AirPrime RC7611 Hardware Integration Guide 41113583 Rev 1.0 Hardware Integration Guide Important Notice Safety and Hazards Limitation of Liability 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. 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 IN AIRPLANE MODE OR 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 IN AIRPLANE MODE OR 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. 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. Rev 1.0 Jan 20 2 41113583 Patents This product may contain technology developed by or for Sierra Wireless Inc. This product is manufactured or sold by Sierra Wireless Inc. or its affiliates under one or more patents licensed from MMP Portfolio Licensing. Copyright 2020 Sierra Wireless. All rights reserved. Preface Sierra Wireless, AirPrime, AirLink, AirVantage and the Sierra Wireless logo are registered trademarks of Sierra Wireless, Inc. Windows and Windows Vista are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. QUALCOMM is a registered trademark of QUALCOMM Incorporated. Used under license. Other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Sales information and technical support, including warranty and returns Web: sierrawireless.com/company/contact-us/
Global toll-free number: 1-877-687-7795 6:00 am to 5:00 pm PST Corporate and product information Web: sierrawireless.com Trademarks Contact Information Revision History Revision Number Release Date Changes 1.0 January 23, 2020 Document creation Rev 1.0 Jan 20 3 41113583 Contents Introduction . 5 Accessories . 5 Power . 6 Power Supply . 6 Module Power States . 6 RF Specifications . 8 Conducted Tx Power . 9 Routing Constraints and Recommendations . 10 General Rules and Recommendations. 10 PCB Layout Recommendations . 10 Power Supply . 10 Antenna . 11 PCB Specifications for the Application Board. 11 Recommended PCB Land Pattern . 11 Routing Constraints . 11 Power Supply . 11 UIM Interface . 12 RF Circuit . 12 USB Interface . 13 Thermal Considerations . 13 EMC and ESD Recommendations . 13 Mechanical Integration . 14 Signal Reference Schematics . 15 Regulatory Compliance and Industry Certifications . 17 Important Notice . 17 Safety and Hazards . 17 Important Compliance Information for North American Users . 18 Rev 1.0 Jan 20 4 41113583 1: Introduction 1 The AirPrime RC7611 is an industrial-grade LGA 239-pad module that provides voice and data connectivity on LTE networks. The module also provides GNSS functionality as a SKU-configuration. Note: Throughout this document, references to RC7611 should be read as RC7611 and RC7611-1 unless variants are called out separately. Accessories A hardware development kit is available for AirPrime RC Series modules. The kit contains hardware components for evaluating and developing with the module, including:
Other accessories Development board Cables Antennas (additional antennas may be required to support all bands) Rev 1.0 Jan 20 5 41113583 2 2: Power Power Supply The host provides power to the AirPrime RC7611 through multiple power and ground pins. The host must provide safe and continuous power at all times; the module does not have an independent power supply, or protection circuits to guard against electrical issues. For detailed pinout and voltage/current requirements of this module, see the AirPrime RC7611 Product Technical Specification. Module Power States The module has four basic power states, as described in Table 2-1. Table 2-1: Supported Power States State Description Active Sleep
Module is fully powered (Linux can be run in the Application Core; modem is on) and operating in one of the following modes:
Full function (WWAN radio active; GNSS radio can be turned on/off)Highest power consumption. Idle mode (WWAN radio on; module is registered on network, but no active connection; GNSS radio can be turned on/off) Airplane mode (WWAN radio off; GNSS radio can be active if allowed by PRI) eDRX (Extended Discontinuous Reception)eDRX mode provides a flexible sleep for the modem, which significantly reduces energy consumption.
Lower power consumption than Active state, but higher than PSM. Application Core is sleeping; modem is in DRX/eDRX. The processor monitors signals
(triggers) that can wake the module. Sleep state can be entered based on USB-SS (if USB is connected to the module), UART_DTR, wake_lock(), configured GPIOs, and QMI exchanges from the modem. Note: On Windows systems, due to limitations of the Windows ECM driver, Sleep state is only supported if ECM is disabled or USB is disconnected. Rev 1.0 Jan 20 6 41113583 Power Table 2-1: Supported Power States State Description PSM (Power Saving Mode) 3GPP Release 12 introduced network support of PSM. PSM allows the module to negotiate, with the network, an extended period during which registration context with the network is retained while the module is unreachable. During the negotiated period, the module enters a very low-power dormant state. After the specified period, the modem and application processors boot up and the modules sends a TAU (Tracking Area Update) to the network. After sending the TAU, the module remains active to allow any pending data to be exchanged with the network. Then, after a negotiated period of inactivity, the module automatically returns to PSM to repeat the cycle. OFF Module is OFF (no power to the system). Apply power for system to go to:
or
PSM (POWER_ON_N is de-asserted) Active state (POWER_ON_N is asserted) Rev 1.0 Jan 20 7 41113583 3: RF Specifications 3 The AirPrime RC7611 operates on the frequency bands listed below. Table 3-1: LTE Frequency Band Support Band Frequency (Tx) (MHz) Frequency (Rx) (MHz) 1930 1990 2110 2155 869 894 729 746 746 756 758 768 1930 1995 859 894 2110 2200 617 652 Frequencies (MHz) 1575.42 1.023 1597.521605.92 1575.42 2.046 1561.098 2.046 Table 3-2: GNSS Frequency Band Support B2 B4 B5 B12 B13 B14 B25 B26 B66 B71 1850 1910 1710 1755 824 849 699 716 777 787 788 798 1850 1915 814 849 1710 1780 663 698 Band GPS GLONASS Galileo BeiDou Rev 1.0 Jan 20 8 41113583 Conducted Tx Power Table 3-3: Conducted Tx Max Output Power Tolerances LTE RF Band Operating Condition Minimum (dBm) Typical (dBm) Maximum (dBm) Notes B2 B4 B5 B12 B13 B14 B25 B26 B66 B71 Normal (25C) Normal (25C) Normal (25C) Normal (25C) Normal (25C) Normal (25C) Normal (25C) Normal (25C) Normal (25C) Normal (25C) 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 23 23 23 23 23 23 23 23 23 23 RF Specifications 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 Power class 3 Power class 3 Power class 3 Power class 3 Power class 3 Power class 3 Power class 3 Power class 3 Power class 3 Power class 3 Rev 1.0 Jan 20 9 41113583 4: Routing Constraints and Recommen-
dations 4 This section describes general routing constraints and recommendations for the AirPrime RC7611. Note: This is a non-exhaustive list of suggested design guidelines. The developer is respon-
sible for deciding whether to implement these guidelines. General Rules and Recommendations Clock and other high-frequency digital signals (e.g. serial buses) should be routed as far as possible from the modules analog signals. If the application design makes it possible, all analog signals should be separated from digital signals by a ground trace on the PCB. Tip: Avoid routing any signals under the module on the application board. PCB Layout Recommendations Ground pads should be re-flowed on to the host PCB with < 30% voiding to allow effective heat dissipation. Power Supply When designing the power supply, make sure that VBAT_BB/VBAT_RF meet the requirements listed in the AirPrime RC7611 Product Technical Specification. Careful attention should be paid to the following:
Power supply qualityPFM, or PSM systems should be avoided; Low ripple, linear regulation or PWM converters are preferred for low noise. Capacity to deliver high current peaks in a short time (for pulsed radio emission) VBAT_BB/VBAT_RF must support peak currents with an acceptable voltage drop that guarantees the minimum required VBAT_BB/VBAT_RF value. VBAT_BB/VBAT_RF signal pads must never exceed the maximum required VBAT_BB/VBAT_RF value, otherwise the modules power amplifier and GPS chipset may be severely damaged. A weakly-designed (not robust) power supply could affect EMC performance, the emission spectrum, and the phase error and frequency error.
Rev 1.0 Jan 20 10 41113583 Routing Constraints and Recommendations Antenna Sierra Wireless strongly recommends working with an antenna manufacturer either to develop an antenna adapted to the application, or to adapt an existing solution to the application. For information on routing constraints for the RF circuit, see RF Circuit on page 12. PCB Specifications for the Application Board Sensitive signals (such as audio, UIM, and clocks) should be protected by ground planes/fills. Routing sensitive signals close to noisy signals could result in noise being coupled. Recommended PCB Land Pattern Refer to AirPrime RC Series Customer Process Guidelines, available at http://
source.sierrawireless.com. Routing Constraints Power Supply If the following design recommendations are not followed, phase error (peak) and power loss could occur.
Since the maximum peak current can reach 2.5 A, Sierra Wireless strongly recommends having a large width for the layout of the power supply signal (to avoid voltage loss between the external power supply and VBAT_BB/
VBAT_RF. Figure 4-1: Power Supply Routing Example Rev 1.0 Jan 20 11 41113583 Hardware Integration Guide Note: Figure 4-1 shows separate traces for VBAT_BB and VBAT_RF. If VBAT_BB and VBAT_RF share a single power supply, these traces should be connected.
Note: For optimal decoupling, place the capacitors on the underside of the board, directly under the pins. Filtering capacitors (100 nF to 1500 F) are recommended near the modules power supply. Attention should be paid to the ground trace or the ground plane on the appli-
cation board for the power supply that supplies the module. The ground trace or ground plane, as well as the VBAT trace, must be able to support current peaks. If the ground trace between the module and the power supply is a copper plane, make sure it is a solid plane. Design routing to make sure total line impedance does not exceed 10 m @ 217 Hz. Ground Plane Connection The AirPrime RC7611 requires a solid, central ground plane (with solder mask defined pads) located directly under the module. This will:
Ensure high current signal returns Provide heat dissipation under higher operating temperatures The ground plane should be connected (with vias) to the reference ground layer of the application board. UIM Interface The length of the tracks between the AirPrime RC7611 and the UIM socket should be as short as possible. Maximum recommended length is 10cm. ESD protection is mandatory on the UIM lines unless there is no physical access to the UIM. The decoupling capacitor(s) should be placed as close as possible to the UIM card connector for the UIM1_VCC signal. RF Circuit The RF signal must be routed on the application board using tracks with a 50 characteristic impedance. The characteristic impedance depends on the dielectric, the track width and the ground plane spacing. It is recommended to use stripline design if the RF path is fairly long (more than 3 cm), since microstrip design is not shielded. Consequently, the RF (transmit) signal may interfere with neighboring electronic circuits. In the same way, the neighboring electronics (micro-controllers, etc.) may interfere with the RF
(receive) signal and degrade the reception performance. Rev 1.0 Jan 20 12 41113583 Routing Constraints and Recommendations USB Interface When the USB interface is externally accessible, ESD protection is required on the USB_VBUS, USB_D+, and USB_D- signals. Thermal Considerations When transmitting, the AirPrime RC7611 can generate significant amounts of heat (due to the internal Power Amplifier) that must be dissipated in the host device for safety and performance reasons. The amount of thermal dissipation required depends on the following factors:
Supply voltageMaximum power dissipation for these modules can be up to 3 W at voltage supply limits. UsageTypical power dissipation values depend on the location within the host, amount of data transferred, etc.
To enhance heat dissipation:
Maximize airflow over / around the module
Locate the module away from other components that generate heat Ensure the module is connected to a solid ground plane EMC and ESD Recommendations EMC tests must be performed on the application as soon as possible to detect any potential problems.
When designing, special attention should be paid to:
Possible spurious emissions radiated by the application to the RF receiver in the receiver band ESD protectionTypically, ESD protection is mandatory for externally acces-
sible signals, including:
VBAT_RF/VBAT_BB UIM (if accessible from outside) Serial link USB Antennas Length of the UIM interface lines (preferably <10 cm) Length of the HSIC interface lines (<10 cm, as required by the HSIC specifi-
cation)
EMC protection on audio input/output (filters against 900 MHz emissions)
Ground plane: Sierra Wireless recommends a common ground plane for
analog/digital/RF grounds Note: The AirPrime RC7611 does not include any protection against over-voltage. The host device must provide adequate ESD protection on digital circuits and antenna ports as detailed in the following table. Rev 1.0 Jan 20 13 41113583 Hardware Integration Guide Note: The level of protection required depends on your application. Table 4-1: ESD Specifications a,b Category Connection Specification Operational RF ports UIM connector USB connector UART connector IEC-61000-4-2 - Level (Electrostatic Discharge Immunity Test)
6kV Contact 8kV Air Non-operational Host connector interface Unless otherwise specified:
JESD22-A114 1kV Human Body Model JESD22-A115 100V Machine Model JESD22-C101C 500V Charged Device Model a. ESD specifications are preliminary, subject to change. b. ESD protection is highly recommended at the point where the UIM contacts are exposed, and for any other signals that would be subjected to ESD by the user. Mechanical Integration Attention should be paid to:
Antenna cable integration (bending, length, position, etc) Pads of the AirPrime RC7611 to be soldered to the ground plane Ensuring proper board layout Providing sufficient space around the module for heat dissipation Rev 1.0 Jan 20 14 41113583 Routing Constraints and Recommendations Signal Reference Schematics 0 UIM_VCC F n 0 0 1
F n 0 1 DNI 0 0 0 UIM_RESET_N UIM_CLK UIM1_DET DNI DNI DNI DNI VGPIO_1V8 DNI 0 UIM_DATA UIM1 C5 C6 C7 GND VPP I/O C1 C2 C3 VCC RST CLK 9 SW_A SW_B 10 SIM2070-6-0-30-00-A ESD suppressor 1 2 3 4 6 5 Example ESD suppressor:
STMicroelectronics DALC208SC6 uClamp 3301P Figure 4-2: UIM Interface Note: Example ESD and SIM connector part numbers listed. Comparable parts may be used instead. Note: Capacitor on UIM_CLK is intended to slow down the clock signal in case of crosstalk. Important: SIM connector must have a Normally closed detection switch. Figure 4-3: USB Interface Rev 1.0 Jan 20 15 41113583 Hardware Integration Guide VCC_5V0 VCC_1V8 K 1 5
5 USB_ID VCC_1V8 1 2 5 NC1 VCC A Y 4 NC2 GND 6 3 51K 5%
DNI K 1 5
5 Figure 4-4: USB OTG Interface Replace with FPF2163 if Autorestart is required F 0 1 USB_VBUS 2 4 6 VIN VOUT FLAGB ISET 3 1 ON 5 GND1 GND2 7 FPF2164 0 7 4
1 Rev 1.0 Jan 20 16 41113583 5: Regulatory Compliance and Industry Certifications 5 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 your AirPrime RC7611:
Where explosive atmospheres may be present including refueling points, fuel In areas where blasting is in progress
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 AirPrime RC7611 MUST BE POWERED OFF. Otherwise, the module can transmit signals that could interfere with this equipment. In an aircraft, the AirPrime RC7611 MUST BE POWERED OFF. Otherwise, the module 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 AirPrime RC7611 may be used normally at this time. Rev 1.0 Jan 20 17 41113583 Hardware Integration Guide Important Compliance Information for North American Users The AirPrime RC7611 has been granted modular approval for mobile applications. Integrators may use the AirPrime RC7611 in their end products without additional FCC certification if they meet the following conditions. Otherwise, additional FCC approvals must be obtained. 1. The end product must use the RF trace design approved with the AirPrime RC7611. The Gerber file of the trace design can be obtained from Sierra Wireless upon request. 2. At least 20 cm separation distance between the antenna and the users body must be maintained at all times. 3. To comply with FCC 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 the limits stipulated in Table 5-1 on page 18. Table 5-1: Antenna Gain Specifications LTE Band Frequency (MHz) Maximum Antenna Gain (dBi) 2 4 5 12 13 14 25 26 66 71 18501910 17101755 824849 699716 777787 788798 18501915 814849 17101780 663698 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 Rev 1.0 Jan 20 18 41113583 Regulatory Compliance and Industry Certifications 4. The AirPrime RC7611 may transmit simultaneously with other collocated radio transmitters within a host device, provided the following conditions are met:
Each collocated radio transmitter has been certified by FCC for mobile application. At least 20 cm separation distance between the antennas of the collocated transmitters and the users body must be maintained at all times. The radiated power of a collocated transmitter must not exceed the EIRP limit stipulated in Table 5-2. Table 5-2: Collocated Radio Transmitter Specifications Device Technology Frequency (MHz) EIRP Limit (dBm) Collocated transmittersa WLAN WiMAX BT 24002500 51505850 23002400 25002700 33003800 24002500 25 27 25 25 25 15 a. Valid collocated transmitter combinations: WLAN+BT; WiMAX+BT.
(WLAN+WiMAX+BT is not permitted.) 5. A label must be affixed to the outside of the end product into which the AirPrime RC7611 is incorporated, with a statement similar to the following:
This device contains FCC ID: N7NRC76B. 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 RF exposure guidelines. The end product with an embedded AirPrime RC7611 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. Rev 1.0 Jan 20 19 41113583