Iridium SBD9602 Instruction Manual

Iridium 9602 SBD Transceiver Developer’s Guide
Iridium Communications Inc.
Proprietary & Confidential Information
Iridium Communications Inc.
1750 Tysons Blvd, Suite 1400
McLean, VA 22102
www.iridium.com
Toll Free: +1.866.947.4348 [US Only]
International +1.480.752.5155
email: [email protected]

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LEGAL DISCLAIMER AND CONDITIONS OF USE
This document contains information for the Iridium 9602 (“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-
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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
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WARRANTIES ARE HEREBY EXPRESSLY EXCLUDED AND DISCLAIMED TO THE
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SHALL APPLY EVEN IF THE EXPRESS LIMITED WARRANTY CONTAINED IN
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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,

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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.
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
1.1 15-Apr-10 Initial Product Release
2.0 10-Apr-11 Fixes to sections 3.3.4, 3.3.7, 4.2, and 4.3
2.1 27-Oct-11
Added note on non-portable certification to section 1.2 and added FCC
and IC warning statements (sections 1.4 and 1.5)
2.2 26-Jan-12
- Removed section 3.3.4 DSR suggested usage
- Fixed table 13 max antenna loss
2.3 23-Feb-12
Significantly reduced sections "Serial Data Interface" and "AT Command
Set Description" and added references to the ISU AT Command
Reference. Removed sections "Hardware Failure Reporting", "S-Register
Definitions", "Summary of Result Codes", "Informative Examples", and
"Supported AT Commands" as this information is contained in the ISU AT
Command Reference.
2.4 14-Apr-12
Modified Figure 4 “Example host system motherboard footprint showing
mounting position of 9602” to show the hole size and position tolerances
that should be used to make a 9602 motherboard
4.0 20-Aug-12
- Updated section “Legal Disclaimer and Conditions of Use”.
- Changed revision number to match revision of document in Iridium
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Contents
Revision History ............................................................................................................................. 3
Contents ........................................................................................................................................ 4
List of Abbreviations ...................................................................................................................... 5
1Product Overview ................................................................................................................... 6
1.1Key Features.............................................................................................................. 6
1.2Transceiver Packaging and Regulatory Certification................................................ 7
1.3Software Revision...................................................................................................... 8
1.4FCC Warning Statement............................................................................................ 8
1.5Industry Canada Warning Statement......................................................................... 8
1.5.4English....................................................................................................................... 8
1.5.5French........................................................................................................................ 9
2Physical Specification........................................................................................................... 10
2.1Module Dimensions................................................................................................. 10
2.2Mechanical Dimensions – Motherboard Mounting................................................. 12
2.3Environmental ......................................................................................................... 15
2.3.4Environmental Specification ................................................................................... 15
2.3.5Environmental Tests Performed.............................................................................. 15
2.4Physical Interface Connectors ................................................................................. 15
3Electrical Interfaces .............................................................................................................. 16
3.1User Connector........................................................................................................ 16
3.1.4User Connector Type............................................................................................... 16
3.1.5User Connector Pin Allocation................................................................................ 17
3.2DC Power Interface ................................................................................................. 19
3.2.4Power On/Off Control ............................................................................................. 20
3.2.5Typical Power Usage Profile................................................................................... 20
3.3Serial Data Interface................................................................................................ 22
3.4Network Available Output....................................................................................... 22
3.5DC Supply Indicator Output.................................................................................... 22
4RF Interface .......................................................................................................................... 23
4.1RF Connector Types................................................................................................ 23
4.2ANT Connector ....................................................................................................... 23
4.2.4Antenna Characteristics........................................................................................... 23
4.3GPS Connector ........................................................................................................ 24
4.4RF Interface Specifications............................................................................. 25
4.5Radio Characteristics .......................................................................................... 25
4.6S-meter Performance............................................................................................... 25
5AT Command Set Description.............................................................................................. 26

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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 Iridium9602
DC Direct Current
DCD (V.24 signal) Data Carrier Detect
DCE Data Communications Equipment. In this Product, DCE refers to the Iridium
9602
DSR (V.24 signal) Data Set Ready. This signal, from the Iridium 9602, 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 9602 to accept communication over the data port
ESS ETC SBD Subsystem (synonymous with GSS)
ETC Earth Terminal Controller
FA Field Application; the application controlling the Iridium 9602
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
RHCP Right Hand Circular Polarization
RI (V.24 signal) Ring Indicate. This signal, from the Iridium 9602, 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 9602.
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
The Iridium 9602 Short Burst Data Only Transceiver (9602) is designed to be integrated into a wireless
data application with other host system hardware and software to produce a full solution designed for a
specific application or vertical market. Examples of these solutions include tracking a maritime vessel or
automatic vehicle location.
The 9602 only supports Iridium’s Short Burst Data (SBD) capability. It does not support voice, circuit
switched data, or short message service (SMS).
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. This allows the 9602 to be integrated
into a variety of wireless data applications or retrofitted into existing SBD-only applications that utilize SBD
with the current Iridium 9601, 9522A, 9522B or 9522 L-Band transceiver-based products. (Note that
additional development work will be required). Such finished products, when integrated together, require
regulatory and safety testing to be conducted by the integrator.
The 9602 is a single board transceiver provided as a ‘black box’ transceiver module with all device
interfaces provided by a single multi-pin interface connector in addition to the antenna connector. The
Product only provides the core transceiver. All other end user Field Application functions such as GPS,
microprocessor based logic control, digital and analog inputs, digital and analog outputs, power supply and
antenna must be provided by the solution developer. The device interface across the user connector
consists of a serial-data interface, DC power input, network available output and a power on/off control line.
The 9602 does not incorporate nor require a Subscriber Identity Module (also known as a SIM Card) to
be inserted into the Transceiver. The 9602 is intended to be used as a transceiver module fitted within
another host system. The 9602 module is designed to comply with the standards for Radio Emissions
Compliance, Electromagnetic Compatibility, and AC Safety in the United States, European Union and
Canada, for host systems that provide safe connections to power supply and external antenna or cable
distribution system.
The 9602 is described within this document as “9602,” “9602 SBD Transceiver,” “Transceiver,” “Modem,”
and “ISU.” All of these terms refer to the same product.
1.1 Key Features
Single board transceiver
Small form factor
Aluminum alloy casework (LM2 / LM24) with Alodine 2600 passivation coating
No SIM card
Designed to be incorporated into an OEM solution
Maximum mobile originated message size 340 bytes
Maximum mobile terminated message size 270 bytes
Automatic Notification to the Transceiver that a mobile terminated message is queued at the
Gateway
Global operating capability
RoHS compliant

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1.2 Transceiver Packaging and Regulatory Certification
The 9602 SBD Transceiver 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 9602 is tested to the regulatory and technical certifications shown in Table 1 (See Note below).
The 9602 is certified as a module for non-portable applications – i.e. those that do not combine the 9602
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 9602 with 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 EN301 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
Industry Canada
RSS170 Issue 1, Rev 1,
November 6, 1999
Note: The initial 9602 FP1 & FP2 prototype units are different from the commercially produced 9602 SBD
Transceivers from a regulatory and certification perspective. Those initial units cannot and should not be
used for any commercial purpose or for any regulatory certification or compliance purposes. Only the
commercial 9602 units conform to the regulatory approved design and the regulatory and technical
certifications listed in Table 1.

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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 9602 SBD Transceiver.
Product Developers should take into account in their software design that it is possible that a transceiver
may have an earlier software release and may therefore have different capabilities to those listed in this
document. Product Developers are advised to ensure that production procedures for finished goods
confirm that the software used in the Product Developer application is designed for the Software Release
loaded in the 9602 SBD Transceiver. This can be read out of the module using the AT command
interface. A software upgrade utility is provided with each SW release. The utility runs on a Windows
compatible OS and will automatically upgrade the modem with the latest version.
1.4 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.
1.5 Industry Canada Warning Statement
1.5.4 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 license-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject
to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device
must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the
device.

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1.5.5 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.
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.

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2 Physical Specification
For illustrative purposes a picture of the Iridium 9602 SBD Transceiver Module is shown in Figure 1.
Figure 1 Iridium 9602 SBD Transceiver
2.1 Module Dimensions
The overall dimensions of the 9602 module and its weight are summarized in Table 2 and represented
graphically in Figure 2
Table 2: 9602 Mechanical Dimensions
Parameter Value
Length 41.0 mm
Width 45.0 mm
Depth 13.0 mm
Weight (approximate) 30g
Additionally host system Product Developers should plan space for connection to the host system
motherboard, including robust and electrically grounded connections to the antenna/cable distribution
system.

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Figure 2 General Assembly and Dimensions of the 9602 SBD Transceiver Module
(Not to scale, dimensions in millimeters)
This drawing shows some of the key dimensions within the 9602 specify the mechanical position of its
connectors with respect to its mounting holes.

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2.2 Mechanical Dimensions – Motherboard Mounting
The 9602 SBD Transceiver must be fitted within an enclosed host system. With appropriate external
connections, the host system motherboard and host system enclosure can be designed to meet full
transceiver regulatory tests.
The 9602 SBD Transceiver is provided with two mounting holes, one at each diagonal corner. The
module should be assembled onto the motherboard of the host system, by pushing the module onto
matching connectors on the motherboard and then securing the diagonal mounting holes to the
motherboard using mechanical fasteners.
The figures and tables below provide mechanical information design information to connect a 9602
module to a host system motherboard.
Figure 3 General assembly of the 9602 onto motherboard of the host system.

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Figure 4 Example host system motherboard footprint showing mounting position of 9602
(Not to scale. Dimensions in millimeters)
Notes for Figure 4:

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1. This example of a host system motherboard footprint is shown for illustrative purposes only. The host
system may require a different PCB layout or mechanical arrangement.
2. The 9602 is designed to be incorporated within a host system. As such, the antenna or cable
distribution system that feeds the host system should be terminated in a robust RF connector that is
suitable for the end-application.
3. Safety isolation requirements for external antennas or cable distribution systems should also be taken
into consideration when designing the motherboard. A suitably safe design for the RF connections
should be incorporated into the host system motherboard, ideally using a chassis-bonded ground
connection to the antenna cable shield.
4. The surface below the modem should be a conductive ground plane such that the modem bonds to
the motherboard ground system thus reducing the possibility of radiated emissions. This also requires
that the mounting screws get properly tightened to 7 pound-inches of torque.
5. The modem is to be installed in a “service access only” area not accessible by untrained personnel.
Warning- Although the modem dissipates very little power, its use in ambient temperatures
in excess of 60 deg C will make the caseworks considerably hot.

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2.3 Environmental
2.3.4 Environmental Specification
The environmental specifications of the 9602 are summarized in Table 5 below.
Table 5: Environmental Specifications
Parameter Value
Operating Temperature Range
1
-40ºC to + 85ºC
Operating Humidity Range ≤75% RH
Storage Temperature Range -40ºC to + 85ºC
Storage Humidity Range ≤93% RH
2.3.5 Environmental Tests Performed
The 9602 has been tested to the specifications listed in Table 6.
Table 6: Environmental Tests
Test Name Test Reference Test Description
Thermal Shock EN60068-2-14:2000
Change of Temperature,
-25°C to +70°C,
5 cycles of 1 hour each
Humidity IEC60068-2-78:2002 Damp heat steady state
40OC 93% RH for 4 days
Vibration EN 60068-2-36:1996 0.96 m
2
/s
3
from 5Hz to 20Hz
21Hz to 500Hz dropping -3dB per octave
Vibration J1455 Society of Automotive Engineers 10-40Hz at 0.02g
2
/Hz
40-500Hz dropping 6dB per octave
Shock EN60068-2-27:1993
(NF c20-727)
Shock J1455 Society of Automotive Engineers
Drop 1m onto concrete in 3 perpendicular
orientations (3 drops)
Also 10G shock over a period of 12ms
2.4 Physical Interface Connectors
The Iridium 9602 SBD Transceiver incorporates three connectors:
A multiway user connector
An RF antenna connector
A GPS RF pass-through connector
The physical characteristics of the connectors and their electrical interfaces are described in more detail
in Sections 3.1.4 and 4.1 respectively.
1Operating Temperature Range based on a duty-cycled usage model with 9602 sending one SBD message per hour
and is otherwise turned off during the hour. Iridium has tested the 9602 per these temperature condition and
partners venturing outside of these stated conditions need to ensure they have engineered a solution appropriate to
the stated environmental conditions for the 9602.

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3 Electrical Interfaces
The following subsections contain information for the electrical interfaces of the 9602 SBD Transceiver for
the non-RF connections. The RF interfaces are covered in section 4.
3.1 User Connector
The user connector provides the following connections to the 9602 module:
DC power supply input
Power on/off control
Serial data interface
Network available output
Supply power indicator output
3.1.4 User Connector Type
The connector on the 9602 is a Samtec low-profile header connector, part number FTSH-110-01-L-DV.
This connector provides the ability for a stackable board to board configuration, allowing connection to the
host system motherboard.
Data sheets on these connectors can be found at: http://www.samtec.com
A suitable motherboard female socket that matches this connector is the SAMTEC header part number
CLP-110-02-L-D.

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3.1.5 User Connector Pin Allocation
The user connector is a 2-row 20-way header. Individual pin assignments are shown in Table 7 and the
limits for the digital signals are listed in Table 8. Multiple supply grounds are provided and all supply and
supply grounds are required to be connected to the power supply in order to limit the current on any one
pin. Multiple signal grounds are provided to reduce cross-talk.
Table 7: User Connector Pin Allocation
Pin
No. Signal Name Signal
direction
(WRT 9602) Signal function Signal level
1 EXT_PWR Input Supply +5 V +/- 0.5 V
2 EXT_PWR Input Supply +5 V +/- 0.5 V
3 EXT_GND Input Supply return 0 V
4 EXT_GND Input Supply return 0 V
5 ON/OFF Input On/Off control input
Analog
On: >=2.0V
Off: <=0.5V
6 DF_S_TX Input Data port, serial data input 3.3V Digital
7 DF_S_RX Output Data port, serial data output 3.3V Digital
8 SIG_GND Input Signal ground 0V
9 DF_ DCD Output Data port, Data Carrier Detect 3.3V Digital
10 DF_ DSR Output Data port, Data Set Ready 3.3V Digital
11 DF_ CTS Output Data port, Clear-to-Send 3.3V Digital
12 DF_RI Output Data port, Ring Indicator 3.3V Digital
13 DF_ RTS Input Data port, Request-to-Send 3.3V Digital
14 DF_ DTR Input Data port, Data Terminal Ready 3.3V Digital
15 SIG_GND Input Signal ground 0V
16 Reserved
17 Reserved
18 SIG_GND Input Signal ground 0V
19 NETWORK
AVAILABLE Output Signals when the 9602 can see an
available satellite network
3.3V Digital
Available = high
Not available= low
20 SUPPLY_OUT Output Supply power indicator output +3.3 V
5mA maximum
Table 8: Limits for 3.3V Digital Signals
Parameter Symbol Min Typ Max Unit
Input High Voltage VIH 2.0 5.5 V
Input Low Voltage VIL -0.3 0.8 V
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

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Figure 5 provides a reference for the pin designation. This view is not to scale and not representative of
the connector mechanical layout. This view is for illustrative purposes only. This view designation is
when looking into the user connector towards the 9602 module.
The numbers indicate pin designation. Additionally, on the 9602 PCB, pin 1 on the user connector is
indicated on the board silkscreen.
Figure 5 User Connector Pin Number Designation (from below module)

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3.2 DC Power Interface
The DC power interface is comprised of the DC power inputs and a control signals as summarized in
Table 7. The +5V Inputs and 0V supply returns are used to supply DC power to the 9602 and ensure that
enough current can be drawn across the connector without the 9602 malfunctioning during transmit due
to lack of current supply. Note that all power and ground pins should be connected externally.
The DC power supply requirements for the 9602 are summarized in Table 9 below. Note that these
requirements apply to DC power measured at the 9602 User connector input and not at the output of the
power supply. Long power supply cables can cause a voltage drop sufficient to cause the voltage to be
out of specification at the physical power supply input to the 9602.
Table 9: DC Power Input Specifications
Parameter Value
Supply Input Voltage Range 5.0V DC +/-0.5V
Supply Input Voltage Ripple < 40 mV pp
Typical Power Consumption at +5.0 VDC Value
Idle Current (average*) 45mA
Idle Current (peak) 195mA
Transmit Current (peak) 1.5 A
Transmit Current (average*) 190mA
Receive Current (peak) 195mA
Receive Current (average*) 45mA
SBD message transfer - average current* 190 mA
SBD message transfer - average power* <= 1.0 W
* Note: The average power consumption will vary depending on the view of the satellite constellation from
the antenna.
The external power supply needs to guarantee the following:
The supply voltage droop over for a 8.3ms burst of 1.5A current should not be more than 0.2 Volts.
The power supply should limit the in-rush2current to 4 Amps maximum
The power source shall provide for over current protection in case of device malfunction.
The supply noise should be less than the limits in the following profile:
100 mVpp from 0 to 50 kHz
5 mVpp at 1 MHz measured in 50 kHz bandwidth
10 mVpp at 1 MHz measured in 1MHz bandwidth
5 mVpp above 5 MHz measured in 1 MHz bandwidth.
2In rush limit refers to the impedance of the modem when it is unpowered is very low. When power is supplied
from an unlimited supply the instantaneous current can exceed 4 Amps If the current exceeds this value damage can
occur. This can be limited in several ways, included using a supply that cannot provide more than 4 Amps
instantaneously; or providing some series inductance/resistance to the supply lead.

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3.2.4 Power On/Off Control
An external on/off input is provided on a pin of the User connector. The 9602 starts up when power is
applied and the power on/off input is high. As long as the input voltage is applied, logic high on this line
turns the transceiver on and a logic low turns it off. If this line is not required then it must be connected
directly to the +5 V supply.
Note that this on/off control is similar to the 9601 product but it is not the same as the 9522, 9522A or
9522B products.
Prior to turning off the modem a “flush memory” (AT*F) command should be issued to ensure all memory
write activity is completed. When a transceiver has been turned off, Product Developers should not
reapply power on a unit until more than 2 seconds has elapsed after power has reached 0V. Additionally,
if a unit does not respond to AT commands, power off the module, wait for 2 seconds and then power it
back on.
When a 9602 is powered off the power on reset circuit requires 2 seconds for voltages to decay. 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.
3.2.5 Typical Power Usage Profile
This section is designed to give the Product Developer some insight to the electrical power profile that the
9602 uses. It does not describe every situation and permutation possible. It should be used as a starting
point for the Product Developer to continue its own development design. The actual usage profile can
vary for a number of reasons:
1) View of the sky – if in poor visibility of the sky where a clear line of sight is not available between
the transceiver and the satellite.
2) The higher the antenna VSWR the higher the current consumed
3) How often the 9602 module is activated/deactivated by the Host Controller system
4) Manufacturing variation from transceiver to transceiver.
The host system designer should ensure their design covers for worst case power consumption
scenarios. Figure 6 provides a graphical representation of the typical supply current profile of a 9602 SBD
Transceiver sending and receiving SBD messages.