RIM 902M Assembly Instructions

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RIM 902M OEM Radio Modem Integrator’s Guide
Last Updated: January 11, 1999
Model No. R902M-2-O
©1999, RESEARCH IN MOTION LIMITED
Research In Motion and RIM are registered trademarks of Research In Motion Ltd.
Mobitex is a trademark of the Swedish Telecommunications Administration.
MS-DOS is a registered trademark, and Windows is a trademark, of Microsoft Corp.
Warning: This document is for the use of licensed users only. Any unauthorised
copying, distribution or disclosure of information is a violation of copyright laws.
While every effort has been made to ensure technical accuracy, information in this
document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on
the part of Research In Motion Limited.
Research In Motion
295 Phillip Street
Waterloo, Ontario
Canada N2L 3W8
tel. [phone]
fax [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]
Web site: www.rim.net
MOBITEX Interface, specified
in Specification
LZBA 703 1001,
compatible equipment

FCC Compliance Statement (USA)
FCC Class B Part 15
This device complies with Part 15 of 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.
Warning
Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the
party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to
operate this equipment.
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 reasonable 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 manufacture’s instructions, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications.
There is no guarantee, however, 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:
x Re-orient or relocate the receiving antenna.
x Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
x Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from
that to which the receiver is connected.
x Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for
help.

Industry Canada Certification
This device complies with Industry Canada RSS 119, under certification
number TBD.
IC Class B compliance
This device complies with the Class B limits for radio noise emissions as set
out in the interference-causing equipment standard entitled “Digital
Apparatus,” ICES-003 of Industry Canada.

Contents
FCC Compliance Statement (USA) ........................................i
Industry Canada Certification...............................................ii
About this guide.................................................................... v
1. Introduction...............................................................1
Radio performance...................................................................... 1
Mobitex network technology....................................................... 4
FCC radio frequency exposure rules............................................ 5
2. Getting started...........................................................9
Test board overview...................................................................10
How to connect the test board.....................................................11
The MENU diagnostics tool.......................................................12
3. Mechanical integration ........................................... 21
Environmental properties...........................................................21
Physical properties.....................................................................22
Mounting methods.....................................................................24
Cables and connectors................................................................27
4. Power requirements ................................................ 31
Load specifications ....................................................................31
Batteries ....................................................................................32
Plug-in supplies.........................................................................34
Automotive supplies...................................................................34
5. Interface specification ............................................. 35
MASC and RAP link-layer protocols .........................................35
Pin descriptions .........................................................................37
How to turn the radio on and off................................................42
Interface to an RS-232 device.....................................................43
Interface to microprocessor........................................................43
6. Antenna selection .................................................... 45
Selecting an antenna..................................................................45

Introduction to antenna terminology..........................................46
Positioning the antenna..............................................................49
Shielding...................................................................................50
Specifications ...................................................................... 51
Glossary of terms ................................................................ 53
Index.................................................................................... 55

About this guide
This document is a guide to integrating the RIM 902M OEM radio modem into
a variety of devices such as laptop computers, handhelds, vending machines,
point-of-sale terminals, vehicle-based mobile terminals, and alarm system.
Topics covered in this guide include:
x mounting requirements
x power (battery) characteristics
x interfacing to the RIM 902M
x antenna selection and placement
Throughout the guide, there are suggestions and precautions that will ease the
implementation of a wireless communication solution. These recommendations
are based on years of experience integrating wireless modems into a variety of
devices. You are welcome and encouraged to contact RIM if you would like to
discuss the technical implementation of this radio modem.


1. Introduction
With the introduction of the RIM 902M, Research In Motion (RIM) has set a
new standard for radio modem performance. The RIM 902M is unrivaled in the
key areas of receiver sensitivity, ouput efficiency, noise immunity, and power
consumption. Its small size and weight make it suitable for virtually any
wireless data application, including handheld devices and mobile terminals.
The RIM 902M is designed for use with Mobitex wide-area wireless data
networks operating in the 900 MHz range, such as the BellSouth Intelligent
Wireless Network.
RIM radio modems are specifically designed to integrate easily into a computer
or other embedded system. Potential applications include:
x Laptop computers x Vehicle tracking and location
x Point of sale devices x Monitoring and telemetry
x Ruggedized terminals x Vending machines
x Handheld PC’s x Utility meters
x Parking meters x Billboards
x Dispatching x Security alarm panels
Radio performance
The RIM 902M offers the highest performance of any radio modem for
Mobitex wireless data networks:

2 Introduction – Radio performance
Integrator’s Guide – RIM 902M OEM Radio Modem
Receiver sensitivity
Receiver sensitivity is a measure of how well a radio modem can “hear” a
network base station. This figure is important when a device will be used in
areas where signal strength is weak, such as inside buildings and in locations
that are not close to a base station. A radio modem with good receiver
sensitivity can be used in more places than a radio modem with poor sensitivity.
The RIM 902M has a receiver sensitivity of –118 dBm, or 0.0016 picowatts.
This is the strength of the weakest digital signal that can be interpreted with a
1% bit error rate. Although 1% may seem high, the sophisticated over-the-air
Mobitex protocol corrects these errors before the data is passed to the
application, ensuring error-free communication. This capability is already built
into the radio’s firmware, and does not require any additional software
development.
Noise immunity
The RIM 902M is not de-sensitized by the electromagnetic interference (EMI)
or “noise” that is generated by the electronics of the terminal into which it is
integrated. As a result, no special shielding is required between the radio and
your device.
Noise immunity offers several benefits, including:
x easier integration x improved RF performance
x longer battery life x more coverage from each base station
x increased reliability x no need for special RF shielding
Powerful and efficient transmitter
When necessary, the RIM 902M can supply a full 2.0 watts to the antenna.
However, the RIM 902M quickly decreases the output power when it is close to
a base station  to as little as 0.06 watt – because a stronger signal is needed
only when far from a base station. By transmitting a strong signal only when
necessary, the RIM 902M conserves battery power.
The RIM 902M provides reliable transmit efficiency across the entire operating
voltage range of 4.15 to 4.75 volts. As a result, batteries can be used even when
nearing depletion. This also maximizes the radio coverage area throughout the
life of the battery.

Introduction – Radio performance 3
RIM 902M OEM Radio Modem – Integrator’s Guide
Low power requirements
If you are planning to integrate the RIM 902M into a handheld or portable
device, battery life is a critical issue: your customers will insist on long lasting
devices without heavy battery packs. The RIM 902M sets a new power
consumption standard for Mobitex radio modems. This ensures efficiency and
maximizes battery life.
Transmitting data: 1.7 amps or less (at 4.5V), depending on output power
The transmitter is ON for a pulse of between 32 ms and 1 second per
packet, depending on the amount of data transmitted. The maximum
packet size for a Mobitex device is 512 bytes.
Receiving data: 60 mA (at 4.5V)
The radio turns its receiver ON for a 150 ms “window” once every 10
seconds. The base station will only attempt to communicate with the radio
during this window. To minimize latency during rapid two-way
communication, the receiver is also turned ON and kept ON for 10
seconds after any communication (transmit or receive) with the network.
Standby power: 0.3 mA (at 4.5V)
Standby power consumption is very low and occurs when no radio activity
has taken place for at least 10 seconds. The radio and base station are
closely synchronized to ensure that a communication attempt is not missed
when the radio is in standby mode.
Battery life is not a concern for certain applications, such as in-vehicle
applications that draw power from the vehicle battery. For these applications, it
is possible to put the radio in an express operating mode, in which power
consumption is higher than normal but packet transfer latency is reduced to a
minimum.
Small size
Using a single board design, the RIM 902M is very thin, and much smaller
than a business card, at only 42.0 by 67.5 mm. This tiny size allows the
RIM 902M to meet tight space requirements within most applications. The fact
that a single board is used means that the device is much more reliable than
multi-board designs, particularly in high-vibration environments such as
vehicles.

4 Introduction – Mobitex network technology
Integrator’s Guide – RIM 902M OEM Radio Modem
Mobitex network technology
The Mobitex wireless network technology, developed by Eritel in 1984 for
Swedish Telecom, has become an international data communication standard.
Now managed by the Mobitex Operators Association (MOA), which controls
the specifications for this open standard, Mobitex is a secure, reliable, wireless
packet switching network specifically designed for wide-area wireless data
communications.
Mobitex networks are deployed around the world. The technology is presently
available in the following countries:
x Australia x Germany x Singapore
x Austria x Indonesia x Sweden
x Belgium x Italy x Turkey
x Canada x Korea x United Kingdom
x Chile x Netherlands x United States
x Finland x Norway x Venezuela
x France x Poland
Mobitex networks in the United States, Canada, Korea, Chile, and Venezuela
operate in the 900 MHz range, and are therefore directly compatible with the
RIM 902M OEM radio modem. Currently, Mobitex networks in other countries
operate at other frequencies, such as 400 MHz.
Mobitex provides highly reliable, two-way digital data transmission. The
network provides error detection and correction to ensure the integrity of the
data being sent and received, and includes transmission acknowledgment.
The Mobitex network has a hierarchical structure that allows messages to be
routed from sender to receiver along the most direct path possible. Each radio
cell is served by an intelligent base station. Because intelligence is distributed
throughout the network, data is only forwarded to the lowest network node
common to the sender and the receiver. For example, one base station is able to
handle all traffic in its coverage area.
The network constantly monitors the location of the mobile users. As a mobile
moves from one area of coverage to another, base stations track its signals,
sending updated mobile location and status information to the network. If the
network goes down at any point in transmission, the message is held until
network service is restored. If the mobile receiver moves outside the coverage
area, the base station stores the data until coverage is re-established, then

Introduction – FCC radio frequency exposure rules 5
RIM 902M OEM Radio Modem – Integrator’s Guide
forwards it to the mobile. This prevents data loss, and increases the reliability
of transmission.
Mobitex is optimized for data communication. It uses a packet switching
technique to provide the greatest flexibility in data transmission. Conventional
cellular phone systems, by contrast, use a circuit-switched network, in which a
physical connection is created between the sending and receiving nodes, and
must be maintained throughout the duration of the transmission. With circuit-
switched systems, the set-up time for establishing a connection involves
significant overhead and airtime cost, especially when only a small amount of
data needs to be transferred.
Mobitex packets include information about the origin, destination, size, type,
and sequence of data to be sent. This enables packets to be transmitted
individually, in any order, as traffic permits. Internal to the network, individual
packets may travel along different routes, in any order, without interfering with
other packets sent over the same frequency by different users. At the receiving
end, all packets are accounted for, and reassembled into the original message.
Set up time is eliminated and network connection is instantaneous. As a result,
packet-switching makes far more efficient use of channel capacity, typically
allowing 10 to 50 times more users over a radio channel than a circuit switched
network.
FCC radio frequency exposure rules
Based on FCC rules 2.1091 and 2.1093(1) and FCC Guidelines for Human
Exposure to Radio Frequency Electromagnetic Fields, OET Bulletin 65 and its
Supplement C(2), all integrations of the RIM 902M OEM unit are subject to
routine environmental evaluation for RF exposure prior to equipment
authorization or use.
For portable devices, defined in accordance with FCC rules as a transmitting
device designed to be used within 20 cm of the user body under normal
operating conditions, RF evaluation must be based on Specific Absorption Rate
(SAR) limits in Watts/kg. SAR is a measurement of the rate of energy
absorption per unit mass of body tissue.
For mobile devices, defined as a transmitting device designed to be generally
used such that a separation distance of at least 20 cm is maintained between the

6 Introduction – FCC radio frequency exposure rules
Integrator’s Guide – RIM 902M OEM Radio Modem
body of the user and the transmitting radiated structure, the human exposure to
RF radiation can be evaluated in terms of Maximum Permissible Exposure
(MPE) limits for field strength or power density in mWatts/cm2.
RIM will submit module specific information and test reports for a generic
MPE compliance. For an end product not covered by RIM testing and
submission, the integrator will submit for a separate FCC ID. The submission
should include end product information, end product SAR/MPE test report and
a reference to RIM module FCC ID for all other Part 90 requirements.
SAR and MPE limits
SAR limits for General Population/Uncontrolled exposure is 1.6 W/kg for
partial body exposure, averaged over 1 g of tissue and 4 W/kg for hands, wrists
and feet averaged over 10 g of tissue. The limits for Occupational/Controlled
exposure are more relaxed, i.e., 8 W/kg for partial body and 20 W/kg for hands,
wrists and feet. The 1.6 W/kg limit applies for most of RIM OEM integrators.
The limit for MPE is 0.6 mW/cm2at 900 MHz.
Guidelines
RF exposure distance is based on normal operating proximity to the user’s
body. This distance is measured from the feed point of the antenna to the
closest body part. A test need to be performed to determine the passing distance
that meets the exposure limits.
Operating manual compliance statement
The integrator should include a statement in their operation/user/installation
manual making the user aware of RF exposure issues and insuring that the
users keep a passing distance from the antenna while transmitting.
Also the integrator should provide instructions or diagrams in the manual for
proper antenna mounting and position, when applicable, to ensure a safe
exposure distance to the operator and nearby persons.

Introduction – FCC radio frequency exposure rules 7
RIM 902M OEM Radio Modem – Integrator’s Guide
Label
If the final device configuration cannot be controlled so as to limit the user
distance to the antenna then the device needs to have an RF radiation hazard
label warning the user to keep away from the antenna by the specified distance.


2. Getting started
RIM is committed to facilitating the integration of the RIM 902M OEM radio
modem. We provide the necessary resources to evaluate the feasibility of
implementing a wireless communication solution, and work closely with our
partners to develop an application in the shortest time possible.
Years of intense R&D have spawned several tools that have been used
internally to help streamline our own development process. We have included
many of these tools with the RIM 902M OEM Developer’s Kit. The purpose of
the Kit is to accelerate radio integration and to help system designers evaluate
the RIM 902M. Using the Kit, you can quickly begin interfacing the radio
modem to your computing device.
We’re here for you!
RIM has a team of experienced engineers who can support you in the design
and implementation of your project. If you need help getting started, or if you
have any questions about the radio technology or its integration into your
platform, please contact the RIM 902M engineering development team:
e-mail: [e-mail]
phone: [phone]
fax: [phone]
web: www.rim.net

10 Getting started – Test board overview
Integrator’s Guide – RIM 902M OEM Radio Modem
Test board overview
The RIM test board provides a standard RS-232 serial interface between a PC
and the radio modem. It is designed to help you quickly interface the
RIM 902M to a standard PC (through a COM port) or a terminal device with
an RS-232 serial port. The test board also provides access points to the radio’s
serial communication port, which allows you to monitor activity with a logic
probe, multimeter, or oscilloscope.
The test board includes the following components and functionality:
RS-232 interface
The serial (COM) port on a PC and most terminal devices operates at RS-232
signal levels, which are typically r 12V. This high voltage would damage the
RIM 902M, which is typically integrated into a device that operates an
asynchronous serial port at 3.0V. The RS-232 interface on the test board allows
you to produce an output from the radio that is easily interpreted by a PC.
Test points
The test board is more than just an RS-232 interface. It also features debugging
facilities to help you test your application. It provides direct access to each of
the 22 pins on the serial data cable, which allows connectivity to analytical
equipment (e.g. logic probe, multimeter, or oscilloscope) and real-time
indication of data flow.
On/off switch
With the switch in the ON position, the radio will turn on whenever power is
applied to the test board. When the switch is moved to the OFF position, the
radio will shut down.
Power supply
The RIM 902M must be provided with a clean, high-current power source. In
this case, we use a standard plug-pack to provide the current necessary to

Getting started – How to connect the test board 11
RIM 902M OEM Radio Modem – Integrator’s Guide
operate the radio. The voltage is converted into the necessary levels by the
power supply section on the test board.
LED indicators
The test board includes several LED indicators designed to indicate the flow of
data to and from the host (in real time), the radio power status, power to the test
board, and more.
How to connect the test board
Now that you are familiar with the components and functions of the test board,
you are ready to connect the RIM 902M radio modem to an antenna and to a
PC (or some other computing device with an RS-232 serial interface). To do
this, you will use the test board and cables supplied with your RIM 902M
Developer’s Kit.
1. Flat serial cable (test board to radio)
The flat serial interface cable carries data between the test board and the
RIM 902M. Control and status signals such as TURNON are also carried on
this cable. Use this cable to connect the RIM 902M’s serial connector to the test
board.
This cable also carries clean, regulated power to the RIM 902M.
When inserting the cable, ensure that the side with the bare pins are in direct
contact with the pin side of the connector.
2. DB-9 serial cable (test board to PC)
Connect the male end of the straight-through DB-9 serial cable to the test
board.
Connect the female end of the cable to your PC’s COM port.

12 Getting started – The MENU diagnostics tool
Integrator’s Guide – RIM 902M OEM Radio Modem
3. Power adapter (test board to AC outlet)
Plug the 120VAC-to-12VDC power adapter into the wall outlet. Connect the
other end to the power jack of the test board.
4. Antenna cable (radio to magmount antenna)
Your developer’s kit includes a high-performance, 6dB-gain magmount
antenna. This antenna is terminated with a screw-on SMA plug. The
RIM 902M radio modem includes a snap-on MMCX jack. The antenna cable
supplied with your developer’s kit connects the antenna’s SMA plug to the
radio’s MMCX jack.
The magmount antenna provides the best RF performance when placed on a
broad metal surface, such as the roof of a car. When used inside a building,
performance is improved if the antenna is located near a window, with few
obstacles (wall, furniture, equipment, etc.) between the antenna and the
window. The antenna performs equally well if it is positioned upside down.
5. Turn the system on
The power switch on the test board is connected to the TURNON line of the
RIM 902M radio modem. To determine whether the radio is on, look at the
LED marked ONI. It is lit when the radio is on.
The MENU diagnostics tool
Now that you have successfully connected your RIM 902M radio modem to
your PC, you are ready to send a test packet through the Mobitex network.
Your radio modem should be activated by the network operator in order to be
used on the Mobitex network and to establish an airtime agreement. If you have
not already arranged for activation of your radio, contact your network
operator.