Iridium 9523 Instruction Manual

Iridium 9523 Product Developer's Guide
Iridium Communications, Inc.
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LEGAL DISCLAIMER AND CONDITIONS OF USE
This document contains information for the Iridium 9523 (“Product”) and is provided “as is.” The purpose
of providing such information is to enable Value Added Resellers and Value Added Manufacturers
(collectively, “Product Developer(s)”) to understand the Product and how to integrate it into a wireless
solution. Reasonable effort has been made to make the information in this document reliable and
consistent with specifications, test measurements and other information. However, Iridium
Communications Inc. and its affiliated companies, directors, officers, employees, agents, trustees or
consultants (“Iridium”) assume no responsibility for any typographical, technical, content or other
inaccuracies in this document. Iridium 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. This
document is provided in conjunction with the purchase of the Product and is therefore subject to the
Product Sales Terms and Conditions set forth at http://www.Iridium.com/support/library/Legal
Notices.aspx. The Product Developer assumes any and all risk of using the Product specifications and
any other information provided.
Your use of this document is governed by your Partner Agreement with Iridium. Please review your
Partner Agreement and the Iridium Product Sales Terms and Conditions that govern your relationship
with Iridium. This document is strictly Proprietary and Confidential to Iridium. Consistent with your Partner
Agreement with Iridium, you may not this document (or any portion thereof) to others without express
written permission from Iridium. Any violation of your Agreement's Proprietary and Confidentiality
obligations shall result in remedies to the fullest extent available to Iridium at law or in equity.
IRIDIUM MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS, GUARANTEES, CONDITIONS OR WARRANTIES,
EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY IMPLIED
REPRESENTATIONS, GUARANTEES, CONDITIONS OR WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY
AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, NON-INFRINGEMENT, SATISFACTORY QUALITY,
NON-INTERFERENCE, ACCURACY OF INFORMATIONAL CONTENT, OR ARISING FROM A
COURSE OF DEALING, LAW, USAGE, OR TRADE PRACTICE, USE, OR RELATED TO THE
PERFORMANCE OR NONPERFORMANCE OF ANY PRODUCTS AND/OR SERVICES
ACCESSORIES, FACILITIES OR SATELLITE SERVICES OR INFORMATION EXCEPT AS
EXPRESSLY STATED IN THIS DOCUMENT AND/OR THE PRODUCT AND/OR SATELLITE SERVICE
DOCUMENTATION. ANY OTHER STANDARDS OF PERFORMANCE, GUARANTEES, CONDITIONS
AND WARRANTIES ARE HEREBY EXPRESSLY EXCLUDED AND DISCLAIMED TO THE FULLEST
EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW. THIS DISCLAIMER AND EXCLUSION SHALL APPLY EVEN IF THE
EXPRESS LIMITED WARRANTY CONTAINED IN SUCH DOCUMENTATION FAILS OF ITS
ESSENTIAL PURPOSE.
IN NO EVENT SHALL IRIDIUM BE LIABLE, REGARDLESS OF LEGAL THEORY, INCLUDING
WITHOUT LIMITATION CONTRACT, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTY, STRICT LIABILITY,
GROSS NEGLIGENCE OR NEGLIGENCE, FOR ANY DAMAGES IN EXCESS OF THE PURCHASE
PRICE OF THIS DOCUMENT, IF ANY. NOR SHALL IRIDIUM BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT,
INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OF ANY KIND, OR LOSS OF
REVENUE OR PROFITS, LOSS OF BUSINESS, LOSS OF PRIVACY, LOSS OF USE, LOSS OF TIME
OR INCONVENIENCE, LOSS OF INFORMATION OR DATA, SOFTWARE OR APPLICATIONS OR
OTHER FINANCIAL LOSS CAUSED BY THE PRODUCT/SERVICE (INCLUDING HARDWARE,
SOFTWARE AND/OR FIRMWARE) AND/OR THE IRIDIUM SATELLITE SERVICES, OR ARISING OUT
OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE ABILITY OR INABILITY TO USE THE PRODUCT/SERVICE
(INCLUDING HARDWARE, SOFTWARE AND/OR FIRMWARE) AND/OR THE IRIDIUM SATELLITE
SERVICES TO THE FULLEST EXTENT THESE DAMAGES MAY BE DISCLAIMED BY LAW AND
WHETHER ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITIES OF SUCH DAMAGES. IRIDIUM IS NOT LIABLE FOR
ANY CLAIM MADE BY A THIRD PARTY OR MADE BY YOU FOR A THIRD PARTY.
Your use of the information contained in this Guide is restricted to the development activity
authorized under the agreement(s) between you and Iridium, and is otherwise subject to all

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applicable terms and conditions of such agreement(s), including without limitation software
license, warranty, conditions of use and confidentiality provisions.
Export Compliance Information
This Product is controlled by the export laws and regulations of the United States of America. The U.S.
Government may restrict the export or re-export of this Product to certain individuals and/or destinations.
Diversion contrary to U.S. law is prohibited. For further information, contact the U.S. Department of
Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security or visit www.bis.doc.gov.
Revision History
Revision Date Comment
1.0 Apr 6, 2011 First Draft
2.0 May 9, 2011 Second Draft Following Internal Review
2.3 Jul 26, 2011 Revision sent with Alpha prototype Developer’s Kit
2.5 Sep 12, 2011 Revision sent with Beta prototype Developer’s Kit
2.6 Oct 11, 2011 - Added FCC and IC warning statements (sections 1.3 and 1.4)
- Removed reference to mounting screws in section 2.1 “Dimensions
and Layout”
- Clarified screw/hole specifications in section 2.2 “Field Application
Board Mounting”
- Unified formatting of examples and removed references to AT*Rn in
section 8 “Informative Examples”
2.7 Oct 17, 2011 - Replaced reference to AT*F with AT*P0 in section 3.2.3 “Power
On/Off Control”
- Added note on digital I/O ESD protection in section 3.1.2 “User
Connector Pin Allocation”
3.0 Oct 21, 2011 First published revision
3.1 Oct 27, 2011 Added note on non-portable regulatory certification to section 1.2
3.2 Feb 23, 2012 Significantly reduced sections "Data/Fax Port" and "AT Interface" and
added references to the ISU AT Command Reference. Removed
sections "S-Register Definitions", "Summary of Result Codes",
"Informative Examples", and "Supported AT Commands" as this
information is contained in the ISU AT Command Reference.
7.0 Aug 20, 2012 - Updated section “Legal Disclaimer and Conditions of Use”.
- Removed description of PCB digital audio ports as “15 bits” in section
3.3 “PCM Digital Audio” since the ports use 16-bit PCM samples.
Export Compliance Information
This product is controlled by the export laws and regulations of the United States of America. The U.S.
Government may restrict the export or re-export of this product to certain individuals and/or destinations.
For further information, contact the U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security or
visit www.bis.doc.gov.

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Contents
Revision History..........................................................................................................................................3
Contents.....................................................................................................................................................4
List of Abbreviations ..................................................................................................................................5
1Product Overview...............................................................................................................................6
1.1Key Features.......................................................................................................................... 6
1.2Iridium 9523 Packaging and Regulatory Certification............................................................ 6
1.3FCC Warning Statement........................................................................................................7
1.4Industry Canada Warning Statement..................................................................................... 7
1.4.1English ................................................................................................................................... 7
1.4.2French .................................................................................................................................... 7
1.5Software Revision .................................................................................................................. 8
1.6Reference...............................................................................................................................8
2Physical Specification .....................................................................................................................10
2.1Dimensions and Layout ....................................................................................................... 11
2.2Field Application Board Mounting ........................................................................................ 12
2.3Environmental ...................................................................................................................... 15
2.3.1Environmental Specification................................................................................................. 15
2.3.2Environmental Tests Performed .......................................................................................... 15
3Electrical Interfaces .........................................................................................................................16
3.1User Connector .................................................................................................................... 16
3.1.1User Connector Type...........................................................................................................16
3.1.2User Connector Pin Allocation ............................................................................................. 17
3.2DC Power Supply Interface.................................................................................................. 19
3.2.1Battery Power Input, VBAT .................................................................................................. 19
3.2.2Boost Power Input, VBOOST............................................................................................... 19
3.2.3Power On/Off Control, TRX_ON .......................................................................................... 19
3.2.4Typical Power Usage Profile................................................................................................ 19
3.3PCM Digital Audio ................................................................................................................ 21
3.3.1Port 1.................................................................................................................................... 22
3.3.2Port 2.................................................................................................................................... 22
3.3.311Hz Signal for Manufacturing and Regulatory Testing ...................................................... 22
3.4DPL port ............................................................................................................................... 23
3.5Data/Fax port ....................................................................................................................... 23
3.6SIM interface ........................................................................................................................ 23
3.7GPIO Signals ....................................................................................................................... 23
3.7.1Transmit power Control........................................................................................................24
3.7.2External GPS Receiver Switch ............................................................................................ 24
3.7.3Modem/Handset Mode Select Signal................................................................................... 24
4RF Interface.......................................................................................................................................25
4.1RF Connector Type.............................................................................................................. 25
4.1.1Antenna Characteristics.......................................................................................................25
4.2RF Interface Specifications .................................................................................................. 25
4.3Radio Characteristics........................................................................................................... 26
4.4S-meter Performance........................................................................................................... 26
5AT Interface.......................................................................................................................................27

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List of Abbreviations
Abbreviation Description
CE Conformité Européene
CTS (V.24 signal) Clear To Send. This signal is used to control the flow of data to
the Iridium 9523
DC Direct Current
DCD (V.24 signal) Data Carrier Detect
DCE Data Communications Equipment. In this Product, DCE refers to the Iridium
9523
DSR (V.24 signal) Data Set Ready. This signal, from the Iridium 9523, indicates
readiness to accept communication over the data port
DTE Data Terminal Equipment. In this Product, DTE refers to the FA
DTR (V.24 signal) Data Terminal Ready. This signal, from the FA, requests the
Iridium 9523 to accept communication over the data port
ESD Electro-static Discharge
FA Field Application; the application controlling the Iridium 9523
FCC Federal Communications Commission
GND Ground
GSS Gateway SBD Subsystem (synonymous with ESS)
IC Industry Canada
IMEI International Mobile Equipment Identity
LBT L-Band Transceiver
MO Mobile Originated
MOMSN Mobile Originated Message Sequence Number
MT Mobile Terminated
MTMSN Mobile Terminated Message Sequence Number
PCM Pulse Code Modulation
RHCP Right Hand Circular Polarization
RI (V.24 signal) Ring Indicate. This signal, from the Iridium 9523, indicates that
an MT message is present at the GSS
RTS (V.24 signal) Request To Send. This signal is used to control the flow of data
from the Iridium 9523.
SBD Short Burst Data
SMS Short Message Service
TBA To Be Advised
UART Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter
VAM Value Added Manufacturer
VAR Value Added Reseller
VSWR Voltage Standing Wave Ratio

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1 Product Overview
1.1 Key Features
The Iridium 9523 is a voice and data transceiver module for the Iridium global satellite network. It is
designed to be integrated with field application (FA) hardware and software to produce a solution
designed for a specific application or vertical market. These solutions drive a wide range of applications
in industries such as Oil and Gas, Rail, Maritime, Aeronautical, Utilities and Government/Military.
The 9602 is designed to meet the regulatory requirements for approval for FCC, Canada, and CE
assuming an antenna with a gain of ~3 dBi and adequate shielding.
The Iridium 9523 supports all Iridium’s voice and data services. Applications can be built to use one or
multiple services using the voice and data interfaces. The product provides the core transceiver module.
All other functions and hardware such as SIM card reader, keypad, display, power supply antenna etc.
must be provided by the Product Developer. The Iridium 9523 consists of the following:
Iridium radio transceiver with 8 watt transmitter and dual receivers
Call Processor function that implements the Iridium L-Band AIS protocol
Iridium speech Vocoder
Coaxial RF connector for the antenna
40-way inter-PCB connector with the following interfaces:
oDigital audio interfaces
oDPL serial asynchronous control port
oSerial asynchronous interface for SIM
oData/Fax port – serial asynchronous data plus 6 control signals
oGPIO control signals
oPower
1.2 Iridium 9523 Packaging and Regulatory Certification
The Iridium 9523 is a regulatory approved daughter module transceiver that can be fitted within an
enclosed host system. With appropriate external connections, the host system can be designed to meet
full transceiver regulatory tests and sold as a Regulatory Certified product that meets CE, FCC and IC
requirements.
The Iridium 9523 is tested to the regulatory and technical certifications shown in Table 1.
The 9523 is certified as a module for non-portable applications – i.e. those that do not combine the 9523
with another radio element and have an intended separation distance of over 20 cm from a person.
Additional testing and certification are required for applications that combine the 9523 wijth another radio
element or are intended for use within 20 cm of a person.
Table 1: Regulatory and Technical Certifications
Regulatory
Approvals Radio Tests EMC Tests
Electrical /
Mechanical /
Operational
Safety Tests
CE ETSI EN 301 441 V1.1.1
(2000-05)
ETSI EN 301 489-20 V1.2.1(2002-11)
ETSI EN 301 489-1 V1.8.1(2008-04)
ETSI EN 301 489-20 V1.2.1(2002-11)
EN60950-1:2006
Part 1

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FCC
FCC CFR47 parts 2, 15,
and 25
EN61000-4-2 : 1995/A2 : 2001 Part 4.2
EN61000-4-3 : 2002 Part 4.3
EN61000-4-4 : 2004
EN61000-4-6 : 1996/A1 : 2001 Part 4.6
EN55022:2006
Industry
Canada
Industry Canada
RSS170 Issue 2, March,
2011
1.3 FCC Warning Statement
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.
This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled
environment. End users must follow the specific operating instructions for satisfying RF exposure
compliance. This transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other
antenna or transmitter.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could
void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
1.4 Industry Canada Warning Statement
1.4.1 English
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.
This device complies with Industry Canada licence-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.
1.4.2 French
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.

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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.
1.5 Software Revision
Product Developers should read this document in conjunction with the “Software Release Notes” relevant
to the revision of the software that is loaded into their Iridium 9523. The software release notes are
available on the Iridium for Partners section of the Iridium.com website.
There may be multiple software releases over the lifespan of the Iridium 9523. A software upgrade utility
is provided with each software release. The utility runs on a Windows-compatible OS and will
automatically upgrade the modem with the latest version.
Production procedures for finished goods should ensure that the appropriate software release is loaded
on each Iridium 9523 module used. The software release loaded on a particular Iridium 9523 module can
be read out using the AT command interface.
1.6 Reference
[1] ITU-T Recommendation V.25ter, 08/95
[2] ETS 300 642: Digital Cellular Telecommunications System (Phase 2); AT Command Set for GSM
Mobile Equipment (GSM 07.07)
[3] ETS 300 585: Digital Cellular Telecommunications System (Phase 2); Use of DTE-DCE Interface
SMS and CBS (GSM 07.05)
[4] ETS 300 520: Digital Cellular Telecommunications System (Phase 2) (GSM); Call Barring (CB)
Supplementary Services – Stage 1 (GSM 02.88)
[5] ETS 300 511: Digital Cellular Telecommunications System (Phase 2) (GSM); Man–Machine
Interface (MMI) of the Mobile Station (MS) (GSM 02.30)
[6] ETS 300 516: Digital Cellular Telecommunications System (Phase 2) (GSM); Call Waiting (CW)
and Call Hold (HOLD) Supplementary Services; Stage 1 (GSM 02.83)
[7] ETS 300 557: Digital Cellular Telecommunications System (Phase 2) (GSM); Mobile radio
interface; Layer 3 Specification (GSM 04.08)
[8] ETS 300 559: Digital Cellular Telecommunications System (Phase 2) (GSM); Point-to-Point (PP)
Short Message Service (SMS) support on mobile radio interface (GSM 04.11)
[9] ETS 300 536: Digital Cellular Telecommunications System (Phase 2) (GSM); Technical
realization of Short Message Service (SMS) Point-to-Point (PP) (GSM 03.40)
[10] ETS 300 537: Digital Cellular Telecommunications System (Phase 2) (GSM); Technical
realization of Short Message Service Cell Broadcast (SMSCB) (GSM 03.41)

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[11] ETS 300 515: Digital Cellular Telecommunications System (Phase 2) (GSM); Call Forwarding
(CF) Supplementary Services (GSM 02.82)
[12] 3GPP TS 27.007: 3rd Generation Partnership Project; Technical Specification Group Terminals;
AT command set for User Equipment (UE)

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2 Physical Specification
For illustrative purposes, pictures of the Iridium 9523, fitted with its aluminum shielding frame, are shown
in Figure 1.
Figure 1: Photos of Iridium 9523
Top View
Bottom View

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Left View
2.1 Dimensions and Layout
The overall dimensions of the Iridium 9523 and its weight are summarized in Table 2 and represented
graphically in Figure 2.
Table 2: Iridium 9523 Mechanical Dimensions
Parameter Value
Length 70.44 mm
Width 36.04 mm
Height (from FA board) 14.6 mm max (reservoir capacitors)
8.9 mm (screening can)
Weight (approximate) 32g
The Iridium 9523 consists of a single PCB with components mounted on top and bottom sides.
On the top side, there are three reservoir capacitors, the RF connector, and a screening can covering all
the remaining circuits.
The bottom side has a Molex 40-pin multi-way user interface connector. The bottom side does not have a
screening can, but instead the PCB artwork has an exposed ground ring all around the edge of the board.
This ground ring makes contact with an aluminum screening frame, attached to the Iridium 9523 by four
corner thread-forming screws. The tips of these screws protrude through the aluminum frame and act as
alignment pins when mounting onto the FA board. The aluminum frame also has at its center a 1.0mm
diameter alignment pin.
There are a further four corner screw holes through the aluminum frame and PCB for securing the 9523
to the FA board.
The two height values provided in Table 2 do not include the height of the compressible gasket on the
bottom of the 9523 that will mate to the FA board. It is assumed that this gasket will compress to near
zero thickness if screws are torqued sufficiently.

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Figure 2: Dimensions of the Iridium 9523
(Dimensions in millimeters)
2.2 Field Application Board Mounting
The 9523 is designed to be mounted to an FA board as illustrated in Figure 3.

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Figure 3: Illustration of mounting module to application board
The FA board must have a socket mating to the Molex 40-pin multi-way user interface connector on the
bottom of the 9523. See section 3.1.1 for the connector part number. The Molex connectors and
aluminum frame set the separation between the Iridium 9523 and FA boards at 2.5 mm.
In order to meet type approval standards for EMC, the FA board should include a ground ring and a good
ground layer on its top surface to act as the fifth side of the screening can.
The layout of the mounting location for the 9523 on the FA board – including the locations and diameters
of all nine holes, layout of the grounding ring, and identification of areas with different grounding
requirements – is shown in Figure 4. A CAD file showing this information in DXF format can be obtained
from Iridium in order to assist layout of FA boards.
The FA board must have screw holes lining up with the 9523’s four 1.8mm corner mounting screw holes.
The 9523 must be secured to the FA board with four M1.6x0.35 screws through these holes. The FA
board must also have four corner alignment holes and one center alignment hole lining up, respectively,
with the 9523’s four 1.6mm corner protruding screws and one 1mm center alignment pin. The screw
holes should be at least 1.8mm and the alignment hole at least 1.2mm, but they may be made slightly
larger for greater tolerance. In Figure 4 below, one of the screw holes is 2.08mm, providing the primary
alignment, while the other three screw holes are 2.1mm. In the same figure, the center alignment hole is
1.3mm. These dimensions are recommendations; other dimensions may be used so long as the 9523 is
properly aligned with the user interface connector and ground trace.
In Figure 4, area ‘A’ of the FA board sits under sensitive analog circuitry on the 9523’s bottom side, and it
is essential that no components or tracks on the FA board appear in this area; it must be filled entirely
with a solid ground plane on the top layer of the FA board.
Area ‘D’ sits under digital and power circuits. Ideally, this will also be shielded with a solid ground plane.
However, it is acceptable to place tracks and low-profile components in area ‘D’, so long as care is taken
to avoid mechanical clashes and due consideration is taken of EMC issues.
Area ‘C’ contains the Molex user interface connector and should be free of surface copper.

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The FA board must provide a sufficient margin free of conductive elements around the 9523 perimeter in
order to avoid electrical shorts with the 9523. This is indicated by the ‘SMT Placement Keepout Zone’.
Partner solutions must be provide sufficient clearance above the conductive capacitors and shield can on
the top of the 9523 to prevent an electrical short.
Figure 4: Mounting location dimensions and layout
(Dimensions in millimeters)

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2.3 Environmental
2.3.1 Environmental Specification
The environmental specifications of the Iridium 9523 are summarized in Table 3 below.
Table 3: Environmental Specifications
Parameter Value
Operating Temperature Range -30ºC to +70ºC
Operating Humidity Range ≤75% RH
Storage Temperature Range -40ºC to +85ºC
Storage Humidity Range ≤93% RH
2.3.2 Environmental Tests Performed
It is expected, based on testing performed on a system that incorporates the Iridium 9523, that the Iridium
9523 would pass the tests listed in Table 4. A later revision of this document will specify which of these the
Iridium 9523 has been tested to in conjunction with a test interface board that offers no protection.
Table 4: Environmental Tests
Test Name Test Reference Test Description
IEC Vibration (IEC60068-2-64) Mount unit to a vibration table and excite between 15
and 500 Hz
Mil Spec 810F
Low Pressure (500.4 - II) Decrease pressure to 57.2 kPa (equivalent to 15,000 ft)
at a rate not to exceed 10 m/s and hold for 1 hour
High Temperature (501.4 - I) Over 24 hours, cycle the unit from 33ºC to 71ºC and
back to 33ºC. Repeat 7 times.
High Temperature (501.4 - II) Test is a subset of High Temperature 501.4 - Part I,
focused on the first three cycles.
Low Temperature (502.4 - I) Soak unit for 24 hours at -45ºC
Low Temperature (502.4 - II) Soak unit for 4 hours at -10ºC
Temperature Shock (503.4 - I)
Soak unit at -40C for 4 hours. Transfer to 85C chambe
r
and soak additional 4 hours. Repeat 3 times. Each
transfer from one temperature environment to the other
should be made in less than 1 minute.
Vibration (514.5 - I, Cat. 8) Secure unit to a vibration table and excite randomly
from 15-2000 Hz at 0.01 - 0.03 g^2/Hz.
Shock (516.4 - I) Expose unit to 3 shocks of 40g over approximately
11ms in each of 3 primary axes (9 total shocks).

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3 Electrical Interfaces
The following subsections contain information for the electrical interfaces of the Iridium 9523 for the non-
RF connections. The RF interface is covered in Section 4.
3.1 User Connector
Table 5 lists the connections to the Iridium 9523 on the user connector.
Table 5: Signal Groups on User Connector
Signal group Signal function
PCM Digital Audio Two synchronous serial interfaces carrying 16-bit, 8 kHz sample rate
PCM audio data
Each port has 4 wires – data in each direction, clock and frame signals
Only one digital audio port is in use at any time
Port 1 has a secondary function during factory testing, to carry the 90ms
frame synchronization from the test equipment
DPL port Serial asynchronous control interface
2 wires – data in each direction
Data/Fax port Serial asynchronous control interface
8 wires – data in each direction plus control signals
The full set of control signals may be used for a Data/Fax port
SIM interface Standard SIM signals
5 wires – data, clock, reset, enable, voltage select
Power Battery Supply to Iridium 9523
5 power pins – 3x battery voltage and 2x boost voltage
6 grounds
1 boost regulator control line (PA_BOOST_EN)
GPIO, antenna
configuration
2 wires – ANT_DET_PWR and FULL_POWER_EN. Signals provided as
a mechanism to restrict the transmitted power – for example in order to
meet SAR standards.
Other GPIO 2 wires – TX_ACTIVE which may be used as an output to indicate when
the transmitter is active, and LBT_HSTB which determines the operating
mode of the software on the Iridium 9523.
3.1.1 User Connector Type
The connector on the Iridium 9523 is a 40-way, 0.5 mm pitch Molex low-profile header connector, part
number 54102-0404.
This connector provides the ability for a stackable board-to-board configuration, allowing connection to
the host system motherboard via a mating 53885-0408 socket.
Data sheets on these connectors can be found at: http://www.molex.com
Pin numbering schemes for the Molex connectors on the Iridium 9523 and the host FA board are shown
in Figure 5 (both pictures show the pin-out when looking down onto the boards).

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Figure 5: Pin numbering scheme for User Connector
Molex 54102-0404 on Iridium 9523: Molex 53885-0408 on FA PCB:
Figure 6 provides a reference for the pin designation and shows the connector’s location and rotation with
respect to the corner of the Iridium 9523 board. This view is for illustrative purposes only. This view
designation is when looking into the user connector towards the Iridium 9523.
Figure 6: User Connector Pin Number Designation
3.1.2 User Connector Pin Allocation
The user connector is a 2-row 40-way header. Individual pin assignments are shown in Table 6 and the
limits for the digital signals are listed in Table 7. Multiple supply grounds are provided and all supply rails
and supply grounds are required to be connected to the power supply in order to limit the current on any
one pin.
Note that the Iridium 9523 provides limited ESD protection on its digital I/O signals: Human Body Model
2kV and Machine Model 200V ESD protection. Partners should design their FA boards to include
appropriate ESD protection on these signals.
Table 6: User Connector Pin Allocation

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Pin
No. Signal Name
Signal
direction
(WRT
modem)
Signal function Signal group
1 CODEC_PCMCLK Out Clock PCM audio port 1
2 CODEC_PCMIN Out Data from modem PCM audio port 1
3 CODEC_PCMSYNC Out Frame Sync PCM audio port 1
4 CODEC_PCMOUT In Data to modem PCM audio port 1
5 0V Ground Power supply
6 0V Ground Power supply
7 UC_DACLK Out Clock PCM audio port 2
8 UC_DATX Out Data from modem PCM audio port 2
9 UC_DAFS Out Frame Sync PCM audio port 2
10 UC_DARX In Data to modem PCM audio port 2
11 0V Ground Power supply
12 0V Ground Power supply
13 DPL_RXD In Data to modem DPL port
14 DPL_TXD Out Data from modem DPL port
15 DF_RX Out Data from modem Data/Fax port
16 DF_TX In Data to modem Data/Fax port
17 DF_CTS Out Clear to Send Data/Fax port
18 DF_DCD Out Carrier Detect Data/Fax port
19 DF_DSR Out Data Set Ready Data/Fax port
20 DF_RI Out Ringing Indication Data/Fax port
21 DF_RTS In Request to Send Data/Fax port
22 DF_DTR In Data Terminal Ready Data/Fax port
23 SIM_1V8_3V Out Voltage select SIM
24 SIM_CLOCK Out Clock SIM
25 SIM_ENABLE Out Enable SIM
26 SIM_RESET Out Reset SIM
27 SIM_DATA_IO Bidir Data SIM
28 FULL_POWER_EN In Enable full RF power GPIO
29 ANT_DET_PWR Out Power for docking cradle detector GPIO
30 LBT_HSTB In Handset/LBT switch GPIO
31 TX_ACTIVE Out Signal to mute GPS receiver GPIO
32 TRX_ON In Enable modem power regulators Power supply
33 PA_BOOST_EN Out Enable boost converter Power supply
34 0V Ground Power supply
35 0V Ground Power supply
36 VBAT In Battery Voltage Power supply
37 VBOOST In Boost Voltage for PA Power supply
38 VBAT In Battery Voltage Power supply
39 VBOOST In Boost Voltage for PA Power supply
40 VBAT In Battery Voltage Power supply
Table 7: Limits for 3.3V Digital Signals
Parameter Symbol Min Max Unit
Input High Voltage VIH 2.0 5.5 V
Input Low Voltage VIL -0.3 0.8 V
Input current IIN 20 µA
Input capacitance CIN 10 pF

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Output High Voltage VOH 2.4 V
Output Low Voltage VOL 0.4 V
Low Level Output Current IOL 4.4 mA
High Level Output Current IOH 5.5 mA
3.2 DC Power Supply Interface
3.2.1 Battery Power Input, VBAT
VBAT is the input from a Lithium-ion battery or other low-voltage source via the user connector. It must be
in the range 3.2 to 6V and capable of supplying a maximum current of 500mA.
3.2.2 Boost Power Input, VBOOST
VBOOST - Boost converter input via user connector. See Section 3.2.4 for details.
The Iridium 9523 produces the logic signal PA_BOOST_EN to indicate when the external Boost Power
voltage must be applied. This signal can be used as the enable signal to an external boost regulator (logic
high = VBOOST needed, logic low = VBOOST not needed).
3.2.3 Power On/Off Control, TRX_ON
The input signal TRX_ON is provided to allow the Iridium 9523 to be powered off. This signal controls the
power regulators on the Iridium 9523.
The Iridium 9523 starts up when power is applied and the TRX_ON input is high. As long as the input
voltage is applied, logic high on this line turns the Iridium 9523 on and a logic low turns it off. If this line is
not required then it must be connected directly to the VBAT supply.
Prior to turning off the modem, command AT*P0 should be issued to ensure all memory write activity is
completed.
When the Iridium 9523 is powered off, the power-on-reset circuit requires 2 seconds for voltages to
decay. Product Developers should therefore not reapply power until this time has elapsed after power
has reached 0V. If the 2 second wait time is not adhered to, the reset circuit may not operate and the
modem could be placed in a non-operational state. The state is not permanent and can be rectified by
the above procedure.
Damage may be caused if TRX_ON is high and VBAT is not supplied. Partners must ensure that this
condition cannot occur either by generating TRX_ON from VBAT or by adding protection circuitry such as
a clamp diode between TRX_ON and VBAT.
3.2.4 Typical Power Usage Profile
The amount of current taken by the Iridium 9523 on its two supply rails depends on whether it is active in
a call and the ‘power step’ level that the transmitter is using. The current consumption during a call at the
highest power step is shown in Figure 7.

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Figure 7: Current Profile of Supply Rails
I/mA
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
1000
10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 t/ms
Current in VBOOST Rail
Current in VBAT Rail
The current peak in the VBOOST rail lasts for 8.3ms and repeats every 90ms (this is the period of a frame
in the Iridium air interface). When not transmitting, the VBOOST current returns to zero. The VBOOST
current was measured when the Iridium 9523 was connected to a 27V power source that could meet its
instantaneous power requirements (around 25W).
A block diagram of the VBOOST power supply in a typical Lithium-ion powered application is shown in
Figure 8.
Figure 8: VBOOST block diagram
Iridium’s products use a boost-converter circuit based on the Linear Technology LT3580 to produce the
VBOOST rail. This circuit is not capable of supplying the instantaneous current needed by the power
amplifier. The Iridium 9523 therefore includes a total capacitance of 1000μF on the VBOOST rail to store
charge; these capacitors are depleted during the transmit time-slot (8.3ms) and replenished during the
remainder of the frame time (81.7ms). The voltage across the capacitors at the end of each transmit time-
slot must not fall below 10.5V; otherwise the output voltage of the buck converter will drop too low and
affect the transmitted waveform from the PA. The average current taken from the boost converter in this
configuration is around 300mA.
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