual Harvester Shield...

  • Page 10: Dual Harvester Shield: Board Layout And Interfaces

    UG591: EFR32xG22E Energy Harvesting Explorer Kit Hardware When a USB cable is inserted, the Explorer Kit provides 5V to the PMIC through the stacking interface, so the storage element can be quickly charged from the USB BUS voltage. Note that in this condition the SoC supply voltage, V , is derived from the USB BUS voltage too, so the Wireless SoC is supplied from the on-board debugger (3.3 V) and not from the Shield, that typically operates at a...

  • Page 11: Dual Harvester Shield: Default Configuration

    UG591: EFR32xG22E Energy Harvesting Explorer Kit Hardware 3.1.3 Dual Harvester Shield: Default Configuration The AEM13920 PMIC is configured in hardware by a series of resistors located on the bottom side of the board (see section 3.1.2 Dual Harvester Shield: Board Layout and Interfaces for more details).

  • Page 12: Dual Harvester Shield: Connectors

    UG591: EFR32xG22E Energy Harvesting Explorer Kit Hardware Figure 3.8. Charge Current Selector Default configuration for the current selector is 13 mA, with the jumper not being fitted. Fitting a jumper at P103 will provide two quick alternate settings for the charge current, as follows: Table 3.2.
  • Page 13 UG591: EFR32xG22E Energy Harvesting Explorer Kit Hardware Input Source Connectors and test points The Input Source Connectors (SRCx) are screw terminals requiring a flat screw driver to secure the wires. They are labeled with "+" (positive sign) and "-" (negative sign), where the negative input is directly connected to the circuit ground (GND). The positive input is connected to the PMIC input pins, with no additional ESD protection.
  • Page 14 UG591: EFR32xG22E Energy Harvesting Explorer Kit Hardware Stacking Interface The stacking interface of the Dual Harvester Shield utilizes a subgroup of the mikroBUS interface, matching the Explorer Kit's socket. While Figure 3.6 BRD8201A Dual Harvester Shield: Block Diagram on page 9...

  • Page 15: Kinetic Button Shield: Hardware Description

    The output capacitor bank stores the energy generated by one activation, enough to execute the short boot sequence of the EFR32xG22E and a few more instructions, for example to transmit packets. Power Output Gate: a switch connects the output capacitor bank of the PMIC to the SoC supply rail, when a negative pulse comes to the input node of the PMIC.

  • Page 16: Kinetic Button Shield: Board Layout And Interfaces

    UG591: EFR32xG22E Energy Harvesting Explorer Kit Hardware kept closed (latched) until the output voltage falls below 0.9 V (typ). A discharge time in the order of a few seconds must be considered to allow the Power Output Gate to open the circuit again.
  • Page 17 UG591: EFR32xG22E Energy Harvesting Explorer Kit Hardware Input Source Connector (optional) The Input Source Connector (SRC) is not mounted. Users interested in evaluating alternate harvesters with this shield, need to pur- chase either a screw terminal (Phoenix 1725656) or a 2-pins, 0.1" header (e.g. Sullins PBC02SAAN), to mount at pos. J203. SRC is labeled with "+"...

  • Page 18: Battery Shield: Hardware Description

    UG591: EFR32xG22E Energy Harvesting Explorer Kit Hardware 3.3 Battery Shield: Hardware Description 3.3.1 Battery Shield: Block Diagram The following diagram illustrates the hardware architecture of the Battery Shield in connection with the Explorer Kit: Battery Shield VAUX_IN VAUX_IN COIN CELL...

  • Page 19: Battery Shield: Board Layout And Interfaces

    UG591: EFR32xG22E Energy Harvesting Explorer Kit Hardware 3.3.2 Battery Shield: Board Layout and Interfaces Components of major interest for the user, such as connectors, jumpers, placeholder footprints and configuration resistors are marked on the board's silkscreen, here shown in grey text. Reference Designators in red.

  • Page 20: Ac Input Adapter Brick: Hardware Description

    UG591: EFR32xG22E Energy Harvesting Explorer Kit Hardware Auxiliary Input Connector The Auxiliary Input Connector is a screw terminal, with positive and negative labels for positive and negative inputs. The Auxiliary Input Connector is connected to the input selection switch, AUX input.

  • Page 21: Ac Input Adapter: Board Layout And Interfaces

    UG591: EFR32xG22E Energy Harvesting Explorer Kit Hardware 3.4.2 AC Input Adapter: Board Layout and Interfaces The folowing figure shows connectors and jumpers with their designators and functions: OVP Selector PIN 1 PIN 3 Output Connector Capacitor Placeholder Not Mounted Input Connector Figure 3.14.

  • Page 22: Dc Input Adapter Brick: Hardware Description

    UG591: EFR32xG22E Energy Harvesting Explorer Kit Hardware 3.5 DC Input Adapter brick: Hardware Description 3.5.1 DC Input Adapter: Block Diagram The following diagram illustrates the hardware architecture of the DC Input Adapter: DC Brick SELECTABLE TVS : External Interfaces Figure 3.15. BRD8205A DC Input Adapter: Block Diagram A part from the input voltage rectifier,the DC Input Adapter is similar to the the AC Input Adapter.

  • Page 23: Dc Input Adapter: Connectors

    UG591: EFR32xG22E Energy Harvesting Explorer Kit Hardware 3.5.3 DC Input Adapter: Connectors The DC Input Adapter is equipped with the following connectors: Table 3.8. Connectors: Overview Description Designator Type Positions DC Input Source J501 Screw terminal DC Output P502 R/A Pin Header...

  • Page 24: Using The Energy Harvesting Shields For Explorer Kits

    The energy source (photovoltaic cell) and storage element (lithium capacitor) used in this scenario are provided with the Energy Har- vesting Kit. There is no need to purchase additional parts. Components needed: • BRD2710A Explorer board with the EFR32xG22E SoC • BRD8201A Dual Harvester Shield • TPLC-3R8/10MR8X14 lithium capacitor •...
  • Page 25 UG591: EFR32xG22E Energy Harvesting Explorer Kit Using the Energy Harvesting Shields for Explorer Kits Assembly steps 1. Connect BRD2710A and BRD8201A together, paying attention to the board orientation mark on top of each board. Refer to figure of section 3.1.2 Dual Harvester Shield: Board Layout and Interfaces to locate the board orientation marks.

  • Page 26: Adding An Ac Source To The Dual Harvester Shield

    The Input Adapter board used in this scenario is provided with the Energy Harvesting Kit. Users will need to select and purchase an AC source for their specific application, for example a vibration harvester, an inductive harvester, etc. Components needed: • BRD2710A Explorer board with the EFR32xG22E SoC • BRD8201A Dual Harvester Shield • BRD8204A AC Input Adapter •...

  • Page 27: Using The Kinetic Button Shield

    4.3 Using the Kinetic Button Shield The Kinetic Button Shield works out of the box, once mounted on top of the EFR32xG22E Energy Harvesting Explorer Kit. Connect a USB cable to flash or debug the application through the on-board debugger.

  • Page 28: Moving Parts

    The more energy is generated, the more headroom the application has to execute the instructions needed before the supply voltage falls below the brown-out voltage, typically about 1.65 V for the EFR32xG22E SoC. There is one jumper on this board that might be removed to connect a power analyzer or an oscilloscope to probe the SoC supply current.

  • Page 29: Using The Battery Shield

    4.4 Using the Battery Shield Using the Battery Shield is straight forward. Connect it on top of the EFR32xG22E Energy Harvesting Explorer Kit. This set up allows users to run the Wireless SoC EFR32xG22E Energy Harvesting Explorer Kit on a coin cell battery or an alternate portable power source, which could be useful to carry out range tests or similar use cases where isolating the Wireless SoC might help troubleshooting, detaching the complex dynamics of any energy harvester from the system.
  • Page 30 UG591: EFR32xG22E Energy Harvesting Explorer Kit Using the Energy Harvesting Shields for Explorer Kits Providing additional protection at SRC inputs The BRD8205A DC Input Adapter is optional and offers some extra protection against over voltages at the source inputs of the Dual Harvester Shield.

  • Page 31: Current Measurements With The Energy Harvesting Shields For Explorer Kits

    UG591: EFR32xG22E Energy Harvesting Explorer Kit Current Measurements with the Energy Harvesting Shields for Explorer Kits 5. Current Measurements with the Energy Harvesting Shields for Explorer Kits This section provides some general considerations about measurement techniques and methods that are relevant to the Energy Har- vesting Shields for Explorer Kits.

  • Page 32: Current Measurements With The Dual Harvester Shield

    UG591: EFR32xG22E Energy Harvesting Explorer Kit Current Measurements with the Energy Harvesting Shields for Explorer Kits Knowing the time constant governing the measurements is also useful to precisely filter current traces in oscilloscopes or other instru- ments with much higher bandwidth and digital filters, so electrical noise can be conveniently filtered.

  • Page 33: Current Measurements With The Kinetic Button Shield

    UG591: EFR32xG22E Energy Harvesting Explorer Kit Current Measurements with the Energy Harvesting Shields for Explorer Kits • differential probe • built-in Shunt Resistor Figure 5.3. Example of measurement of avarage current using a Dual Harvester Shield and a DC power analyzer.
  • Page 34 UG591: EFR32xG22E Energy Harvesting Explorer Kit Current Measurements with the Energy Harvesting Shields for Explorer Kits Figure 5.4. Measuring current with BRD8202A Kinetic Button Shield: connection scheme The Shunt Resistor can be conveniently soldered to the bottom side of BRD8202A, at R208. An advantage of this approach is that oscilloscope often have more channels available to track voltages and currents a the same time.
  • Page 35 UG591: EFR32xG22E Energy Harvesting Explorer Kit Current Measurements with the Energy Harvesting Shields for Explorer Kits used in this example, the chip cold-starts, internal voltages needs to stabilize, then it boots and starts executing instructions. In general, the current pattern of first ~12 ms are hardware-dependent, while the following sequence, initialization of peripherals, radio stack, TRX, etc will depend on the application code.

  • Page 36: Schematics, Assembly Drawings, And Bom

    UG591: EFR32xG22E Energy Harvesting Explorer Kit Schematics, Assembly Drawings, and BOM 6. Schematics, Assembly Drawings, and BOM Schematics, assembly drawings, and Bill of Materials (BOM) are available through Simplicity Studio when the kit documentation pack- age has been installed. They are also available from the kit page on the Silicon Labs website: silabs.com.

  • Page 37: Kit Revision History

    UG591: EFR32xG22E Energy Harvesting Explorer Kit Kit Revision History 7. Kit Revision History The kit revision can be found printed on the kit packaging label, as outlined in the figure below. The revision history given in this section may not list every kit revision. Revisions with minor changes may be omitted.

  • Page 38: Document Revision History

    UG591: EFR32xG22E Energy Harvesting Explorer Kit Document Revision History 8. Document Revision History Revision 1.0 February, 2025 • Initial release silabs.com | Building a more connected world. Rev. 1.0 | 38...

  • Page 39: Simplicity Studio

    Silicon Labs product in such unauthorized applications. Trademark Information Silicon Laboratories Inc. , Silicon Laboratories , Silicon Labs...

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