GE MDS DS-SF9 Wireless Data Transceiver Module User Manual 05 6334A01 SF9 Integration Guide

GE MDS LLC Wireless Data Transceiver Module 05 6334A01 SF9 Integration Guide

Integration guide

1.0 INTRODUCTION05-6334A01, Rev. A MDS SF9 Integration Guide 1MDS TransNET-SF9Publication No. 05-6334A01, Rev. 01The MDS TransNET-SF9 (Figure 1), is a modular spread spectrum transceiver designed for use in the license-free 902-928 MHz band. The unit is designed for use inside data equipment to provide reliable connectivity in wireless networks.The SF9 employs a closed-loop power control circuit, ensuring that the RF output never exceeds +30 dBm at the antenna connector. The module is designed for OEM use only. Host systems, if used with antennas having standard connectors, must be professionally installed. Host systems using integrated antennas or unique antenna connectors must be factory configured by the OEM to operate at the correct output power setting. Refer to the table at the end of this guide to determine applicable antenna types and the RF output power allowed.Electronic copies of this document and other GE MDS user guides are available free of charge at www.gemds.com.1.1 Transceiver FeaturesThe SF-9 maximizes performance and flexibility in wireless networks, offering the following key features:• 128 frequencies over 902–928 MHz, divided into 8 zones• User-selectable option to skip sub-bands with interference• 65,000 available network addresses• Network-wide configuration from the Master station, elimi-nating most trips to Remote sites• Data transparency ensures compatibility with virtually all asynchronous SCADA system terminals.• Peak-hold RSSI averaged over eight hop cycles• Operation at up to 115,200 bps continuous data flow• Store-and-Forward repeater operation• Data latency typically less than 10 ms• Same hardware for Master or Remote configuration• Supports RS/EIA-232 and RS/EIA-485 user interface• Low current draw; typically less than 8 mA in sleep mode• Operates at 3.3 Vdc at the power connectorFigure 1. SF9 Transceiver Module(J3 Data/Power and J200 Antenna Connectors on other side)NOTE: Some features may not be available on all units, based on the options purchased, or regulatory constraints in the country of operation.1.2 AccessoriesGE MDS offers an Accessories Selection Guide listing additional items that may be used with our products. Contact your factory representative or visit www.gemds.com for the latest copy.2.0 INSTALLATIONThe transceiver is designed for installation in existing electronic equipment. It mounts to any flat surface using screws through the four holes provided in the corners of the PC board.Only two cable connections required to the radio; J3, the Power/Data connector, and J200, the Antenna connector. It is recommended that the module be installed in a manner that permits viewing the four status LEDs (CR3, 4, 5, and 6) during operation. These LEDs provide important information that is useful during startup and optimization of the radio link.Antennas used with the radio can be either a Yagi directional type (often used at remote sites) or an omni-directional type used for short range applications or at Master stations. Contact your sales representative for information on available antennas.Follow these steps to install the transceiver module:1. Select a suitable mounting location for the module. This should be a flat surface close enough to the power/data and antenna cabling so that these will reach their respective connectors. 2. Secure the module to the surface using suitable screws through the mounting holes in each corner of the radio’s PC board. Use spacers as necessary to achieve required height. (Mounting hardware is not supplied.)3. Select and install an appropriate antenna and feedline for your system coverage requirements.4. Connect the antenna coaxial lead to J200 on the module. It accepts a Type-UMC female coaxial connector.5. Prepare the power/data cabling for connection to J3 on the module. It accepts a Molex SlimStackTM 20 pin receptacle. Use only the required data pins for the application (see Table 1 for pin information). The input power applied to J3 must be 3.3 Vdc (-0/+0.2 V). Connect the plug to J3.Table 1: J3 Power/Data Connector PinoutsPin(s) Description1, 2, 7, 8 Signal Ground—Connects to ground (negative supply potential) on the radio’s PC board and chassis3, 4, 5, 6 3.3 Vdc Input9Alarm10 DCD_LED11 Serial Configuration12 CTS (Clear-to-Send)—Goes “high” after the programmed CTS delay time has elapsed (DCE), or keys an attached radio when RF data arrives (CTS KEY). CTS_N-485_DE 13 RXD (Received Data)—Supplies received data to the connected device14 RTS (Request-to-Send)15 TXD (Transmitted Data)—Accepts TX data from the connected device16 Power Supply Shutdown PS_SHDN17 Sleep18 DIAG_RXD19 DIAG_TXD20 Reserved. Do not connect.
2 MDS SF9 Integration Guide 05-6334A01, Rev. A6. Set the radio’s basic configuration with a PC terminal con-nected to J3. The three essential settings for all transceivers are:•Mode: Master, Remote, or Extension•Network Address: A unique number from 1 to 65000•Data Interface Parameters: bps, data bits, parity, stop bits7. Observe the transceiver LED status panel for proper indica-tions (see Table 2). Table 2: LED Indicator DescriptionsLED Name DescriptionRXD (CR3)Receive DataSerial receive data activity. Payload data from connected device.TXD (CR4)Transmit DataSerial transmit data activity. Payload data to connected device.DCD (CR5)Data Carrier DetectContinuous—Radio is receiving/sending syn-chronization framesOn within 10 seconds of power-up under nor-mal conditionsGP (CR6)General Purpose •Continuous—Power is applied to the radio; no problems detected• Flashing (5 times-per-second)—Fault indi-cation. See Troubleshooting•Off—Radio is unpowered or in Sleep mode8. In a normally operating system, you will see the following indi-cations within 16 seconds of start-up:•PWR lamp lit continuously•SYNC lamp lit continuously• Remote radio(s) transmitting data (TXD) and receiving data (RXD) with the Master station.9. Optimize the installation by checking:• Antenna aiming and SWR check• Data buffer setting (applicable to Modbus protocol)• Hoptime setting• Optimal baud rate setting• Radio interference checks3.0 RADIO PROGRAMMINGThere are no manual adjustments on the radio. All programming and control is performed through a PC connected to the radio’s J3 connector.3.1 User CommandsThe following tables provide descriptions of the various user commands for the transceiver. For additional detail refer to the TransNET OEM Integration Guide (05-3946A01). (This material is referenced as a resource for command details only. Other material in the guide pertains to a different TransNET model.)Table 3: Network Configuration—Master StationCOMMAND DESCRIPTIONAT [ON, OFF]BUFF [ON, OFF]FEC [ON, OFF]HOPTIME [7, 28]LPM [1, 0]REPEATRETRY [0–10]SAF [ON, OFF]SKIP [NONE, 1...8] NOTE: In the USA, a maximum of four zones may be skipped, per FCC rules. Check the regulatory requirements for your region before skipping zones.Table 4: Network-Wide DiagnosticsCOMMAND DESCRIPTIONDLINK [xxxxx/ON/OFF]DTYPE [NODE/ROOT]Enables Master station to emulate a modem and respond to AT commandsON = Seamless dataOFF = Fast byte throughput.Sets/disables FEC (Forward Error Correction) setting.Displays hop-time or sets it to 7 or 28 ms.Used at Master to set all associated stations in an energy-conservation mode.1 = Low-power mode enabled network-wide0 = Disable low-power mode (Default)Sets/displays the fixed downstream re-send count.Sets/displays the maximum upstream re-send count for ARQ (Automatic Repeat Request) operationEnables/disables the store-and-forward function for the network controlled by this Master unit.Skip one or more frequency zones—See note below regarding zone skips.Controls operation of diagnostic link function.Set radio’s operational characteristics for network-wide diagnosticsTable 5: Operational Configuration COMMAND DESCRIPTIONADDR [1–65000] Program network addressAMASK [0000 0000–FFFF FFFF] Alarm responseDefault: FFFF FFFFASENSE [HI/LO] Sense of the alarm output on Pin 6 of the DATA interface connector in the EIA-232 mode. Default: Alarm present = HIBAND [A, B, C] Selects one of three operating bands.(2.4 GHz Model Only)BAUD [xxxxx abc] Data communication parametersCODE [NONE, 1...255] Select the security/encryption setting in the radioCSADDR [1–65000] Used on a single Master/Remote net-work to support TDD-style simulated full-duplex.CTS [0–255] CTS delay in milliseconds(A value of 0 returns CTS immediately)CTSHOLD [0–60000] “Hold time” that CTS is present following last character from DATA port.DEVICE [DCE, CTS KEY] Device behavior: DCE (normal) or CTS KeyCOMMAND DESCRIPTION
05-6334A01, Rev. A MDS SF9 Integration Guide 3MODE [M, R, X] Operating mode: M = Master, R = Remote, X = ExtensionMRSSI [NONE, -40...-90] Minimum RSSI level required to preserve synchronization with a Master radio for Remotes in mobile service.OT [ON, OFF] Enables a 1-second delay on delivery of RXD serial data.OWN [xxxxx] Owner’s name, or alternate message(30 characters maximum)PORT [RS232, RS485] Data port (DATA connector) interface signaling mode: RS232 or RS485PWR [20–30] Power output in dBm RXD [0–255] Set RXD delay time for virtual seamless mode with low latencyRXTOT [NONE, 0–1440] Maximum duration (in minutes) before time-out alarm. Default is OFF.RTU [ON, OFF, 0–80] Enable or Disable unit’s built-in RTU simulator. Default is OFF. Set RTU address between zero and 80.SLEEP [ON, OFF] Enable or Disable the radio’s energy-conservation Sleep mode func-tion.UNIT [10000–60000] Unit address used for network-wide diagnostics. (Unique within associated network.)XADDR [0–31] This unit’s Extended addressTypically, the Master is set to zero (0).XMAP [00000000–FFFFFFFF] Included Extended units in MODE X. (Extensions and Remotes only) XPRI [0–31] Address of the primary Extended radio unit (Extension).XRSSI [NONE, -40...-120] Minimum RSSI level required to preserve synchronization with a non-primary radio. (Only meaningful when XPRI is not NONE)ZONE CLEAR Reset zone data statisticsTable 6: Operating Status—Display Only COMMAND DESCRIPTIONADDR Network addressAMASK Alarm mask (response)ASENSE Current sense of the alarm output.BAUD Data communication parameters. Exam-ple: BAUD 9600 8N1BUFF Data buffering mode: ON = seamless data, OFF = fast byte throughputCODE Security/encryption operational status.“NONE” (Inactive), or “ACTIVE”CTS CTS delay in milliseconds (0–255 ms)CTSHOLD “Hold time” that CTS is present following last character from DATA port.Table 5: Operational Configuration (Continued)COMMAND DESCRIPTIONDEVICE Device behavior Alternatives: DCE and CTS KEYHOPTIME Hop-time value in milliseconds (ms).LPMHOLD Time (0-1000 ms) provided to give an RTU time to respond before the radio goes to sleep.MODE Current operating mode: M = MasterR = RemoteX = Extension (Repeater)MRSSI Minimum RSSI level required to preserve synchronization with a Master radio for Remotes in mobile service.OWM Owner’s message or site nameOT Status (ON/OFF) of the 1-second delay on delivery of RXD serial data.OWN Owner’s name or system namePORT Current data port (DATA connector) inter-face signaling mode: RS232 or RS485PWR Forward power-output setting in dBmREPEAT The fixed downstream re-send count.RETRY The maximum upstream re-send count for ARQ (Automatic Repeat Request) operation.RSSI Received signal strength indicator (in dBm). Unavailable at Master unless SETUP is enabled.RTU RTU simulator’s operational status (ON/OFF)RXTOT The amount of time (in seconds) to wait before issuing a time-out alarm. SAF Store-and-forward mode status in this unit. (ON/OFF)SER Serial number of radioSHOW CON Display virtual modem connection statusSHOW PWR RF output power. Measured RF power in dBm.SHOW SYNC Information on synchronization sourceSKIP Frequency zones that are skippedSLEEP Radio’s Sleep Mode setting. (At Remotes Only)SREV Transceiver firmware revision levelSTAT Current alarm statusTEMP Transceiver’s internal temperature (°C)UNIT Programmed unit address for network-wide diagnosticsXADDR This unit’s Extended addressXPRI Address of the primary Extended radio unit (Extension).Table 6: Operating Status—Display Only (Continued)COMMAND DESCRIPTION
4 MDS SF9 Integration Guide 05-6334A01, Rev. ASuccessful troubleshooting is not difficult, but requires a logical approach. It is best to begin troubleshooting at the Master site, as the rest of the system depends on the Master for polling instructions and synchronization data. If the Master has problems, the operation of the entire network will be affected.Begin by checking the basics. All radios in the network must meet these requirements:• Adequate and stable primary power (3.3 Vdc) at J3.• An efficient and properly aligned antenna system• Secure connections (RF, data & power)• Proper programming of the radio’s operating parameters, especially Operating Mode (MODE), Network Address (ADDR), and interface Baud Rate (BAUD).• The correct interface between the radio and the connected data equipment (proper cable wiring, data format and timing).• In store-and-forward systems these additional areas should be checked or evaluated:• Look for duplicate XADDR values on MODE M and MODE X radios. Duplicates will cause failures (unless the radios are too far apart to hear each other).• Check for errors in the synchronization qualifiers, XPRI and XMAP, on corresponding Remote radios.• Verify SAF is enabled at the Master radio.4.1 LEDsTable 8 describes the functions of the LEDs on the transceiver board.Table 8: LED Indicator DescriptionsName DescriptionRXD Receive data activity on the J3 interface connectorTXD Transmit data activity on the J3 interface connectorSYNC Continuous—Radio is receiving/sending synchronization frames. Normally on within 10 seconds of power-up.PWR •Continuous—Power applied to radio; no faults•Flashing (5 times-per-second)—Fault indication. See Troubleshooting above, as well as chart below.•Off—Radio is unpowered or in Sleep modeTable 9 provides suggestions for resolving system difficulties that may be experienced in the radio system. If problems persist, contact the factory for further assistance.XMAP Included Extended units in MODE X. (Extensions and Remotes only). XRSSI Minimum RSSI level required to preserve synchronization with a non-primary radio. (Only meaningful when XPRI is not NONE)Table 7: Diagnostic and Test Functions COMMAND DESCRIPTIONKEY Enables the transmitter test. (must be in Setup mode).DKEY Turns off the transmitter test (must be in Setup mode).TX [xxxx] Set/display transmit test frequency (must be in Setup mode).RX [xxxx] Set/display receive test frequency. (must be in Setup mode).SETUP Enables Setup mode. Times out after 10 minutes. Press “Q” to quit.ZONE DATA Zone data statisticsZONE CLEAR Clears the Zone Data log4.0 TROUBLESHOOTINGTable 6: Operating Status—Display Only (Continued)COMMAND DESCRIPTIONTable 9: Troubleshooting Chart Difficulty Recommended System ChecksUnit isinoperative a.Check for the proper supply voltage (3.3 Vdc) at the power connector.b.The transceiver’s internal fuse may have opened.Interference is suspected a.Verify that the system has a unique network ad-dress. Nearby systems with the same address will cause interference.b.Check for interference by locking out affected zone(s) using the SKIP command.c.If omnidirectional antennas are used on Remote stations, consider changing to directional anten-nas. This will often limit interference to and from other stations.
05-6334A01, Rev. A MDS SF9 Integration Guide 54.2 Alarm CodesWhen an alarm condition exists, the transceiver creates an alarm code. These codes can be helpful in resolving system difficulties.4.2.1 Major vs. Minor AlarmsMajor alarms report serious conditions that generally indicate a hardware failure, or other abnormal condition that will prevent (or seriously hamper) further operation of the transceiver.With the exception of alarm code 00 (network address not programmed), major alarms generally indicate the need for factory repair. Contact your factory representative for further assistance.Minor alarms report conditions which, under most circumstances, will not prevent transceiver operation. This includes out-of-tolerance conditions, baud rate mismatches, etc. The cause of these alarms should be investigated and corrected to prevent eventual failure.4.2.2 Checking for Alarms: STAT commandTo check for the presence of alarms, enter STAT. If no alarms exist, the message NO ALARMS PRESENT appears at the top of the display.If an alarm does exist, a two-digit alarm code (00–31) is displayed, and it is identified as a major or minor alarm. A brief description of the alarm is also given. Alarm codes and their meanings are listed in Table 10.If more than one alarm exists, the word MORE appears at the bottom of the screen; additional alarms can be viewed by pressing ENTER.Table 10: Alarm CodesAlarm Code Alarm TypeDescription00 Major The network address is not programmed.01 Major Improper firmware detected for this radio model.04 Major One or more of the programmable synthesizer loops is reporting an out-of-lock condition.08 Major The system is reporting that it has not been calibrat-ed. Factory calibration is required for proper radio operation.10 Major The DSP was unable to properly program the sys-tem to the appropriate defaults. A hardware prob-lem may exist.12 Major Receiver time-out alarm.16 Minor The unit address is not programmed.17 Minor A data parity fault has been detected on the DATA connector. This usually indicates a parity setting mismatch between the radio and the RTU.18 Minor A data framing error has been detected on the DATA connector. This may indicate a baud rate mis-match between the radio and the RTU.29 Minor RF output power fault detected. (Power differs by more than 2 dB from set level.) Often caused by high antenna system SWR. Check antenna, feed-line and connectors.30 Minor The system is reporting an RSSI reading below –105 dBm. 31 Minor The transceiver’s internal temperature is approach-ing an out-of-tolerance condition. If the temperature drifts outside of the recommended operating range and the transceiver may fail.4.3 Power Consumption RatingsThe module has the following nominal power consumption ratings when operated at the required input voltage of 3.3 Vdc (-0/+0.2 V tolerance) at the power connector:Sleep Mode: 5 mAShutdown Mode: 2 mAReceive Mode: 130 mATransmit Mode: 1.4 Amperes4.4 3.3 Vdc Regulation RequiredOEM Integrators must regulate the DC voltage applied to the SF9 module at +3.3 Vdc, with a tolerance of -.0/+.2 Vdc. This can be achieved using a voltage regulator similar to the Texas Instruments PTH0407W, which is a precision DC regulator. The transmitter uses a closed-loop power control circuit that ensures the peak RF power will never exceed +30dBm.The input voltage range of the PTH04070W device is 3 V to 5.5 V, allowing operation from either a 3.3-V or 5-V input bus. Using switched-mode power-conversion technology, the PTH04070W can step down to voltages as low as 0.9 V from a 5-V input bus, with typically less than 1 W of power dissipation. The output voltage must be set to a voltage of 3.3 V, using a single external trim resistor. Operating features of the TI device include an under-voltage lockout (UVLO), on/off inhibit, output overcurrent protection, and over-temperature protection.For example purposes, a circuit employing this method of regulation is shown below in schematic form.No synchroniza-tion with Master, or poor overall performancea.Check for secure interface connections at the ra-dio and the connected device.b.Check the antenna, feedline and connectors. Re-flected power should be less than 10% of the for-ward power reading (SWR » 2:1 or lower).c.If the Remote radio is in synchronization, but per-formance is poor, check the received signal strength using the RSSI command. If RSSI is low, it may indicate antenna problems, or mis-alignment of directional antenna headings.d.Verify proper programming of system parame-ters: mode, network address, data interface baud rate, transmitter power, CTS delay, etc. For store-and-forward applications, also verify the following: SAF is ON; extended address is prop-erly programmed at each extension; Remotes are using the proper values for XPRI and XMAP.e.Check for alarms using the STAT command.BER is too high. Data throughput is spottya.The RETRY and REPEAT commands may be in-creased to deal with interference, or decreased to increase throughput and reduce latency. b.Try turning on FEC. FEC on gives some coding gain, but comes at the cost of reduced through-put.Latency is too high a.Reduce the REPEAT count.b.Turn BUFF OFF. BUFF ON ensures that no gaps occur in the data, but this comes at the cost of in-creased latency.c.Make sure HOPTIME is set to 7.Table 9: Troubleshooting Chart (Continued)
6 MDS SF9 Integration Guide 05-6334A01, Rev. A4.5 Technical AssistanceFactory technical assistance is available by contacting GE MDS during business hours (8:30 AM to 6:00 PM Eastern Time). Use one of the following means to contact the factory:Telephone: (585) 241-5510 FAX: (585) 242-8369E-mail: gemds.techsupport@ge.comWeb: www.gemds.comFCC Part 15 and Industry Canada RSS NoticeThis device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules and Industry Canada license-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.a) Under Industry Canada regulations, this radio transmitter may only operate using an antenna of a type and maximum (or lesser) gain approved for the transmitter by Industry Canada. To reduce potential radio interference to other users, the antenna type and its gain should be so chosen that the equivalent isotropically radiated power (e.i.r.p.) is not more than that necessary for successful communication.b) The radio transmitter described herein (IC ID: 101D-SF9) has been approved by Industry Canada to operate with the antenna types listed below with the maximum permissible gain and required antenna impedance for each antenna type indicated. Antenna types not included in this list, having a gain greater than the maximum gain indicated for that type, are strictly prohibited for use with this device.Warning: Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.Cet appareil est conforme à la Partie 15 des règlements de la FCC et Industrie Canada exempts de licence standard RSS (s). Son utilisation est soumise à deux conditions: (1) ce dispositif ne peut causer des interférences, (2) cet appareil doit accepter toute interférence pouvant causer un mauvais fonctionnement du dispositif.a) En vertu des règlements d'Industrie Canada, cet émetteur radio ne peut fonctionner avec une antenne d'un type et un maximum (ou moins) approuvés pour gagner de l'émetteur par Industrie Canada. Pour réduire le risque d'interférence aux autres utilisateurs, le type d'antenne et son gain doivent être choisies de façon que la puissance isotrope rayonnée équivalente (PIRE) ne dépasse pas ce qui est nécessaire pour une communication réussie.b) L'émetteur radio décrit ci-après (IC ID: 101D-SF9) a été approuvé par Industrie Canada pour fonctionner avec les types d'antennes énumérées ci-dessous avec le gain maximal admissible et nécessaire antenne d'impédance pour chaque type d'antenne indiqué. Types d'antennes ne figurent pas dans cette liste, ayant un gain supérieur au gain maximum indiqué pour ce type, sont strictement interdites pour une utilisation avec cet appareil.Antenna System Gain(Antenna Gain in dBi11. Most antenna manufacturers rate antenna gain in dBd. To convert to dBi, add 2.15 dB.minus Feedline Loss in dB2)6 (or less) 30 36828 3610 26 3612 24 3614 22 3616 20 36FCC Limited Modular Approval NoticeThis device is offered as an FCC Part 15 Unlicensed Limited Modular Transmitter (LMA). The transmitter module is approved for use only with specific antenna, cable and output power configurations that have been tested and approved for use when installed in devices approved by third-party OEMs, or produced by the Grantee (GE MDS). Modifications to the radio, the antenna system, or power output, that have not been explicitly specified by the manufacturer are not permitted, and may render the radio non-compliant with applicable regulatory authorities.When this device is placed inside an enclosure, a durable label must be affixed to the outside of the enclosure indicating the unit’s FCC ID Number. The antenna(s) to be used with this module must be installed with consideration to the guidelines for RF exposure risk to all nearby personnel, and must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.RF Exposure Notices Professional installation required. The radio equipment described in this guide emits radio frequency energy. Although the power level is low, the concentrated energy from a directional antenna may pose a health hazard. Do not allow people to come closer than 23 cm (9 inches) to the antenna when the transmitter is operating in indoor or outdoor environments. In mobile applications (vehicle mounted) the above separation distance must be maintained at all times. More information on RF exposure is available online at: www.fcc.gov/oet/info/documents/bulletinsL'énergie concentrée en provenance d'une antenne directionnelle peut présenter un danger pour la santé. Ne pas permettre aux gens de s'approcher à moins de 23 cm à l'avant de l'antenne lorsque l'émetteur est en opération. On doit augmenter la distance proportionnellement si on utilise des antennes ayant un gain plus élevé . Ce guide est destiné à être utilisé par un installateur professionnel. Plus d'informations sur l'exposition aux rayons RF peut être consulté en ligne à l'adresse suivante: www.fcc.gov/oet/info/documents/bulletins2. Feedline loss varies by cable type and length. Consult manufacturer data.Maximum PowerSetting(in dBm) EIRP(in dBm)

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