How to Program the N534AP: A Step-by-Step Guide for Developers

How to Program the N534AP: A Step-by-Step Guide for Developers

N534AP is a compact, plug-and-play USB SUB g wireless dongle built on Texas Instruments' powerful CC1310 wireless MCU and CP2102. Provides instant Sub-1 GHz wireless connectivity across 433 MHz, 868 MHz and 915 MHz bands. Designed  for IoT, smart home, wireless metering, and industrial applications.

N534AP is a fully developer-ready platform. With TX/RX uart, LED, buttom GPIOs and debug port, full support for TI's SimpleLink SDK, can program custom firmware, implement proprietary protocols, and turn this dongle into exactly what your project needs.

1. What's Inside the N534AP?

Before diving into programming, let's look at the hardware you'll be working with:

2. Development Environment Setup

To program the N534AP, you'll need TI's development ecosystem:

Step 1: Install Code Composer Studio (CCS) or IAR

Download and install TI Code Composer Studio (the free version is sufficient) from TI's website or IAR. This is your primary IDE for CC1310 development.

Step 2: Install the SimpleLink CC13x2 / CC26x2 SDK

SimpleLink SDK provides all the drivers, protocol stacks, and example projects you need. It includes support for:

• IEEE 802.15.4g

• 6LoWPAN / IPv6

• Proprietary RF modes

• Dynamic Multiprotocol Manager (DMM)

Step 3: Connect a Debugger

The N534AP features a debug port on the side header. You'll need a compatible debug probe such as:

• TI XDS110 (recommended)

  

Connect the debugger to the header pins (GND, SWDIO, SWCLK, and RST).

Step 4: Plug in the Dongle

Insert the N534AP into a USB port(Necessary). On modern operating systems, it will be recognized as a virtual COM port (e.g., COMx on Windows, /dev/ttyUSBx on Linux). This COM port is used for serial communication with your custom firmware.

3. Programming Custom Firmware

Option A: Start with an Example Project

The SimpleLink SDK includes numerous example projects for the CC1310. Here's a typical workflow:

1. Launch Code Composer Studio and import an example project (e.g., rfPacketTx or rfPacketRx) from the SDK.

2. Select the target device as CC1310.

3. Build the project — the compiler will generate a .hex or .out file.

4. Connect your debugger to the N534AP's debug header.

5. Flash the firmware — use CCS's "Debug" or "Flash" button to program the device.

Option B: Develop from Scratch

For custom applications, you can:

1. Initialize the RF core using TI's RF driver APIs.

2. Configure your RF settings — frequency, data rate (0.3–4000 kbps), modulation (FSK), and output power.

3. Implement your protocol — whether it's a simple packet transmitter, a sniffer, or a full network stack.

4. Add USB communication — use the USB-to-UART bridge to send data between your PC and the wireless network.

Pro Tip: The N534AP maintains full USB functionality while running custom code, so you can build PC-connected wireless applications without extra hardware.

4. Debugging and Testing

Serial Debugging

Use the virtual COM port for print-style debugging. Your firmware can output status messages, packet logs, or diagnostic data over UART, which you can view in any serial terminal (PuTTY, Tera Term, screen, etc.).

RF Testing

With the N534AP's +14 dBm output and up to 1000m range (line-of-sight, low data rate), you can test your firmware in real-world conditions. The onboard LED and button provide immediate visual feedback and user interaction without needing external components.

Using the Button and LED

• Button: Can be programmed for actions like starting a scan, triggering a transmission, or changing modes.

• LED (dual-color): Great for status indication — pairing, connection state, data activity, or error alerts.

5. Supported Protocols and Use Cases

The N534AP's CC1310 supports a wide range of protocols out of the box:

Whether you're building an IoT gateway, a packet sniffer, a protocol tester, or an edge node, the N534AP gives you the flexibility to program exactly what you need.

6. Resources and Support

To accelerate your development, Coral RF provides:

• Baseboard schematics — available for download

• Full firmware programming and debugging support — contact Coral RF directly for technical assistance

• Multiple frequency variants — choose the model that matches your target band

Get Started Today

The N534AP is more than a radio dongle—it's a complete development platform for Sub-1 GHz wireless innovation. With TI's powerful CC1310 at its core, a straight forward programming interface, and full SDK support, you can go from idea to working prototype in hours, not weeks.

Order your N534AP today and start building the next generation of wireless IoT devices.

Have questions about programming the N534AP? Contact Coral RF's support team for personalized assistance.