TempConfidential_AirPrime_SL9090_Hardware_Integration_Guide_V0.2

FCC ID: N7NSL9090

Users Manual

Download: PDF
FCCID_1776909

Product Specification


               AirPrime SL9090




                        WA_DEV_SL9090_HWIG_001
                                               01
                                    July 27, 2012


    Important Notice
    Due to the nature of wireless communications, transmission and reception of data can never be
    guaranteed. Data may be delayed, corrupted (i.e., have errors) or be totally lost. Although significant
    delays or losses of data are rare when wireless devices such as the Sierra Wireless modem are used
    in a normal manner with a well-constructed network, the Sierra Wireless modem should not be used
    in situations where failure to transmit or receive data could result in damage of any kind to the user or
    any other party, including but not limited to personal injury, death, or loss of property. Sierra Wireless
    accepts no responsibility for damages of any kind resulting from delays or errors in data transmitted or
    received using the Sierra Wireless modem, or for failure of the Sierra Wireless modem to transmit or
    receive such data.



    Safety and Hazards
    Do not operate the Sierra Wireless modem in areas where blasting is in progress, where explosive
    atmospheres may be present, near medical equipment, near life support equipment, or any equipment
    which may be susceptible to any form of radio interference. In such areas, the Sierra Wireless modem
    MUST BE POWERED OFF. The Sierra Wireless modem can transmit signals that could interfere with
    this equipment. Do not operate the Sierra Wireless modem in any aircraft, whether the aircraft is on
    the ground or in flight. In aircraft, the Sierra Wireless modem MUST BE POWERED OFF. When
    operating, the Sierra Wireless modem can transmit signals that could interfere with various onboard
    systems.
    Note:       Some airlines may permit the use of cellular phones while the aircraft is on the ground and the door
                is open. Sierra Wireless modems may be used at this time.

    The driver or operator of any vehicle should not operate the Sierra Wireless modem while in control of
    a vehicle. Doing so will detract from the driver or operator’s control and operation of that vehicle. In
    some states and provinces, operating such communications devices while in control of a vehicle is an
    offence.



    Limitations of Liability
    This manual is provided “as is”. Sierra Wireless makes no warranties of any kind, either expressed or
    implied, including any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or
    noninfringement. The recipient of the manual shall endorse all risks arising from its use.
    The information in this manual is subject to change without notice and does not represent a
    commitment on the part of Sierra Wireless. SIERRA WIRELESS AND ITS AFFILIATES
    SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIM LIABILITY FOR ANY AND ALL DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL,
    GENERAL, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR EXEMPLARY DAMAGES INCLUDING,
    BUT NOT LIMITED TO, LOSS OF PROFITS OR REVENUE OR ANTICIPATED PROFITS OR
    REVENUE ARISING OUT OF THE USE OR INABILITY TO USE ANY SIERRA WIRELESS
    PRODUCT, EVEN IF SIERRA WIRELESS AND/OR ITS AFFILIATES HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE
    POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES OR THEY ARE FORESEEABLE OR FOR CLAIMS BY ANY
    THIRD PARTY.
    Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall Sierra Wireless and/or its affiliates aggregate liability
    arising under or in connection with the Sierra Wireless product, regardless of the number of events,
    occurrences, or claims giving rise to liability, be in excess of the price paid by the purchaser for the
    Sierra Wireless product.




1                                     Rev 1                                         July 27,2012                       2


    Patents
    This product may contain technology developed by or for Sierra Wireless Inc.
    This product includes technology licensed from QUALCOMM® 3G.
    This product is manufactured or sold by Sierra Wireless Inc. or its affiliates under one or more patents
    licensed from InterDigital Group.



    Copyright
    © 2011 Sierra Wireless. All rights reserved.



    Trademarks
    AirCard® and Watcher® are registered trademarks of Sierra Wireless. Sierra Wireless™, AirPrime™,
    AirLink™, AirVantage™ and the Sierra Wireless logo are trademarks of Sierra Wireless.

                            ,     , ®, inSIM®, WAVECOM®, WISMO®, Wireless Microprocessor®,
                  ®           ®
    Wireless CPU , Open AT are filed or registered trademarks of Sierra Wireless S.A. in France and/or
    in other countries.
    Windows® and Windows Vista® are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
    Macintosh and Mac OS are registered trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other
    countries.
    QUALCOMM® is a registered trademark of QUALCOMM Incorporated. Used under license.
    Other trademarks are the property of the respective owners.



    Contact Information
                                           Phone:                          1-604-232-1488
                          Sales Desk:      Hours:                          8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Pacific Time
                                           E-mail:                         sales@sierrawireless.com
                                           Sierra Wireless
                                           13811 Wireless Way
                                  Post:
                                           Richmond, BC
                                           Canada             V6V 3A4
                                  Fax:     1-604-231-1109
                                  Web:     www.sierrawireless.com

    Consult our website for up-to-date product descriptions, documentation, application notes, firmware
    upgrades, troubleshooting tips, and press releases: www.sierrawireless.com




1                                         Rev 1                                July 27,2012                    3


    Document History
    Version   Date           Updates

    001       July 27,2012   Creation




1                             Rev 1     July 27,2012   4


             Contents
  1. INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................. 7
      1.1.          Hardware Development Components ...............................................................................7

  2. POWER INTERFACE ........................................................................................... 8
      2.1.          Power Supply ....................................................................................................................8
      2.2.          Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) ...........................................................................................8
      2.3.          Power States .....................................................................................................................9

  3. RF INTEGRATION ............................................................................................. 10
      3.1.         Supported RF Bands .......................................................................................................10
             3.1.1.   Ground Connection Guidelines ................................................................................11
             3.1.2.   Shielding Guidelines ................................................................................................11
      3.2.         Antenna Guidelines .........................................................................................................11
             3.2.1.    Choosing the Correct Antenna and Cabling ............................................................11
             3.2.2.    Determining the Antenna’s Location ........................................................................11
      3.3.          RF Desense Sources ......................................................................................................12

  4. AUDIO INTERFACE ........................................................................................... 13
  5. REGULATORY INFORMATION......................................................................... 14
      5.1.          Important Notice ..............................................................................................................14
      5.2.          Safety and Hazards .........................................................................................................14
      5.3.          Important Compliance Information for North American Users ........................................15

  6. REFERENCES ................................................................................................... 17
      6.1.          Reference Documents.....................................................................................................17
      6.2.          List of Abbreviations ........................................................................................................17




WA_DEV_SL9090_HWIG_0011                         Rev 1                                                       July 27,2012                                  5


         List of Tables
  Table 1.   Power Supply Requirements ............................................................................................. 8
  Table 2.   ESD Specifications ............................................................................................................ 8
  Table 3.   Supported SL9090 Power States ...................................................................................... 9
  Table 4.   Supported Frequency Ranges ........................................................................................ 10
  Table 5.   PCM Audio Interface Features ........................................................................................ 13
  Table 6.   Audio Pin Description ...................................................................................................... 13




WA_DEV_SL9090_HWIG_0011                 Rev 1                                                       July 27,2012                                 6


          1. Introduction
  The Sierra Wireless AirPrime SL9090 soldered-down module forms the radio component for the
  products in which it is embedded.
  Module-specific performance and physical characteristics are described in the corresponding product
  specification document.
  Note:      An understanding of network technology, and experience in integrating hardware components into
             electronic equipment is assumed.



  1.1.       Hardware Development Components
  Sierra Wireless manufactures two hardware development components to facilitate the hardware
  integration process:
         AirPrime SL Socket Board – Adapter board on which an SL module is embedded. This board
          may be used as a stand-alone platform for basic hardware development.
         AirPrime SL Development Kit – Hardware development board on which an SL socket board is
          plugged. The development kit provides access to all of the interfaces supported by the SL
          module.
  For instructions on using the SL Development Kit, see document [1] Universal Development Kit User
  Guide for AirPrime SL Series.




WA_DEV_SL9090_HWIG_0011           Rev 1                                       July 27,2012                    7


             2. Power Interface

  2.1.          Power Supply
  The host device must provide power to the AirPrime soldered-down module over pins 42 and 44
  (VCC_3V6) as detailed in the following table.

  Table 1.   Power Supply Requirements


  Requirement Type                      Value

  Power Supply                          3.6V (nominal)
  Voltage Range (VMIN – VMAX)           3.4V – 4.3V
  Current (instantaneous (5ms))         3A
  Current (continuous)                  700mA

  Note:         The host must provide safe and continuous power to the module; the module does NOT have
                protection circuits to guard against electrical overstress.



  2.2.          Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)
  The host device must provide adequate ESD protection on digital circuits and antenna ports as
  detailed in the following table.
  Note:         The level of protection required depends on the application.

  Table 2.   ESD Specifications


  Category               Connection                      Specification

  Operational            RF ports                        IEC-61000-4-2 — Level (Electrostatic Discharge Immunity
                                                         Test)
  Non-operational        Host connector interface      Unless otherwise specified:
                                                                JESD22-A114 +/- 2kV Human Body Model
                                                                JESD22-A115 +/- 200V Machine Model
                                                                JESD22-C101C +/- 500V Charged Device Model
  Signals                USIM connector                  ESD protection is highly recommended at the point where
                                                         the USIM contacts are exposed, and for any other signals
                         Other host signals
                                                         that would be subjected to ESD by the user.




WA_DEV_SL9090_HWIG_0011               Rev 1                                          July 27,2012                   8


                                                                                                    Power Interface


    2.3.            Power States
    The SL9090 module has five power states as detailed in the following table.

    Table 3.      Supported SL9090 Power States


                                                                                            USB
                                                                       Host      Module                 RF
    State              Description                                                          Interface
                                                                       Powered   Powered                Enabled
                                                                                            Active

                          Capable of placing / receiving calls or
                           establishing data connections on
                           network
                          USB interface is fully active
                          Current consumption in a call or data
    Normal                 connection is affected by:                                                
    (Default state)         Radio band in use
                            Tx power
                            Receive gain settings
                            Data rate
                            Number of active Tx time slots
                          ‘Airplane’ mode — Rx / Tx are disabled;
                           USB interface is active
    Airplane              State entered automatically when
                           critical voltage / temperature thresholds                                 
    Mode (RF off)
                           are exceeded. Host should consider
                           powering off module to prevent damage
                           to unit.
                          Normal state of module between calls
                           or data connections.
    Sleep (Idle
                          Module cycles between wake (polling                                       
    Mode)
                           the network) and sleep, at network
                           provider-determined interval.
                          Host power is connected
    Off                   Module is powered down (drawing                                           
                           minimal current from host power
                           supply)
                          Host power is disconnected from
    Disconnected           module                                                                    
                          All module-related voltages are at 0V




1                                         Rev 1                                      July 27,2012                 9


             3. RF Integration

  3.1.             Supported RF Bands
  Table 4.       Supported Frequency Ranges


  Band                   Frequencies (MHz)                    SL9090

                  GSM Bands
                         Transmit: 824 – 849
  GSM 850                                                     
                         Receive: 869 – 894
                         Transmit: 880 – 915
  EGSM 900                                                    
                         Receive: 925 – 960
                         Transmit: 1710 – 1785
  DCS 1800                                                    
                         Receive: 1805 – 1880
                         Transmit: 1850 – 1910
  PCS 1900                                                    
                         Receive: 1930 – 1990
  WCDMA Bands
  Band I                 Transmit: 1920 – 1980
                                                              
  WCDMA 2100             Receive: 2110 – 2170
  Band II                Transmit: 1850 – 1910
                                                              
  WCDMA 1900             Receive: 1930 – 1990
  Band V                 Transmit: 824 – 849
                                                              
  WCDMA 850              Receive: 869 – 894
  Band VIII              Transmit: 880 – 915
  WCDMA 900              Receive: 925 – 960
  WCDMA Bands RX Diversity
  Band I                 Transmit: 1920 – 1980
  WCDMA 2100             Receive: 2110 – 2170
  Band II                Transmit: 1850 – 1910
                                                              
  WCDMA 1900             Receive: 1930 – 1990
  Band V                 Transmit: 824 – 849
                                                              
  WCDMA 850              Receive: 869 – 894
  Band VIII              Transmit: 880 – 915
  WCDMA 900              Receive: 925 – 960
  GPS

   GPS                    1575.42                             

  CDMA Bands

  Band Class 0           CDMA 800 (North American Cellular)   

  Band Class 1           CDMA 1900 (North American PCS)       




WA_DEV_SL9090_HWIG_0011                Rev 1                           July 27,2012   10


                                                                                                RF Integration


    3.1.1.        Ground Connection Guidelines
    When connecting the module to system ground:
           Prevent noise leakage by establishing a very good ground connection to the module through
            the host connector.
           Minimize ground noise leakage into the RF.
            Depending on the host board design, noise could potentially be coupled to the module from
            the host board. This is mainly an issue for host designs that have signals traveling along the
            length of the module, or circuitry operating at both ends of the module interconnects.



    3.1.2.        Shielding Guidelines
    The module is fully shielded to protect against EMI and to ensure compliance with FCC Part 15 -
    “Radio Frequency Devices” (or equivalent regulations in other jurisdictions).
    Note:       This shielding must NOT be removed.



    3.2.        Antenna Guidelines

    3.2.1.        Choosing the Correct Antenna and Cabling
    Consider the following points for appropriate antenna selection:
           The antenna (and associated circuitry) should have a nominal impedance of 50Ω with a return
            loss of better than 10 dB across each frequency band of operation.
           The system gain value affects both radiated power and regulatory (FCC, IC, CE, etc.) test
            results.



    3.2.2.        Determining the Antenna’s Location
    Consider the following points when deciding where to place the antenna:
           Antenna location may affect RF performance. Although the module is shielded to prevent
            interference in most applications, the placement of the antenna is still very important—if the
            host device is insufficiently shielded, high levels of broadband or spurious noise can degrade
            the module’s performance.
           Connecting cables between the module and the antenna must have 50Ω impedance. If the
            impedance of the module is mismatched, RF performance is reduced significantly.
           Antenna cables should be routed, if possible, away from noise sources (switching power
            supplies, LCD assemblies, etc.). If the cables are near the noise sources, the noise may be
            coupled into the RF cable and into the antenna.




1                                    Rev 1                                    July 27,2012                   11


                                                                                                      RF Integration


    3.3.       RF Desense Sources
    Common sources of interference that may affect the module’s RF performance (RF desense) include
           Power supply noise
             Can lead to noise in the RF signal
             Module power supply ripple limit <= 100 mVp-p 1 Hz–100 kHz
           Interference from other embedded wireless devices
             Any harmonics, sub-harmonics, or cross-products of signals that fall in the module’s Rx
                range may cause spurious response, resulting in decreased Rx performance.
             Tx power and corresponding broadband noise may overload or increase the noise floor of
                the module’s receiver, resulting in RF desense.
             Severity of interference depends on proximity of other antennas to the module’s antennas.
           Host electronic device-generated RF
             Proximity of host electronics to the module’s antenna can contribute to decreased Rx
               performance.
             Some devices include microprocessor and memory, display panel and display drivers,
               and switching mode power supplies.
    Note:      In practice, there are usually numerous interfering frequencies and harmonics. The net effect can
               be a series of desensitized receive channels.




1                                    Rev 1                                        July 27,2012                     12


             4. Audio Interface
  The AirPrime SL9090 embedded module only supports digital audio interface (I2S) as summarized in
  the following tables. Refer to document [2] AirPrime SL9090 Product Technical Specification and
  Customer Design Guidelines for detailed information about the digital audio interface.

  Table 5.   I2S Audio Interface Features


  Feature                  Details

  Implementation           I2S interface supported to interface with external codec
  Power                    1.8 V (use VREF_1V8 as logic reference)
  Features                          The I2S interface supports all the Tx/Rx, slave/master modes: Transmitter-
                                     master,
                                    Transmitter-slave,
                                    Teceiver-master,
                                    Receiver-slave.

  Table 6.   Audio Pin Description


  Pin #      Signal Name             Description                             Notes

  11         I2S_SCLK                I2S Clock                               8 kHz
  12         I2S_WS                  I2S Word Select                         256KHz
  13         I2S_MCLK*               I2S Master Clock
  14         I2S_DOUT*               I2S Data Output




WA_DEV_SL9090_HWIG_0011                Rev 1                                         July 27,2012                 13


          5. Regulatory Information

  5.1.        Important Notice
  Because of the nature of wireless communications, transmission and reception of data can never be
  guaranteed. Data may be delayed, corrupted (i.e., have errors) or be totally lost. Although significant
  delays or losses of data are rare when wireless devices such as the Sierra Wireless modem are used
  in a normal manner with a well constructed network, the Sierra Wireless modem should not be used in
  situations where failure to transmit or receive data could result in damage of any kind to the user or
  any other party, including but not limited to personal injury, death, or loss of property. Sierra Wireless
  and its affiliates accept no responsibility for damages of any kind resulting from delays or errors in
  data transmitted or received using the Sierra Wireless modem, or for failure of the Sierra Wireless
  modem to transmit or receive such data.



  5.2.        Safety and Hazards
  Do not operate your AirPrime SL9090 modem:
         In areas where blasting is in progress
         Where explosive atmospheres may be present including refueling points, fuel depots, and
          chemical plants
         Near medical equipment, life support equipment, or any equipment which may be susceptible
          to any form of radio interference.
  In such areas, the SL9090 modem MUST BE POWERED OFF. Otherwise, the SL9090 modem can
  transmit signals that could interfere with this equipment. In an aircraft, the SL9090 modem MUST BE
  POWERED OFF. Otherwise, the SL9090 modem can transmit signals that could interfere with various
  onboard systems and may be dangerous to the operation of the aircraft or disrupt the cellular network.
  Use of a cellular phone in an aircraft is illegal in some jurisdictions. Failure to observe this instruction
  may lead to suspension or denial of cellular telephone services to the offender, or legal action or both.
  Some airlines may permit the use of cellular phones while the aircraft is on the ground and the door is
  open. The SL9090 modem may be used normally at this time.




WA_DEV_SL9090_HWIG_0011             Rev 1                                      July 27,2012                      14


                                                                                       Regulatory Information


  5.3.        Important Compliance Information for North
              American Users
  The SL90909 modem has been granted modular approval for mobile applications. Integrators may
  use the SL9090 modem in their final products without additional FCC/IC (Industry Canada)
  certification if they meet the following conditions. Otherwise, additional FCC/IC approvals must be
  obtained.
      1. At least 20 cm separation distance between the antenna and the user’s body must be
         maintained at all times.
      2. To comply with FCC/IC regulations limiting both maximum RF output power and human
         exposure to RF radiation, the maximum antenna gain including cable loss in a mobile-only
         exposure condition must not exceed 7.5 dBi in the cellular band and 3.5 dBi in the PCS band
         for the SL9090.
      3. The SL9090 modem and its antenna must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with
         any other transmitter or antenna within a host device.
      4. The RF signal must be routed on the application board using tracks with a 50Ω characteristic
         impedance.
         Basically, the characteristic impedance depends on the dielectric, the track width and the
         ground plane spacing.
         In order to respect this constraint, Sierra Wireless recommends using MicroStrip or StripLine
         structure and computing the Tracks width with a simulation tool (like AppCad shown in the
         figure below and that is available free of charge at http://www.agilent.com).




          If a multi-layered PCB is used, the RF path on the board must not cross any signal (digital,
          analog or supply).
          If necessary, use StripLine structure and route the digital line(s) "outside" the RF structure as
          shown in the figure below.




WA_DEV_SL9090_HWIG_0011            Rev 1                                      July 27,2012               15


                                                                                             Regulatory Information




         Stripline and Coplanar design requires having a correct ground plane at both sides.
         Consequently, it is necessary to add some vias along the RF path.
         It is recommended to use Stripline design if the RF path is fairly long (more than 3cm), since
         MicroStrip design is not shielded. Consequently, the RF signal (when transmitting) may
         interfere with neighbouring electronics (AF amplifier, etc.). In the same way, the neighbouring
         electronics (micro-controllers, etc.) may degrade the reception performances.
         The GSM/GPRS connector is intended to be directly connected to a 50Ω antenna and no
         matching is needed.
      5. A label must be affixed to the outside of the end product into which the SL9090 modem is
         incorporated, with a statement similar to the following for SL9090:
          This device contains FCC ID: N7NSL9090
          This equipment contains equipment certified under IC: 2417C-SL9090
      6. A user manual with the end product must clearly indicate the operating requirements and
         conditions that must be observed to ensure compliance with current FCC/IC RF exposure
         guidelines.
  The end product with an embedded SL9090 modem may also need to pass the FCC Part 15
  unintentional emission testing requirements and be properly authorized per FCC Part 15.
  Note:       If this module is intended for use in a portable device, you are responsible for separate approval to
              satisfy the SAR requirements of FCC Part 2.1093 and IC RSS-102.




WA_DEV_SL9090_HWIG_0011              Rev 1                                         July 27,2012                  16


              6. References

  6.1.         Reference Documents
        [1]   Universal Development Kit User Guide for AirPrime SL Series
              Reference: WA_DEV_SL6087_UGD_003
        [2]   AirPrime SL9090 Product Technical Specification and Customer Design Guidelines
              Reference: WA_DEV_SL9090_PTS_001



  6.2.         List of Abbreviations
  Acronym or Term           Definition

  AGC                       Automatic Gain Control
  BER                       Bit Error Rate - a measure of receive sensitivity
  BLER                      Block Error Rate
  Call Box                  Base Station Simulator - Agilent E8285A or 8960, Rohde & Schwarz CMU200
  CDMA                      Code Division Multiple Access
  dB                        Decibel = 10 x log10 (P1/P2)
                            P1 is calculated power; P2 is reference power

                            Decibel = 20 x log10 (V1/V2)
                            V1 is calculated voltage, V2 is reference voltage
  dBm                       Decibels, relative to 1 mW - Decibel(mW) = 10 x log10 (Pwr (mW)/1mW)
  DUT                       Device Under Test
  EDGE                      Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution
  EM                        Embedded Module
  ESD                       ElectroStatic Discharge
  FER                       Frame Error Rate - a measure of receive sensitivity
  GPRS                      General Packet Radio Services
  GPS                       Global Positioning System
  GSM                       Global System for Mobile communications
  Hz                        Hertz = 1 cycle/second
  inrush current            Peak current drawn when a device is connected or powered on
  IS-2000                   3G radio standards for voice and data (CDMA only)
  IS-95                     2G radio standards targeted for voice (cdmaONE)
  LDO                       Low Drop Out - refers to linear regulator
  MHz                       MegaHertz = 10E6 Hertz (Hertz = 1 cycle/second)
  MIO                       Module Input/Output
  MPE                       Maximum Permissible Exposure—the level of radiation to which a person may be
                            exposed without hazardous effect or adverse biological changes
  OTA                       Over-The-Air or Radiated through the antenna
  PCS                       Personal Communication System - PCS spans the 1.9 GHz radio spectrum



WA_DEV_SL9090_HWIG_0011            Rev 1                                          July 27,2012             17


                                                                                                     References


  Acronym or Term       Definition

  RF                    Radio Frequency
  RMS                   Root Mean Square
  SA                    Selective Availability
  Sensitivity (Audio)   Measure of lowest power signal that the receiver can measure
  Sensitivity (RF)      Measure of lowest power signal at the receiver input that can provide a prescribed
                        BER/BLER/SNR value at the receiver output.
  SIM                   Subscriber Identity Module
  SL9090                Sierra Wireless AirPrime soldered-down module used on GSM/UMTS networks
  SNR                   Signal to Noise Ratio
  SOF                   Start of Frame - a USB function
  UART                  Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter
  UMTS                  Universal Mobile Telecommunications System
  USB                   Universal Serial Bus
  USIM                  Universal Subscriber Identity Module
  VCC                   Supply voltage
  WCDMA                 Wideband Code Division Multiple Access—In this document, the term “UMTS” is
                        used instead of “WCDMA”.
  XIM                   In this document, XIM is used as part of the contact identifiers for the USIM interface
                        (XIM_VCC, XIM_CLK, etc.).




WA_DEV_SL9090_HWIG_0011         Rev 1                                         July 27,2012                  18



Document Created: 2012-08-03 16:09:16
Document Modified: 2012-08-03 16:09:16

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