UniSira is a sophisticated hardware and software package produced by CSR to support the evaluation of UniFi silicon and CSR's ready-to-apply example designs, and the rapid development of applications.

UniSira is a standalone test and development platform. A modular internal layout with a motherboard and two sites for daughter modules - one for the UniFi module, one for an application-specific hardware module - ensures compatibility with both current and next-generation UniFi chips. Each UniSira is supplied with one plug-on UniFi module (shown below left). Other modules will be made available.

UniSira's side panel may be removed, to measure UniFi current consumption

UniSira with the top removed, showing the sites for the UniFi module (which is supplied) and a user's application- specific module

CSR's UniTest utility

The system's extensive I/O facilities are all conveniently accessible and include USB, SDIO, SPI via a standard RJ45 connector, and host RS232/RS422. Standard audio in/out jack sockets are also provided. A side panel may also be removed, giving access to SMA connectors that allow the current to the UniFi core, or just the radio element of UniFi, to be measured.

Fully configurable PIO allows all functions to be freely mapped to PI0s 0-15, and UniSira's readily-accessible internal 12-button keypad can be assigned to any PIO. Four general-purpose buttons on the front panel of the unit can be user-assigned to any PIO, and feature internal LEDs which can be programmed to indicate red or green for user-specified functions. All configuration data is stored in internal memory, and the UniSira firmware supports comprehensive configuration error checking to help minimise set-up time. Flexible SDIO routing facilities are provided for internal inter-module routing and for setting up connections to an external host if required.

UniSira is powered by an external 12 VDC adapter and features independent, fully regulated programmable low voltage supplies for the UniFi module, and the applications module. Built-in ground-referenced multi-range current measurement facilities for the UniFi core and the radio supplies, facilitate fast and accurate set-up and performance monitoring.

The top cover lifts off to provide access to the motherboard, with all switches, pushbuttons, connectors and signal monitoring points. UniSira is supplied with:

• one plug-on module with UniFi core and power amplifier
• USB cable (A to Mini AB)
• serial RS232 cable
• SDIO connector
• 12V universal mains adaptor
• IEC mains lead
• xSPI parallel – SPI adaptor
• 1m RJ45 patch cable

plus a CD containing the following:

• a manual
• UniTest - utility to test and calibrate UniFi and associated components
• UniFi firmware
• UniPsUtil - Management Information Base configuration utility for creating a MIB in EEPROM
  
• Windows CE / Mobile SDIO driver pack