Sierra Wireless MC8805 Radio Module User Manual TempConfidential 411xxxx AirPrime MC8805 Hardware Integration Guide v1 Draft B
Sierra Wireless Inc. Radio Module TempConfidential 411xxxx AirPrime MC8805 Hardware Integration Guide v1 Draft B
TempConfidential_411xxxx AirPrime MC8805 Hardware Integration Guide v1 - Draft B
AirPrime MC8805
Hardware Integration Guide
411xxxx
Rev 1
Distribution under NDA only
Contents subject to change
Preface
Rev 1 Dec.12 Proprietary and Confidential - Contents subject to change 3
Important
Notice
Due to the nature of wireless communications, transmission and reception of data
can never be guaranteed. Data may be delayed, corrupted (i.e., have errors) or be
totally lost. Although significant delays or losses of data are rare when wireless
devices such as the Sierra Wireless modem are used in a normal manner with a
well-constructed network, the Sierra Wireless modem should not be used in
situations where failure to transmit or receive data could result in damage of any
kind to the user or any other party, including but not limited to personal injury,
death, or loss of property. Sierra Wireless accepts no responsibility for damages
of any kind resulting from delays or errors in data transmitted or received using
the Sierra Wireless modem, or for failure of the Sierra Wireless modem to
transmit or receive such data.
Safety and
Hazards
Do not operate the Sierra Wireless modem in areas where blasting is in progress,
where explosive atmospheres may be present, near medical equipment, near life
support equipment, or any equipment which may be susceptible to any form of
radio interference. In such areas, the Sierra Wireless modem MUST BE
POWERED OFF. The Sierra Wireless modem can transmit signals that could
interfere with this equipment.
Do not operate the Sierra Wireless modem in any aircraft, whether the aircraft is
on the ground or in flight. In aircraft, the Sierra Wireless modem MUST BE
POWERED OFF. When operating, the Sierra Wireless modem can transmit
signals that could interfere with various onboard systems.
Note: Some airlines may permit the use of cellular phones while the aircraft is on the
ground and the door is open. Sierra Wireless modems may be used at this time.
The driver or operator of any vehicle should not operate the Sierra Wireless
modem while in control of a vehicle. Doing so will detract from the driver or
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.
Limitation of
Liability
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.
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Patents This product may contain technology developed by or for Sierra Wireless Inc.
This product includes technology licensed from QUALCOMM®.
This product is manufactured or sold by Sierra Wireless Inc. or its affiliates under
one or more patents licensed from InterDigital Group.
Copyright ©2012 Sierra Wireless. All rights reserved.
Trademarks AirCard® is a registered trademark of Sierra Wireless. Sierra Wireless™,
AirPrime™, Watcher™, and the Sierra Wireless logo are trademarks of Sierra
Wireless.
Windows® and Windows Vista® are registered trademarks of Microsoft
Corporation.
Macintosh and Mac OS X are registered trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in
the U.S. and other countries.
QUALCOMM® is a registered trademark of QUALCOMM Incorporated. Used
under license.
Other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Contact
Information
Consult our website for up-to-date product descriptions, documentation,
application notes, firmware upgrades, troubleshooting tips, and press releases:
www.sierrawireless.com
Revision
History
Sales Desk: Phone: 1-604-232-1488
Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Pacific Time
E-mail: sales@sierrawireless.com
Post: Sierra Wireless
13811 Wireless Way
Richmond, BC
Canada V6V 3A4
Fax: 1-604-231-1109
Web: www.sierrawireless.com
Revision
number Release date Changes
1December 2012 FCC certification
Rev 1 Dec.12 Proprietary and Confidential - Contents subject to change 5
Contents
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Required connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Power supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Module power states . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
RF Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
RF connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Shielding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Antenna and cabling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Ground connection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Interference and sensitivity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Interference from other wireless devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Host-generated RF interference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Device-generated RF interference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Methods to mitigate decreased Rx performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Radiated Spurious Emissions (RSE) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Radiated sensitivity measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Regulatory Compliance and Industry Certifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Important notice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Safety and hazards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Important compliance information for North American users . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Acronyms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
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Rev 1 Dec.12 Proprietary and Confidential - Contents subject to change 7
1
1: Introduction
The Sierra Wireless MC8805 PCI Express Mini Card is a compact,
lightweight, wireless UMTS-based modem.
The MC8805 provides DC-HSPA+, HSPA+, HSDPA, HSUPA,
WCDMA, GSM, GPRS, EDGE, and GNSS connectivity for notebook,
ultrabook, and tablet computers over several radio frequency bands.
The device also supports 2G / 3G roaming, subject to carrier
provisioning.
Accessories
The Universal Development Kit (UDK) is a hardware development
platform for AirPrime MC-series modules. It contains hardware
components for evaluating and developing with the module, including:
•Development board
•Cables
•Antennas (Additional antennas may be required to support all
bands.)
•Initial allotment of support hours
•Other accessories
For instructions on setting up the UDK (part number 6000270), see
[4] PCI Express Mini Card Dev Kit Quick Start Guide
(Doc# 2130705).
Required connectors
Tabl e 1-1 describes the connectors used to integrate the MC8805
into your host device.
Table 1-1: Required host-module connectors1
Connector type Description
RF cables •Mate with Hirose U.FL connectors
(model U.FL #CL331-0471-0-10)
•Two connector jacks
EDGE (52-pin) •Industry-standard mating connector
•Some manufacturers include Tyco, Foxconn, Molex
•Example: UDK board uses Molex 67910-0001
SIM •Industry-standard connector. Type depends on how host
device exposes the SIM socket
•Example: UDK board uses ITT CCM03-3518
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1. Manufacturers / part numbers are for reference only and are subject to change. Choose
connectors that are appropriate for your own design.
Rev 1 Dec.12 Proprietary and Confidential - Contents subject to change 9
2
2: Power
Power supply
The host provides power to the MC8805 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 MC8805 Product Technical Specification Document
& Customer Design Guidelines.
Module power states
The module has four power states, as described in Ta b l e 2-1.
Table 2-1: Module power states
State Details
Host is powered
Module is powered
USB interface active
RF enabled
Normal
(Default
state)
•Module is active
•Default state when VCC is first applied in the absence of W_DISABLE_N control
•Module is capable of placing / receiving calls, or establishing data connections on the
wireless network
•Current consumption is affected by several factors, including:
•Radio band being used
•Transmit power
•Receive gain settings
•Data rate
•Number of active Tx time slots
Low power
(‘Airplane
mode’)
•Module is active
•Module enters this state:
•Under host interface control:
·Host issues AT+CFUN=0 ([1] AT Command Set for User Equipment (UE)
(Release 6) (Doc# 3GPP TS 27.007))), or
·Host asserts W_DISABLE_N, after AT!PCOFFEN=0 has been issued.
•Automatically, when critical temperature or voltage trigger limits have been
reached
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Sleep •Normal state of module between calls or data connections
•Module cycles between wake (polling the network) and sleep, at network provider-
determined interval.
Disconnected •Host power source is disconnected from the module and all voltages associated with
the module are at 0 V.
Table 2-1: Module power states (Continued)
State Details
Host is powered
Module is powered
USB interface active
RF enabled
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3
3: RF Specifications
The MC8805 operates on the frequency bands listed below.
Table 3-1: WCDMA frequency band support1
1. WCDMA channel spacing is 5 MHz, but this can be adjusted to
optimize performance in a particular deployment scenario.
Band Frequencies
Band 1
WCDMA 2100 Tx: 1920–1980 MHz
Rx: 2110–2170 MHz
Band 2
WCDMA 1900 Tx: 1850–1910 MHz
Rx: 1930–1990 MHz
Band 5
WCDMA 850 Tx: 824–849 MHz
Rx: 869–894 MHz
Band 8
WCDMA 900 Tx: 880–915 MHz
Rx: 925–960 MHz
Table 3-2: GSM frequency band support
Band Frequencies
GSM 850 Tx: 824–849 MHz
Rx: 869–894 MHz
EGSM 900 Tx: 880–915 MHz
Rx: 925–960 MHz
GSM 1800 Tx: 1710–1785 MHz
Rx: 1805–1880 MHz
GSM 1900 Tx: 1850–1910 MHz
Rx: 1930–1990 MHz
Table 3-3: GNSS frequency band support
Band Frequencies
GPS Rx: 1575.42 MHz
GLONASS Rx: 1602 MHz
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RF connections
When attaching antennas to the module:
Note: To disconnect the
antenna, make sure you
use the Hirose U.FL
connector removal tool
(P / N UFL-LP-N-2(01)) to
prevent damage to the
module or coaxial cable
assembly.
•Use Hirose U.FL connectors (3 mm x 3 mm, low profile; model
U.FL #CL331-0471-0-10) to attach antennas to connection points on the
module.
•Match coaxial connections between the module and the antenna to 50 .
•Minimize RF cable losses to the antenna; the recommended maximum cable
loss for antenna cabling is 0.5 dB.
•To ensure best thermal performance, if possible use the mounting holes to
attach (ground) the device to the main PCB ground or a metal chassis.
Note: If the antenna connection is shorted or open, the modem will not sustain permanent
damage.
Shielding
The module is fully shielded to protect against EMI and must not be removed.
Antenna and cabling
When selecting the antenna and cable, it is critical to RF performance to match
antenna gain and cable loss.
Choosing the correct antenna and cabling
When matching antennas and cabling:
•The antenna (and associated circuitry) should have a nominal impedance of
50 with a return loss of better than 10 dB across each frequency band of
operation.
•The system gain value affects both radiated power and regulatory (FCC, IC,
CE, etc.) test results.
Designing custom antennas
Consider the following points when designing custom antennas:
•A skilled RF engineer should do the development to ensure that the RF
performance is maintained.
•If both CDMA and UMTS modules will be installed in the same platform, you
may want to develop separate antennas for maximum performance.
Determining the antenna’s location
When deciding where to put the antennas:
•Antenna location may affect RF performance. Although the module is
shielded to prevent interference in most applications, the placement of the
antenna is still very important — if the host device is insufficiently shielded,
RF Specifications
Rev 1 Dec.12 Proprietary and Confidential - Contents subject to change 13
high levels of broadband or spurious noise can degrade the module’s perfor-
mance.
•Connecting cables between the module and the antenna must have 50
impedance. If the impedance of the module is mismatched, RF performance
is reduced significantly.
•Antenna cables should be routed, if possible, away from noise sources
(switching power supplies, LCD assemblies, etc.). If the cables are near the
noise sources, the noise may be coupled into the RF cable and into the
antenna.
Disabling the diversity antenna
•Use the AT command !RXDEN=0 to disable receive diversity or !RXDEN=1 to
enable receive diversity.
Note: A diversity antenna is used to improve connection quality and reliability through
redundancy. Because two antennas may experience difference interference effects (signal
distortion, delay, etc.), when one antenna receives a degraded signal, the other may not be
similarly affected.
Ground connection
When connecting the module to system ground:
•Prevent noise leakage by establishing a very good ground connection to the
module through the host connector.
•Connect to system ground using the two mounting holes at the top of the
module.
•Minimize ground noise leakage into the RF.
Depending on the host board design, noise could potentially be coupled to
the module from the host board. This is mainly an issue for host designs that
have signals traveling along the length of the module, or circuitry operating at
both ends of the module interconnects.
Interference and sensitivity
Several interference sources can affect the module’s RF performance
(RF desense). Common sources include power supply noise and device-
generated RF.
RF desense can be addressed through a combination of mitigation techniques
(Methods to mitigate decreased Rx performance on page 14) and radiated
sensitivity measurement (Radiated sensitivity measurement on page 15).
Note: The MC8805 is based on ZIF (Zero Intermediate Frequency) technologies. When
performing EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility) tests, there are no IF (Intermediate
Frequency) components from the module to consider.
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Interference from other wireless devices
Wireless devices operating inside the host device can cause interference that
affects the module.
To determine the most suitable locations for antennas on your host device,
evaluate each wireless device’s radio system, considering the following:
•Any harmonics, sub-harmonics, or cross-products of signals generated by
wireless devices that fall in the module’s Rx range may cause spurious
response, resulting in decreased Rx performance.
•The Tx power and corresponding broadband noise of other wireless devices
may overload or increase the noise floor of the module’s receiver, resulting in
Rx desense.
The severity of this interference depends on the closeness of the other antennas
to the module’s antenna. To determine suitable locations for each wireless
device’s antenna, thoroughly evaluate your host device’s design.
Host-generated RF interference
All electronic computing devices generate RF interference that can negatively
affect the receive sensitivity of the module.
Proximity of host electronics to the antenna in wireless devices can contribute to
decreased Rx performance. Components that are most likely to cause this
include:
•Microprocessor and memory
•Display panel and display drivers
•Switching-mode power supplies
Device-generated RF interference
The module can cause interference with other devices. Wireless devices such as
AirPrime embedded modules transmit in bursts (pulse transients) for set durations
(RF burst frequencies). Hearing aids and speakers convert these burst
frequencies into audible frequencies, resulting in audible noise.
Methods to mitigate decreased Rx performance
It is important to investigate sources of localized interference early in the design
cycle. To reduce the effect of device-generated RF on Rx performance:
•Put the antenna as far as possible from sources of interference. The
drawback is that the module may be less convenient to use.
•Shield the host device. The module itself is well shielded to avoid external
interference. However, the antenna cannot be shielded for obvious reasons.
In most instances, it is necessary to employ shielding on the components of
the host device (such as the main processor and parallel bus) that have the
highest RF emissions.
•Filter out unwanted high-order harmonic energy by using discrete filtering on
low frequency lines.
RF Specifications
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•Form shielding layers around high-speed clock traces by using multi-layer
PCBs.
•Route antenna cables away from noise sources.
Radiated Spurious Emissions (RSE)
When designing an antenna for use with AirPrime embedded modules, the host
device with an AirPrime embedded module must satisfy the radiated spurious
emission (RSE) test cases described in:
•CE/ETSI EN 301 908 (WCDMA), test numbers 5.3.1 (‘Radiated Emissions
(UE)’)
•CE/ETSI EN 301 511 (GSM), test 5.2.16 (‘Radiated Spurious Emissions - MS
allocated a channel’). This test uses the procedure and requirement outlined
in 3GPP 51.010 (GSM) section 12.2.1 of the same test name.
Note that antenna impedance affects radiated emissions, which must be
compared against the conducted 50-ohm emissions baseline. (AirPrime
embedded modules meet the 50-ohm conducted emissions requirement.)
Note: GSM spurious emissions are most likely to have RSE issues, but in general, RSE
requirements must be met on all models with user-designed antennas.
Radiated sensitivity measurement
A wireless host device contains many noise sources that contribute to a reduction
in Rx performance.
To determine the extent of any receiver performance desensitization due to self-
generated noise in the host device, over-the-air (OTA) or radiated testing is
required. This testing can be performed by Sierra Wireless or you can use your
own OTA test chamber for in-house testing.
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4
4: Regulatory Compliance and Industry
Certifications
This module is designed to meet, and upon commercial release, will
meet the requirements of the following regulatory bodies and
regulations, where applicable:
•Federal Communications Commission (FCC) of the United States
•The National Communications Commission (NCC) of Taiwan,
Republic of China
•Radio Equipment and Telecommunications Terminal Equipment
(R&TTE) Directive of the European Union
Upon commercial release, the following industry approvals will have
been obtained, where applicable:
•GCF-CC
•Full GCF
Additional certifications may be obtained upon customer request —
contact your Sierra Wireless account representative for details.
Additional testing and certification may be required for the end
product with an embedded MC8805 modem and are the
responsibility of the OEM. Sierra Wireless offers professional
services-based assistance to OEMs with the testing and certification
process, if required.
Important notice
Because of the nature of wireless communications, transmission and
reception of data can never be guaranteed. Data may be delayed,
corrupted (i.e., have errors) or be totally lost. Although significant
delays or losses of data are rare when wireless devices such as the
Sierra Wireless modem are used in a normal manner with a well-
constructed network, the Sierra Wireless modem should not be used
in situations where failure to transmit or receive data could result in
damage of any kind to the user or any other party, including but not
limited to personal injury, death, or loss of property. Sierra Wireless
and its affiliates accept no responsibility for damages of any kind
resulting from delays or errors in data transmitted or received using
the Sierra Wireless modem, or for failure of the Sierra Wireless
modem to transmit or receive such data.
Safety and hazards
Do not operate your MC8805 modem:
•In areas where blasting is in progress
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•Where explosive atmospheres may be present including refuelling points, fuel
depots, and chemical plants
•Near medical equipment, life support equipment, or any equipment which
may be susceptible to any form of radio interference. In such areas, the
MC8805 modem MUST BE POWERED OFF. Otherwise, the MC8805
modem can transmit signals that could interfere with this equipment.
In an aircraft, the MC8805 modem MUST BE POWERED OFF. Otherwise, the
MC8805 modem can transmit signals that could interfere with various onboard
systems and may be dangerous to the operation of the aircraft or disrupt the
cellular network. Use of a cellular phone in an aircraft is illegal in some
jurisdictions. Failure to observe this instruction may lead to suspension or denial
of cellular telephone services to the offender, or legal action or both.
Some airlines may permit the use of cellular phones while the aircraft is on the
ground and the door is open. The MC8805 modem may be used normally at this
time.
Important compliance information for
North American users
Note: Details are preliminary and subject to change.
The MC8805 modem has been granted modular approval for mobile applications.
Integrators may use the MC8805 modem in their final products without additional
FCC certification if they meet the following conditions. Otherwise, additional FCC
approvals must be obtained.
1. At least 20 cm separation distance between the antenna and the user’s body
must be maintained at all times.
2. 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:
Note: Gain values are
preliminary and subject to
change.
·6.5 dBi in Cellular band
·3 dBi in PCS band
3. The MC8805 modem may transmit simultaneously with other collocated radio
transmitters within a host device, provided the following conditions are met:
·Each collocated radio transmitter has been certfied by FCC for mobile
application.
·At least 20 cm separation distance between the antennas of the collocated
transmitters and the user’s body must be maintained at all times.
Regulatory Compliance and Industry Certifications
Rev 1 Dec.12 Proprietary and Confidential - Contents subject to change 19
·The output power and antenna gain must not exceed the limits and configu-
rations stipulated in the following table.
4. A label must be affixed to the outside of the end product into which the
MC8805 modem is incorporated, with a statement similar to the following:
· This device contains FCC ID: N7NMC8805
5. 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 MC8805 modem may also need to pass the
FCC Part 15 unintentional emission testing requirements and be properly
authorized per FCC Part 15.
Note: If this module is intended for use in a portable device, you are responsible
for separate approval to satisfy the SAR requirements of FCC Part 2.1093.
Device Technology Band Frequency
(MHz) Maximum
conducted power
(dBm)
Maximum
antenna gain
(dBi)
MC8805 Mini
Card UMTS 21850–1910 23.5 3
5824–849 23.5 3
GSM Cellular
(850) 824–849 33 3
PCS
(1900) 1850–1910 30 3
Collocated
transmitters1WLAN 2400–2500 29 5.0
5150–5850 29 5.0
WiMAX 2300–2400 29 5.0
2500–2700 29 5.0
3300–3800 29 5.0
BT 2400–2500 15 5.0
1. Valid collocated transmitter combinations: WLAN+BT; WiMAX+BT.
(WLAN+WiMAX+BT is not permitted.)
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5
5: Acronyms
Table 5-1: Acronyms and definitions
Acronym or term Definition
3GPP 3rd Generation Partnership Project
8PSK Octagonal Phase Shift Keying
AGC Automatic Gain Control
A-GPS Assisted GPS
API Application Programming Interface
BER Bit Error Rate — A measure of receive sensitivity
BLER Block Error Rate
bluetooth Wireless protocol for data exchange over short distances
CDG CDMA Development Group—a consortium of companies that develop and
promote the products and services for CDMA wireless systems.
CDMA Code Division Multiple Access.
A wideband spread spectrum technique used in digital cellular, personal
communications services, and other wireless networks. Wide channels (1.25
MHz) are obtained through spread spectrum transmissions, thus allowing many
active users to share the same channel. Each user is assigned a unique digital
code, which differentiates the individual conversations on the same channel.
CQI Channel Quality Indication
COM Communication port
CS Circuit-switched
CW Continuous waveform
dB Decibel = 10 x log10 (P1 / P2)
P1 is calculated power; P2 is reference power
Decibel = 20 x log10 (V1 / V2)
V1 is calculated voltage, V2 is reference voltage
dBm A logarithmic (base 10) measure of relative power (dB for decibels); relative to
milliwatts (m). A dBm value will be 30 units (1000 times) larger (less negative)
than a dBW value, because of the difference in scale (milliwatts vs. watts).
DC-HSPA+ Dual Carrier HSPA+
DCS Digital Cellular System
A cellular communication infrastructure that uses the 1.8 GHz radio spectrum.
DL Downlink (network to mobile)
DUN Dial-Up Networking
DRX Discontinuous Reception
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DSM Distributed Shared Memory
DUT Device Under Test
EDGE Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution
EIRP Effective (or Equivalent) Isotropic Radiated Power
EMC Electromagnetic Compatibility
EMI Electromagnetic Interference
ERP Effective Radiated Power
ESD Electrostatic Discharge
FCC Federal Communications Commission
The U.S. federal agency that is responsible for interstate and foreign
communications. The FCC regulates commercial and private radio spectrum
management, sets rates for communications services, determines standards for
equipment, and controls broadcast licensing. Consult www.fcc.gov.
FDMA Frequency Division Multiple Access
FER Frame Error Rate — A measure of receive sensitivity.
firmware Software stored in ROM or EEPROM; essential programs that remain even when
the system is turned off. Firmware is easier to change than hardware but more
permanent than software stored on disk.
FOTA Firmware Over The Air — Technology used to download firmware upgrades
directly from the service provider, over the air.
FOV Field Of View
FSN Factory Serial Number—A unique serial number assigned to the mini card during
manufacturing.
GCF Global Certification Forum
GLONASS Global Navigation Satellite System — A Russian system that uses a series of 24
satellites in middle circular orbit to provide navigational data.
GMSK Gaussian Minimum Shift Keying modulation
GNSS Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GPS plus GLONASS)
GPRS General Packet Radio Service
GPS Global Positioning System
An American system that uses a series of 24 satellites in middle circular orbit to
provide navigational data.
GSM Global System for Mobile Communications
Host The device into which an embedded module is integrated
HSDPA High Speed Downlink Packet Access
Table 5-1: Acronyms and definitions (Continued)
Acronym or term Definition
Acronyms
Rev 1 Dec.12 Proprietary and Confidential - Contents subject to change 23
HSPA+ Enhanced HSPA, as defined in 3GPP Release 7 and beyond
HSUPA High Speed Uplink Packet Access
Hz Hertz = 1 cycle / second
IC Industry Canada
IF Intermediate Frequency
IMEI International Mobile Equipment Identity
inrush current Peak current drawn when a device is connected or powered on
inter-RAT Radio Access Technology
IOT Interoperability Testing
IS Interim Standard.
After receiving industry consensus, the TIA forwards the standard to ANSI for
approval.
LED Light Emitting Diode.
A semiconductor diode that emits visible or infrared light.
LHCP Left-Hand Circular Polarized
LNA Low Noise Amplifier
LPM Low Power Mode
LPT Line Print Terminal
LTE Long Term Evolution—a high-performance air interface for cellular mobile
communication systems.
MCS Modulation and Coding Scheme
MHz Megahertz = 10e6 Hz
MIMO Multiple Input Multiple Output—wireless antenna technology that uses multiple
antennas at both transmitter and receiver side. This improves performance.
NAS / AS Network Access Server
NC No Connect
NIC Network Interface Card
NMEA National Marine Electronics Association
OEM Original Equipment Manufacturer—a company that manufactures a product and
sells it to a reseller.
OFDMA Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access
OMA DM Open Mobile Alliance Device Management — A device management protocol.
OTA ‘Over the air’ (or radiated through the antenna)
Table 5-1: Acronyms and definitions (Continued)
Acronym or term Definition
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24 Proprietary and Confidential - Contents subject to change 411xxxx
PA Power Amplifier
packet A short, fixed-length block of data, including a header, that is transmitted as a unit
in a communications network.
PCB Printed Circuit Board
PCS Personal Communication System
A cellular communication infrastructure that uses the 1.9 GHz radio spectrum.
PDN Packet Data Network
PMI Pre-coding Matrix Index
PSS Primary synchronisation signal
PST Product Support Tools
PTCRB PCS Type Certification Review Board
QAM Quadrature Amplitude Modulation.
This form of modulation uses amplitude, frequency, and phase to transfer data on
the carrier wave.
QMI Qualcomm MSM/Modem Interface
QOS Quality of Service
QPSK Quadrature Phase-Shift Keying
QPST Qualcomm Product Support Tools
RAT Radio Access Technology
RF Radio Frequency
RI Ring Indicator
roaming A cellular subscriber is in an area where service is obtained from a cellular service
provider that is not the subscriber’s provider.
RSE Radiated Spurious Emissions
RSSI Received Signal Strength Indication
SDK Software Development Kit
SED Smart Error Detection
Sensitivity
(Audio) Measure of lowest power signal that the receiver can measure.
Sensitivity (RF) Measure of lowest power signal at the receiver input that can provide a prescribed
BER / BLER / SNR value at the receiver output.
SG An LTE signaling interface for SMS (“SMS over SGs”)
SIB System Information Block
Table 5-1: Acronyms and definitions (Continued)
Acronym or term Definition
Acronyms
Rev 1 Dec.12 Proprietary and Confidential - Contents subject to change 25
SIM Subscriber Identity Module. Also referred to as USIM or UICC.
SIMO Single Input Multiple Output—smart antenna technology that uses a single
antenna at the transmitter side and multiple antennas at the receiver side. This
improves performance and security.
SISO Single Input Single Output—antenna technology that uses a single antenna at
both the transmitter side and the receiver side.
SKU Stock Keeping Unit—identifies an inventory item: a unique code, consisting of
numbers or letters and numbers, assigned to a product by a retailer for purposes
of identification and inventory control.
SMS Short Message Service.
A feature that allows users of a wireless device on a wireless network to receive
or transmit short electronic alphanumeric messages (up to 160 characters,
depending on the service provider).
S/N Signal-to-noise (ratio)
SNR Signal-to-Noise Ratio
SOF Start of Frame — A USB function.
SSS Secondary synchronisation signal.
SUPL Secure User Plane Location
TIA/EIA Telecommunications Industry Association / Electronics Industry Association.
A standards setting trade organization, whose members provide communications
and information technology products, systems, distribution services and
professional services in the United States and around the world. Consult
www.tiaonline.org.
TIS Total Isotropic Sensitivity
TRP Total Radiated Power
UDK Universal Development Kit (for PCI Express Mini Cards)
UE User Equipment
UICC Universal Integrated Circuit Card (Also referred to as a SIM card.)
UL Uplink (mobile to network)
UMTS Universal Mobile Telecommunications System
USB Universal Serial Bus
USIM Universal Subscriber Identity Module (UMTS)
VCC Supply voltage
VSWR Voltage Standing Wave Ratio
WAN Wide Area Network
WCDMA Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (also referred to as UMTS)
Table 5-1: Acronyms and definitions (Continued)
Acronym or term Definition
Hardware Integration Guide
26 Proprietary and Confidential - Contents subject to change 411xxxx
WLAN Wireless Local Area Network
ZIF Zero Intermediate Frequency
Table 5-1: Acronyms and definitions (Continued)
Acronym or term Definition
Rev 1 Dec.12 Proprietary and Confidential - Contents subject to change 27
Index
A
accessories, 7
acronyms and definitions, 21– 26
antenna
connection considerations, 12
custom, design, 12
diversity antenna, disabling, 13
limit, matching coaxial connections, 12
location, considerations, 12
matching, considerations, 12
maximum cable loss, 12
routing, 13
approvals, regulatory and industry, 17
B
bands supported, RF
GSM, 11
WCDMA, 11
C
cable loss
antenna, maximum, 12
connection
grounding, 13
connectors, required
host-module, 7
D
desense. See RF
Development Kit contents, 7
diversity antenna
disabling, 13
E
EDGE
connector, required, 7
F
filtering, RF desense, 14
frequency band support
GSM, 11
WCDMA, 11
G
gain
maximum, 18
grounding
connection considerations, 13
GSM
frequency band support, 11
I
impedance
module–antenna, 13
industry approvals, 17
interference
device generated, 14
host-generated, 14
wireless devices, 14
M
module
power states, 9–??
N
noise
leakage, minimizing, 13
P
PCB
multi-layer, shielding for RF desense, 15
power
states, module, 9–??
R
radiated sensitivity measurement, 15
radiated spurious emissions, 15
regulatory approvals, 17
regulatory information, 17– 19
FCC, 18
limitation of liability, 17
safety and hazards, 17
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RF
antenna cable loss, maximum, 12
antenna connection, considerations, 12
connectors, required, 7
desense
device-generated, 14
harmonic energy, filtering, 14
mitigation suggestions, 14
shielding suggestions, 14
interference
other devices, 14
wireless devices, 14
RF bands supported
GSM, 11
WCDMA, 11
RF specifications, 11–??
RSE, 15
S
sensitivity
radiated measurement, overview, 15
shielding
module, compliance, 12
reducing RF desense, 14
SIM
connector, required, 7
specifications
RF, 11–??
U
UDK, 7
Universal Development Kit, 7
W
WCDMA
frequency band support, 11
Z
ZIF (Zero Intermediate Frequency), 13
