Microhard Systems Nano Series User manual

Nano Series
n920 | n920BD | n920X2 | n2420
900MHz/2.4GHz Spread Spectrum OEM Modules
Nano Interface Card
Nano Motherboard Board
Nano Enclosed
Operating Manual
March 2019
150 Country Hills Landing NW
Calgary, Alberta
Canada T3K 5P3
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.microhardcorp.com

© Microhard Systems Inc. 2
Important User Information
Warranty
Microhard Systems Inc. warrants that each product will be free of defects in material and workmanship for a period of one (1) year for its
products. The warranty commences on the date the product is shipped by Microhard Systems Inc. Microhard Systems Inc.’s sole liability and
responsibility under this warranty is to repair or replace any product which is returned to it by the Buyer and which Microhard Systems Inc.
determines does not conform to the warranty. Product returned to Microhard Systems Inc. for warranty service will be shipped to Microhard
Systems Inc. at Buyer’s expense and will be returned to Buyer at Microhard Systems Inc.’s expense. In no event shall Microhard Systems
Inc. be responsible under this warranty for any defect which is caused by negligence, misuse or mistreatment of a product or for any unit
which has been altered or modified in any way. The warranty of replacement shall terminate with the warranty of the product.
Warranty Disclaims
Microhard Systems Inc. makes no warranties of any nature of kind, expressed or implied, with respect to the hardware, software, and/or
products and hereby disclaims any and all such warranties, including but not limited to warranty of non-infringement, implied warranties of
merchantability for a particular purpose, any interruption or loss of the hardware, software, and/or product, any delay in providing the hard-
ware, software, and/or product or correcting any defect in the hardware, software, and/or product, or any other warranty. The Purchaser
represents and warrants that Microhard Systems Inc. has not made any such warranties to the Purchaser or its agents MICROHARD SYS-
TEMS INC. EXPRESS WARRANTY TO BUYER CONSTITUTES MICROHARD SYSTEMS INC. SOLE LIABILITY AND THE BUY-
ER’S SOLE REMEDIES. EXCEPT AS THUS PROVIDED, MICROHARD SYSTEMS INC. DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EX-
PRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PROMISE.
MICROHARD SYSTEMS INC. PRODUCTS ARE NOT DESIGNED OR INTENDED TO BE USED IN ANY LIFE SUPPORT
RELATED DEVICE OR SYSTEM RELATED FUNCTIONS NOR AS PART OF ANY OTHER CRITICAL SYSTEM AND ARE
GRANTED NO FUNCTIONAL WARRANTY.
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IN NO EVENT WILL MICROHARD SYSTEMS INC. BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, INCI-
DENTAL, BUSINESS INTERRUPTION, CATASTROPHIC, PUNITIVE OR OTHER DAMAGES WHICH MAY BE CLAIMED TO
ARISE IN CONNECTION WITH THE HARDWARE, REGARDLESS OF THE LEGAL THEORY BEHIND SUCH CLAIMS, WHETH-
ER IN TORT, CONTRACT OR UNDER ANY APPLICABLE STATUTORY OR REGULATORY LAWS, RULES, REGULATIONS,
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ERS AND HOLD HARMLESS PROVISIONS INCLUDED ABOVE MICROHARD SYSTEMS INC. IS SOMEHOW HELD LIABLE OR
RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DAMAGE OR INJURY, MICROHARD SYSTEMS INC.'S LIABILITY FOR ANYDAMAGES SHALL NOT
EXCEED THE PROFIT REALIZED BY MICROHARD SYSTEMS INC. ON THE SALE OR PROVISION OF THE HARDWARE TO
THE CUSTOMER.
Proprietary Rights
The Buyer hereby acknowledges that Microhard Systems Inc. has a proprietary interest and intellectual property rights in the Hardware,
Software and/or Products. The Purchaser shall not (i) remove any copyright, trade secret, trademark or other evidence of Microhard Systems
Inc.’s ownership or proprietary interest or confidentiality other proprietary notices contained on, or in, the Hardware, Software or Products,
(ii) reproduce or modify any Hardware, Software or Products or make any copies thereof, (iii) reverse assemble, reverse engineer or decom-
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Products or documentation thereof or any copy thereof, except in accordance with this Agreement.

© Microhard Systems Inc. 3
Important User Information (continued)
About This Manual
It is assumed that users of the products described herein have either system integration or design ex-
perience, as well as an understanding of the fundamentals of radio communications.
Throughout this manual you will encounter not only illustrations (that further elaborate on the accom-
panying text), but also several symbols which you should be attentive to:
Caution or Warning
Usually advises against some action which could result in undesired or
detrimental consequences.
Point to Remember
Highlights a key feature, point, or step which is noteworthy. Keeping
these in mind will simply or enhance device usage.
Tip
An idea or suggestion to improve efficiency or enhance usefulness.

© Microhard Systems Inc. 4
Important User Information (continued)
Regulatory Requirements
To satisfy FCC RF exposure requirements for mobile transmitting devices, a separation distance
of 23cm or more should be maintained between the antenna of this device and persons during
device operation. To ensure compliance, operations at closer than this distance is not
recommended. The antenna being used for this transmitter must not be co-located in conjunction
with any other antenna or transmitter.
This device can only be used with Antennas listed in Appendix C/D. Please contact Microhard
Systems Inc. if you need more information or would like to order an antenna.
WARNING
MAXIMUM EIRP
FCC Regulations allow up to 36dBm Effective Isotropic Radiated Power (EIRP). Therefore, the
sum of the transmitted power (in dBm), the cabling loss and the antenna gain cannot exceed
36dBm.
WARNING
EQUIPMENT LABELING
This device has been modularly approved. The manufacturer, product name, and FCC and
Industry Canada identifiers of this product must appear on the outside label of the end-user
equipment.
WARNING
FCCID: NS908P24
IC: 3143A-08P24
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.
Please Note: These are only sample labels; different products contain different identifiers. The
actual identifiers should be seen on your devices if applicable.
SAMPLE LABEL REQUIREMENT:
For n920S/F/BD Nano Series OEM For n920T Nano Series OEM
FCCID: NS908P25
IC: 3143A-08P25
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.
FCCID: NS911P31
IC: 3143A-11P31
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.
For n2420 n920X2
FCCID: NS9N920X2
IC: 3143A-N920X2
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.

© Microhard Systems Inc. 5
Revision History
Revision 3.1 Added n920X2 March 2019
Revision 3.01 Added n920BD October 2015
Revision 3.0 Update to RP-SMA female antenna connector, new enclosure. January 2015
Revision 2.90 Updated Section 3.2 High Speed Interface February 2012
Revision 2.85 Updated High Speed Interface Drawing 3-8February 2012
Updated Pictures for new enclosure.
Revision 2.84 Removed option 3 from AT&C command December 2011
Revision 2.82 Added table 1-2 Nano Enclosed Current Consumption September 2011
Corrected S244 parameters on page 74.
Revision 2.81 n2420 Updates August 2011
Revision 2.8 Updated mechanical drawings for n2420/n920 August 2011
Revision 2.7 Added information about S159 (AES), S177, Sleep etc. April 2011
Revision 2.61 Additional S109 (Hop Interval) Values, Misc Updates January 2011
Revision 2.6 Added additional TDMA modes December 2010
Revision 2.5 Updated Address June 2010
Revision 2.4 Added n2420, misc formatting May 2010
Revision 2.3 Misc updates August 2009
Revision 2.2 Misc updates June 2009
Revision 2.1 Misc updates January 2009
Revision 2.0 Added Nano Enclosed / MHX Drawings September 2008
Reformatting
Revision 1.9 Added Interface Card Dimensional Drawing August 2008
Corrected Appendix J RS485 Drawings
Revision 1.8 Misc updates July 15, 2008
Revision 1.7 Added Nano Development Board July 7, 2008
Revision 1.6 Corrected connector part number June 23, 2008
Revision 1.5 Updated TDMA specifications June 17, 2008
Revision 1.4 Updated FCC/IC Approvals, Added footprint drawing May 23, 2008
Revision 1.3 Added Pin-Out Drawing April 29, 2008
Revision 1.2 Updated FCC/IC Approvals April 21, 2008
Revision 1.1 Corrected Mechanical Drawings—Appendix E April 8, 2008
Revision 1.0 Preliminary Release March 25, 2008

© Microhard Systems Inc. 6
Table of Contents
1.0 Overview 9
1.1 Performance Features ..............................................................................................................9
1.2 Specifications ..........................................................................................................................10
2.0 QUICK START 12
2.1 Required Materials ..................................................................................................................12
2.2 Set-Up Procedure ....................................................................................................................12
3.0 Hardware Description 13
3.1 Nano Series OEM Module.......................................................................................................13
3.1.1 Nano OEM Mechanical Drawing....................................................................................14
3.1.2 Nano OEM Connectors ..................................................................................................14
3.1.3 Nano OEM Pin-Out Description .....................................................................................15
3.2 High Speed Interface Description (Nano Turbo) ..................................................................18
3.2.1 Data Transfer — Modem to User Device.......................................................................19
3.2.2 Data Transfer — User Device to Modem.......................................................................20
3.3 Nano Interface Card ................................................................................................................22
3.3.1 Nano Interface Card Mechanical Drawing .....................................................................23
3.3.2 Nano Interface Card Pin-Outs........................................................................................24
3.4 MHX Development Board .......................................................................................................26
3.4.1 MHX Development Board Mechanical Drawing.............................................................27
3.4.2 MHX Development Board Connectors & Indicators.......................................................28
3.4.2.1 Front..................................................................................................................28
3.4.2.2 Rear ..................................................................................................................30
3.5 Nano Motherboard & Nano Enclosed....................................................................................31
3.5.1 Nano Motherboard Mechanical Drawings......................................................................32
3.5.2 Nano Enclosed Mechanical Drawings ...........................................................................33
Nano Enclosed Mechanical Drawings (Old) ..................................................................34
3.5.3 Connectors & Indicators.................................................................................................35
3.5.3.1 Front..................................................................................................................35
3.5.3.2 Rear ..................................................................................................................36
4.0 Operating Modes 37
4.1 Command Mode.......................................................................................................................37
4.1.1 How to Enter Command Mode ........................................................................................37
4.2 Data mode ................................................................................................................................38
4.3 Master .......................................................................................................................................38
4.4 Repeater ...................................................................................................................................38
4.5 Slave .......................................................................................................................................38
5.0 Network Topologies 39
5.1 Point-to-Point (PTP) ................................................................................................................39
5.2 Point-to-Multipoint (PMP) .......................................................................................................42
5.2.1 Point-to-Multipoint TDMA...............................................................................................44
5.2.2 Adaptive TDMA ..............................................................................................................46
5.2.3 GPS Indexed TDMA (ADHOC) ......................................................................................47
5.2.4 Fast TDMA .....................................................................................................................48
5.3 Peer-to-Peer (P2P) ...................................................................................................................53
5.4 Everyone-to-Everyone (E2E) ..................................................................................................54

© Microhard Systems Inc. 7
Table of Contents (continued)
6.0 Configuration 55
6.1 AT Commands .........................................................................................................................56
AAnswer .......................................................................................................................................56
D/DT/DPxxxxx Dial ................................................................................................................................56
g, G Spectrum Analyzer .....................................................................................................................56
InIdentification ...............................................................................................................................57
NAdvanced Spectrum Analyzer ....................................................................................................57
OOnline Mode...............................................................................................................................57
&FnLoad Factory Default Configuration............................................................................................58
&H0 Frequency Restriction ................................................................................................................58
&H1 Repeater Registration ................................................................................................................59
&V View Configuration .....................................................................................................................59
&W Write Configuration to Memory...................................................................................................59
6.2 Settings (S) Registers ...........................................................................................................61
S0 Auto Answer...............................................................................................................................61
S2 Escape Code..............................................................................................................................61
S101 Operating Mode..........................................................................................................................62
S102 Serial Baud Rate ........................................................................................................................62
S103 Wireless Link Rate .....................................................................................................................63
S104 Network Address ........................................................................................................................63
S105 Unit Address...............................................................................................................................63
S107 Static Mask.................................................................................................................................63
S108 Output Power .............................................................................................................................63
S109 Hop Interval................................................................................................................................64
S110 Data Format ...............................................................................................................................65
S112 Packet Max Size.........................................................................................................................65
S113 Packet Retransmissions.............................................................................................................65
S115 Repeat Interval ...........................................................................................................................65
S116 Character Timeout......................................................................................................................66
S118 Roaming.....................................................................................................................................66
S119 Quick Enter to Command Mode .................................................................................................67
S123 Average RSSI.............................................................................................................................67
S130 No Sync Intake ...........................................................................................................................67
S133 Network Type .............................................................................................................................67
S140 Destination Address ...................................................................................................................68
S141 Repeaters Y/N............................................................................................................................68
S142 Serial Channel Mode..................................................................................................................68
S143 Sleep Mode ................................................................................................................................69
S144 Sleep Time .................................................................................................................................70
S145 Wake Time .................................................................................................................................70
S149 LED Brightness ..........................................................................................................................71
S150 Sync Mode .................................................................................................................................71
S151 Fast Sync Timeout .....................................................................................................................71
S153 Address Tag...............................................................................................................................71
S158 Forward Error Correction (FEC) Mode .......................................................................................72
S159 Encryption Mode (AES)..............................................................................................................73
S177 Binary Encryption Key ................................................................................................................73
S217 Protocol Type .............................................................................................................................74
S232 Max Buffer in Storage.................................................................................................................74
S237 Sniff Timeout ..............................................................................................................................74
S244 Channel Request Mode..............................................................................................................75
S248 Sync Timeout .............................................................................................................................75
S251 Master Hop Allocation Timeout ..................................................................................................75

© Microhard Systems Inc. 8
Table of Contents (continued)
6.0 Configuration (continued)
6.3 Serial Interface Commands ..................................................................................................76
&CnData Carrier Detect (DCD) ...........................................................................................76
&Dn Data Terminal Ready (DTR).........................................................................................77
&K Handshaking.................................................................................................................77
&Sn Data Set Ready (DSR) .................................................................................................77
7.0 Installation 78
7.1 Path Calculation.....................................................................................................................80
7.2 Installation of Antenna System Components .....................................................................81
7.2.1 Antennas ......................................................................................................................81
7.2.2 Coaxial Cable ...............................................................................................................82
7.2.3 Surge Arrestors ............................................................................................................82
7.2.4 External Filter ...............................................................................................................82
Appendices
Appendix A: AT Command Quick Reference ................................................................................83
Appendix B: Settings (S) Register Quick Reference .....................................................................85
Appendix C: n920 Approved Antennas .........................................................................................87
Appendix D: n2420 Approved Antennas .......................................................................................88
Appendix E Nano Series Layout Footprint ...................................................................................89
Appendix F: Nano Series Development Board Schematic ...........................................................90
Appendix G: Development Board Serial Interface .........................................................................91
Appendix H: RS-485 Wiring...........................................................................................................92

© Microhard Systems Inc. 9
1.0 Overview
The Nano Series Nano Series is capable of delivering high-performance wireless serial communications in a
variety of network topologies.
The Nano series is available as an OEM modem, as part of a development /interface kit or as a Enclosed mo-
dem. When properly configured and installed, long range communications at very high speeds can be
achieved.
Nano Series modules operate within the 902-928MHz or 2.4000-2.4835GHz ISM frequency bands, using fre-
quency hopping spread spectrum (FHSS) technology. They provide reliable wireless asynchronous data
transfer between most equipment types which employ an RS232, RS422, or RS485 interface.
The small size and superior performance of the Nano Series makes it ideal for many applications. Some typi-
cal uses for this modem:
1.1 Performance Features
Key performance features of the Nano Series include:
• transmission within a public, license-exempt band of the radio spectrum1 - this means that the
modems may be used without access fees or recurring charges (such as those incurred by cellu-
lar airtime)
• transparent, low latency link providing up to 1.2 Mbps continuous throughput
• communicates with virtually all PLCs, RTUs, and serial devices through either an RS232, RS422,
or RS485 interface
• supports point-to-point, point-to-multipoint, store and forward repeater, TDMA
• wide temperature specification
• maximum allowable transmit power (1 Watt)
• low power consumption in Sleep Mode (real-time clock wakeup)
• 32 bits of CRC, selectable retransmission and forward error correction
• separate diagnostics port - transparent remote diagnostics and online network control
• ease of installation and configuration - the Nano Series utilizes a subset of standard AT-style
commands, similar to those used by traditional telephone line modems
• 3.3V logic level compatibility (Nano OEM models)
1902-928MHz or 2.4000-2.4835GHz, which is license-free within North America; may need to be factory-configured
differently for some countries contact Microhard Systems Inc.
• SCADA
• remote telemetry
• traffic control
• industrial controls
• remote monitoring
• fleet management
• GPS
• wireless video
• robotics
• display signs
• railway signaling

© Microhard Systems Inc. 10
1.0 Overview
1.2 Nano Series Specifications
Electrical/General
Frequency: n920: 902 - 928 MHz
n2420: 2.4000 - 2.4835GHz
Spreading Method: Frequency Hopping /DTS
Band Segments: Selectable via Freq. Restriction
Error Detection: 32 bits of CRC, ARQ
Data Encryption: 128-bit or 256-bit AES Encryption (Requires export
(Optional) permit outside US and Canada.)
Range: n920: 60+ miles (100km)
n2420: 30+ miles (50km)
Output Power: 100mW to 1W (20-30dBm)
Sensitivity: (n920) -116 dBm - Slow
-108 dBm - Fast
-100 dBm - Turbo
Sensitivity: (n2420) -107 dBm - Fast
-99 dBm - Turbo
Serial Baud Rate: Up to 230.4 kbps - Slow/Fast
Up to 3.2 Mbps - Turbo (* Synchronous)
Link Rate: 19.2 kbps to 1.3824 Mbps
Core Voltage: 3.3VDC Nominal (+/- 0.3V)
Current Consumption:
* Dependent on speed and mode.
Characteristics (3.3V) Min. Typical Max. Units
Full time Rx* 140 240 280 mA
Max Continuous Tx Current 1000 1300 1500 mA
Typical Tx and Rx Average 450 mA
Sleep Current Draw 2mA
Table 1-1: n920 OEM Current Consumption
Caution: Using a power
supply that does not provide
proper voltage or current may
damage the modem.
Tip: Future enhancements of
the Nano Series products may
require higher current
requirements than listed. It is
good design practice to over
spec power supplies to allow
for future design options.

© Microhard Systems Inc. 11
1.0 Overview
1.2 Nano Series Specifications (Continued)
Environmental
Operation Temperature: -40oF(-40oC) to 185oF(85oC)
Humidity: 5% to 95% non-condensing
Mechanical
Dimensions:
Nano Series OEM: 1.25” (32mm) X 2.0” (51mm) X 0.25”(6.35mm)
Nano Enclosed: 2.25” (57mm) X 3.75” (95mm) X 1.5” (38mm)
Weight:
Nano OEM: 19 grams
Nano Enclosed: 210 grams
Connectors:
Antenna: OEM: MMCX
Enclosed: RP-SMA Female Bulkhead (Jan 2015)
RP-TNC Female Bulkhead (Prior to Jan 2015)
Data, etc: AVX-Kyocera 5046 Series 60 pin board to board connectors.
Nano n920 OEM module: 14-5046-060-630-829+
Nano n2420 OEM module: 14-5046-060-645-829+
Interface Card: 24-5046-060-600-829+ (Nano mating connector
used for both n920 and n2420)
Microhard Systems Inc Part Number: MHS030510 (Strips of 100)
@12V RX TX@1W (AVG) TX@1W (PEAK)
n2420BF-ENC 70mA to 90mA 230mA 450mA
n920F-ENC 80mA to 110mA 400mA 540mA
@24V RX TX@1W (AVG) TX@1W (PEAK)
n2420BF-ENC 36mA to 45mA 120mA 240mA
n920F-ENC 40mA 210mA 270mA
Table 1-2: Nano Enclosed Series Current Consumption

© Microhard Systems Inc. 12
2.0 Quick Start
This QUICK START guide will enable you to promptly establish basic connectivity between a pair of Nano
Series modems in a point-to-point (ref. 5.1) configuration.
2.1 Required Materials
• 2 Nano Series modules
• 2Nano Series Interface Cards + 2 MHX Development Boards OR 2 Nano Motherboards, with
power adapters and Rubber Ducky Antennas
• 2 PCs with HyperTerminal (or equivalent) and 1 COM port each, or
1 PC with HyperTerminal and 2 COM ports
• 2 straight-through serial cables (9-pin M to 9-pin F)
2.2 Set-Up Procedure
• Install Nano Series modules into the Nano Series Interface Cards and then into the MHX Devel-
opment Boards, or directly into the Nano Motherboard.
• Connect straight-through cable from each Nano/MHX Development Board (rear ’RS-232’ port, the
“DATA” port) to the COM port of PC (see section 3.4.1.2 for MHX Dev Board pin-outs or Section
3.5.2 for Nano Dev Board pin-outs). This setup procedure uses the DATA port on the Nano, not
the Diagnostics port. Ensure you are connected to the correct port.
• Open a HyperTerminal session for each Development Board connection, and configure it as
9600, 8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit, and no handshaking - then open the ‘connection’ (at bot-
tom left of HyperTerminal window, the word ‘Connected’ should appear).
• Plug power adapter (8-30VDC) into wall outlet and, while depressing the CFG/CONFIG button on
the front of the Nano Motherboard/MHX Development Board, attach the ‘green’ connector of the
wall adapter cable to the rear connector; repeat with other MHX Development Board or Nano
Motherboard.
• When the above step is performed, the HyperTerminal window should show the response ‘NO
CARRIER OK’.
• At this point, both Nano Series modules are in COMMAND MODE. For one module (to be the
MASTER), type AT&F6 [Enter], then type AT&WA [Enter]. This module’s TX LED (red) should
now be illuminated. For the other module (to be the SLAVE), type AT&F7 [Enter], then type
AT&WA [Enter]. This module’s RX and 3 RSSI LED’s should illuminate.
• We now have ‘radio’ connectivity. If text is entered in one PC’s HyperTerminal window, it should
appear in the other’s; and vice versa.

© Microhard Systems Inc. 13
SUPPLY / REGULATOR
POWER
PA
UART
(DCE)
EEPROMSRAM
uC
A/D
DATA BUS
MIXER
GAIN
FREQUENCY
SYNTHESIZER
DIGITIZER
IF
DEMOD ANTENNA
SWITCH
MIXER LNA
TxD
RTS
DTR
DSR
CTS
RxD
DCD
RSSSI1-3
RXMODE
TXMODE
(LEDS)
(LED)
(LED)
XTAL
Diag RxD
Diag TxD
!ShutDown
!Bootpgm_Mode
!Config
!WAKEUP_usr
VClock
!Reset
(LED)USR_1 (LED)USR_2 (LED)USR_3
3.0 Hardware Description
3.1 Nano Series OEM Module
The Nano Series Modems are available in both OEM and Enclosed packages. The OEM version supplies all
the required raw signals to allow the unit to be tightly integrated into applications to efficiently maximize space
and power requirements. The Enclosed version of the Nano Series modem allows for a fully operational table
top or mountable solution. The various interface cards and development boards can provide a convenient
evaluation platform or an in between end solution.
The Nano Series OEM module is typically complemented by interface circuitry (e.g. power, data interface) for
most applications. The Nano Interface Card, MHX Development Board (used with Nano Interface Card) and
Nano Motherboard provide much of this interface circuitry to aid in the integration or evaluation of the Nano
Series module.
The Nano Enclosed Modem supplies all required interface circuitry and all that is required are general user
interfaces (RS232, antenna, power).
Any Nano Series module may be configured as a Master, Repeater (or Repeater/Slave), or Slave.
This versatility is very convenient from a ’sparing’ perspective, as well for convenience in becoming familiar
and proficient with using the module: if you are familiar with one unit, you will be familiar with all units.
Drawing 3-1: Nano Series Functional Block Diagram
Image 3-1: Nano n920 OEM Bottom View
Image 3-2: Nano n2420 OEM Bottom View

© Microhard Systems Inc. 14
Drawing 3-4: Nano n2420 OEM Mechanical
3.0 Hardware Description
3.1.1 Nano OEM Mechanical Drawing
The Nano Series OEM Modules have an extremely small form factor as see in Drawing 3-3 and
Drawing 3-4 below.
3.1.2 Nano OEM Connectors
Antenna
All Nano OEM Modules use an MMCX connector for the antenna connection.
Data
The Data connector uses a AVX-Kyocera 5046 Series 60 pin board to board connector. The
manufacturers part numbers are listed below, or the mating connector is available directly from
Microhard Systems.
AVX-Kyocera Part Number: 24-5046-060-600-829+
Microhard Systems Inc Part Number: MHS030510 (Strips of 100)
The above part numbers are for the mating connector required to interface to the Nano Series
Modems. (The mating connector is the same for both the n920 and the n2420)
To assist in the layout or circuits required to interface with the Nano Series Modems, see Appendix E. Also
an Orcad Library file is available from Microhard Systems.
Drawing 3-3: Nano n920 OEM Mechanical
Units: millimeters Leg Detail

© Microhard Systems Inc. 15
3.0 Hardware Description
Drawing 3-5: Nano Series 60-pin OEM Connector Pin-out
3.1.3 Nano OEM Pin-Out Description
The above drawing depicts a bottom view of the Nano Series connector. The corner
pins (1, 2, 59, and 60) are printed directly upon it for convenient reference.
A full description of the various pin connections and functions is provided on the
pages that follow.
See Appendix E for an example schematic for interfacing to the Nano OEM module.
Pins 2, 4, 6, and 8 are
reserved for factory use. Do
not use these pins for any
other purpose.
Inputs and outputs are 3.3V
nominal (3.0V min — 3.6V
max) unless otherwise
specified.
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
22
24
26
28
30
32
34
36
9
11
13
15
17
19
21
23
25
27
29
31
33
35
37
39
NC
NC
NC
CAN+/CAT6 (Future)
CAN-/CAT3 (Future)
CAT2 (Future)
CAT1 (Future)
Control RxD
Control TxD
LED_RX
LED_TX
RSSI3_LED
RSSI2_LED
RSSI1_LED
Serial CTS
Serial RTS
Serial DSR
Ethernet LED0 (Future)
Ethernet LED1 (Future)
Vclock
!Bootpgm_mode
USR_AN0
!WAKEUP_usr
!CONFIG
!RESET
Vbat
RSMode
USB_DDM (Future)
USB_CNX (Future)
USB_DDP(Future)
Reserved
Reserved
Reserved
Reserved
USR_1/ 1PPS
Nano
Series
38
40
Serial RING
Serial DTR
USR_2
USR_3
7
5
3
1
NC
42
44
46
48
50
52
54
56
58
60
41
43
45
47
49
51
53
55
57
59
Serial TxD
Serial RxD
Serial DCD
Reserved
USR_SCK
GND
GND
GND
GND
GND
Mode Line(Future)
5V/8V (Future)
5V/8V (Future)
5V/8V (Future)
5V/8V (Future)
Vcc (3.3V)
Vcc (3.3V)
Vcc (3.3V)
Vcc (3.3V)
Vcc (3.3V)
Nano Series Bottom View
1 59
2 60

© Microhard Systems Inc. 16
3.0 Hardware Description
Pin Name No. Description In/
Out
Ethernet LED0,1 1,3 *Reserved for future Ethernet LED use.*
NC 2,4,6,8 Reserved for factory use only.
Vclock 5Real time clock to wake-up the module from sleep mode.
Internally pulled-up, this pin may be left floating. I
!Bootpgm_Mode 7Active low input signal to download
firmware into the module. Pull high or leave unterminated if not
being used.
I
USR_AN0 9Analog input. *Reserved for future use.* I
Ethernet 10,12,14,16 *Reserved for future Ethernet use.*
!WAKEUP_usr 11 Active low input signal to wake-up the module from sleep mode.
Internally pulled-up, this pin may be left floating. I
!CONFIG 13 Active low input signal to put the module into default serial
interface (RS-232) and default baud rate (9600,8/N/1, no flow
control) during power up. Pull high or leave
I
!RESET 15 Active low input will reset module I
Vbat 17 Battery voltage sensing analog input line, up to 60VDC. A 10k-
ohm resistor is required inline from the power source. Reading
will be 0 if connected to GND (ground).
I
RSMode 19 Sleep mode indication output. Active high. O
Control RxD 18 Diagnostics receive data. Logic level output from Nano Series to
a PC. O
Control TxD 20 Diagnostics transmit data. Logic level input from a PC into the
Nano Series. I
USB_DDM 21 *Reserved for future USB*
USB_CNX 23 *Reserved for future USB*
USB_DPP 25 *Reserved for future USB*
Reserved 25,29,31,33 Reserved for future use.
LED_RX 22 Active high output indicates receive and synchronization status.
Can drive LED directly. Refer to section 3.4.2 for additional
information about LED operation.
O
LED_TX 24 Active high output indicates module is transmitting data over the
RF channel. Can drive LED directly. Refer to section 3.4.2 for
additional information about LED operation.
O
RSSI3_LED 26 Receive Signal Strength Indicator 3. Active high, can drive LED
directly. Refer to Section 3.4.2.1 Table 3-6: LED Operation for
additional information about LED operation.
O
RSSI2_LED 28 Receive Signal Strength Indicator 2. Active high, can drive LED
directly. Refer to Section 3.4.2.1 Table 3-6: LED Operation for
additional information about LED operation.
O
RSSI1_LED 30 Receive Signal Strength Indicator 1. Active high, can drive LED
directly. Refer to Section 3.4.2.1 Table 3-6: LED Operation for
additional information about LED operation.
O
Table 3-1: Nano Series Pin-Out Description

© Microhard Systems Inc. 17
3.0 Hardware Description
Pin Name No. Description In/
Out
RSSI2_LED 28 Receive Signal Strength Indicator 2.
Active high, can drive LED directly. Refer to Section 3.4.2 for
additional information about LED operation.
O
RSSI1_LED 30 Receive Signal Strength Indicator 1. Active high, can drive LED
directly. Refer to Section 3.4.2 for additional information about LED
operation.
O
Serial CTS 32 Clear To Send. Active low output. O
Serial RTS 34 Request To Send. Active low input. I
Serial DSR 36 Data Set Ready. Active low output. Could be used to drive
Transmitter Enable on RS-485 driver. O
Serial RING 38 Ring indicator for RS-232. Active low output. This signal/pin could be
used to drive Receive Enable on RS-485 driver. O
Serial DTR 40 Data Terminal Ready. Active low input. I
Serial TxD 42 Transmit Data. Logic level input into the modem. I
Serial RxD 44 Receive Data. Logic level output from the modem. O
Serial DCD 46 Data Carrier Detect. Active low output. O
USR_1/PPS 35 System status indicator. O
USR_2 37 *Reserved for future use.* O
USR_3 39 *Reserved for future use.* O
Mode Line 41 *Reserved for future use.*
5V/8V 43,45,47,
49 *Reserved for future use.*
Reserved 48 *Reserved for future use.*
USR_SCK 50 User Synchronization Clock. Required for high speed data transfer in
the Nano Turbo. I
Vcc 51,53,55,
57,59 Positive voltage supply voltage for the module (3.3V). I
GND 52,54,56,
58,60 Ground reference for logic, radio, and I/O pins.
Table 3-1: Nano Series Pin-Out Description (continued)
All serial communications signals are logic level (0 and 3.3V). DO NOT connect RS-
232 level (+12, -12VDC) signals to these lines without shifting the signals to logic
levels.
Serial RxD is the data received by the radio through the wireless link and output via
the serial port; Serial TxD is the data received into module from the serial port and
transmitted over the wireless link.

© Microhard Systems Inc. 18
3.0 Hardware Description
3.2 High Speed Interface
The special high speed interface is used for the communication between the user device and the
Turbo version of the Nano Series (n920T). This interface is a high speed clocked synchronous
channel that supports serial data to and from a modem. The Nano acts as a slave and the user’s
device acts as the master, meaning the user’s device must supply the clock signal. The important
feature of this interface is the use of hardware handshaking.
Technical Specifications
Type of serial channel Clocked synchronous
Modem’s serial mode Slave
Type of data communication Packets
Maximum data packet size 1558 bytes
Maximum serial link rate Up to 3.2 Mbps*
Delay from bit transition to the rising edge of clock Less than 1/2 clock period
Table 3-3: Nano Turbo High Speed Interface Technical Specifications
Pin Name No. Description In/
Out
Serial RxD 44 Serial data from modem to user device O
Serial TxD 42 Serial data to modem from user device I
USR_SCK 50 Clock signal from user device to modem I
CTS 32 Clear To Send. Used for handshaking purposes. O
RING 38 Signal used for the initiation of data transfer from modem to user device. O
Table 3-2: Nano Turbo High Speed Interface Signals
On the following pages, timing diagrams show examples of the flow of data between a users device
and the Nano Series.
User’s device must supply the
clock signal while RING is low.

© Microhard Systems Inc. 19
3.0 Hardware Description
RxD
TxD
RING
…
…
High byte size
Low byte size
Data byte 1
Data byte N
D0 D1 D7
D0 D1 D7
D0 D1 D7
D0 D1 D7
…
…
…
…
CTS
USR_SCK
Don’t care
650µs
Drawing 3-6: Data transfer from Nano Series to user device
3.2.1 Data Transfer — Modem to User Device
When the modem has data to transmit to the user it makes CTS high (if it was low), then transitions
RING low and waits for the clock. It is possible that while CTS is low the user may have just started
sending the clock signal to the modem and the modem didn’t have time to detect it. Due to this
potential conflict when we make CTS high, about 650 µs is required to detect if there was
transmission in progress. If, after waiting 650 µs the modem doesn’t report any bytes received the
modem is reconfigured in transmit mode, loads the message and transitions RING low. The user is
required to start sending clock but there is no requirement on a delay between RING going low and
the clock. When the modem gets enough clocks to output all data we make RING go high, free the
buffer, switch to receive mode and once ready, make CTS low for the new cycle. Once RING is high,
the user must stop sending the clock within 100 µs.
The modem sends a data packet, where the first two bytes represent a packet size: the first byte is a
high byte; the next byte is a low byte. The packet size can’t be zero and can’t exceed 1558.

© Microhard Systems Inc. 20
3.0 Hardware Description
RxD
TxD
RING
…
…
Data byte 1
Data byte 2
Data byte 3
Data byte N
Byte 1
D0 D1 D7
Byte 2
D0 D1 D7
Byte 3
D0 D1 D7
Byte N
D0 D1 D7
…
…
USR_SCK
CTS
Don’t care
Up to 300 µs
Drawing 3-7: Data transfer from user device to modem (Long Packet)
3.2.2 Data Transfer — User Device to modem
When the user has data to send to a modem it must have sensed the falling edge of the CTS line,
and the CTS line must currently be low. At this point the modem is configured in receive mode and
waits for the user to start the clock signal and begin data transfer from the user device to the Modem.
The modem will set the CTS signal high up to 300µs after the start of data transmission.
User’s device must supply the clock signal (USR_SCK) to the modem, the bit transition should be
done on the falling edge of clock and modem latched data on rising edge of clock. The size of data
packet must not exceed 1558 bytes. User’s device can start sending the next data packet only when
the falling edge of CTS is detected and CTS is low.
TxD
…
Data byte 1
Byte 1
D0 D1 D7
USR_SCK
CTS
Drawing 3-8: Data transfer from user device to modem (1 Byte Packet)