Iridium 9523 User manual

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Iridium 9523/9523N L-Band Transceiver
Integrator Development Guide
Version 7.4

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LEGAL DISCLAIMER AND CONDITIONS OF USE
This document contains information for the Iridium Core 9523/9523N (“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 DI SCLAIMER 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 applicable terms and
conditions of such agreement(s), including without limitation software license, warranty, conditions of
use and confidentiality provisions.

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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
Nov 11, 2015
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.
7.1
Jul 29, 2014
- Changed all references to the product to “Iridium Core 9523”
- Corrected section 4 sub-section numbering
- Revised introductory paragraph of section 2.3.2
7.2 DRAFT2
Nov 17, 2015
Updated to include 9523N. For internal review.
Incorporated comments from M ike Senzig.
7.2 DRAFT3
Jan 12, 2016
Updated in accordance with comments from the IEC 60950-1 safety testing at
TUV (see Interim Test Summary_75932207_Issue1): Clarified part numbering
in sec tion 2.1. Clarified number of power supplies and the nominal and
maximum voltage and maximum current in section 3.2.1 and included
recommendation to incorporate a current limiting device in the host
application. Added details on requirements of the enclosure provided by the
host product/application in section 2.2. Updated Declaration of Conformity.
7.3
April 21, 2016
Updated in accordance with comments from the IEC 60950-1 safety testing at
TUV (see Interim Test Summary_75932207_Issue2): Changed table 4 to read
‘M odel’ instead of ’Product’, Updated paragraph 11 and 12 in section 2.2.
Updated standards versions in Table 2.
7.4
Dec ember 1, 2016
Final review prior to publish on IFP

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Contents
Revision History 3
1 Product Overview 7
1.1 Key Features 7
1.2 Iridium Core 9523/9523N Packaging and Regulatory Certification 7
1.3 Software Revision 9
1.1 Unauthorized Changes 9
1.1 Radio Interference 9
1.2 RF Exposure 10
1.3 FCC Class B Digital Device Notice 10
1.4 Labelling Requirements for the Host device 11
1.5 CAN ICES-3 (B) / NMB-3 (B) 11
1.6 R&TTE Statement 12
1.7 Reference 13
2 Physical Specification 14
2.1 Dimensions and Layout 16
2.1 Part Numbering 17
2.2 Field Application Board Mounting 18
2.3 Environmental 20
2.3.1 Environmental Specification 20
2.3.2 Environmental Tests 20
3 Electrical Interfaces 23
3.1 User Connector 23
3.1.1 User Connector Type 23
3.1.2 User Connector Pin Allocation 24
3.2 DC Power Supply Interface 26
3.2.1 DC Power Supply Inputs 26
3.2.2 Power On/Off Control, TRX_ON 27
3.2.3 Typical Power Usage Profile 27
3.3 PCM Digital Audio 30
3.3.1 Port 1 30
3.3.2 Port 2 31
3.3.3 11Hz Signal for Manufacturing and Regulatory Testing 31
3.4 DPL port 31
3.5 Data/Fax port 31
3.6 SIM interface 32
3.7 GPIO Signals 32
3.7.1 Transmit power Control 32
3.7.2 External GPS Receiver Switch 32
3.7.3 Modem/Handset Mode Select Signal 32

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4 RF Interface 33
4.1 RF Connector Type 33
4.1.1 Antenna Characteristics 33
4.2 RF Interface Specifications 33
4.3 Radio Characteristics 34
4.4 S-meter Performance 34
5 AT Interface 34

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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 Core 9523
DC
Direct Current
DCD
(V.24 signal) Data Carrier Detect
DCE
Data Communications Equipment. In this Product, DCE refers to the Iridium
Core 9523
DSR
(V.24 signal) Data Set Ready. This signal, from the Iridium Core 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 Core 9523 to accept communication over the data port
ESD
Electro-static Discharge
FA
Field Application; the application controlling the Iridium Core 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 Core 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 Core 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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1Product Overview
1.1 Key Features
The Iridium Core 9523/9523N 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 Iridium Core 9523/9523N 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 Core 9523/9523N 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 Core 9523/9523N 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
The Iridium Core 9523N is a second generation version of the Iridium Core 9523 and is identical in form and
function to the Iridium Core 9523. This document applies to both the Iridium Core 9523 and Iridium Core 9523N
as indicated by the term ‘Iridium Core 9523/9523N’. Where the contents of this document apply specifically to
either the Iridium Core 9523 or Iridium Core 9523N then this is indicated by the use of the terms ‘Iridium Core
9523’ and ‘Iridium Core 9523N’ respectively.
The Iridium Core 9523/9523N is described within this document as “9523/9523N” and “ISU.” All of these terms
refer to the same product.
1.2 Iridium Core 9523/9523N Packaging and Regulatory Certification
The Iridium Core 9523/9523N 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 Core 9523 is tested to the regulatory and technical certifications shown in Table 1. The Iridium
Core 9523N is tested to the regulatory and technical certifications shown in Table 2.

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Table 1: Iridium Core 9523 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 301 489-1 V1.8.1 (2008-04)
ETSI EN 301 489-20 V1.2.1 (2002-11)
EN60950-1:2006
Part 1
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
RSS170 Issue 2, March,
2011
Table 2: Iridium Core 9523N 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 301 489-1 V1.9.2 (2011-
09)
ETSI EN 301 489-20 V1.2.1 (2002-
11)
EN 60950-1:2006 +
A11:2009 + A1:2010 +
A12:2011 + AC:2011 +
A2:2013
AS/NZS 60950-1:2011 +
A1:2012
FCC
FCC CFR47 parts 2
(2014), 15B (2014), and
25 (2014)
EN61000-4-2:2009
EN61000-4-3:2006 + A1:2008 +
A2:2010
EN61000-4-4:2004 + A1:2010
EN61000-4-6:2009
EN55022:2006 + A1:2007
Industry
Canada
RSS170 Issue 3, Jul
2015
RSS-GEN Issue 4, Nov
2014
ICES-003 Issue 5, Aug
2012

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1.3 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 Core 9523/9523N. 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 Core 9523/9523N. 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 Core 9523/9523N module used. The software release loaded on a particular Iridium Core
9523/9523N module can be read out using the AT command interface.
1.2 Unauthorized Changes
Iridium has not approved any changes or modifications to this device by the user. Any changes or modifications
could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
Iridium n’approuve aucune modification apportée à l’appareil par l’utilisateur, quelle qu’en soit la nature. Tout
changement ou modification peuvent annuler le droit d’utilisation de l’appareil par l’utilisateur.
1.3 Radio Interference
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules and 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.
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 (EIRP) is not more than that necessary for successful communication.
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.
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 (PIRE) ne dépasse pas l'intensité
nécessaire à l'établissement d'une communication satisfaisante.

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1.4 RF Exposure
This equipment complies with FCC and IC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment.
The antenna should be installed and operated with minimum distance of 20 cm between the radiator and your
body. Antenna gain must be below: 3.0 dBi. This transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction
with any other antenna or transmitter.
Cet appareil est conforme aux limites d'exposition aux rayonnements de la IC pour un environnement non
contrôlé. L'antenne doit être installé de façon à garder une distance minimale de 20 centimètres entre la source
de rayonnements et votre corps. Gain de l'antenne doit être ci-dessous: 3.0 dBi. L'émetteur ne doit pas être
colocalisé ni fonctionner conjointement avec à autre antenne ou autre émetteur.
1.5 FCC Class B Digital Device Notice
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to
part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reas onable protection against harmful interference
in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment
does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the
equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following
measures:
- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
- Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.