As China's Internet of Things (IoT) accelerates its development, ZigBee technology is gaining increasing recognition among users across the country. It has found practical applications in various smart sensor environments. For instance, ZigBee has been implemented in the construction of Beijing Metro Line 9 tunnels, where it replaces traditional RFID-based attendance systems. This implementation ensures no missed readings, accurate direction identification, precise positioning, and efficient query capabilities, significantly enhancing tunnel safety and management. In high-end elderly care facilities, ZigBee-based wireless positioning technology enables real-time tracking and emergency assistance throughout the community. Residents carry portable alarm devices, allowing them to quickly alert for help when needed. This not only improves safety monitoring and rescue operations during outdoor activities but also offers a user-friendly and reliable solution. This paper presents the design of a ZigBee Coordinator node based on the CC2530 chip.
**Overall Hardware Design of the Node**
The ZigBee wireless communication network typically consists of three types of nodes: a coordinator, a router, and a terminal device. At the start of network setup, each network contains exactly one coordinator, which is responsible for initiating the network, setting parameters, managing information, and maintaining the system. It can also assist in establishing secure bindings between the security layer and the application layer. Given that the coordinator node involves the most complex hardware and software design, this paper focuses primarily on its implementation. The coordinator node includes a microprocessor module, an RF front end, a power management unit, and various external interfaces. Additional components such as sensors or GSM/GPRS modules can be integrated as required. A schematic diagram of the main hardware structure of the coordinator is shown in Figure 1.
**Introduction of Each Functional Module**
**(1) Processor Module**
The processor module uses the CC2530 as the central control unit [5]. This chip is fully compliant with IEEE 802.15.4 standards and supports ZigBee, ZigBeePRO, and ZigBeeRF4CE protocols. It integrates a 2.4GHz RF transceiver, an enhanced 8051 microcontroller, up to 256KB of programmable FLASH memory, 8KB of RAM, and a comprehensive set of peripherals, including two USARTs, a 12-bit ADC, and 21 general-purpose I/O pins. Additionally, the CC2530 can support standard or proprietary protocol stacks like RemoTI, Z-Stack, or SimpliciTI from Texas Instruments, simplifying development. It offers a maximum RF transmit output power of 4.5dBm and a receive sensitivity of -97dBm.
**(2) RF Front End**
The RF front end utilizes the highly integrated CC2591 chip from Texas Instruments. Operating at 2.4GHz, the CC2591 features a power amplifier with +22dBm gain, a low-noise amplifier, a balun, a switch, an inductor, and an RF matching network. The receiver section provides up to 11dBm of LNA gain, a noise figure of 4.8dB, and a receiver sensitivity of -6dB, greatly expanding the coverage of the wireless system.
**(3) Power Management Module**
The system can be powered by either an external power supply or dry batteries. When the external power fails, the battery can take over, ensuring continuous operation of all nodes within the system.
**(4) Interface Module**
The coordinator node interface typically includes a serial interface, a power interface, and a JTAG interface. A USB interface can also be added to enhance flexibility. If the management system lacks a serial port, the USB interface makes the node more convenient and adaptable for use.
**(5) Antenna**
The antenna can be combined with an SMA antenna and an inverted-F antenna. The SMA connector, short for Sub-Miniature-A, is widely used in wireless devices due to its compact size and reliability. The inverted-F antenna, designed by TI, achieves a maximum gain of +3.3dB and meets the performance requirements of the CC2530 operating frequency band.
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