Amazon Sidewalk - Sub-GHz EFR32xGxx Radio Component#

This is the native Silicon Labs sub-GHz driver used for FSK-based Sidewalk communication on EFR32 platforms. It is tightly integrated with the RAIL library. The driver abstracts the PHY layer and enables Sub-GHz profile configuration for FSK mode in compliance with Sidewalk requirements. It can only be used with compatible parts like the xG23 or xG28.

⚠ WARNING ⚠: Sub-GHz communication operates in the 915MHz band, which is open in the US but may be restricted in other regions. Ensure compliance with local regulations.

⚠ WARNING ⚠: Amazon Sidewalk is currently not supported in Europe.

Component Overview#

The Sidewalk Sub-GHz efr32xgxx component provides:

  • Built-in Radio: Native Sub-GHz radio support using Silicon Labs RAIL library

  • Modulation Support: FSK modulation scheme for Amazon Sidewalk

  • Regional Compliance: Support for US915 frequency band

  • Power Management: Configurable transmit power with regional limits

  • Integrated Design: No external radio hardware required

  • RAIL Library: Leverages Silicon Labs RAIL (Radio Abstraction Interface Layer)

Hardware Requirements#

Supported Hardware Configurations#

Built-in EFR32xGxx Radio#

  • EFR32xG23: Built-in Sub-GHz radio with integrated PA

  • EFR32xG25: Built-in Sub-GHz radio with integrated PA

  • EFR32xG28: Built-in Sub-GHz radio with integrated PA

  • No External Hardware: Uses the microcontroller's built-in radio

  • Integrated Power Amplifier: Built-in PA with configurable settings

Required Connections#

Antenna Connection#

  • Antenna: Connect appropriate antenna for 900MHz operation

  • No External Radio: All radio functionality is integrated into the microcontroller

Features#

Radio Capabilities#

  • Frequency Range: 902-928 MHz (US915 band)

  • Transmit Power: Configurable based on device capabilities

  • Regional Power Limits:

    • US915: Maximum 20 dBm

  • Modulation Schemes:

    • FSK: Frequency-Shift Keying for reliable data transmission

  • Data Rates: Configurable based on modulation and regional requirements

Integrated Features#

  • Built-in PA: Integrated power amplifier with configurable settings

  • RAIL Library: Silicon Labs Radio Abstraction Interface Layer

  • Low Power: Optimized for battery-powered applications

  • No External Components: Complete radio solution in a single chip

Regional Support#

The component supports the US915 regulatory region:

Region

Frequency Band

Max TX Power

Antenna Gain

US915

902-928 MHz

20 dBm

2.15 dBi

Ⓘ INFO Ⓘ: Amazon Sidewalk is currently only supported in the United States.

Usage#

Integration Steps#

  1. Add Component: Include Sidewalk Sub-GHz efr32xgxx in your project

  2. Configure Device: Ensure your project targets a supported EFR32xGxx device

  3. Connect Antenna: Connect appropriate antenna for 900MHz operation

  4. Configure Power: Set transmit power based on regional limits

  5. Test Communication: Verify radio communication

Transmit Power Configuration#

Regional Power Limits#

The component automatically enforces regional power limits:

  • US915: Maximum 20 dBm transmit power

  • Power is automatically limited to regional maximum

Conflicts and Compatibility#

Component Conflicts#

This component conflicts with other Sub-GHz implementations:

  • Sidewalk Sub-GHz SX1262 (Semtech SX1262)

  • Sidewalk Sub-GHz LR1110 (Semtech LR1110)

Device Compatibility#

  • Supported:

    • EFR32xG23 with built-in Sub-GHz radio

    • EFR32xG25 with built-in Sub-GHz radio

    • EFR32xG28 with built-in Sub-GHz radio

  • Not Supported:

    • EFR32xG21, EFR32xG24, EFR32xG26, EFR32xG27, EFR32xG29 (no built-in Sub-GHz radio)

    • External radio chips (SX1262, LR1110)

    • KG100S (BRD4332A) module

  • Requires: EFR32xGxx device with built-in Sub-GHz radio

Additional Resources#

To use this component through Sub-GHz Interface, see the Sub-GHz Interface in the Sidewalk SDK API documentation.

Report Bugs & Get Support#

For technical support, bug reports, or questions about this component, please visit the Silicon Labs Community.

License#

This component is licensed under:

  • Zlib License: Silicon Labs software license

  • Amazon Sidewalk License: Additional terms for Amazon Sidewalk functionality

See the component source files for complete license information.