Sierra Wireless SL9090 Cellular/PCS GSM/EDGE/CDMA/WCDMA Modem User Manual AirPrime SL9090 Hardware Integration Guide V0 1x
Sierra Wireless Inc. Cellular/PCS GSM/EDGE/CDMA/WCDMA Modem AirPrime SL9090 Hardware Integration Guide V0 1x
TempConfidential_AirPrime_SL9090_Hardware_Integration_Guide_V0.2
WA_DEV_SL9090_HWIG_001
01
July 27, 2012
AirPrime SL9090
Product Specification
1 Rev 1 July 27,2012 2
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.
Limitations of Liability
This manual is provided “as is”. Sierra Wireless makes no warranties of any kind, either expressed or
implied, including any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or
noninfringement. The recipient of the manual shall endorse all risks arising from its use.
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.
1 Rev 1 July 27,2012 3
Patents
This product may contain technology developed by or for Sierra Wireless Inc.
This product includes technology licensed from QUALCOMM® 3G.
This product is manufactured or sold by Sierra Wireless Inc. or its affiliates under one or more patents
licensed from InterDigital Group.
Copyright
© 2011 Sierra Wireless. All rights reserved.
Trademarks
AirCard® and Watcher® are registered trademarks of Sierra Wireless. Sierra Wireless™, AirPrime™,
AirLink™, AirVantage™ and the Sierra Wireless logo are trademarks of Sierra Wireless.
, ,
®, inSIM®, WAVECOM®, WISMO®, Wireless Microprocessor®,
Wireless CPU®, Open AT® are filed or registered trademarks of Sierra Wireless S.A. in France and/or
in other countries.
Windows® and Windows Vista® are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
Macintosh and Mac OS 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 the respective owners.
Contact Information
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
Consult our website for up-to-date product descriptions, documentation, application notes, firmware
upgrades, troubleshooting tips, and press releases: www.sierrawireless.com
1 Rev 1 July 27,2012 4
Document History
Version Date Updates
001 July 27,2012 Creation
WA_DEV_SL9090_HWIG_0011 Rev 1 July 27，2012 5
Contents
1.INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................. 7
1.1.Hardware Development Components ............................................................................... 7
2.POWER INTERFACE ........................................................................................... 8
2.1.Power Supply .................................................................................................................... 8
2.2.Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) ........................................................................................... 8
2.3.Power States ..................................................................................................................... 9
3.RF INTEGRATION ............................................................................................. 10
3.1.Supported RF Bands ....................................................................................................... 10
3.1.1.Ground Connection Guidelines ................................................................................ 11
3.1.2.Shielding Guidelines ................................................................................................ 11
3.2.Antenna Guidelines ......................................................................................................... 11
3.2.1.Choosing the Correct Antenna and Cabling ............................................................ 11
3.2.2.Determining the Antenna’s Location ........................................................................ 11
3.3.RF Desense Sources ...................................................................................................... 12
4.AUDIO INTERFACE ........................................................................................... 13
5.REGULATORY INFORMATION ......................................................................... 14
5.1.Important Notice .............................................................................................................. 14
5.2.Safety and Hazards ......................................................................................................... 14
5.3.Important Compliance Information for North American Users ........................................ 15
6.REFERENCES ................................................................................................... 17
6.1.Reference Documents ..................................................................................................... 17
6.2.List of Abbreviations ........................................................................................................ 17
WA_DEV_SL9090_HWIG_0011 Rev 1 July 27，2012 6
List of Tables
Table 1.Power Supply Requirements ............................................................................................. 8
Table 2.ESD Specifications ............................................................................................................ 8
Table 3.Supported SL9090 Power States ...................................................................................... 9
Table 4.Supported Frequency Ranges ........................................................................................ 10
Table 5.PCM Audio Interface Features ........................................................................................ 13
Table 6.Audio Pin Description ...................................................................................................... 13
WA_DEV_SL9090_HWIG_0011 Rev 1 July 27，2012 7
1. Introduction
The Sierra Wireless AirPrime SL9090 soldered-down module forms the radio component for the
products in which it is embedded.
Module-specific performance and physical characteristics are described in the corresponding product
specification document.
Note: An understanding of network technology, and experience in integrating hardware components into
electronic equipment is assumed.
1.1. Hardware Development Components
Sierra Wireless manufactures two hardware development components to facilitate the hardware
integration process:
AirPrime SL Socket Board – Adapter board on which an SL module is embedded. This board
may be used as a stand-alone platform for basic hardware development.
AirPrime SL Development Kit – Hardware development board on which an SL socket board is
plugged. The development kit provides access to all of the interfaces supported by the SL
module.
For instructions on using the SL Development Kit, see document [1] Universal Development Kit User
Guide for AirPrime SL Series.
WA_DEV_SL9090_HWIG_0011 Rev 1 July 27，2012 8
2. Power Interface
2.1. Power Supply
The host device must provide power to the AirPrime soldered-down module over pins 42 and 44
(VCC_3V6) as detailed in the following table.
Table 1. Power Supply Requirements
Requirement Type Value
Power Supply 3.6V (nominal)
Voltage Range (VMIN – VMAX) 3.4V – 4.3V
Current (instantaneous (5ms)) 3A
Current (continuous) 700mA
Note: The host must provide safe and continuous power to the module; the module does NOT have
protection circuits to guard against electrical overstress.
2.2. Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)
The host device must provide adequate ESD protection on digital circuits and antenna ports as
detailed in the following table.
Note: The level of protection required depends on the application.
Table 2. ESD Specifications
Category Connection Specification
Operational RF ports IEC-61000-4-2 — Level (Electrostatic Discharge Immunity
Test)
Non-operational Host connector interface Unless otherwise specified:
JESD22-A114 +/- 2kV Human Body Model
JESD22-A115 +/- 200V Machine Model
JESD22-C101C +/- 500V Charged Device Model
Signals USIM connector
ESD protection is highly recommended at the point where
the USIM contacts are exposed, and for any other signals
that would be subjected to ESD by the user.
Other host signals
1 Rev 1 July 27,2012 9
Power Interface
2.3. Power States
The SL9090 module has five power states as detailed in the following table.
Table 3. Supported SL9090 Power States
State Description Host
Powered Module
Powered
USB
Interface
Active
RF
Enabled
Normal
(Default state)
Capable of placing / receiving calls or
establishing data connections on
network
USB interface is fully active
Current consumption in a call or data
connection is affected by:
Radio band in use
Tx power
Receive gain settings
Data rate
Number of active Tx time slots
Airplane
Mode (RF off)
‘Airplane’ mode — Rx / Tx are disabled;
USB interface is active
State entered automatically when
critical voltage / temperature thresholds
are exceeded. Host should consider
powering off module to prevent damage
to unit.
Sleep (Idle
Mode)
Normal state of module between calls
or data connections.
Module cycles between wake (polling
the network) and sleep, at network
provider-determined interval.
Off
Host power is connected
Module is powered down (drawing
minimal current from host power
supply)
Disconnected
Host power is disconnected from
module
All module-related voltages are at 0V
WA_DEV_SL9090_HWIG_0011 Rev 1 July 27，2012 10
3. RF Integration
3.1. Supported RF Bands
Table 4. Supported Frequency Ranges
Band Frequencies (MHz) SL9090
GSM Bands
GSM 850 Transmit: 824 – 849
Receive: 869 – 894
EGSM 900 Transmit: 880 – 915
Receive: 925 – 960
DCS 1800 Transmit: 1710 – 1785
Receive: 1805 – 1880
PCS 1900 Transmit: 1850 – 1910
Receive: 1930 – 1990
WCDMA Bands
Band I
WCDMA 2100
Transmit: 1920 – 1980
Receive: 2110 – 2170
Band II
WCDMA 1900
Transmit: 1850 – 1910
Receive: 1930 – 1990
Band V
WCDMA 850
Transmit: 824 – 849
Receive: 869 – 894
Band VIII
WCDMA 900
Transmit: 880 – 915
Receive: 925 – 960
WCDMA Bands RX Diversity
Band I
WCDMA 2100
Transmit: 1920 – 1980
Receive: 2110 – 2170
Band II
WCDMA 1900
Transmit: 1850 – 1910
Receive: 1930 – 1990
Band V
WCDMA 850
Transmit: 824 – 849
Receive: 869 – 894
Band VIII
WCDMA 900
Transmit: 880 – 915
Receive: 925 – 960
GPS
GPS 1575.42
CDMA Bands
Band Class 0 CDMA 800 (North American Cellular)
Band Class 1 CDMA 1900 (North American PCS)
1 Rev 1 July 27,2012 11
RF Integration
3.1.1. Ground Connection Guidelines
When connecting the module to system ground:
Prevent noise leakage by establishing a very good ground connection to the module through
the host connector.
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.
3.1.2. Shielding Guidelines
The module is fully shielded to protect against EMI and to ensure compliance with FCC Part 15 -
“Radio Frequency Devices” (or equivalent regulations in other jurisdictions).
Note: This shielding must NOT be removed.
3.2. Antenna Guidelines
3.2.1. Choosing the Correct Antenna and Cabling
Consider the following points for appropriate antenna selection:
The antenna (and associated circuitry) should have a nominal impedance of 50Ω 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.
3.2.2. Determining the Antenna’s Location
Consider the following points when deciding where to place the antenna:
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, high levels of broadband or spurious noise can degrade
the module’s performance.
Connecting cables between the module and the antenna must have 50Ω 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.
1 Rev 1 July 27,2012 12
RF Integration
3.3. RF Desense Sources
Common sources of interference that may affect the module’s RF performance (RF desense) include
Power supply noise
Can lead to noise in the RF signal
Module power supply ripple limit <= 100 mVp-p 1 Hz–100 kHz
Interference from other embedded wireless devices
Any harmonics, sub-harmonics, or cross-products of signals that fall in the module’s Rx
range may cause spurious response, resulting in decreased Rx performance.
Tx power and corresponding broadband noise may overload or increase the noise floor of
the module’s receiver, resulting in RF desense.
Severity of interference depends on proximity of other antennas to the module’s antennas.
Host electronic device-generated RF
Proximity of host electronics to the module’s antenna can contribute to decreased Rx
performance.
Some devices include microprocessor and memory, display panel and display drivers,
and switching mode power supplies.
Note: In practice, there are usually numerous interfering frequencies and harmonics. The net effect can
be a series of desensitized receive channels.
WA_DEV_SL9090_HWIG_0011 Rev 1 July 27，2012 13
4. Audio Interface
The AirPrime SL9090 embedded module only supports digital audio interface (I2S) as summarized in
the following tables. Refer to document [2] AirPrime SL9090 Product Technical Specification and
Customer Design Guidelines for detailed information about the digital audio interface.
Table 5. I2S Audio Interface Features
Feature Details
Implementation I2S interface supported to interface with external codec
Power 1.8 V (use VREF_1V8 as logic reference)
Features The I2S interface supports all the Tx/Rx, slave/master modes: Transmitter-
master,
Transmitter-slave,
Teceiver-master,
Receiver-slave.
Table 6. Audio Pin Description
Pin # Signal Name Description Notes
11 I2S_SCLK I2S Clock 8 kHz
12 I2S_WS I2S Word Select 256KHz
13 I2S_MCLK* I2S Master Clock
14 I2S_DOUT* I2S Data Output
WA_DEV_SL9090_HWIG_0011 Rev 1 July 27，2012 14
5. Regulatory Information
5.1. 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.
5.2. Safety and Hazards
Do not operate your AirPrime SL9090 modem:
In areas where blasting is in progress
Where explosive atmospheres may be present including refueling 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 SL9090 modem MUST BE POWERED OFF. Otherwise, the SL9090 modem can
transmit signals that could interfere with this equipment. In an aircraft, the SL9090 modem MUST BE
POWERED OFF. Otherwise, the SL9090 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 SL9090 modem may be used normally at this time.
WA_DEV_SL9090_HWIG_0011 Rev 1 July 27，2012 15
Regulatory Information
5.3. Important Compliance Information for North
American Users
The SL90909 modem has been granted modular approval for mobile applications. Integrators may
use the SL9090 modem in their final products without additional FCC/IC (Industry Canada)
certification if they meet the following conditions. Otherwise, additional FCC/IC 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/IC 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 7.5 dBi in the cellular band and 3.5 dBi in the PCS band
for the SL9090.
3. The SL9090 modem and its antenna must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with
any other transmitter or antenna within a host device.
4. The RF signal must be routed on the application board using tracks with a 50Ω characteristic
impedance.
Basically, the characteristic impedance depends on the dielectric, the track width and the
ground plane spacing.
In order to respect this constraint, Sierra Wireless recommends using MicroStrip or StripLine
structure and computing the Tracks width with a simulation tool (like AppCad shown in the
figure below and that is available free of charge at http://www.agilent.com).
If a multi-layered PCB is used, the RF path on the board must not cross any signal (digital,
analog or supply).
If necessary, use StripLine structure and route the digital line(s) "outside" the RF structure as
shown in the figure below.
WA_DEV_SL9090_HWIG_0011 Rev 1 July 27，2012 16
Regulatory Information
Stripline and Coplanar design requires having a correct ground plane at both sides.
Consequently, it is necessary to add some vias along the RF path.
It is recommended to use Stripline design if the RF path is fairly long (more than 3cm), since
MicroStrip design is not shielded. Consequently, the RF signal (when transmitting) may
interfere with neighbouring electronics (AF amplifier, etc.). In the same way, the neighbouring
electronics (micro-controllers, etc.) may degrade the reception performances.
The GSM/GPRS connector is intended to be directly connected to a 50Ω antenna and no
matching is needed.
5. A label must be affixed to the outside of the end product into which the SL9090 modem is
incorporated, with a statement similar to the following for SL9090:
This device contains FCC ID: N7NSL9090
This equipment contains equipment certified under IC: 2417C-SL9090
6. A user manual with the end product must clearly indicate the operating requirements and
conditions that must be observed to ensure compliance with current FCC/IC RF exposure
guidelines.
The end product with an embedded SL9090 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 and IC RSS-102.
WA_DEV_SL9090_HWIG_0011 Rev 1 July 27，2012 17
6. References
6.1. Reference Documents
[1] Universal Development Kit User Guide for AirPrime SL Series
Reference: WA_DEV_SL6087_UGD_003
[2] AirPrime SL9090 Product Technical Specification and Customer Design Guidelines
Reference: WA_DEV_SL9090_PTS_001
6.2. List of Abbreviations
Acronym or Term Definition
AGC Automatic Gain Control
BER Bit Error Rate - a measure of receive sensitivity
BLER Block Error Rate
Call Box Base Station Simulator - Agilent E8285A or 8960, Rohde & Schwarz CMU200
CDMA Code Division Multiple Access
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 Decibels, relative to 1 mW - Decibel(mW) = 10 x log10 (Pwr (mW)/1mW)
DUT Device Under Test
EDGE Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution
EM Embedded Module
ESD ElectroStatic Discharge
FER Frame Error Rate - a measure of receive sensitivity
GPRS General Packet Radio Services
GPS Global Positioning System
GSM Global System for Mobile communications
Hz Hertz = 1 cycle/second
inrush current Peak current drawn when a device is connected or powered on
IS-2000 3G radio standards for voice and data (CDMA only)
IS-95 2G radio standards targeted for voice (cdmaONE)
LDO Low Drop Out - refers to linear regulator
MHz MegaHertz = 10E6 Hertz (Hertz = 1 cycle/second)
MIO Module Input/Output
MPE Maximum Permissible Exposure—the level of radiation to which a person may be
exposed without hazardous effect or adverse biological changes
OTA Over-The-Air or Radiated through the antenna
PCS Personal Communication System - PCS spans the 1.9 GHz radio spectrum
WA_DEV_SL9090_HWIG_0011 Rev 1 July 27，2012 18
References
Acronym or Term Definition
RF Radio Frequency
RMS Root Mean Square
SA Selective Availability
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.
SIM Subscriber Identity Module
SL9090 Sierra Wireless AirPrime soldered-down module used on GSM/UMTS networks
SNR Signal to Noise Ratio
SOF Start of Frame - a USB function
UART Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter
UMTS Universal Mobile Telecommunications System
USB Universal Serial Bus
USIM Universal Subscriber Identity Module
VCC Supply voltage
WCDMA Wideband Code Division Multiple Access—In this document, the term “UMTS” is
used instead of “WCDMA”.
XIM In this document, XIM is used as part of the contact identifiers for the USIM interface
(XIM_VCC, XIM_CLK, etc.).