FCC ID: LLB2017025 Aclara Radio Module

DRAFT 8-1-2019 Technical Brief Aclara Radio Module (101-2017-025) Implementation Requirements Y20980-TEB Rev. A A product of Aclara Technologies LLC Confidential and Proprietary Copyright 2019 Aclara. All Rights Reserved. PROPRIETARY NOTICE This document contains information that is private to Aclara Technologies LLC, an Ohio limited liability company, and/or that is private to Aclara Meters LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (individually or collectively Aclara). This information may not be published, reproduced, or otherwise disseminated without the express written authorization of Aclara. Any software or firmware described in this document is furnished under a license and may be used or copied only in accordance with the terms of such license. DISCLAIMER The information in this document is subject to change without notice and should not be construed as a commitment by Aclara. Aclara assumes no responsibility for any errors that may appear in this document. No responsibility is assumed for the use or reliability of software on equipment that is not supplied by Aclara. Metrum Cellular, STAR, Synergize, and TWACS are registered trademarks of Aclara Technologies LLC. DRAFT 8-1-2019 Technical Brief FCC/ISED Compliance This product/device has been tested and certified to be in compliance with all appropriate requirements of both the FCC and ISED. Any changes or modification to this product/device, or the use of any antenna other than the one provided by or authorized with expressed written approval by Aclara Technologies LLC may void the user's authority to operate this product/device. This product/device and/or its antenna must be fixed-mounted on indoor or outdoor permanent structure(s) providing a separation distance of greater than 20 cm from all persons during normal operation. This device is not designed (and it has no external connection) to operate in conjunction with any other antennas or transmitters. No other operating instructions for satisfying RF exposure compliance are needed. This product/device has been tested and calibrated at the factory. It has no user adjustable controls and can only be adjusted by authorized, trained personnel. Conformit FCC/ISDE Cet quipement a t test et il est conforme toutes les exigences appropries de la FCC et de l'ISDE. Tout changement ou toute modification cet appareil, ou lemploi de nimporte quelle antenne autre que celle fournie par ou autorise sous laccord exprs donn par crit dAclara Technologies LLC peut annuler l'autorisation dutiliser de cet appareil. Cet appareil ainsi que son antenne doivent tre monts de manire fixe sur des structures intrieures ou extrieures permanentes en confrant une distance dau moins 20 cm des personnes pendant le fonctionnement normal. Cet appareil nest pas conu (et il n'a aucun branchement externe) pour tre utilis en association avec toute autre antenne ou tout metteur. Aucune autre instruction dutilisation nest requise pour assurer la conformit aux rgles dexposition aux RF. Cet appareil a t soumis des tests et calibr en usine. Il na pas de contrle dajustement et ne peut tre ajust que par un personnel autoris et qualifi. A c l a r a R a d i o M o d u l e I m p l e m e n t a t i o n R e q u i r e m e n t s 1 DRAFT 8-1-2019 Technical Brief Introduction The information in this document will provide guidance on proper implementation of the Model 101-2017-025 Aclara Radio Module (ARM). The ARM is a limited single modular transmitter that can be used on Aclaras proprietary end point devices to support Aclaras RF network. Proper RF performance, within Aclaras licensed operating frequency band of 450 MHz to 470 MHz, can be achieved by following a few design guidelines. With the module implemented properly, there is no need for repeating FCC transmitter tests, saving both time and cost of final device certifications. Aclara Radio Module (ARM) Pin Diagram ARM Pin Signal Descriptions Signal Name Function I/O Type Level Radio Pin #

V1 V2 V3 V4 V5 V6 V7 V8 V9 V10 V11 V12 GND GND GND GPIO1 GPIO0 GND TXRX GPIO 1 TXRX GPIO 0 VCC_TXRX TXRX_nIRQ Transceiver Supply Voltage TXRX Interrupt Digital I/O Digital I/O Power Digital Output SPI1_SCK SPI1_MISO SPI1_MOSI SPI1_nCS TXRX Serial Clock Digital Input TXRX Serial Data Out Digital Output TXRX Serial Data In TXRX Chip Select Digital Input Digital Input 3.6 V 3.6 V 3.6 V 3.6 V 3.6 V 3.6 V 3.6 V 3.6 V 2 A c l a r a R a d i o M o d u l e I m p l e m e n t a t i o n R e q u i r e m e n t s DRAFT 8-1-2019 Technical Brief Signal Name Function I/O Type Level Radio Pin #

V13 V14 V15 GND GPIO2 GPIO3 V16 TXRX_SDN V17 V18 V19 V20 V21 V22 V23 V24 V25 V26 V27 V28 OSC_nEN GND GND VCC_TX VCC_TX RX0TX1 SKY_EN GND VPC GND ANT GND TXRX GPIO 2 TXRX GPIO 3 Digital I/O Digital I/O TXRX Shutdown Signal Digital Input TCXO Enable Signal Digital Input PA Supply Voltage PA Supply Voltage Power Power Transmit/Receive Control Digital Input PA Shutdown Control Digital Input Transmit Power Output Adjust Analog Input Antenna Analog Bi-Dir 3.6 V 3.6 V 3.6 V 3.6 V 3.6 V 3.6 V 3.6 V 3.6 V 3.6 V 3.6V

+30 dBm A c l a r a R a d i o M o d u l e I m p l e m e n t a t i o n R e q u i r e m e n t s 3 DRAFT 8-1-2019 Technical Brief Design Guidelines Power Supply The host board power supply shall provide a regulated 3.6 VDC output voltage with less than 20 mVAC of ripple. The power supply shall be capable of supplying up to 1.0 A and regulating the 3.6 V output voltage to 5% tolerance. The transceiver voltage rail, VCC_TXRX, is all that is required to communicate with the RF transceiver and operate the RF circuitry in receive mode. The additional power supply rail, VCC_TX, is required for RF transmissions. VCC_TX supplies the voltage to the RF power amplifier where most of the current is required. An external power FET is typically used to switch the VCC_TX power rail on and off when required. SPI Interface A host microcontroller running at 3.6 VDC shall provide the necessary 3.6 V level SPI signaling required by the ARM. The clock frequency of the SPI interf ace can operate up to a maximum of 10 MHz. The SPI clock is provided by the host microcontroller operating as the master SPI device. The ARM operates as the SPI slave device. The host device controls all power level settings and valid operating frequencies of the Si4467 transceiver. The firmware controlling the transceiver only supports Aclaras Standard, Extended, and Maximum power level settings. The firmware can only program the Si4467 to use valid operating frequencies within Aclaras licensed 450MHz to 470MHz band of operation. Antenna The ARM antenna output shall connect to a host board strip-line that provides a 50 ohm controlled impedance path to an antenna. The strip-line can connect to a RF connector in order to support an external (off-board) antenna or it can connect to an etched (on-board) antenna with a matching network to provide the proper 50 ohm termination for the strip-line. The ARMs maximum RF output level is 30 dBm (1 W) of RF power. Host Board Stack-Up The Host PCB stack-up shall be at least a 2-layer stack-up with an overall thickness of 0.062 +/- 0.005 and use a minimum copper weight of 1/4 oz. There shall be a ground flood underneath the ARM module to provide further isolation from any digital interference. High temperature board materials such as Isola 410 or FR-408 with Tg ratings of 170 C minimum shall be used to maintain coplanarity. The ARM uses castellated vias for connection pins and can be reflowed along with other SMD devices. A c l a r a R a d i o M o d u l e I m p l e m e n t a t i o n R e q u i r e m e n t s 4 DRAFT 8-1-2019 Technical Brief ARM Test Board for Certification The following image shows the Aclara Radio module mounted on a test board used for certification qualification. The ARM Circuitry of the Test Board There is a microcontroller that interfaces with the ARM using a Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI). The SPI interface is where all data communications occur between the Host microcontroller and the RF transceiver of the ARM. Both commands and data are passed over the SPI interface. Digital signal levels for the SPI interface are 3.6 V. The SPI interface uses buffered CMOS inputs and outputs. There is a 64-byte TX/RX FIFO buffer internal to the Si4467. The SPI interface only allows data transfer to the transceiver and has no effect on the modulation or data rate of the RF transmitted signal. A non-contact communication coil is used to control the test board and put the radio into any desired operating mode. Aclara provides a communication puck that when placed next to the communication coil, forms a loosely coupled transformer. On-Off-Keying is then used at a baud rate of 1200 to pass bi-

directional data between a controlling device (PC or handheld device) driving the puck (via USB port) and the test board. This is only one method of communicating with the ARMs host microcontroller. Other methods such as direct connect serial ports or opto-isolated serial interfaces can also be used to control the host microcontroller in an end point device. Communications with the host microcontroller is only required during production testing and device installation. The interface for external host microcontroller communications will not affect the signaling of the SPI interface for the ARM. The power supply provides a regulated 3.6 VDC output to power the ARM module. Nominal test board input voltage is 3.6 V, but it can be varied between 3.0 V and 4.2 V. The on-board power supply is a buck-boost topology and will keep A c l a r a R a d i o M o d u l e I m p l e m e n t a t i o n R e q u i r e m e n t s 5 DRAFT 8-1-2019 Technical Brief the ARM voltage at a regulated 3.6 VDC. The test board was designed to operate over a single cell lithium battery voltage range in order to perform testing in RF chambers without the requirement of an AC to DC power supply and the associated conducted noise that can accompany them. The JTAG port is for programming the host microcontroller. This is done once during the production phase of the device. Any future revisions of device firmware will be programmed over the JTAG port. The reset switch resets the microcontroller if there is a need to do so. The RF Output of the ARM connects to a 50-ohm controlled impedance strip-line trace that connects to the SMA type RF connector. The RF connector is used to make conducted RF measurements during certification testing. This information should be enough to assure a proper installation of the ARM into any new Aclara end point device that requires 450 MHz to 470 MHz licensed narrow band RF transmission. Labeling Labeling The ARM will have a label containing the FCC ID number and the ISED ID number positioned on the top of the module shield. A label with the HVIN number will also be on the shield. Any Aclara product which uses the module as the TX/RX portion of the circuit will have a label on the outside of the product which states that the product:

CONTAINS: FCC ID: LLB2017025 IC: 4546A-2017025 The external label material will be the equivalent of 3M #7871, 2 mil, UV stable gloss polyester, with high strength solvent acrylic adhesive. A sample label that contains the above information is shown below. tiquetage Le module ARM portera une tiquette contenant le numro didentification de la FCC et le numro didentification de lISED dans le haut du botier du module. Une tiquette portant le numro HVIN figurera galement sur le botier. Tout produit Aclara qui utilise le module comme portion TX/RX du circuit portera en surface une tiquette dclarant que le produit :

CONTIENT : ID FCC : LLB2017025 IC : 4546A-2017025 Le matriau de ltiquette extrieure sera quivalent 3M no 7871, 2 mil, polyester lustr rsistant aux UV avec adhsif acrylique puissant base de solvant. Un exemple dtiquette contenant les informations qui prcdent est inclus ci-

dessous. A c l a r a R a d i o M o d u l e I m p l e m e n t a t i o n R e q u i r e m e n t s 6 DRAFT 8-1-2019 Technical Brief PRODUCT NAME PRINT IN OPEN SANS BOLD 14 PT PRODUCT SERIAL NUMBER (MAC ID) PRINT IN OPEN SANS BOLD 10 PT SEE NOTE 5. DATA MATRIX 2D BARCODE SEE NOTE 4. CATALOG NUMBER CATALOG NUMBER REVISION DEVICE PARAMETERS DATE OF MANUFACTURE IC NUMBER FCC ID NOM DU PRODUIT IMPRIM EN OPEN SANS GRAS 14 PT NUMRO DE SRIE DU PRODUIT (ID MAC) IMPRIM EN OPEN SANS GRAS 10 PT VOIR LA NOTE 5. MATRICE DE DONNES SUR CODE BARRES 2D VOIR LA NOTE 4. NUMRO DU CATALOGUE NUMRO DE RVISION DU CATALOGUE PARAMTRES DE LAPPAREIL DATE DE FABRICATION NUMRO IC ID FCC Host Product Power Output Any Aclara host product using the Aclara 101-2017-025 radio module will have the following parameters:

Aclara Radio Module Rated Output Power Conducted Power Radiated Power with Max.Gain Antenna*

Standard Range Extended Range Maximum Range 24.31 dBm 29.16 dBm 30.31 dBm Standard Range Extended Range Maximum Range

*Maximum Antenna Gain = 5 dBi 237 mW 824 mW 1073 mW 29.31 dBm EIRP 34.16 dBm EIRP 35.31 dBm EIRP 853 mW EIRP 2606 mW EIRP 3396 mW EIRP A c l a r a R a d i o M o d u l e I m p l e m e n t a t i o n R e q u i r e m e n t s 7 DRAFT 8-1-2019 Technical Brief RF Exposure RF Exposure Host products using the ARM could perform many different functions requiring different operational parameters. The host product will meet the FCC and ISED RF exposure limitations for uncontrolled areas at a distance >20 cm. This can be obtained with the adjustment of power output, transmission duty cycle, or both. For products that are to be installed within a controlled area, the exposure limits may be relaxed to the levels required for controlled areas with the addition of any warnings that might be required for this situation. Using the power levels given above with the max gain antenna, the following conditions will meet the RF exposure limitation for uncontrolled areas at a distance of 20 cm. Exposition aux RF Les produits htes qui utilisent le module ARM pourraient effectuer diffrentes fonctions qui requirent des paramtres dexploitation varis. Le produit hte respectera les limites dexposition aux RF de la FCC et de lISED pour les zones non contrles une distance >20 cm. Cela peut tre obtenu en ajustant la puissance de sortie, le cycle dutilisation de la transmission, ou les deux. Pour les produits pour installation dans une zone contrle, les limites dexposition peuvent tre allges aux niveaux requis pour les zones contrles avec lajout des avertissements requis par la situation. En utilisant les puissances donnes ci-dessus pour le gain dantenne maximal, les conditions suivantes respectent les limites dexposition aux RF pour les zones non contrles une distance de 20 cm. Range Standard Extended Maximum Porte Standard tendue Maximum EIRP 853 mW EIRP 2606 mW EIRP 3396 mW EIRP PIRE 853 mW PIRE 2606 mW PIRE 3396 mW PIRE Duty Cycle 100%

32%

25%

Cycle de service 100 %

32 %

25 %

A c l a r a R a d i o M o d u l e I m p l e m e n t a t i o n R e q u i r e m e n t s 8

Internal EUT Photographs Photograph of RF Board: Component side, Shield removed Photograph of RF Board: Foil Side Authorized Agent: Radiometrics Midwest Corporation (815) 293-0772

External EUT Photographs Front of EUT The Enclosure is 1 1/2 inches long x 1/2 inch wide x 3/16 inches deep Bottom of EUT Authorized Agent: Radiometrics Midwest Corporation (815) 293-0772

Drawing of Label:

ID Label/Location Description of label The label is in black ink printed on a 2 mil, gloss white polyester material. The labeled is applied using an acrylic permanent adhesive. The Label is UL/CSA approved for indoor/outdoor use. The Label is 0.75 x 0.25 inches. Photograph showing placement of ID Label Authorized Agent: Radiometrics Midwest Corporation (815) 293-0772 Drawing of sample label to be placed on a host device:

While the model information will change with the different host devices, all labels will have the module ID numbers as shown on the bottom line of the label. Radiometrics Midwest Corporation (815) 293-0772 info@radiomet.com

77 West Port Plaza Drive Suite 500 St. Louis, MO 63146-3126 Aclara.com 1-800 895 6400 314 895 7373 fax July 31, 2019 To:

Bay Area Compliance Laboratories Corp. 1274 Anvilwood Avenue Sunnyvale, CA 94089 Radiometrics Midwest Corp. 12 Devonwood Ave. Romeoville, IL 60446 Dear Sir/Madam, Re: Project Authorization Letter We, Aclara Technologies, LLC, hereby authorize Radiometrics Midwest Corp to act as a laboratory for testing and test report generation for the following project(s):

Model Name:

We affirm that between Radiometrics Midwest Corp and Aclara Technologies, LLC, any difference in understanding, including test plan, measurement methods, applicable standards and relevant procedures and processes have been resolved prior to commencement of testing activities. Sincerely, 101-2017-025 Aclara Radio Module John Cunningham VP, Chief Engineer Aclara Technologies, LLC 77 Westport Plaza Drive Suite 500 St. Louis, Missouri USA Tel: 314-895-8012 Fax: 314-590-8084 Email: jcunningham@aclara.com Form# QA-FR-169

SOLVING A WAVE OF EMI COMPLIANCE PROBLEMS 12 Devonwood Ave Romeoville, IL 60446 Tel: (815) 293-0772 July 30, 2019 Federal Communications Commission Authorization and Evaluation Division 7435 Oakland Mills Rd. Columbia, MD 21046 Reference FCC ID: LLB2017025 Organization: Aclara Technologies, LLC. 1. Long Term Confidentiality In accordance with Sections 0.457 and 0.459 of the Commissions Rules, (Aclara Technologies, LLC) hereby requests long-term confidential treatment of information accompanying this application as outlined below:

(1) Circuit Schematics

(2) Block Diagrams

(3) Operational Description

(4) Parts List The above materials contain proprietary and confidential information not customarily released to the public. The public disclosure of these materials provides unjustified benefits to its competitors in the market. They are considered confidential trade secrets Authorized Signature Joseph Strzelecki Senior EMC Engineer Radiometrics Midwest Corporation Authorized Agent for Aclara Technologies LLC. Page 1 of 1 RP-9040AL

SOLVING A WAVE OF EMI COMPLIANCE PROBLEMS 12 Devonwood Ave Romeoville, IL 60446 Tel: (815) 293-0772 Federal Communications Commission Authorization and Evaluation Division 7435 Oakland Mills Rd. Columbia, MD 21046 August 6,2019

(Model 101-2017-025) Subject: Frequency Justification Attestation To whom it may concern:

Aclara Technologies LLC acknowledges that this device will not be marketed to USA users with frequency bands which are not allowed by rule part 90, and that it is a violation of FCC rules if this device is operated on unauthorized frequencies inside the United States. Aclara Technologies LLC, acknowledges that this equipment meets the requirement of FCC Rules, Part 90.203(g)(3). Programming of this products transmit frequencies can be performed only by the manufacturer or by authorized service or maintenance personnel. This equipment can only be programmed for frequencies through use of external devices or specifically programmed modules made available only to authorized service or maintenance personnel. Sincerely, Authorized Signature Joseph Strzelecki Senior EMC Engineer Radiometrics Midwest Corporation Authorized Agent for Aclara Technologies, LLC. Page 1 of 1 RP-9040

SOLVINGAWAVEOFEMICOMPLIANCEPROBLEMS Federal Communications Commission Authorization and Evaluation Division REFERENCE FCC ID: LLB2017025 RE: Request for Limited Modular Approval APPLICANT: Aclara Technologies, LLC. Modular approval Requirements Item Requirement

(a) The radio elements must have the radio frequency circuitry and must be shielded. Physical/discrete and tuning capacitors may be located external to the shield but must be on the module assembly.

(b) The module shall have buffered modulation/data input(s) (if such inputs are provided) to ensure that the module will comply with the requirements set out in the applicable RSS standard under conditions of excessive data rates or over-

modulation. The module shall have its own power supply regulation on the module. This is to ensure that the module will comply with the requirements set out in the applicable standard regardless of the design of the power supplying circuitry in the host device which houses the module.

(c)

(d) The module shall comply with the provisions for external power amplifiers and antennas detailed in this standard. The equipment certification submission shall contain a detailed description of the configuration of all antennas that will be used with the module.

(e) The module shall be tested for compliance with the applicable standard in a stand-alone configuration, i.e. the module must not be inside another device during testing. The module shall comply with the Category I equipment labeling requirements.

(f)

(g) The module shall comply with applicable RSS-102 exposure requirements, which are based on the intended use/configurations. Is the modular device for an Industry Canada licensed exempt service?

(h) 12 Devonwood Ave Romeoville, IL 60446 Tel: (815) 293-0772 August 19, 2019 Meets Justification Yes The RF portions of the module are completely contained within a metal shielding can. The module does not depend on any other shielding. The SPI interface uses buffered CMOS inputs and outputs. There is a 64-byte TX/RX FIFO buffer internal to the Si4467. The SPI Interface only allows data transfer to the transceiver and has no effect on the modulation or data rate of the RF transmitted signal. The Host Board power supply shall provide a regulated 3.6 VDC output voltage with less than 20mVAC of ripple. The power supply shall be capable of supplying up to 1.0 Amp of current and regulate the 3.6V output voltage to +/- 5%

tolerance The host controls power supply Regulation. The product is professionally installed only. The installations are controlled by Aclara. Only approved antennas will be used. No External amplifiers will be used. The product will not be sold to the general public. The product was tested with an external power supply with no additional filtering. The product was tested on a representative PCB that had no additional shielding. The FCC ID label format is included in the filing. The product will always be inside another enclosure during actual use. Refer to RF exposure Exhibit. The transmitter meets exemptions per RSS-102. It is only professionally installed by utility companies. It will not be sold to the general public Yes No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Aclara will only sell the RF module while connected to Aclara products. Aclara will control the end product into which the module will be installed and will be maintained, such that full compliance of the end product is always ensured. Radiometrics has been authorized by Aclara Technologies, LLC to act as an agent in the preparation of their submittal request for Modular Approval. Page 1 of 2 Sincerely, Joseph Strzelecki Senior EMC Engineer Radiometrics Midwest Corporation Authorized Agent for Aclara Technologies, LLC. E-Mail: joe@radiomet.com Page 2 of 2