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 operators 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 1-604-232-1488 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Pacific Time sales@sierrawireless.com Sales Desk:
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Sierra Wireless 13811 Wireless Way 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 3.2. 3.1. 1.1. 3.1.1. 3.1.2. 2.1. 2.2. 2.3. 1. INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................. 7 Hardware Development Components ............................................................................... 7 2. POWER INTERFACE ........................................................................................... 8 Power Supply .................................................................................................................... 8 Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) ........................................................................................... 8 Power States ..................................................................................................................... 9 3. RF INTEGRATION ............................................................................................. 10 Supported RF Bands ....................................................................................................... 10 Ground Connection Guidelines ................................................................................ 11 Shielding Guidelines ................................................................................................ 11 Antenna Guidelines ......................................................................................................... 11 Choosing the Correct Antenna and Cabling ............................................................ 11 Determining the Antennas Location ........................................................................ 11 RF Desense Sources ...................................................................................................... 12 4. AUDIO INTERFACE ........................................................................................... 13 5. REGULATORY INFORMATION ......................................................................... 14 Important Notice .............................................................................................................. 14 Safety and Hazards ......................................................................................................... 14 Important Compliance Information for North American Users ........................................ 15 6. REFERENCES ................................................................................................... 17 Reference Documents ..................................................................................................... 17 List of Abbreviations ........................................................................................................ 17 5.1. 5.2. 5.3. 3.2.1. 3.2.2. 6.1. 6.2. 3.3. WA_DEV_SL9090_HWIG_0011 Rev 1 July 272012 5 List of Tables Table 1. Table 2. Table 3. Table 4. Table 5. Table 6. Power Supply Requirements ............................................................................................. 8 ESD Specifications ............................................................................................................ 8 Supported SL9090 Power States ...................................................................................... 9 Supported Frequency Ranges ........................................................................................ 10 PCM Audio Interface Features ........................................................................................ 13 Audio Pin Description ...................................................................................................... 13 WA_DEV_SL9090_HWIG_0011 Rev 1 July 272012 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 272012 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 Voltage Range (VMIN VMAX) Current (instantaneous (5ms)) Current (continuous) 3.6V (nominal) 3.4V 4.3V 3A 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 Non-operational Host connector interface Signals USIM connector Other host signals IEC-61000-4-2 Level (Electrostatic Discharge Immunity Test) Unless otherwise specified:
JESD22-A114 +/- 2kV Human Body Model JESD22-A115 +/- 200V Machine Model JESD22-C101C +/- 500V Charged Device Model ESD protection is highly recommended at the point where the USIM contacts are exposed, and for any other signals that would be subjected to ESD by the user. WA_DEV_SL9090_HWIG_0011 Rev 1 July 272012 8 2.3. Power States The SL9090 module has five power states as detailed in the following table. Power Interface Table 3. Supported SL9090 Power States State Description Host Powered Module Powered USB Interface Active RF Enabled Capable of placing / receiving calls or establishing data connections on network USB interface is fully active Current consumption in a call or data connection is affected by:
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 State entered automatically when critical voltage / temperature thresholds are exceeded. Host should consider powering off module to prevent damage to unit. Normal state of module between calls or data connections. Module cycles between wake (polling the network) and sleep, at network provider-determined interval. Host power is connected Module is powered down (drawing minimal current from host power supply) Host power is disconnected from module All module-related voltages are at 0V Normal
(Default state) Airplane Mode (RF off) Sleep (Idle Mode) Off Disconnected 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 GSM 850 EGSM 900 DCS 1800 PCS 1900 Transmit: 824 849 Receive: 869 894 Transmit: 880 915 Receive: 925 960 Transmit: 1710 1785 Receive: 1805 1880 Transmit: 1850 1910 Receive: 1930 1990 WCDMA Bands Band I WCDMA 2100 Band II WCDMA 1900 Band V WCDMA 850 Band VIII WCDMA 900 WCDMA Bands RX Diversity Band I WCDMA 2100 Band II WCDMA 1900 Band V WCDMA 850 Band VIII WCDMA 900 GPS Transmit: 1920 1980 Receive: 2110 2170 Transmit: 1850 1910 Receive: 1930 1990 Transmit: 824 849 Receive: 869 894 Transmit: 880 915 Receive: 925 960 Transmit: 1920 1980 Receive: 2110 2170 Transmit: 1850 1910 Receive: 1930 1990 Transmit: 824 849 Receive: 869 894 Transmit: 880 915 Receive: 925 960 GPS CDMA Bands 1575.42 Band Class 0 CDMA 800 (North American Cellular) Band Class 1 CDMA 1900 (North American PCS) WA_DEV_SL9090_HWIG_0011 Rev 1 July 272012 10 3.1.1. Ground Connection Guidelines When connecting the module to system ground:
RF Integration 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 50 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 Antennas 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 importantif the host device is insufficiently shielded, high levels of broadband or spurious noise can degrade the modules performance. Connecting cables between the module and the antenna must have 50 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 modules 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 Hz100 kHz Interference from other embedded wireless devices Any harmonics, sub-harmonics, or cross-products of signals that fall in the modules 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 modules receiver, resulting in RF desense. Severity of interference depends on proximity of other antennas to the modules antennas. Host electronic device-generated RF Proximity of host electronics to the modules 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 Power Features I2S interface supported to interface with external codec 1.8 V (use VREF_1V8 as logic reference) 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 I2S_SCLK I2S_WS I2S_MCLK*
I2S_DOUT*
I2S Clock I2S Word Select I2S Master Clock I2S Data Output 11 12 13 14 Notes 8 kHz 256KHz WA_DEV_SL9090_HWIG_0011 Rev 1 July 272012 13 5. Regulatory Information Important Notice 5.1. 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 272012 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 users 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 50 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 272012 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 50 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 272012 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 BER BLER Call Box CDMA dB dBm DUT EDGE EM ESD FER GPRS GPS GSM Hz inrush current IS-2000 IS-95 LDO MHz MIO MPE OTA PCS Automatic Gain Control Bit Error Rate - a measure of receive sensitivity Block Error Rate Base Station Simulator - Agilent E8285A or 8960, Rohde & Schwarz CMU200 Code Division Multiple Access 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 Decibels, relative to 1 mW - Decibel(mW) = 10 x log10 (Pwr (mW)/1mW) Device Under Test Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution Embedded Module ElectroStatic Discharge Frame Error Rate - a measure of receive sensitivity General Packet Radio Services Global Positioning System Global System for Mobile communications Hertz = 1 cycle/second Peak current drawn when a device is connected or powered on 3G radio standards for voice and data (CDMA only) 2G radio standards targeted for voice (cdmaONE) Low Drop Out - refers to linear regulator MegaHertz = 10E6 Hertz (Hertz = 1 cycle/second) Module Input/Output Maximum Permissible Exposurethe level of radiation to which a person may be exposed without hazardous effect or adverse biological changes Over-The-Air or Radiated through the antenna Personal Communication System - PCS spans the 1.9 GHz radio spectrum WA_DEV_SL9090_HWIG_0011 Rev 1 July 272012 17 Acronym or Term Definition References Radio Frequency Root Mean Square Selective Availability Measure of lowest power signal that the receiver can measure Measure of lowest power signal at the receiver input that can provide a prescribed BER/BLER/SNR value at the receiver output. Subscriber Identity Module Sierra Wireless AirPrime soldered-down module used on GSM/UMTS networks Signal to Noise Ratio Start of Frame - a USB function Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter Universal Mobile Telecommunications System Universal Serial Bus Universal Subscriber Identity Module Supply voltage Wideband Code Division Multiple AccessIn this document, the term UMTS is used instead of WCDMA. In this document, XIM is used as part of the contact identifiers for the USIM interface
(XIM_VCC, XIM_CLK, etc.). RF RMS SA Sensitivity (Audio) Sensitivity (RF) SIM SL9090 SNR SOF UART UMTS USB USIM VCC WCDMA XIM WA_DEV_SL9090_HWIG_0011 Rev 1 July 272012 18