Iridium 9523 Instruction Manual

Iridium 9523 Product Developers’ Guide
(PRELIMINARY DRAFT)
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. The
Product Developer assumes the full risk of using the Product specifications and any other information
provided.
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,
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COURSE OF DEALING, LAW, USAGE, OR TRADE PRACTICE, USE, OR RELATED TO THE
PERFORMANCE OR NONPERFORMANCE OF ANY PRODUCTS, ACCESSORIES, FACILITIES OR
SERVICES OR INFORMATION EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY STATED IN THIS GUIDE 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 THIS GUIDE OR SUCH DOCUMENTATION FAILS OF ITS ESSENTIAL PURPOSE.
IN NO EVENT SHALL IRIDIUM BE LIABLE, WHETHER IN CONTRACT OR TORT OR ANY OTHER
LEGAL THEORY, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION STRICT LIABILITY, GROSS NEGLIGENCE OR
NEGLIGENCE, FOR ANY DAMAGES IN EXCESS OF THE PURCHASE PRICE OF THE PRODUCT,
INCLUDING 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 (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
(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
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.
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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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”
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 ..................................................................................................................................8
1Product Overview...............................................................................................................................9
1.1Key Features.......................................................................................................................... 9
1.2Iridium 9523 Packaging and Regulatory Certification............................................................ 9
1.3FCC Warning Statement...................................................................................................... 10
1.4Industry Canada Warning Statement................................................................................... 10
1.4.1English ................................................................................................................................. 10
1.4.2French .................................................................................................................................. 10
1.5Software Revision ................................................................................................................ 11
1.6Reference............................................................................................................................. 11
2Physical Specification .....................................................................................................................13
2.1Dimensions and Layout ....................................................................................................... 14
2.2Field Application Board Mounting ........................................................................................ 15
2.3Environmental ...................................................................................................................... 18
2.3.1Environmental Specification................................................................................................. 18
2.3.2Environmental Tests Performed .......................................................................................... 18
3Electrical Interfaces .........................................................................................................................19
3.1User Connector.................................................................................................................... 19
3.1.1User Connector Type...........................................................................................................19
3.1.2User Connector Pin Allocation ............................................................................................. 20
3.2DC Power Supply Interface.................................................................................................. 22
3.2.1Battery Power Input, VBAT .................................................................................................. 22
3.2.2Boost Power Input, VBOOST............................................................................................... 22
3.2.3Power On/Off Control, TRX_ON .......................................................................................... 22
3.2.4Typical Power Usage Profile................................................................................................ 22
3.3PCM Digital Audio................................................................................................................ 24
3.3.1Port 1.................................................................................................................................... 25
3.3.2Port 2.................................................................................................................................... 25
3.3.311Hz Signal for Manufacturing and Regulatory Testing ...................................................... 25
3.4DPL port ............................................................................................................................... 26
3.5Data/Fax port ....................................................................................................................... 26
3.5.19-Wire and 3-Wire Operation ............................................................................................... 26
3.5.2Configuration Settings.......................................................................................................... 27
3.5.3Modes of Operation ............................................................................................................. 28
3.5.4Serial port signal levels ........................................................................................................ 28
3.6SIM interface ........................................................................................................................ 28
3.7GPIO Signals ....................................................................................................................... 28
3.7.1Transmit power Control........................................................................................................29
3.7.2External GPS Receiver Switch ............................................................................................ 29
3.7.3Modem/Handset Mode Select Signal................................................................................... 29
4RF Interface.......................................................................................................................................30
4.1RF Connector Type.............................................................................................................. 30
4.1.1Antenna Characteristics.......................................................................................................30
4.2RF Interface Specifications .................................................................................................. 30
4.3Radio Characteristics........................................................................................................... 31
4.4S-meter Performance........................................................................................................... 31
5AT Interface.......................................................................................................................................32
5.1Command Types.................................................................................................................. 32
5.2Basic Commands................................................................................................................. 32

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5.3Extended Commands .......................................................................................................... 32
5.4Command and Response Characters.................................................................................. 33
5.5Command Entry ................................................................................................................... 34
5.6Command Responses ......................................................................................................... 35
5.6.1Hardware Failure Reporting ................................................................................................. 35
5.7Command Set Description ................................................................................................... 36
5.7.1AT - Attention Code ............................................................................................................. 36
5.7.2A/ - Repeat Last Command ................................................................................................. 36
5.7.3+++ - Escape Sequence ...................................................................................................... 36
5.7.4En - Echo ............................................................................................................................. 36
5.7.5On - Online........................................................................................................................... 36
5.7.6Qn - Quiet Mode................................................................................................................... 36
5.7.7Vn - Verbose Mode .............................................................................................................. 36
5.7.8Wn - Error Correction Message Control .............................................................................. 36
5.7.9Zn - Soft Reset..................................................................................................................... 37
5.7.10&Cn - DCD Option................................................................................................................ 37
5.7.11&Dn - DTR Option................................................................................................................ 37
5.7.12&Fn - Restore Factory Settings............................................................................................ 37
5.7.13&Kn - Flow Control............................................................................................................... 38
5.7.14&Mn - Asynchronous/Synchronous Mode ........................................................................... 38
5.7.15&Qn - Sync/Async Mode ...................................................................................................... 38
5.7.16&Sn - DSR Override............................................................................................................. 38
5.7.17&V - View Active and Stored Configuration ......................................................................... 38
5.7.18&Wn - Store Active Configuration ........................................................................................ 38
5.7.19&Yn - Designate Default Reset Profile.................................................................................38
5.7.20\Kn - Control Break............................................................................................................... 39
5.7.21%R - Display Registers ........................................................................................................39
5.7.22*Pn - Power Phone .............................................................................................................. 39
5.7.23+CBST - Select Bearer Service Type .................................................................................. 39
5.7.24+CGMI - Manufacturer Identification.................................................................................... 40
5.7.25+CGMM - Model Identification ............................................................................................. 40
5.7.26+CGMR - Revision ............................................................................................................... 40
5.7.27+CGSN - Serial Number ...................................................................................................... 40
5.7.28+CMEE - Report Mobile Equipment Error............................................................................ 40
5.7.29+CPAS - Phone Activity Status ............................................................................................ 42
5.7.30+CR - Service Reporting Control ......................................................................................... 42
5.7.31+DS - Set Data Compression Function................................................................................ 43
5.7.32+DR - Data Compression Report Level ............................................................................... 43
5.7.33+CEER - Extended Error Report.......................................................................................... 44
5.7.34+CHUP - Hangup call........................................................................................................... 44
5.7.35+CMGD - Delete SMS Message .......................................................................................... 44
5.7.36+CMGF - SMS Message Format ......................................................................................... 46
5.7.37+CMGL - List SMS Messages ............................................................................................. 47
5.7.38+CMGR - Read SMS Message............................................................................................ 47
5.7.39+CMGS - Send SMS Message ............................................................................................ 48
5.7.40+CMGW - Write SMS Message To Memory........................................................................ 48
5.7.41+CMOD - Call Mode............................................................................................................. 48
5.7.42+CNMI - New SMS Message Indications to DTE ................................................................ 49
5.7.43+COPS - Operator Select .................................................................................................... 50
5.7.44+CPBF - Find Phonebook Entries........................................................................................ 51
5.7.45+CPBR - Read Phonebook Entries...................................................................................... 51
5.7.46+CPBS - Select Phonebook Storage ................................................................................... 51
5.7.47+CPBW - Write Phonebook Entry ........................................................................................ 52
5.7.48+CPIN - Enter PIN................................................................................................................ 52
5.7.49+CPMS - Select Preferred SMS Message Storage ............................................................. 53
5.7.50+CREG - Network Registration ............................................................................................ 54

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5.7.51+CSCA - SMS Service Center Address............................................................................... 54
5.7.52+CSCB - Select Cell Broadcast Message Types.................................................................55
5.7.53+CSCS - Select TE Character Set....................................................................................... 55
5.7.54+CSMS - Select SMS Message Service.............................................................................. 55
5.7.55+CSTA - Select Type of Address......................................................................................... 56
5.7.56+GMI - Manufacturer Identification ...................................................................................... 56
5.7.57+GMM - Model Identification................................................................................................ 56
5.7.58+GMR - Revision.................................................................................................................. 56
5.7.59+GSN - Serial Number ......................................................................................................... 56
5.7.60+GCAP - General Capabilities ............................................................................................. 56
5.7.61A - Answer............................................................................................................................ 57
5.7.62D - Dial ................................................................................................................................. 57
5.7.63Hn - Hangup......................................................................................................................... 58
5.7.64S0=n - Auto-Answer............................................................................................................. 58
5.7.65Xn - Extended Result Codes................................................................................................ 58
5.7.66+CLVL - Volume Level Control ............................................................................................ 58
5.7.67+CMUT - Mute Control......................................................................................................... 59
5.7.68+CRC - Cellular Result Codes ............................................................................................. 59
5.7.69+CVHU - Voice Hangup Control .......................................................................................... 60
5.7.70+CCLK - Real-Time Clock.................................................................................................... 60
5.7.71–MSVTS - DTMF Generation in Voice Call ......................................................................... 60
5.7.72–MSVTR - DTMF Received in Voice Call ............................................................................ 61
5.7.73–MSVLS - Local DTMF Feedback Selection ....................................................................... 61
5.7.74–MSSTM - Request System Time ....................................................................................... 62
5.7.75–MSGEO - Request Geolocation......................................................................................... 62
5.7.76+CCFC - Call Forward Service ............................................................................................ 63
5.7.77+CLCC - Request Current Call Status ................................................................................. 64
5.7.78+CNUM - Read MSISDN Numbers...................................................................................... 64
5.7.79+CSSSC – Supplementary Services Short Code ................................................................ 64
5.7.80+WIRLP - Iridium Radio Link Protocol ................................................................................. 65
5.7.81+WFRNG - Force IRLP Renegotiation................................................................................. 66
5.7.82+WTM - IRLP Test Mode ..................................................................................................... 66
5.7.83+WDLDM - IRLP Dynamic Link Delay Measurement .......................................................... 67
5.7.84+WDAV - Register or Deregister an RS232 DAV Data Peripheral ...................................... 67
5.7.85+SBDWB - Short Burst Data: Write Binary Data to the Iridium 9523................................... 67
5.7.86+SBDRB - Short Burst Data: Read Binary Data from Iridium 9523..................................... 68
5.7.87+SBDRT - Short Burst Data: Read Text Message from the Iridium 9523 ........................... 69
5.7.88+SBDD - Short Burst Data: Clear SBD Message Buffer(s) .................................................69
5.7.89+SBDC - Short Burst Data: Clear SBD MOMSN ................................................................. 69
5.7.90+SBDS - Short Burst Data: Status ....................................................................................... 70
5.7.91+SBDTC - Short Burst Data: Transfer MO Buffer to MT Buffer ........................................... 70
5.7.92+CAR - Audio Output Control .............................................................................................. 70
5.7.93In – Identification.................................................................................................................. 71
5.7.94+CIER – Indicator Event Reporting...................................................................................... 71
5.7.95+CRIS – Ring Indication Status ........................................................................................... 72
5.7.96+CSQ[F] – Signal Quality.....................................................................................................73
5.7.97+CULK – Unlock .................................................................................................................. 73
5.7.98+CVMI – Voicemail Indication .............................................................................................. 74
5.7.99+CICCID – Read ICC ID from sim .......................................................................................74
5.7.100+CLIP – Calling Line Identification Presentation ......................................................... 75
5.7.101+CLIR – Calling Line Identification Restriction ............................................................ 75
5.7.102+IPR - Fixed DTE Rate ................................................................................................ 76
5.7.103+SBDWT - Short Burst Data: Write a Text Message to the Iridium 9523.................... 76
5.7.104+SBDDET - Short Burst Data: Detach......................................................................... 77
5.7.105+SBDI - Short Burst Data: Initiate an SBD Session .................................................... 78
5.7.106+SBDIX[A] - Short Burst Data: Initiate an SBD Session Extended ............................. 79

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5.7.107+SBDDSC - Short Burst Data: Delivery Short Code ................................................... 81
5.7.108+SBDMTA - Short Burst Data: Mobile-Terminated Alert ............................................. 82
5.7.109+SBDREG - Short Burst Data: Network Registration .................................................. 82
5.7.110+SBDAREG - Short Burst Data: Automatic Registration............................................. 84
5.7.111+SBDSX - Short Burst Data: Status Extended ............................................................ 85
5.7.112+ADJANT – User Antenna Adjustment Required ........................................................ 86
5.7.113+WANTST, +ANTST – Antenna status ....................................................................... 86
5.7.114+PCDA – Pending call drop alert................................................................................. 87
5.7.115+DPLCI – DPL Call Indication ..................................................................................... 87
5.7.116+CCWA - Call Waiting service..................................................................................... 88
5.7.117+CLCK - Facility Lock .................................................................................................. 90
5.7.118+CPWD - Change Password ....................................................................................... 91
5.7.119+CSDT – Sidetone....................................................................................................... 92
5.7.120+CHLD – Call Hold and Multiparty............................................................................... 92
5.7.121+XCSI – Extended Call State Information ................................................................... 93
5.7.122+CDSI – Report SMS status ........................................................................................ 95
5.7.123+GPSSTA – Configure GPS status ............................................................................. 96
6S-Register Definitions......................................................................................................................97
6.1S-Register Commands......................................................................................................... 97
6.1.1Sr - Direct S-Register Reference ......................................................................................... 97
6.1.2Sr? - Direct S-Register Read ............................................................................................... 97
6.1.3Sr=n - Direct S-Register Write ............................................................................................. 97
6.1.4? - Referenced S-Register Read.......................................................................................... 97
6.1.5=n - Referenced S-Register Write........................................................................................ 97
6.2Standard S-Registers........................................................................................................... 97
6.3Iridium Specific S-Register Extensions.............................................................................. 100
7Summary of Result Codes.............................................................................................................104
8Informative Examples ....................................................................................................................107
8.1Unit Identification................................................................................................................107
8.2Setting the Default Configuration....................................................................................... 107
8.3Power-on to Sending an SBD Message ............................................................................ 107
8.4SBD Automatic Notification Registration ........................................................................... 108
8.5SBD Automatic Notification Message Reception............................................................... 108
8.6SBD Automatic Notification Automatic Registration .......................................................... 109
8.7Powering Down.................................................................................................................. 109
8.8Originating a Data Call.......................................................................................................109
8.9Answering a Data Call ....................................................................................................... 110
8.10Disconnecting a Data Call.................................................................................................. 110
8.11Originating and Disconnecting a Voice Call....................................................................... 110
8.12Coordination of +CLCC and +CPAS responses ................................................................111
Supported AT Commands......................................................................................................................112

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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.
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:
Error! Reference source not found. 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.
Table 6: User Connector Pin Allocation
Pin
No. Signal Name
Signal
direction
(WRT
modem)
Signal function Signal group
1 CODEC_PCMCLK Out Clock PCM audio port 1