Microhard Systems 17PDDL900 1W Dual Frequency 900MHz/2.4GHz Digital Data Link User Manual Operating Manual
Microhard Systems Inc 1W Dual Frequency 900MHz/2.4GHz Digital Data Link Operating Manual
User Manual
ii PDDL2450 Operating Manual
Warranty
Microhard Systems Inc. warrants that each product will be free of defects in material and workmanship for a period of one (1)
year for its products. The warranty commences on the date the product is shipped by Microhard Systems Inc. Microhard Systems
Inc.’s sole liability and responsibility under this warranty is to repair or replace any product which is returned to it by the Buyer
and which Microhard Systems Inc. determines does not conform to the warranty. Product returned to Microhard Systems Inc. for
warranty service will be shipped to Microhard Systems Inc. at Buyer’s expense and will be returned to Buyer at Microhard
Systems Inc.’s expense. In no event shall Microhard Systems Inc. be responsible under this warranty for any defect which is
caused by negligence, misuse or mistreatment of a product or for any unit which has been altered or modified in any way. The
warranty of replacement shall terminate with the warranty of the product.
Warranty Disclaims
Microhard Systems Inc. makes no warranties of any nature of kind, expressed or implied, with respect to the hardware, software,
and/or products and hereby disclaims any and all such warranties, including but not limited to warranty of non-infringement,
implied warranties of merchantability for a particular purpose, any interruption or loss of the hardware, software, and/or product,
any delay in providing the hardware, software, and/or product or correcting any defect in the hardware, software, and/or product,
or any other warranty. The Purchaser represents and warrants that Microhard Systems Inc. has not made any such warranties to
the Purchaser or its agents MICROHARD SYSTEMS INC. EXPRESS WARRANTY TO BUYER CONSTITUTES
MICROHARD SYSTEMS INC. SOLE LIABILITY AND THE BUYER’S SOLE REMEDIES. EXCEPT AS THUS
PROVIDED, MICROHARD SYSTEMS INC. DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING
ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PROMISE.
MICROHARD SYSTEMS INC. PRODUCTS ARE NOT DESIGNED OR INTENDED TO BE USED IN
ANY LIFE SUPPORT RELATED DEVICE OR SYSTEM RELATED FUNCTIONS NOR AS PART OF
ANY OTHER CRITICAL SYSTEM AND ARE GRANTED NO FUNCTIONAL WARRANTY.
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and assigns including any subsidiaries, related corporations, or affiliates, shall be released and discharged from any
and all manner of action, causes of action, liability, losses, damages, suits, dues, sums of money, expenses
(including legal fees), general damages, special damages, including without limitation, claims for personal injuries,
death or property damage related to the products sold hereunder, costs and demands of every and any kind and
nature whatsoever at law.
IN NO EVENT WILL MICROHARD SYSTEMS INC. BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL,
CONSEQUENTIAL, INCIDENTAL, BUSINESS INTERRUPTION, CATASTROPHIC, PUNITIVE OR OTHER
DAMAGES WHICH MAY BE CLAIMED TO ARISE IN CONNECTION WITH THE HARDWARE,
REGARDLESS OF THE LEGAL THEORY BEHIND SUCH CLAIMS, WHETHER IN TORT, CONTRACT OR
UNDER ANY APPLICABLE STATUTORY OR REGULATORY LAWS, RULES, REGULATIONS,
EXECUTIVE OR ADMINISTRATIVE ORDERS OR DECLARATIONS OR OTHERWISE, EVEN IF
MICROHARD SYSTEMS INC. HAS BEEN ADVISED OR OTHERWISE HAS KNOWLEDGE OF THE
POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES AND TAKES NO ACTION TO PREVENT OR MINIMIZE SUCH
DAMAGES. IN THE EVENT THAT REGARDLESS OF THE WARRANTY DISCLAIMERS AND HOLD
HARMLESS PROVISIONS INCLUDED ABOVE MICROHARD SYSTEMS INC. IS SOMEHOW HELD
LIABLE OR RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DAMAGE OR INJURY, MICROHARD SYSTEMS INC.'S LIABILITY
FOR ANYDAMAGES SHALL NOT EXCEED THE PROFIT REALIZED BY MICROHARD SYSTEMS INC.
ON THE SALE OR PROVISION OF THE HARDWARE TO THE CUSTOMER.
Proprietary Rights
The Buyer hereby acknowledges that Microhard Systems Inc. has a proprietary interest and intellectual property rights in the
Hardware, Software and/or Products. The Purchaser shall not (i) remove any copyright, trade secret, trademark or other evidence
of Microhard Systems Inc.’s ownership or proprietary interest or confidentiality other proprietary notices contained on, or in, the
Hardware, Software or Products, (ii) reproduce or modify any Hardware, Software or Products or make any copies thereof, (iii)
reverse assemble, reverse engineer or decompile any Software or copy thereof in whole or in part, (iv) sell, transfer or otherwise
make available to others the Hardware, Software, or Products or documentation thereof or any copy thereof, except in accordance
with this Agreement.
iii
pDDL900 Regulatory Requirements - PLEASE READ THIS SECTION
CAREFULLY
WARNING:
To satisfy FCC/IC RF exposure requirements for mobile transmitting devices, a separation distance of 36 cm or more should be
maintained between the antenna of this device and persons during device operation. To ensure compliance, operations at closer than this
distance is not recommended. The antenna used for this transmitter must not be co-located in conjunction with any other antenna or
transmitter.
WARNING:
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not
cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
WARNING:
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by Microhard Systems Inc. could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
This device has been tested with UFL to Reverse Polarity SMA connectors with the antennas listed in Appendix A When integrated in
OEM products, fixed antennas require installation preventing end-users from replacing them with non-approved antennas. Antennas not
listed in the tables must be tested to comply with FCC Section 15.203 (unique antenna connectors) and Section 15.247 (emissions).
WARNING:
MAXIMUM EIRP
FCC Regulations allow up to 36 dBm equivalent isotropically radiated power (EIRP). Therefore, the sum of the transmitted power
(in dBm), the cabling loss and the antenna gain cannot exceed 36 dBm.
WARNING:
EQUIPMENT LABELING
The FCC and IC numbers depend on the model of the radio module. Do NOT use the Marketing Name of the product but the Model
to distinguish the Certifications Numbers. This device has been modularly approved. The manufacturer, product name, and FCC
and ISED identifiers of this product must appear on the outside label of the end-user equipment.
WARNING:
This device complies with ISED license-exempt RSSs. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause interference; and (2) This device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause
undesired operation of the device.
SAMPLE LABEL REQUIREMENT for Model: pDDL900:
Contains:
FCC ID: NS917PDDL900 IC: 3143A-17PDDL900
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this
device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device
must accept any interference received including interference
that may cause undesired operation.
iv PDDL2450 Operating Manual
pDDL900 Exigences Réglementaires
WARNING:
Pour satisfaire aux exigences de la FCC/IC d'exposition RF pour la base et mobiles sur une distance de séparation de 36 cm ou plus
doit être maintenue entre l'antenne de cet appareil et des personnes lors de fonctionnement du dispositif. Pour assurer la conformité
des opérations au plus près que cette distance n'est pas recommandée. L'antenne utilisée pour ce transmetteur ne doit pas être co-
localisés en conjonction avec toute autre antenne ou transmetteur.
WARNING:
Son fonctionnement est soumis aux deux conditions suivantes : ( 1 ) ce dispositif ne doit pas causer d'interférences nuisibles et ( 2) cet
appareil doit accepter toute interférence reçue, incluant les interférences qui peuvent provoquer un fonctionnement indésirable .
WARNING:
Les changements ou modifications non expressément approuvés par Microhard Systems Inc. pourraient annuler l'autorité de
l'utilisateur à utiliser l'équipement . Ce dispositif a été testé avec MCX et connecteurs SMA à polarité inverse sur les antennes
répertoriées à l'annexe A Lorsqu'il est intégré dans les produits OEM , antennes fixes nécessitent une installation empêchant les
utilisateurs finaux de les remplacer par des antennes non approuvées . Antennes ne figurant pas dans les tableaux doivent être testés
pour se conformer à la Section 15.203 (connecteurs d'antenne uniques ) et à la Section 15.247 ( émissions ) .
WARNING:
MAXIMUM EIRP
Règlement FCC permettent jusqu'à 36 dBm puissance isotrope rayonnée équivalente (EIRP) . Par conséquent, la somme de la puissance
émise ( en dBm ), la perte de câblage et le gain d'antenne ne peut pas dépasser 36 dBm.
WARNING:
ÉQUIPEMENT DE MARQUAGE
Les numéros FCC et IC dépendent du modèle du module radio . Ne pas utiliser le nom marketing du produit, mais le modèle de
distinguer les numéros Certifications . Ce dispositif a été approuvé de façon modulaire . Le fabricant , nom du produit, et les
identificateurs de la FCC et ISED de ce produit doivent figurer sur l'étiquette à l'extérieur de l'équipement de l'utilisateur final .
WARNING:
Cet appareil est conforme aux CNR exempts de licence ISED . Son fonctionnement est soumis aux deux conditions suivantes : ( 1 ) Ce
dispositif ne peut causer des interférences ; et ( 2 ) Ce dispositif doit accepter toute interférence , y compris les interférences qui peuvent
causer un mauvais fonctionnement de l'appareil.
SAMPLE LABEL REQUIREMENT for Model: pDDL900:
Contains:
FCC ID: NS917PDDL900 IC : 3143A-17PDDL900
Cet appareil est conforme à la partie 15 des règles de la FCC.
Son fonctionnement est soumis aux deux conditions suivantes :
( 1 ) ce dispositif ne doit pas causer d'interférences nuisibles et
( 2) cet appareil doit accepter toute interférence reçue, incluant
les interférences qui peuvent provoquer un fonctionnement
indésirable .
v
Federal Communication Commission Interference Statement
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15
of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed
and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However,
there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful
interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user
is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
—Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
—Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
—Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
—Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
RF exposure Statement
The equipment complies with FCC/IC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. This
equipment should be installed and operated with minimum distance 36cm between the radiator and your body.
End Product Labeling
The Final end product must be labeled in a visible area with the following: “Contains FCC ID: NS917PDDL900,
IC: 3143A-17PDDL900”.
The end product that integrated with this module must be tested to comply with unintentional radiators pursuant
to FCC Part 15B and IC ICES-003.
IMPORTANT NOTE
In the event that these condition can not be met (for example certain laptop configurations or co-location with
another transmitter), then the FCC/IC authorization is no longer considered valid and FCC ID/IC can not be used on
the final product. In these circumstances, the OEM integrator will be responsible for re-evaluating the end product
(including the transmitter) and obtaining a separate FCC/IC authorization.
NOTE IMPORTANTE
Dans le cas où ces conditions ne peuvent être respectées (par exemple certaines configurations d'ordinateurs
portables ou de co-implantation avec un autre émetteur), l'autorisation de la FCC / IC n’est plus considéré comme
valide et la FCC ID / IC ne peut pas être utilisé sur le produit final. Dans ces circonstances, l'intégrateur OEM sera
responsable de réévaluer le produit final (y compris l'émetteur) et l'obtention d'une autorisation distincte de la FCC /
IC.
vi PDDL2450 Operating Manual
Co-Location with Cellular Modems
FCC: The maximum calculated MPE ratio for the EUT with 2.5 dBi dipole antenna is 0.398 (evaluated at 36 cm),
this configuration can be co-located with other antennas provided the sum of the MPE ratios for all the other
simultaneous transmitting antennas incorporated in a host device is < 1.0 - 0.398 < 0.602. The following co-location
were evaluated for mobile configurations:
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada: The maximum calculated MPE ratio for the EUT with 2.5
dBi dipole antenna is 0.398 (evaluated at 36 cm), this configuration can be co-located with other antennas provided
the sum of the MPE ratios for all the other simultaneous transmitting antennas incorporated in a host device is < 1.0
- 0.398 < 0.602. The following co-location were evaluated for mobile configurations:
1) EUT with 2.5 dBi dipole antenna co-located with Data Card Module
(FCC ID RI7LN930, IC: 5131A-LN930)
2) EUT with 2.5 dBi dipole antenna co- located with LTE Data Transmitter Module
( FCC ID R5QTOBYL201 , IC: 8595B-TOBYL201 )
3) EUT with 2.5 dBi dipole antenna co- located with GSM/UMTS/LTE Data Module
( FCC ID RI7LE910NAV2, IC: 5131A-LE910NAV2 )
4) EUT with 2.5 dBi dipole antenna co- located with LTE Data Module
( FCC ID SRQ-ME3630)
Co - localisation avec Cellular Modem
FCC : Le maximum calculé rapport EMT pour l'EST avec antenne dipôle 2.5 dBi est de 0,398 (évalué à 36 cm),
cette configuration peut être co- située avec d'autres antennes à condition que la somme des rapports MPE pour tous
les autres antennes de transmission simultanées incorporés dans un dispositif hôte est < 1,0 - 0,398 < 0,602 . Le co-
emplacement suivant ont été évalués pour les configurations mobiles :
Innovation, Sciences et Développement économique Canada: Le maximum calculé rapport EMT pour l'EST avec
antenne dipôle 2.5 dBi est de 0,398 (évalué à 36 cm), cette configuration peut être co- située avec d'autres antennes à
condition que la somme des rapports MPE pour tous les autres antennes de transmission simultanées incorporés dans
un dispositif hôte est < 1.0 - 0.398 < 0.602. Le co- emplacement suivant ont été évalués pour les configurations
mobiles :
1 ) EUT avec 2.5 dBi antenne dipôle co-localisé avec module de carte de données
( FCC ID RI7LN930 , IC : 5131A - LN930)
2 ) EUT avec 2.5 dBi antenne dipôle co- localisé avec LTE données Module émetteur
( FCC ID R5QTOBYL201 , IC : 8595B–TOBYL201 )
3 ) EUT avec 2.5 dBi antenne dipôle situé coopération avec les réseaux GSM / UMTS / LTE du module de
données ( FCC ID RI7LE910NAV2, IC : 5131A-LE910NAV2 )
4 ) EUT avec 2.5 dBi antenne dipôle co- localisé avec LTE données Module émetteur
( FCC ID SRQ-ME3630)
vii
Contents
Warranty ....................................................................................................................................................................... ii
Proprietary Rights ......................................................................................................................................................... ii
pDDL900 Regulatory Requirements .......................................................................................................................... iii
pDDL900 Exigences Réglementaires ...........................................................................................................................iv
Co-Location Instructions ..............................................................................................................................................vi
2. GENERAL ........................................................................................................................................................... 1
2.0 PRODUCT OVERVIEW ........................................................................................................................................................ 1
2.1 OUTPUT POWER LEVEL ..................................................................................................................................................... 2
3. INSTALLATION ................................................................................................................................................. 3
3.0 OVERVIEW ....................................................................................................................................................................... 3
3.1 ESTIMATING THE GAIN MARGIN ....................................................................................................................................... 3
3.2 ANTENNAS AND CABLING ................................................................................................................................................. 5
3.2.1 Internal Cabling ..................................................................................................................................... 5
3.2.2 Installing External Cables, Antennas and Lightning Arrestors .............................................................. 6
1
2. General
2.0 Product Overview
The pDDL900 is a high-performance embedded wireless data transceiver.
Operating in the 902 - 928 MHz and 2400 – 2483.5 MHz ISM band, this
frequency-hopping spread-spectrum module is capable of providing reliable
wireless data transfer between almost any type of equipment which uses an
asynchronous serial interface. The small-size and superior RF performance
of this module make it ideal for many applications.
While a pair of pDDL900 modules can link two terminal devices (“point-to-
point” operation); multiple modules can be used together to create a
network of various topologies, including “point-to-multipoint” and
“repeater” operation. Multiple independent networks can operate
concurrently, so it is possible for unrelated communications to take place in
the same or a nearby area without sacrificing privacy or reliability.
1.1 Features
Key features of the pDDL900 include:
transmission within a public, license-exempt band of the radio
spectrum
1
– this means that it can be used without access fees
(such as those incurred by cellular airtime).
a serial I/O data port with handshaking and hardware flow
control, allowing the pDDL900 to interface directly to any
equipment with an asynchronous serial interface.
ease of installation and use – the pDDL900 module uses a
subset of standard AT style commands, very similar to those
used by traditional telephone line modems.
all units in a system are physically identical, and can be
configured as a master, repeater or slave using the AT
command set. No hardware modifications are required
128 sets of user-selectable pseudo-random hopping patterns,
intelligently designed to offer the possibility of separately
operating multiple networks while providing security,
reliability and high tolerance to interference.
encryption key with 65536 user-selectable values to maximize
security and privacy of communications.
32-bit of CRC error detection and auto re-transmit to provide
accuracy and reliability of data.
1
902-928 MHz and 2400-2483.5 MHz, which is license-free within North America; may need
to be factory-configured differently for some countries.
2
TDMA (time division multiple access) support, allowing
multi-slave access in point-to-point mode.
roaming ability, allowing repeaters and slaves to re-
synchronize with a new master if the synchronization pulse
from the original master is lost.
While the typical application for the pDDL900 is to provide a short- to mid-
range wireless communications link between DTEs, it can be adapted to
almost any situation where an asynchronous serial interface is used and data
intercommunication is required.
2.1 Output Power Level
The Output Power Level determines at what power the pDDL900 transmits.
The pDDL900’s sensitive receiver can operate with very low power levels,
so it is recommended that the lowest power necessary is used; using
excessive power contributes to unnecessary “RF pollution”.
Ideally, you should test the communications performance between units
starting from a low power level and working upward until the RSSI is
sufficiently high and a reliable link is established. The conditions will vary
widely between applications, the output power settings can be calculated
based on following information.
Transmitter antenna gain
Cable loss
Equivalent Isotropically Radiated Power (EIRP) requirement by FCC
Regulations
Power Setting = 36 – Antenna Gain – Cable Loss
The power setting must be no more than the above calculation value. Any
higher is a violation of FCC rules. See IMPORTANT warning below.
Table 1 Output Power
Power Setting
(dBm)
Approx. Output Power
(mW)
20
100
21
125
22
160
23
200
24
250
25
320
26
400
27
500
28
630
29
800
30
1000
Chapter3 Installation 3
3. Installation
3.0 Overview
The pDDL900 complies with FCC part 15 at the modular level for
operation in the license-free 902-928 MHz and 2400-2483.5 MHz ISM
band. This chapter provides guidelines for installing and deploying
equipment which incorporates the pDDL900 module.
3.1 Estimating the Gain Margin
Successful communication between pDDL900 modules is dependent on
three main factors:
System Gain
Path Loss
Interference
System gain is a calculation in dB describing the performance to be
expected between a transmitter-receiver pair. The number can be calculated
based on knowledge of the equipment being deployed. The following four
factors make up a system gain calculation:
1. Transmitter power (user selectable)
2. Transmitter gain (transmitting antenna gain minus cabling loss between
the transmitting antenna and the pDDL900 module)
3. Receiver gain (Receiving antenna gain minus cabling loss between the
receiving antenna and the module)
4. Receiver sensitivity (Specified as -108dBm on the pDDL900 module)
In the following illustration, the transmitting antenna has a gain of 6 dB,
and the receiving antenna has a gain of 3 dB. The cable loss between the
module and the antenna is 2 dB on both the transmitting and receiving side.
Transmitter
30 dBm
Output Power
Receiver
Sensitivity =
-105 dBm
Cable Loss = 2 dB
Cable Loss = 2 dB
Antenna Gain = 6 dB
Antenna Gain = 3 dB
4 pDDL900 Operating Manual
Figure 1 Gain Calculation
The power level has been set to 30dBm (1W) on the transmitter, and the
receiver sensitivity for the pDDL900 is -108dBm.
System gain would be calculated to be:
30 - 2 + 6 + 3 - 2 + 108 = 143 dB.
Figure 2 System Deploying
When deploying your system, care must be taken to ensure the path loss
(reduction of signal strength from transmitter to receiver in dB) between
equipment does not exceed the system gain (140 dB in the above example).
It is recommended to design for a gain margin of at least 20 dB to ensure
reliable communication. Gain margin is the difference between system gain
and path loss. Referring to the same example, suppose the path loss is 100
dB, the gain margin would be 40 dB, which is more than adequate for
reliable communication.
Path loss is a very complicated calculation which mainly depends on the
terrain profile, and the height of the antennas off the ground.
The following table provides path loss numbers for varying antenna heights
and antenna separation: These numbers are real averages taken from rural
environments. They do not apply to urban, non-line-of-sight environments.
Table 2 Path Loss
Distance
(km)
Base Height
(m)
Mobile Height
(m)
Path Loss
(dB)
5
15
2.5
116.5
5
30
2.5
110.9
8
15
2.5
124.1
8
15
5
117.7
8
15
10
105
16
15
2.5
135.3
16
15
5
128.9
16
15
10
116.2
16
30
10
109.6
16
30
5
122.4
16
30
2.5
128.8
Base Height (m)
Mobile
Height
(m)
Distance (km)
pDDL900 Operating Manual 5
Once the equipment is deployed, you can verify the signal strength by
entering into Command Mode and reading Register S123. This register
provides the average signal strength in dBm. The minimum strength for
communication is roughly -108dBm. For consistent reliable
communication, you should try to deploy the equipment such that signal
strength exceeds -95dBm.
3.2 Antennas and Cabling
This section describes the recommended procedure for installing cabling
and antennas for use with the pDDL900 module.
3.2.1 Internal Cabling
The most common method for installing the module is to run a cable from
the module’s UFL connector to a reverse TNC bulkhead connector on the
chassis of the equipment as shown in Figure 3. This cable can be purchased
from Microhard Systems.
Figure 3 Suggested Internal Cabling
Cable losses are negligible for the short piece used within the chassis.
Additional losses up to 0.5 dB may be present in the MCX and Reverse
TNC connections.
RG316 Cable
with UFL
connector
and Reverse TNC
bulkhead
connector
Reverse TNC Connector
UFL connector
pDDL900
6 pDDL900 Operating Manual
WARNING:
To satisfy FCC/IC RF exposure
requirements for mobile
transmitting devices, a separation
distance of 36 cm or more should
be maintained between the
antenna of this device and
persons during device operation.
To ensure compliance, operations
at closer than this distance is not
recommended. The antenna used
for this transmitter must not be
co-located in conjunction with
any other antenna or transmitter.
WARNING:
Direct human contact with the
antenna is potentially unhealthy
when the pDDL900 is generating
RF energy. Always ensure that
the pDDL900 equipment is
powered down during
installation.
WARNING:
Never work on an antenna
system when there is lightning in
the area.
3.2.2 Installing External Cables, Antennas and Lightning
Arrestors
Never work on an antenna system when there is lightning in the area.
Direct human contact with the antenna is potentially unhealthy when the
pDDL900 is generating RF energy. Always ensure that the pDDL900
equipment is powered down during installation. At all times a distance of
36 cm must be maintained between the antenna and any person when the
device is in operation.
Surge Arrestors
The most effective protection against lightning is to install two lightning
(surge) arrestors, one at the antenna, the other one at the interface with the
equipment. The surge arrestor grounding system should be fully
interconnected with the transmission tower and power grounding systems to
form a single, fully integrated ground circuit. Typically, both ports on surge
arrestors are N-female.
External Filter
Although the pDDL900 is capable of filtering out RF noise in most
environments, there are circumstances that require external filtering.
Paging towers and cellular base stations in close proximity to the pDDL900
antenna can desensitize the receiver. Microhard Systems’ external cavity
filter eliminates this problem. The filter has two N-female ports and should
be connected in line at the interface to the RF equipment.
Weatherproofing
Type N and RTNC connectors are not weatherproof. All connectors should
be taped with rubber splicing tape (weatherproofing tape), and then coated
with a sealant.
Cabling
The following coax cables are recommended:
Table 3 Cable Loss
Cable
Loss (dB/100ft)
LMR 195
10.7
LMR 400
3.9
LMR 600
2.5
Factors to take into consideration when choosing a cable are:
price;
bend radius limitations (the lower performance cables generally can
bend more sharply)
performance requirements; and,
distance between the equipment and the antenna.
pDDL900 Operating Manual 7
WARNING:
MAXIMUM EIRP
FCC and IC Regulations allow
up to 36dBm effective
isotropically radiated power
(EIRP). Therefore, the sum of
the transmitted power (in dBm),
the cabling loss and the antenna
gain cannot exceed
36 dBm with respect to the
isotropic radiator.
WARNING:
The pDDL900 can only be used
with any antennas listed in
Appendix A.
WARNING:
Be careful with dBi vs dBd gains
on antenna specifications.
Antenna manufactures may not
clearly indicate the gain on the
antenna if it is dBd or dBi. Note
1dBd = 2.15dBi.
When installing the cable, always begin fastening at the top near the
antenna connector/surge arrestor. The cable must be supported at the top
with a hose clamp or wrap lock, and at 5 ft intervals down the length of the
tower. Over-tightening the fasteners will dent the cable and reduce
performance. If properly grounded surge arrestors are not installed at both
the top and the bottom of the cable, then the cable should be grounded to
the tower at these locations using a cable grounding kit. If the tower is non-
conductive, then a separate conductor, physically separate from the cable,
should be run down the tower.
Antenna
Before choosing an antenna, you should have some knowledge of the path
loss and the topology of the equipment. If the equipment is in a fixed
location and is to communicate with only one other unit also in a fixed
location, then a Yagi antenna is suitable. Choose a Yagi with enough gain
to ensure adequate gain margin. When deploying the Yagi, point the
antenna towards the intended target, ensuring the antenna elements are
perpendicular to the ground for vertical polarization.
In applications where there are multiple units that you must communicate
with or units, which are in motion, you may select an Omni-directional
antenna with appropriate gain.
See appendix A for a list of approved antennas that can be used with
the pDDL900 radio modem. If you require another type of antenna
please contact Microhard Systems Inc. The pDDL900 CANNOT be
used with any antenna that does not appear in Appendix A.
Microhard Systems Inc. can provide you with approved antennas to ensure
FCC and ISED compliance.
FCC Regulations allow up to 36dBm effective isotropically radiated
power (EIRP). Therefore, the sum of the transmitted power (in dBm),
the cabling loss and the antenna gain cannot exceed 36dBm with
respect to the isotropic radiator.
EIRP is calculated as follows:
EIRP = Tx Power(dBm) - Cable/Connector Loss(dB) + Ant Gain(dBi)
Antenna Gains must be in dBi when calculating the 36dBm EIRP limit.
1dBd = 2.15dBi
Use the guidelines in the previous section for calculating cable and
connector losses. If cabling and connector losses are 2 dB, then the
maximum allowable gain of the antenna will be 8 dB.
Examples of Antenna and Power settings to maintain 36dBm EIRP
Antenna
Power Level
Minimum Cable / Loss
EIPR
8.15 dBi Omni
30dBm
25 feet LMR195 / 2.675dB
35.475dBm
12.5 dBi Patch
23dBm
10 feet LMR195 / 1.07dB
34.43dBm
14.15 dBi Yagi
21dBm
10 feet LMR400 / 0.39dB
34.76dBm
8 pDDL900 Operating Manual
Examples:
FCC and ISED Regulations allow up to 36dBm effective isotropically
radiated power (EIRP). Therefore, the sum of the transmitted power
(in dBm), the cabling loss and the antenna gain cannot exceed 36dBm
with respect to the isotropic radiator.
Example 1)
What is the maximum power the pDDL900 can be set to comply with
FCC and IC given the following equipment given a Rubber Ducky Ant
Gain 2dBi and no cable or connectors in the system?
Max EIRP 36dBm
Max TX power = EIRP – Ant Gain(dBi) + Cable/Connector loss (dB)
Ant Gain dBi = 2dBi
Max TX power = 36dBm – 2dBi + 0dB = 34dBm
We can set the modem to the maximum power setting of 30dBm.
Example 2)
What is the maximum power the pDDL900 can be set to comply with
FCC and IC given the following equipment given a Yagi Ant Gain
12dBd and cable and connector loss of 4.5 dB?
Max EIRP 36dBm
Max TX power = EIRP – Ant Gain(dBi) + Cable/Connector loss (dB)
Ant Gain dBi = Ant Gain dBd + 2.15 dB
Yagi Gain (dBi) = 12 + 2.15 = 14.15dBi
Max TX power = 36dBm – 14.15dB + 4.5dB = 26.35dBm
We must round down
Hence Max TX power = 26dBm
Example 3)
What is the maximum power the pDDL900 can be set to comply with
FCC and IC given the following equipment given a Omni Ant Gain
6dBd and cable and connector loss of 2.5 dB?
Max EIRP 36dBm
Max TX power = EIRP – Ant Gain(dBi) + Cable/Connector loss (dB)
Ant Gain dBi = Ant Gain dBd + 2.15 dB
Omni Gain (dBi) = 6 + 2.15 = 8.15dBi
Max TX power = 36dBm – 8.15dB + 2.5dB = 30.35dBm
Hence Max TX power = 30dBm
pDDL900 Operating Manual 9
A. Approved Antennas
This radio transmitter (IC: 3143A-17PDDL900) has been approved by ISED to operate with the antenna types listed
below with the maximum permissible gain 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.
2400MHz antennas:
Group
Part Number
Description
Rubber Ducky
MHS031100
2dBi,2.4GHz Rubber Ducky Antenna RPTNC Swivel
MHS031110
2dBi, 2.4GHz Rubber Ducky Antenna Reverse SMA Swivel
MHS031120
2dBi, 2.4GHz Rubber Ducky Antenna Reverse SMA Straight
NW001
2.5dBi, Shenzhen Norminson Technology CO.LTD. - 2.4GHz
Rubber Ducky Antenna Reverse SMA Straight
WCP2400-MMCX4
2.5dBi, Laird Technologies - 2.4GHz Rubber Ducky MMCX
Yagi Antennas
MHS034100
9 dBi, 2.4GHz Yagi Directional Antenna RPTNC Pigtail
MHS034000
12 dBi, 2.4GHz Yagi Directional Antenna RPTNC Pigtail
MHS034120
14 dBi, 2.4GHz Yagi Directional Antenna RPTNC Pigtail
MHS034150
14.5 dBi, 2.4GHz Yagi Directional Antenna RPTNC Pigtail
Patch Antennas
MHS034200
8 dBi, 2.4GHz Mini Flat Patch Directional Antenna RPTNC Pigtail
MHS034210
14 dBi, 2.4GHz Flat Patch Directional Antenna RPTNC Pigtail
Omni Directional
MHS031260
5 dBi, Omni Directional Antenna RPTNC Pigtail
MHS034000
6 dBi, 2.4GHz Omni Directional Antenna RPTNC Pigtail
MHS031340
8 dBi, Omni Directional Antenna RPTNC Pigtail
MHS034020
10.5 dBi, 2.4GHz Omni Directional Antenna RPTNC Pigtail
MHS034030
12 dBi, 2.4GHz Omni Directional Antenna RPTNC Pigtail
MHS034040
15 dBi, 2.4GHz Omni Directional Antenna RPTNC Pigtail
10 pDDL900 Operating Manual
900MHz antennas:
Group Part Number Description
Rubber Ducky
MHS031000
3dBi, 900MHz Rubber Ducky Antenna RPTNC Swivel
MHS031070
3dBi, 900MHz Rubber Ducky Antenna Reverse SMA Swivel
MHS031080
3dBi, 900MHz Rubber Ducky Antenna Reverse SMA Straight
Transit Antennas
MHS031210
3dBi, 900 MHz Transit Antenna with Ground Plane
MHS031220
3dBi, 900MHz Transit Antenna No Ground Plane
MHS031230
3dBi, 900MHz Transit Antenna Permanent Mount GP
MHS031240
3dBi, 900MHz Transit Antenna Permanent Mount NGP
Mounts for Transit Antennas have a RPTNC Pigtail
Yagi Antennas
MHS031311
6dBd, 900MHz Yagi Directional Antenna Antenex, RPTNC Pigtail
MHS031431
6.5dBd, 900MHz Yagi Directional Antenna Bluewave, RPTNC Pigtail
MHS031501
9dBd, 900MHz Yagi Directional Antenna Antenex, RPTNC Pigtail
MHS031441
10dBd, 900 MHz Yagi Directional Antenna Bluewave, RPTNC Pigtail
MHS031451
11dBd, 900 MHz Yagi Directional Antenna Bluewave, RPTNC Pigtail
Patch Antennas
MHS031440
8dBi 900 MHz Patch Antenna, RPTNC Pigtail
Omni Directional
MHS031251
3dBd, 900MHz Omni Directional Antenna Antenex, RPTNC Pigtail
MHS031461
3dBd, 900 MHz Omni Directional Antenna Bluewave, RPTNC Pigtail
MHS031321
6dBd, 900MHz Omni Directional Antenna Antenex, RPTNC Pigtail
MHS031471
6dBd, 900 MHz Omni Directional Antenna Bluewave, RPTNC Pigtail
WARNING:
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by Microhard Systems Inc. could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
This device has been tested with UFL connectors with the antennas listed in Appendix A When integrated in OEM products, fixed
antennas require installation preventing end-users from replacing them with non-approved antennas. Antennas not listed in the tables
must be tested to comply with FCC Section 15.203 (unique antenna connectors) and Section 15.247 (emissions). Please Contact
Microhard Systems Inc. if you need more information.
ISED: This device has been designed to operate with the antennas listed above, and having a maximum gain of 15 dBi. Antennas not
included in this list or having a gain greater than 15 dBi are strictly prohibited for use with this device. The required antenna
impedance is 50 ohms. To reduce potential radio interference to other users, the antenna type and its gain should be so chosen that
the equivalent isotropically radiated power (EIRP) is not more than that required for successful communication. This Class B digital
apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
ISED: Cet appareil a été conçu pour fonctionner avec les antennes énumérées ci-dessus, et ayant un gain maximal de 15
dBi. Antennes pas inclus dans cette liste ou présentant un gain supérieur à 15 dBi sont strictement interdits pour une
utilisation avec cet appareil. L'impédance d'antenne requise est de 50 ohms. Pour réduire les interférences radio
potentielles pour les autres utilisateurs, le type d'antenne et son gain doivent être choisis afin que la puissance isotrope
équivalente (PIRE) ne soit pas supérieure à celle requise pour une communication réussie rayonnée. Cet appareil
numérique de classe B est conforme à la norme ICES -003 du Canada.