Aurora MLink Ultra User manual

106, 4715 - 13th St. NE, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, T2E 6M3
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MLink Ultra User’s Guide
Revision –Draft Apr 1, 2021

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Table of Contents
1LEGAL DISCLAIMER AND CONDITIONS OF USE............................................................... 2
2REVISION HISTORY ............................................................................................................... 3
3ABBREVIATIONS.................................................................................................................... 3
4REFERENCE DOCUMENTS.................................................................................................. 3
5PRODUCT OVERVIEW ........................................................................................................... 4
6FEATURES.............................................................................................................................. 4
7SPECIFICATIONS ................................................................................................................... 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
8REGULATORY 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
8.3.1 Integral PCB Antenna.................................................................................................. 7
8.3.2 External Antenna ......................................................................................................... 8
9INTEGRATION INSTRUCTIONS ............................................................................................ 9
9.1 MOUNTING........................................................................................................................ 10
9.2 INTERFACES...................................................................................................................... 11
1 Legal Disclaimer and Conditions of Use
This document contains information for the MLink Ultra 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, Aurora Wireless Networks Inc. and its affiliated
companies, directors, officers, employees, agents, trustees or consultants (“Aurora Wireless Networks Inc”)
assume no responsibility for any typographical, technical, content or other inaccuracies in this document.
Aurora Wireless Networks Inc 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 Aurora Wireless Networks Inc, 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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2 Revision History
Revision
Date
Description
Draft
Apr 1, 2021
Initial release
3 Abbreviations
Abbreviation
Description
A/D
Analog to Digital
ATTN
Attenuator
Aux
Auxiliary
BSL
Boot Strap Loader
CLK
Clock
CS (nCS)
Chip Select (not Chip Select)
CTS
Clear to Send
EN
Enable
FCC
Federal Communications Commissions
GPIOD
General Purpose Input/Output Digital
HCR
Hardware Configuration Resistor
I2C
Inter-Integrated Circuit
IC
Industry Canada
IRQ
Interrupt Request
LNA
Low Noise Amplifier
MOSI
Master Out Slave In
MISO
Master In Slave Out
PA
Power Amplifier
PCB
Printed Circuit Board
PWM
Pulse Width Modulated
RBW
Resolution Bandwidth
RF
Radio Frequency
RST (nRST)
Reset(not Reset)
RTC
Real Time Clock
RTS
Request to Send
Rx
Receive
RxD
Receive Data
SCK
Serial Clock
SDA
Serial Data
SPI
Serial Peripheral Interface
SW
Software
TBC
To Be Confirmed
TBD
To Be Determined
TRP
Total Radiated Power
Tx
Transmit
TxD
Transmit Data
TDD
Time Division Duplex
UART
Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter
4 Reference Documents
1. MLink Ultra Block Diagrams –Draft, Mar 29, 2021
2. Schematics (MLink Ultra –Rev 2.pdf MLink Ultra –Rev 2.pdf )

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3. Bill of Materials (BOM, AWN, Ultra, Rev 2, Mar 22, 2021.BOM)
5 Product Overview
MLink Ultra (AMU900) is the next generation of MLink 900. It 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.
Direct support for a variety of peripherals:
oGPS
oDisplays, accelerometers
oIndustrial sensors, audio alerts
Intrinsically safe options available.
7 Specifications
7.1 Physical
Size 18.03 x 27.43 x 3.05 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
DC Supply Voltage 2.2 to 3.6 Vdc (Main)
2.2 to 4.2 Vdc (PA)
Energy Consumption
(typical @ 38.4 kpbs)
oTX < 20 mJ
oRX < 0.5 mJ
oStandby (/s) < 100 µW
RF Deck
Digital
Acceler -
ometer
Serial
Interface
LCD
LEDs
Speaker
Buttons
GPS

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7.3 Data Rates
Dynamically adaptable from 1.2 –76.8 kbps
7.4 Interfaces
RF
o50 Ω
Digital/Base Band
oADC, PWM, GPIO, I2C, SPI, UART
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 +85 C
Storage Temperature -40 to +85 C
Operating Relative Humidity 0 to 90% non-condensing
8 Regulatory Certification
8.1 United States (FCC)
MLink Ultra modules 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 Ultra module. Figure 8.1.1.1 below shows the contents that must be
included in this label.
2. MLink Ultra modules may only be used with the antenna that has been tested and
approved for use with the module.
3. NOTE: THE AURORA WIRELESS NETWORKS INC 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.
Manufacturer’s name
Brand name or Trade Name
Contains MLink Ultra FCC ID: 2AZEH-AMU900
IC ID: 27118-AMU900
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.

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Figure 8.1.1.1 –FCC Label
8.1.2 FCC Notices
WARNING: The MLink Ultra 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 Aurora Wireless Networks Inc 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 Ultra 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.
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: AMU900, IC: 27118–AMU900 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

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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: AMU900, IC: 27118 –AMU900 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 Ultra 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 Ultra modules has been approved for use with both an integral PCB antenna and
recommended external antenna.
8.3.1 Integral PCB Antenna
MLink Ultra modules has been approved for use with both an integral PCB antenna structure as
capture below.
The PCB antenna is connected to a 50 Ωmicrostrip transmission line and lumped element
matching circuit as shown below.
Gnd Plane
Gnd Plane

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8.3.2 External Antenna
Mlink Ultra modules have been approved for use with an external Yagi 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 Ultra. 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)
50 Ωmicrostrip
transmission line to
antenna.
PI matching circuit
The matching is only needed to optimize
the antenna matching depending ultimate
environment around the antenna.
To Antenna
To Ultra
50 Ωmicrostrip
transmission line
to Ultra.
Ultra Module

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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)
9 Integration Instructions
MLink Ultra 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
2
3

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responsible for ensuring that the end-user has no manual instructions to remove or install the
module.
9.1 Mounting
MLink Ultra is a surface mount device which is installed on the OEM PCB along with other
components. The mechanical drawing below captures the external dimensions of the MLink Ultra
module.
Figure 9.1.1 –MLink Ultra Mechanical Drawing
The recommended footprint is shown in the figure below.
Figure 9.1.2 –Recommended MLink Ultra Footprint
Minimal circuitry is required to support MLink Ultra and therefore the PCB can be a simple 2 layer
FR4 board with ground plane (> 1350 mm2) on the bottom opposite layer to the MLink Ultra
module for heat dissipation.

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9.2 Interfaces
The figure below captures the interface lines to MLink Ultra
Key interface pins shown below. The MLink Ultra datasheet (Ref 4) provides detailed information
for all interface pins.
Pin #
Name
Description
16, 18, 24,
63
Vmain3,
Vmain2,
Vmain1,
Vmain4,
Vmain5
(input)
Power Supplies
Various analog and digital supplies
2.2 –3.6 V
3 V typ
65, 66
VPA2, VPA1
(input)
Power Supplies
RF PA supplies
2.2 –4.2 V
3 V typ
1-15, 17,
19-23, 25,
62, 64, 67,
69-72, 32
Gnd
(bi-directional)
Ground
Low impedance ground connection for
MLink power supply, digital and analog
signals.
68
Antenna
RF
900 MHz RF TX and RX signal
50 ohms impedance
49, 50
UARTTX_GPS,
UARTRX_GPS
Digital
Serial interface to GPS peripheral module.
73
74
76
75
Gnd - 22
Aux A/D - 27
GPIOA.2 - 28
GPIOA.1 - 29
GPIOA.5 - 30
HCR - 26
Gnd - 23
Vmain1 - 24
Gnd - 25
GPIOCLK0 - 31
RING / TXD_BSL- 32
RXD_BSL - 33
AudioOut - 34
GPIOPWM0A - 35
GPIOPWM0B - 36
Gnd - 19
Gnd - 20
Gnd - 21
Vmain2 - 18
Gnd - 17
Vmain3 - 16
Gnd - 15
Gnd - 1
Gnd - 2
Gnd - 3
Gnd - 4
Gnd - 6
Gnd - 8
Gnd - 10
Gnd - 12
72 - Gnd
71 - Gnd
70 - Gnd
69 - Gnd
68 - Antenna
67 - Gnd
66 - VPA1
61 - VcapS/VpaS
65 - VPA2
64 - Gnd
60 - nRST / SPY_DIO
59 - GPIO5 / JTAG_TCK
58 - GPIO4 / JTAG_TMS
57 - UART_CTS / JTAG_TDI
56 - Power_Control
55 - TEST / SPY_CLK
54 - GPIOD2 / JTAG_TDO
51 - SWxVxA_OUT
53 - SWxVx_IN
52 - SWxVxB_OUT
Gnd - 5
Gnd - 7
Gnd - 9
Gnd - 11
50 - UARTRx_GPS
49 - UARTTx_GPS
48 - UART_Rx
46 - SPI_CLK / GPIOD1
44 - SPI_MOSI / I2C_Data
42 - Vmain5
40 - SDA
47 - UART_Tx
45 - SPI_MISO / I2C_CLK
43 - SPI_CS
41 - SCK
Digital
11
14
11
4
5
GND
Vmain - RF
Vpa & Vpwm
RF
SW3V0_IN, SW3V0A_OUT, & SW3V0B_OUT
Vmain - Digital
2
63 - Vmain4
62 - Gnd
39 - UART_RTS / GPIOPWM1A
38 - Charger_Control
37 - GPIOCLK1
Gnd - 13
Gnd - 14
MSP430
RF Deck
Step
Attn
RFFM6900
ADF7023
Flash

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Pin #
Name
Description
(bi-directional)
39, 47, 48,
57
UART_RTS,
UART_Tx,
UART_Rx,
UART_CTS
(bi-directional)
Digital
MLink serial interface. Use to
communicate via the MLink Modem
Interface
43-46
SPI_CS,
SPI_MOSI,
SPI_MISO,
SPI_CLK
(bi-directional)
Digital
SPI to peripheral modules
27-30, 34-
37, 54, 58,
59
Aux A/D,
GPIOA.2,
GPIOA.1,
GPIOA.5,
GPIOCLK0,
AudioOut,
GPIOPWM0A,
GPIOPWM0B,
GPIOCLK1,
GPIOD2,
GPIO4,
GPIO5
(bi-directional)
Digital/Analog
General purpose digital and analog I/O
which is firmware configurable –for
example for use with LED, Buttons, voltage
measurement, etc
For additional information please contact Aurora Wireless Networks at 403-777-9988 or
[e-mail].