Rev. 0.6 7/18 Copyright © 2018 by Silicon Laboratories Si46xx-EVB
Si46xx-EVB
Si46XX USER’S GUIDE
1. Description
The Si46xx EVB is a platform designed to simplify the evaluation and development with the Si46xx product family.
The evaluation platform includes both PCB hardware and GUI software tools to easily configure and operate the
tuner.
This document will cover the following topics:
USB driver and software installation on your PC
Use of the Silicon Labs GUI to tune to AMHD, FMHD, and DAB/DAB+ radio services
A description of the EVB hardware (baseboard and daughtercard)
Figure 1. Si46xx EVB
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2. Software
2.1. Install the Si46xx EVB USB Driver
The USB driver must be installed before installing the Silicon Labs GUI. Install the driver as follows:
Note: The installation program can require administrator privileges depending on your PC security settings and might require
any security/antivirus software to be temporarily disabled during the installation process.
1. Disconnect the EVB from the PC.
2. Run the installer.
3. On the Installation CD, double click the file “Evaluation_Board\EVBDriver\Si46xxDriverInstaller.exe” to run
installer. For window Vista OS or later version, right click on the file and select “Run as Administrator.”
4. A CMD window will open and ask you to press any key to begin the Driver Installation process. Press enter.
5. You will see two Windows security warnings. When prompted, select "Install this driver software anyway".
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6. When prompted a second time, select "Install this driver software anyway" again.
7. Install will be finished when CMD window closes. Wait until the window is closed before moving on to step
8.
8. After the installer window has closed, connect the Si46xx EVB to your PC with a USB cable and switch the
power switch to “USB”. The three green LEDs (D1, D2, D3) will light up indicating the MCU firmware loaded
successfully.
Note: You may receive a warning that the driver was not installed successfully. This warning may appear under normal opera-
tion because of the way the firmware is loaded to the EVB.
9. Confirm that the driver installed correctly by completing the following steps:
a. Go to Device Manager. Type "devmgmt.msc" in the start menu search box.
b. Check that the "Si46xx EVB" is present (without errors) in the "Universal Serial Bus controllers"
category.
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2.2. Silicon Labs GUI Installation
1. Install the Si46xx USB driver (see section “2.1. Install the Si46xx EVB USB Driver” before installing GUI
software).
2. Locate the installation software:
Open a window to the installation CD
GUI is located in “Evaluation_Board\AudioGUI” on CD
3. Install the software
Run "setup.exe"
Follow the on-screen prompts
Notes:
You may receive an error stating: "This setup requires the .NET Framework version 4.0." If so, install the .NET version
provided on the CD (dotnetfx.exe).
Important: release-specific notes may be included in the Readme.doc file. Review this before finalizing the installation.
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3. Silicon Labs Data GUI
3.1. Initialization
Note: When running on 64 bit windows PCs, please note the following:
The GUI will only support one digital radio baseboard connected to the PC.
If using another Silicon Labs audio EVB and the digital radio baseboard at the same time, the digital radio baseboard
should be initialized LAST with the GUI.
The Silicon Labs GUI will communicate with the evaluation board(s) and tuner to identify which are in use. First
connect the Si46xx EVB to your PC with the provided USB cable and power on the EVB. To power the EVB using
USB power, simply move switch J75 to the USB position and look for LED "D5" to light. Click on the Silicon Labs
Audio GUI. This will open the Initialization Window.
Figure 2. Initialization Window
The following options are available for selection.
1. EVB Selection—Select the EVB you want to boot.
2. Function—Select the mode of operation to boot EVB with.
3. Boot Mode—Boot device from File. From File is the only option supported.
4. Firmware—Select Firmware to download to EVB for given Mode of operation.
5. Default Mode—Select to use Chip Defaults, user saved states, or Last UI State.
6. Initialization Button—Press after selections are made to boot EVB.
The devices found will be listed at the top of the initialization window and will also be displayed on the AMHD,
FMHD, and DAB Radio while in use. The front panel display is an easy-to-use and intuitive simulation of a
consumer end product featuring AMHD, FMHD, and DAB Radio. The front panel display also provides menus to
edit tuner configuration options, allowing easy access to properties found in “AN649: Si46xx Programming Guide”.
After you choose your mode and press the Initialize button, the GUI will open up in 1 of 3 windows: AMHD, FMHD,
or DAB windows.
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3.1.1. AMHD Radio
Selecting “AMHD Receiver” in the initialization window (see Figure 2) and clicking the Initialize button will open the
main AMHD Radio Window.
Figure 3. AMHD Front Panel Window
1. SIS/PSD Data Display–By toggling the button SIS and PSD data is available.
2. HD Service List–When available, HD service (auto and/or data) is selected from this pull-down menu.
3. Status Indicator(s)–Displays metrics to indicate the quality of the HD signal (see programming guide for
more information).
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3.1.1.1. Configuring Tuner AM/AMHD Properties
The GUI provides easy access to properties listed in AN649: Si46xx Programming Guide. Click the pull-down
menu labeled Windows-->Properties to open the properties window. The properties are organized in categories
that can be selected from a list as shown in Figure 4. “All” will show a list of all properties available.Properties are
modified directly in the fields provided by typing a new value and pressing the Enter key.
Figure 4. AM/AMHD Properties Window
An expanded view of the properties showing a list of property addresses and values can be accessed by clicking
“Show Details” as shown in Figure 5. The tuner’s property settings can be saved to a file by clicking the “Export
Properties” button.
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Figure 5. Expanded AM/AMHD Properties Window
3.1.2. Frequency Sweep
The Frequency Sweep utility provides a scan of user selectable metrics versus frequency. Graphing options
include RSSI, SNR, HD Level, and CdNR. These metrics can be individually selected for display. A line or bar
graph style can be chosen and markers indicating valid stations and their frequencies can be displayed. Once the
preferred graphing and displays have been selected, click the “Draw” button.
Figure 6. AM Frequency Sweep
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3.1.3. HD BER Test
The Silicon Labs GUI will perform a bit-error rate (BER) test that can be used with a known BER test vector. The
GUI uses the “AMHD_TEST_BER_CONFIG” and “AMHD_TEST_GET_BER_INFO” commands detailed in AN649:
Si46xx Programming Guide.
Note: BER tests are only meaningful when a known BER test vector is used for receiver evaluation. See AN649: Si46xx Pro-
gramming Guide for more information concerning BER test vectors. Maintain a constant RF level input and do not tune
the device during the BER test. If the input changes, restart the BER measurement.
Perform BER tests as follows:
1. Input a known BER test vector to the tuner input and set the desired frequency.
2. Tune to the test frequency and verify HD is acquired (HD Acq Indicator is green).
3. Select desired HD service (as dictated by the test vector).
4. Open the BER test, select “Window--> BER test” which will open the BER Test Window.
5. Click the “Start Measurement” button.
Figure 7. BER Test Window
Note: During the BER test, the GUI front panel will not update or respond to commands. Further, audio output will be muted
during BER testing.
Number of error bits, total received bits, and a calculated BER will be displayed. To stop the BER test, click “Stop
Measurement”, and BER data will be cleared.
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3.1.4. Auto-Scan for Stations
The GUI will automatically scan for valid radio stations. Click the “Auto Scan” button, which will initiate the station
search. When complete, the station list can be accessed via the pull-down menu shown in Figure 12. Clicking the
“To Presets” button will populate the Preset buttons with stations found in the scan (beginning with the lowest
frequency).
Figure 8. Finding Stations with Auto Scan
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3.1.5. FMHD Radio
Selecting "FMHD Receiver" in the initialization window (see Figure 1) and clicking the "Initialize" button will open
the main FMHD Radio window.
Note: If the receiver is already in DAB mode, it can be switched to FM mode by clicking the "FMHD" button on the front panel.
To return to the Initialization window, use the pull-down menu "File Initialize."
Figure 9. FMHD Front Panel Window
The front panel window assumes the appearance of FM radio front-panel in typical consumer applications.
Controls can be accessed using the GUI front-panel or by using the "Control" pull-down menu. The following
controls and indicators are available:
1. FMHD/FM Radio Flags—Indicators for AFC, valid station, stereo, stereo pilot, and Acquired (HD
Acquired).
2. Radio Frequency Presets—Preset tune frequencies for convenience. To set, tune to the desired channel
and click and hold a preset "button". Once set, the preset frequency will be displayed in the button.
3. Tune Frequency—Displays current frequency. Edit this field to tune the receiver to a new frequency.
4. Tuning "Slider Bar"—Used to tune the receiver. Click and drag the black triangle to tune the receiver to a
new frequency. "Tune" button may also be used to select a new frequency.
5. Volume and Mute Control/Indicator—Volume and mute are not supported on the Si462x products.
6. Status Indicator(s)—Displays the tuner's reported received signal strength indication and other indicators
as determined by the tuner's available indicators and mode (see programming guide and data sheet for
more information).
7. Tuner Information Display—Displays tuner part number, serial number, FW version, and boot mode.
8. Data Display—Radio data (if available) will be displayed in this field. This could be RDS, PSD, or SIS data.
9. HD Service—(Not supported for FM Analog only parts). When available, HD service (audio and/or data) is
selected from this pull-down menu.
10. Auto Scan—GUI will automatically scan the entire band for valid stations which can be assigned to
presets or accessed in the pull-down menu.
11. HD Mode Select—This mode is supported for Si4622 only. Clicking this button sets the part in the FMHD
mode.
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3.1.5.1. Configuring Tuner FM/FMHD Properties
The GUI provides easy access to properties listed in “AN827: Si46xx Programming Guide”. Click the pull-down
menu "Windows Properties" to open the properties window. The properties are organized in categories that can
be selected from a list as shown in Figure 10. "All" will show a list of all properties available. Properties are
modified directly in the fields provided by typing a new value and pressing the enter key.
Figure 10. FMHD/FM Properties Window
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An expanded view of the properties showing a list of property addresses and values can be accessed by clicking
"Show Details" as shown in Figure 11 below. The tuner's property settings can be saved to a file by clicking the
"Export Properties" button.
Figure 11. Expanded FM/FMHD Properties Window
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3.1.6. Log Channel and RDS Info
The Silicon Labs GUI will log channel information for test and debug purposes. Under the Tools menu, select
"Tools Log Channel Info" or "Tools Log Raw RDS Info". This selection will open a dialog window where the file
name and location is selected. Click "Save", which will begin the channel log. To stop the channel log, again click
"Tools Log Channel Info" or "Tools Log Raw RDS Info" to un-check this option. The channel and or RDS log
will be saved in the location and under the file name selected.
Figure 12. Tools Menu to Access Log Utilities
3.1.7. RDS Group Counter
RDS group counter data can be displayed using the windows menu, "Windows RDS Group Counters".
Figure 13. RDS Group Counter Display
Figure 14. RDS Receive Data Window
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3.1.8. Log Data Service
The Silicon Labs GUI will “log data service” for evaluation by other tools that can interpret data service. This data is
the data payload collected using API command 0x84 "GET_DIGITAL_SERVICE_DATA" (see “AN827: Si46xx
Programming Guide" for detailed information). This data is available when data service is selected in the front
panel. After data service is selected, select via the Tools menu, "Tools Log Data Service". Select a file location
and name to save a *.bin or *.txt file, then click the "Start Logging" button.
Note: During the BER test, the GUI front panel will not update or respond to commands.
Figure 15. Log Data Service Window
To stop logging service data, click the "Stop Logging" button. The data log will be stored under the name and in the
location specified.
3.1.9. Frequency Sweep
The Frequency Sweep utility provides a scan of user selectable metrics versus frequency. Graphing options
include RSSI, SNR, Multipath, HD Level, and CdNR. These metrics can be individually selected for display. A line
or bar graph style can be chosen and markers indicating valid stations and their frequencies can be displayed.
Once the preferred graphing and displays have been selected, click the “Draw” button.
Figure 16. Frequency Sweep
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3.1.10. HD BER Test
The Silicon Labs GUI will perform a bit-error rate (BER) test that can be used with a known BER test vector. The
GUI uses the "FMHD_TEST_BER_CONFIG" and "FMHD_TEST_GET_BER_INFO" commands detailed in
“AN810: Si46xx Programming Guide".
Note: BER tests are only meaningful when a known BER test vector is used for receiver evaluation. See “AN649: Si46xx Pro-
gramming Guide" or more information concerning BER test vectors. Maintain a constant RF level input and do not tune
the device during the BER test. If the input changes, restart the BER measurement.
Perform BER tests as follows:
1. Input a known BER test vector to the tuner input and set the desired frequency.
2. Tune to the test frequency and verify HD is acquired (HD Acq indicator is green).
3. Select desired HD service (as dictated by the test vector).
4. Open the BER test, select "Window BER Test" which will open the BER Test Window.
5. Click "Start Measurement" button.
Figure 17. BER Test Window
Note: During the BER test, the GUI front panel will not update or respond to commands.
Number of error bits, total received bits, and a calculated BER will be displayed. To stop the BER test, click "Stop
Measurement", and BER data will be cleared.
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3.1.11. Auto-Scan for Stations
The GUI will automatically scan for valid radio stations. Click the "Auto Scan" button, which will initiate the station
search. When complete, the station list can be accessed via the pull-down menu shown in Figure 18. Clicking the
"To Presets" button will populate the Preset buttons with stations found in the scan (beginning with the lowest
frequency).
Figure 18. Finding Stations with Auto Scan
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3.1.12. DAB Initialization
Initialize the DAB receiver as follows:
1. Select "DAB Receiver" in the initialization window (see Figure 1) and click the "initialize" button. This will
open the main DAB window.
Figure 19. Main DAB Window
Ensemble List Window—After scanning for available services, ensembles are listed in this window.
Service Data Window—When available, data will be displayed in this window.
Function Select Buttons—Quickly select a new receiver mode.
Notification Window—Displays instructions and important notifications.
Receiver Information Display—Displays tuner part number, serial number, FW version, and boot mode.
Status Indicators—Receiver reported metrics/status: RSSI, FIC Quality, FFT Offset, Level, and Video
Buffer status.
Volume/Mute Control—Volume and mute are not supported on the Si46xx products.
Service Information—Displays the data for the service selected from the Ensemble List Window.
Dynamic Label Window—When available, displays Dynamic Label information.
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2. Select Frequency. Three frequency sets are available by default. These cannot be changed:
However, the user may edit their own frequency sets using the frequency set editor. Launch the frequency
editor by clicking the "Edit Frequency List" button and click the "Add" button and name the new frequency
set. Here frequencies in the list can be edited. Click "Save” when done.
Figure 20. Name a New Frequency Set
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