Murandi Communications MLINK900 FREQUENCY HOPPING TRANSCEIVER WITH GPS User Manual Murandi Letterhead
Murandi Communications Ltd FREQUENCY HOPPING TRANSCEIVER WITH GPS Murandi Letterhead
User Manual
Murandi Communications Ltd. 106, 4715 - 13th St. NE, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, T2E 6M3
Tel: (403) 777-9988 email murandi@murandi.com
Fax: (403) 777-9989 www.murandi.com
Confidential and Proprietary
Murandi
Communications Ltd.
Innovative Radio Frequency Solutions
MLink User’s Guide
Revision – Rev 5 May 14, 2014
User’s Guide Page 2 5/14/2014 10:30 PM
Murandi Communications Ltd. 106, 4715 - 13th St. NE, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, T2E 6M3
Tel: (403) 777-9988 email murandi@murandi.com
Fax: (403) 777-9989 www.murandi.com
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Table of Contents
1 LEGAL DISCLAIMER AND CONDITIONS OF USE ............................................................... 2
2 REVISION HISTORY ............................................................................................................... 3
3 ABBREVIATIONS .................................................................................................................... 3
4 REFERENCE DOCUMENTS .................................................................................................. 4
5 PRODUCT OVERVIEW ........................................................................................................... 4
6 FEATURES .............................................................................................................................. 4
7 SPECIFICATIONS ................................................................................................................... 4
7.1 PHYSICAL ............................................................................................................................ 4
7.2 ELECTRICAL ........................................................................................................................ 4
7.3 DATA RATES ....................................................................................................................... 5
7.4 INTERFACES ........................................................................................................................ 5
7.5 FIRMWARE .......................................................................................................................... 5
7.6 ENVIRONMENTAL ................................................................................................................. 5
8 REGULATORY CERTIFICATION ........................................................................................... 5
8.1 UNITED STATES (FCC) ........................................................................................................ 5
8.1.1 Labeling Requirements ................................................................................................ 5
8.1.2 FCC Notices ................................................................................................................ 6
8.2 CANADA (IC) ....................................................................................................................... 6
8.3 APPROVED ANTENNAS ......................................................................................................... 7
9 INTEGRATION INSTRUCTIONS ............................................................................................ 9
9.1 MOUNTING .......................................................................................................................... 9
9.2 INTERFACES ........................................................................................................................ 9
9.2.1 900 MHz and GPS Antenna ........................................................................................ 9
9.2.2 900 MHz and GPS RF connector .............................................................................. 10
9.2.3 Digital/Baseband ........................................................................................................ 10
1 Legal Disclaimer and Conditions of Use
This document contains information for the Murandi MLink 900 Transceiver and accompanying
accessories (“Product”) and is provided “as is”. The purpose of providing such information is to enable a
Product Developer to understand the Product and how to integrate it into a wireless data solution.
Reasonable effort has been made to make the information in this document reliable and consistent with
specifications, test measurements and other information. However, Murandi Communications Ltd. and its
affiliated companies, directors, officers, employees, agents, trustees or consultants (“Murandi”) assume no
responsibility for any typographical, technical, content or other inaccuracies in this document. Murandi
reserves the right in its sole discretion and without notice to you to change Product specifications and
materials and/or revise this document or withdraw it at any time. The Product Developer assumes the full
risk of using the Product specifications and any other information provided.
Your use of the information contained in this Guide is restricted to the development activity
authorized under the agreement(s) between you and Murandi, and is otherwise subject to all
applicable terms and conditions of such agreement(s), including without limitation software license,
warranty, conditions of use and confidentiality provisions.
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Murandi Communications Ltd. 106, 4715 - 13th St. NE, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, T2E 6M3
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2 Revision History
Revision
Date
Description
Draft
Feb 10, 2014
Initial release
Rev 1
Feb 27, 2014
Added integration instructions
Rev 2
May 2, 2014
Grammatical & text clean up
Rev 3
May 11, 2014
Added coaxial cable specifications for use with Yagi
Antenna
Rev 4
May 12, 2014
Updated the requirements for the external antenna.
Rev 5
May 14, 2014
Updated the integration instructions.
3 Abbreviations
Abbreviation
Description
Attn
attenuator
BW
bandwidth
dB
decibel
dBc
decibel relative to carrier power
dBi
decibel relative to an isotropic antenna
dBm
decibel relative to 1 milliwatt
FCC
federal communications commission
FHSS
frequency hopping spread spectrum
GPS
global positioning system
IC
Industry Canada
ISM
industrial, scientific and medical
ISR
interrupt service routine
kHz
kilohertz
LCD
liquid crystal display
LED
light emitting diode
LNA
low noise amplifier
mA
milliampere
mcd
millicandle
MHz
mega-hertz
mm
millimeter
msec
millisecond
mV
millivolt
PA
power amplifier
PLL
phase locked loop
ppm
parts per million
RBW
resolution bandwidth
RF
radio frequency
RTC
Real time clock
TBC
to be confirmed
TBD
to be determined
TRP
total radiated power
μA
microampere
TDD
Time division duplex
UART
universal asynchronous receiver/transmitter
V
volts
W
width
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4 Reference Documents
1. MLink Block Diagrams – Draft, Feb 10, 2014
2. Schematics (MLINK – Rev 3.pdf)
3. Bill of Materials (MLINK – Rev 3.bom)
5 Product Overview
MLink 900 is an ultra energy and cost efficient, long range wireless network. Available as a
module, development platform or a fully customized product. Perfect for a wide range of
applications, this highly versatile platform enables rapid design, development, and deployment of
your next generation products.
6 Features
Ultra Low Energy: Up to 10 years or more from AA
batteries or even directly from the sun.
Impressive Range: Up to 10 km or more using high
efficiency integral antennas.
Design Flexibility: Build your application right on the
MLink platform or communicate through the embedded
serial port.
Integrated GPS
Direct support for a variety of peripherals:
o Displays, accelerometers
o Industrial sensors, audio alerts
Intrinsically safe options available.
7 Specifications
7.1 Physical
Size (including antennas) 56 x 64 x 15.25 mm
7.2 Electrical
Frequency Range 902 – 928 MHz (US/Can)
Output Power up to +29 dBm (US/Can)
Effective Radiated better than -120 dBm
Sensitivity (1.2 kbps at 10-3 BER)
Access Method TDD - FHSS
RF Deck
GPS
Digital
Acceler -
ometer
Speaker
Serial
Interface
LCD
Buttons
LED
Batteries //
Solar Cell
Peripheral Interface
Power Supply
Custom
900 MHz
Antenna
Custom
GPS
Antenna
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Murandi Communications Ltd. 106, 4715 - 13th St. NE, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, T2E 6M3
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DC Supply Voltage 2.2 to 3.3 Vdc
Energy Consumption
(typical @ 38.4 kpbs)
o TX < 20 mJ
o RX < 0.5 mJ
o GPS update < 150 mJ typ
o Standby (/s) < 50 µW
7.3 Data Rates
Dynamically adaptable from 1.2 – 38.4 kbps
Up to 76.8 kbps optional
7.4 Interfaces
RF
o 50 Ω Radio/GPS
Digital/Base Band
o ADC, PWM, GPIO, I2C, SPI, UART
o 40 pin edge connector
7.5 Firmware
Real Time Operating System
Embedded, autonomous protocol
Up to 64 kB Flash and 4 kB RAM available for customer applications
7.6 Environmental
Operating Temperature -40 to +65 C
Storage Temperature -40 to +65 C
Operating Relative Humidity 0 to 90% non-condensing
8 Regulatory Certification
8.1 United States (FCC)
MLink 900 module meets Part 15 of the FCC rules and regulations. Compliance with the labeling
requirements, FCC notices is required. In order to comply with FCC Certification requirements,
the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) must fulfill the following requirements.
1. The system integrator must place an exterior label on the outside of the final product
housing the MLink 900 Module. Figure 8.1.1.1 below shows the contents that must be
included in this label.
2. MLink 900 modules may only be used with the antenna that has been tested and
approved for use with the module.
3. NOTE: THE MURANDI COMMUNICATIONS LTD IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY CHANGES OR
MODIFICATIONS NOT EXPRESSLY APPROVED BY THE PARTY RESPONSIBLE FOR COMPLIANCE.
SUCH MODIFICATIONS COULD VOID THE USER’S AUTHORITY TO OPERATE THE EQUIPMENT.
8.1.1 Labeling Requirements
The OEM must make sure that FCC labeling requirements are met. This includes a clearly visible
exterior label on the outside of the final product housing that displays the contents shown in
Figure 8.1.1.1 below.
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Murandi Communications Ltd. 106, 4715 - 13th St. NE, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, T2E 6M3
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Manufacturer’s name
Brand name or Trade Name
Contains MLink 900 FCC ID: KQNMLINK900
IC ID: 2361A-MLINK900
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.
Figure 8.1.1.1 – FCC Label
8.1.2 FCC Notices
WARNING: The MLink 900 modules have been tested by the FCC for use with other products
without further certification (as per FCC Section 2.1091). Changes or modifications to this device
not expressly approved by Murandi Communications could void the user’s authority to operate
the equipment.
NOTICE: OEM’s must verify the final end product complies with unintentional radiators (FCC
Section 15.107 and 15.109) before providing a declaration of conformity for their final product to
Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
NOTICE: The MLink 900 modules have been certified for mobile and fixed radio applications. If
the module will be used for portable applications, the device must undergo SAR testing.
RF Exposure WARNING: This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth
for an uncontrolled environment. This equipment should be installed and operated with minimum
distance 20 cm between the radiator and your body. This transmitter must not be co-located or
operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.
NOTICE: The preceding statement must be included as a CAUTION statement in OEM product
manuals in order to alert users of FCC RF Exposure compliance.
8.2 Canada (IC)
This device complies with 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, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the
device.
Le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR d'Industrie Canada applicables aux
appareils radio exempts de licence. L'exploitation est autorisée aux deux
conditions suivantes : (1) l'appareil ne doit pas produire de brouillage, et (2)
l'utilisateur de l'appareil doit accepter tout brouillage radioélectrique subi, même
si le brouillage est susceptible d'en compromettre le fonctionnement.
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.
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Murandi Communications Ltd. 106, 4715 - 13th St. NE, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, T2E 6M3
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Conformément à la réglementation d'Industrie Canada, le présent émetteur radio
peut fonctionner avec une antenne d'un type et d'un gain maximal (ou inférieur)
approuvé pour l'émetteur par Industrie Canada. Dans le but de réduire les
risques de brouillage radioélectrique à l'intention des autres utilisateurs, il faut
choisir le type d'antenne et son gain de sorte que la puissance isotrope rayonnée
équivalente (p.i.r.e.) ne dépasse pas l'intensité nécessaire à l'établissement
d'une communication satisfaisante.
This radio transmitter Model: MLink 900, IC: 2361A–MLINK900 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.
Le présent émetteur radio Model: MLink 900, IC: 2361A – MLINK900 a été
approuvé par Industrie Canada pour fonctionner avec les types d'antenne
énumérés ci-dessous et ayant un gain admissible maximal et l'impédance
requise pour chaque type d'antenne. Les types d'antenne non inclus dans cette
liste, ou dont le gain est supérieur au gain maximal indiqué, sont strictement
interdits pour l'exploitation de l'émetteur.
8.3 Approved Antennas
MLink 900 modules are approved for mobile and fixed applications. FCC & IC requires that for
mobile applications the antenna be mounted a minimum of 20 cm from users, as captured in
section 8.1.2 above.
MLink 900 modules has been approved for use with both an integral antenna and recommended
external antenna captured below including a 1.2 dB min cable loss. External antenna types with
the same or lower maximum gain are permitted for use with MLink 900. Professional installation
is required for the external antenna.
Manufacturer
Part Number
Type
Gain
Application
Min
Separation
MaxStream Inc
or
Laird Technologies
A09-Y8NF
or
PC904
4
Element
Yagi
4.8 dBd1
Mobile and
Fixed
20 cm
Note 1: Including 1.2 dB min cable loss as captured below:
5 ft min of RG-174 (27.9 dB/100 ft @ 900 MHz)
7 ft min of RG-58/RG-8X (20.1 dB/100 ft @ 900 MHz)
16 ft min of RG-213/LMR240 (7.7 dB/100 ft @ 900 MHz)
32 ft min of LMR-400 (3.9 dB/100 ft @ 900 MHz)
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Note 2: With 1.2 dB min cable loss (as captured below) for 4.8 dBd total.
Note 3: With 1.2 dB min cable loss (as captured below) for 7 dBi total.
5 ft min of RG-174 (27.9 dB/100 ft @ 900 MHz)
7 ft min of RG-58/RG-8X (20.1 dB/100 ft @ 900 MHz)
16 ft min of RG-213/LMR240 (7.7 dB/100 ft @ 900 MHz)
32 ft min of LMR-400 (3.9 dB/100 ft @ 900 MHz)
2
3
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9 Integration Instructions
MLink 900 is designed for use in countless wireless applications requiring long range
communications with low energy consumption. To ensure that the final product complies with the
all of the regulatory requirements for the Modular Grant the following integration instructions
should be followed. MLink is limited to OEM installation ONLY. The OEM integrator is
responsible for ensuring that the end-user has no manual instructions to remove or install the
module.
9.1 Mounting
Two mounting holes are provided as shown in the figure below. In addition MLink incorporates
an edge connector which mates with a Samtec MEC1-120-02-S-D-A connector. These can be
used to securely mount MLink in the final product.
Figure 9.1.1 – MLink 900 Mechanical Drawing
9.2 Interfaces
There are three interfaces on the MLink 900 modules - 900 MHz Antenna/RF, GPS Antenna/RF
and Digital/Baseband.
9.2.1 900 MHz and GPS Antenna
For the MLink 900A modules integral 900 MHz and GPS antennas are incorporated. These
antennas have been design to handle a wide variety of environments. To minimize degradation
in the performance of the antennas it is recommended that non metallic, low dielectric constant,
Mounting Hole
Mounting Hole
Edge
Connector
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low dielectric loss materials such as the housing ideally be 0.25” or greater from the antennas (as
showing in figure 9.1.1).
Note: As per section 8.1.2 a minimum 8” (20 cm) separation must be maintained between the
900 MHz antenna and the user to ensure compliance with the MPE regulatory requirements.
Otherwise additional regulatory approval may be required for the final product.
9.2.2 900 MHz and GPS RF connector
For the MLink 900C modules RF connections to both the 900 MHz and GPS are provided to
permit external antennas to be used which can be mounted remotely from MLink:
900 MHz
Impedance:
50 Ω
Connector:
MMCX female jack
Antenna:
See section 8.1.31,2
Note 1: Similar antennas with the same or lower gain may be used.
Note 2: As per section 8.1.2 a minimum 20 cm separation must be maintain between the
900 MHz antenna and the user to ensure compliance with the MPE regulatory
requirements. Otherwise additional regulatory approval may be required for the final
product. Professional installation is required for the external antenna.
GPS
Impedance:
50 Ω
Connector:
MMCX female jack
Antenna:
Active GPS antenna with built in LNA
DC Power:
3 V
50 mA max
9.2.3 Digital/Baseband
MLink 900 incorporates a standard edge connector which mates with a Samtec MEC1-120-02-S-
D-A connector in the final product. Power and standard digital interfaces to LED’s, Buzzers,
Sensors are provided. Many of the interface pins are reconfigurable and a list of key pins are
Pin #
Name
Description
39
Vcc
(input)
Power Supply
Main power supply for MLink
Typically provided by two AA, C, or D cell
batteries
2.2 to 3.3 Vdc
500 mA max current draw
31, 32
Ground
(bi-directional)
Ground
Low impedance ground connection for
MLink power supply, digital and analog
signals.
10, 12
UART1
(bi-directional)
Digital (see note 1)
GPS serial interface
21, 23
UART2
(bi-directional)
Digital (see note 1)
MLink serial interface
18
P1PPs
(output)
GPS 1pps
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Pin #
Name
Description
8, 10, 12,
26, 22, 28,
30, 34
Digital I/O
(bi-directional)
Digital (see note 1)
General purpose digital I/O which is
firmware configurable – for example for use
with LED, Buttons
4
Analog Input
(input)
Analog
A/D used to sample analog voltage – i.e.
sensor output.
0 to 1.5 V
10 kohms min input impedance
Note 1: Digital levels for operation.
Input: @ VDD = 2.2 V, max low level 1.0 V.
@ VDD = 3.3 V, max low level 1.65 V.
@ VDD = 2.2 V, min high level 1.2 V.
@ VDD = 3.3 V, min high level 1.8 V.
Min input impedance 20k
Max input capacitance 10 pF
Output: @ VDD = 2.2 V, max low level 0.25 V.
@ VDD = 3.3 V, max low level 0.25 V.
@ VDD = 2.2 V, min high level 1.95 V.
@ VDD = 3.3 V, min high level 3.05 V.
Max output impedance 500
Max output capacitance 10 pF
For additional information please contact Murandi Communications at 403-777-9988 or
technical.support@murandi.com.