Sierra Wireless AirPrime EM7690 Quick setup guide

Hardware Integration Guide
AirPrime EM7690
411139xx15
Rev 0.13
September 23, 2020
Proprietary and Confidential
Contents subject to change

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AirPrime EM7690 Hardware Integration Guide
Important Notice
Due to the nature of wireless communications, transmission and reception of data can never be
guaranteed. Data may be delayed, corrupted (i.e., have errors) or be totally lost. Although significant
delays or losses of data are rare when wireless devices such as the Sierra Wireless modem are used
in a normal manner with a well-constructed network, the Sierra Wireless modem should not be used
in situations where failure to transmit or receive data could result in damage of any kind to the user or
any other party, including but not limited to personal injury, death, or loss of property. Sierra Wireless
accepts no responsibility for damages of any kind resulting from delays or errors in data transmitted or
received using the Sierra Wireless modem, or for failure of the Sierra Wireless modem to transmit or
receive such data.
Safety and Hazards
Do not operate the Sierra Wireless modem in areas where cellular modems are not advised without
proper device certifications. These areas include environments where cellular radio can interfere such
as explosive atmospheres, medical equipment, or any other equipment which may be susceptible to
any form of radio interference. The Sierra Wireless modem can transmit signals that could interfere
with this equipment. Do not operate the Sierra Wireless modem in any aircraft, whether the aircraft is
on the ground or in flight. In aircraft, the Sierra Wireless modem MUST BE POWERED OFF. When
operating, the Sierra Wireless modem can transmit signals that could interfere with various onboard
systems.
Note: Some airlines may permit the use of cellular phones while the aircraft is on the ground and the door
is open. Sierra Wireless modems may be used at this time.
The driver or operator of any vehicle should not operate the Sierra Wireless modem while in control of
a vehicle. Doing so will detract from the driver or operator’s control and operation of that vehicle. In
some states and provinces, operating such communications devices while in control of a vehicle is an
offence.
Limitations of Liability
This manual is provided “as is”. Sierra Wireless makes no warranties of any kind, either expressed or
implied, including any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or
noninfringement. The recipient of the manual shall endorse all risks arising from its use.
The information in this manual is subject to change without notice and does not represent a
commitment on the part of Sierra Wireless. SIERRA WIRELESS AND ITS AFFILIATES
SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIM LIABILITY FOR ANY AND ALL DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL,
GENERAL, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR EXEMPLARY DAMAGES INCLUDING,
BUT NOT LIMITED TO, LOSS OF PROFITS OR REVENUE OR ANTICIPATED PROFITS OR
REVENUE ARISING OUT OF THE USE OR INABILITY TO USE ANY SIERRA WIRELESS
PRODUCT, EVEN IF SIERRA WIRELESS AND/OR ITS AFFILIATES HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE
POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES OR THEY ARE FORESEEABLE OR FOR CLAIMS BY ANY
THIRD PARTY.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall Sierra Wireless and/or its affiliates aggregate liability
arising under or in connection with the Sierra Wireless product, regardless of the number of events,
occurrences, or claims giving rise to liability, be in excess of the price paid by the purchaser for the
Sierra Wireless product.

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AirPrime EM7690 Hardware Integration Guide
Patents
This product may contain technology developed by or for Sierra Wireless Inc.
This product includes technology licensed from QUALCOMM®.
This product is manufactured or sold by Sierra Wireless Inc. or its affiliates under one or more patents
licensed from MMP Portfolio Licensing.
Copyright
© 2019 Sierra Wireless. All rights reserved.
Trademarks
Sierra Wireless®, AirPrime®, AirLink®, AirVantage®, WISMO®, ALEOS®and the Sierra Wireless and
Open AT logos are registered trademarks of Sierra Wireless, Inc. or one of its subsidiaries.
Watcher®is a registered trademark of NETGEAR, Inc., used under license.
Windows®and Windows Vista®are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
Macintosh®and Mac OS X®are registered trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other
countries.
QUALCOMM®is a registered trademark of QUALCOMM Incorporated. Used under license.
Other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Contact Information
Sales information and technical support, including
warranty and returns
Web: sierrawireless.com/company/contact-us/
Global toll-free number: 1-877-687-7795
6:00 am to 5:00 pm PST
Corporate and product information
Web: sierrawireless.com
Document History
Version
Date
Updates
Rev 0.1
Sep 23, 2020
first draft

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AirPrime EM7690 Hardware Integration Guide
Contents
1. INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................5
1.1. Accessories .........................................................................................................................5
1.2. Required Connectors...........................................................................................................5
2. POWER ................................................................................................................6
2.1. Power Supply.......................................................................................................................6
2.2. Module Power States ..........................................................................................................6
2.2.1. Power State Transitions.............................................................................................7
3. RF SPECIFICATIONS..........................................................................................9
3.1. RF Connections...............................................................................................................910
3.1.1. Shielding................................................................................................................910
3.2. 3G/4G Antennas and Cabling............................................................................................10
3.3. Ground Connection .......................................................................................................1011
3.4. Interference and Sensitivity...............................................................................................11
3.4.1. Interference from Other Wireless Devices...............................................................11
3.4.2. Host-generated RF Interference..........................................................................1112
3.4.3. Device-generated RF Interference ......................................................................1112
3.4.4. Methods to Mitigate Decreased Rx Performance....................................................12
3.4.5. Radiated Spurious Emissions (RSE).......................................................................12
3.5. Radiated Sensitivity Measurement....................................................................................12
3.5.1. Sierra Wireless’ Sensitivity Testing and Desensitization Investigation................1213
3.5.2. Sensitivity vs. Frequency.....................................................................................1213
3.6. Supported Frequencies.....................................................................................................13
3.7. Antenna Specification....................................................................................................1516
3.7.1. Recommended WWAN Antenna Specifications..................................................1516
3.7.2. Recommended GNSS Antenna Specifications ...................................................1718
4. REGULATORY COMPLIANCE AND INDUSTRY CERTIFICATION.............1819
4.1. RoHS Directive Compliant.............................................................................................1819
4.2. Important Notice ............................................................................................................1819
4.3. Safety and Hazards...........................................................................................................19
4.4. Important Compliance Information for the United States and Canada..........................1920
5. ABBREVIATIONS..........................................................................................2223

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1. Introduction
The Sierra Wireless EM7690 Embedded Module is a FirstNet-ready (B14 LTE) M.2 module and
provides 4G LTE advanced Pro, 3G (HSPA+, UMTS), and GNSS connectivity for a wide range of
devices and purposes, including business, personal, and portable computing and communication
devices, IoT devices, M2M applications and industrial use cases.
EM7690 Embedded Modules are available in a variety of region-specific and function-specific SKUs.
1.1. Accessories
A hardware development kit is available for AirPrime M.2 modules. The kit contains hardware
components for evaluating and developing with the module, including:
Development board
Cables
Antennas
Other accessories
For over-the-air LTE testing, ensure that an appropriate antenna is being used.
1.2. Required Connectors
Table 1-1 describes the connectors used to integrate the EM7690 Embedded Module into your host
device.
Table 1-1 Required Host-Module Connectors1
Connector Type
Description
RF cables —LTE/WCDMA/GNSS
Mate with M.2-spec connectors
Four connector jacks (mate with I-PEX 20448-001R-081 or
equivalent)
EDGE (67 pin)
Slot B compatible —Per the M.2 standard (PCI Express M.2™
Specification Revision 3.0, Version 1.2), a generic 75-pin
position EDGE connector on the motherboard uses a
mechanical key to mate with the 67-pin notched module
connector.
Manufacturers include LOTES (part #APCI0018-P001A01),
Kyocera, JAE, Tyco, and Longwell.
SIM
Industry-standard connector.
1. Manufacturers/part numbers are for reference only and are subject to change. Choose connectors that are appropriate
for your own design.
1

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2. Power
2.1. Power Supply
The host provides power to the EM7690 through multiple power and ground pins as summarized in
Table 2-1.
The host must provide safe and continuous power (via battery or a regulated power supply) at all
times; the module does not have an independent power supply, or protection circuits to guard against
electrical issues.
Table 2-1 Power and Ground Specifications
Name
Pins
Specification
Min
Typ
Max
Units
VCC
(3.3V)
2, 4, 24, 38, 68, 70, 72, 74
Voltage range
3.135
3.3
4.4
V
Ripple voltage
-
-
100
mVpp
Peak Current
-
-
4000
mA
Continuous
Current
-
TBD
-
mA
GND
3, 5, 11, 27, 33, 39, 45, 51, 57, 71, 73
-
0
-
V
2.2. Module Power States
The module has five power states, as described in Table 2-2.
Table 2-2 Module Power States
State
Details
Host Is Powered
Host Interface Active
RF Enabled
Normal (Default
State)
Module is active
Default state. Occurs when VCC is first applied,
Full_Card_Power_Off# is deasserted (pulled high), and
W_DISABLE# is deasserted
Module is capable of placing/receiving calls, or establishing data
connections on the wireless network
Current consumption is affected by several factors, including:
Radio band being used
Transmit power
Receive gain settings
Data rate
✓
✓
✓
2

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Power
State
Details
Host Is Powered
Host Interface Active
RF Enabled
Low Power
(Airplane Mode)
Module is active
Module enters this state:
Under host interface control:
Host issues AT+CFUN=0 (3GPP TS 27.007), or
Host asserts W_DISABLE#, after AT!PCOFFEN=0 has been
issued.
Automatically, when critical temperature or voltage trigger limits
have been reached)
✓
✓
-
Sleep
Normal state of module between calls or data connections
Module cycles between wake (polling the network) and sleep, at
network provider-determined interval.
✓
-
-
Off
Host keeps module powered off by asserting Full_Card_Power_Off#
(signal pulled low or left floating)
Module draws minimal current
✓
-
-
Disconnected
Host power source is disconnected from the module and all voltages
associated with the module are at 0 V.
-
-
-
2.2.1. Power State Transitions
The module uses state machines to monitor supply voltage and operating temperature and notifies
the host when critical threshold limits are exceeded. (See Table 2-3 for trigger details and Figure 2-1
for state machine behavior.)
Power state transitions may occur:
Automatically, when critical supply voltage or module temperature trigger levels are encountered.
Under host control, using available AT commands in response to user choices (for example,
opting to switch to airplane mode) or operating conditions.
Table 2-3 Power State Transition Trigger Levels
Transition
Voltage
Temperature1
Notes
Trigger
V
Trigger
℃
Normal to Low Power
VOLT_HI_CRIT
4.6
TEMP_LO_CRIT
-45
RF activity suspended
VOLT_LO_CRIT
2.9
TEMP_HI_CRIT
118
Low Power to Normal
VOLT_HI_NORM
4.4
TEMP_NORM_LO
-30
RF activity resumed
Low Power to Normal
Or Remain in Normal
(Remove warnings)
VOLT_LO_NORM
3.135
TEMP_HI_NORM
100
Normal
(Issue warning)
VOLT_LO_WARN
3.135
TEMP_HI_WARN
100
In the TEMP_HI_WARN state, the
module may have reduced
performance (Class B temperature
range).
Power off/on
(Host-initiated)
-
-
-
-
Power off recommended when
supply voltage or module operating
temperature is critically low or high.

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AirPrime EM7690 Hardware Integration Guide
Power
1. Module junction temperature at the printed circuit board.
Figure 2-1 Voltage/Temperature Monitoring State Machines
Note: Make sure that your system design provides sufficient cooling for the module.
Normal mode
Normal mode
Low supply voltage warning
or
High temperature warning
Low power mode
Handled by Power State
state machine.
Off mode Handled by
Power State state machine
current_vcc <VOLT_LO_WARN
current_temp > TEMP_HI_WARN
current_vcc >VOLT_LO_NORM
current_temp < TEMP_HI_NORM
(Manual transition)
Host deasserts
Full_Card_Power_Off#
current_vcc > VOLT_HI_CRIT
current_temp < TEMP_LO_CRIT
current_vcc < VOLT_LO_CRIT
current_temp > TEMP_HI_CRIT
current_vcc < VOLT_HI_NORM
current_temp > TEMP_NORM_LO

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3. RF Specifications
The EM7690 includes Four MHF4 RF connectors for use with host-supplied antennas
Figure 3-1 Module Connectors Include Image with Spacing Info
LTE/WCDMA/GNSS connectors:
Main: Primary Tx/PRx path for 3G/4G
Auxiliary: Diversity Rxand GNSS L1
MIMO1: MIMO1 Rx Path
MIMO2: MIMO2 Rx Path and GNSS L5
3.1. RF Connections
When attaching antennas to the module:
LTE/WCDMA/GNSS connectors:
Use RF plug connectors that are compatible with the following RF receptacle connectors:
I-PEX (20449-001E (MHF4)).
Match coaxial connections between the module and the antenna to 50Ω.
Minimize RF cable losses to the antenna; the recommended maximum cable loss for antenna
cabling is 0.5 dB.
To ensure best thermal performance, use the ground hole (if possible) to attach (ground) the
device to a metal chassis.
Note: If antenna connection is shorted or open, the modem will not sustain permanent damage.
3.1.1. Shielding
The module is fully shielded to protect against EMI and must not be removed.
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RF Specifications
3.2. 3G/4G Antennas and Cabling
When selecting the 3G/4G antennas and cables, it is critical to RF performance to match antenna
gain and cable loss.
Note: There is no explicit list of antennas required in the application. The PWB-6-60-RSMAP Wide Band
4G Terminal Paddle Antenna has been verified as a reference. For detailed electrical
performance criteria, see Antenna Specification.
Choosing the Correct 3G/4G Antenna and Cabling
When matching antennas and cabling:
The antenna (and associated circuitry) should have a nominal impedance of 50Ωwith a return
loss of better than 10 dB across each frequency band of operation.
The system gain value affects both radiated power and regulatory (FCC, IC, CE, etc.) test
results.
Designing Custom 3G/4G Antennas
Consider the following points when designing custom antennas:
A skilled RF engineer should do the development to ensure that the RF performance is
maintained.
If multiple modules will be installed on the same platform, you may want to develop separate
antennas for maximum performance.
Determining the 3G/4G Antenna’s Location
When deciding where to put the antennas:
Antenna location may affect RF performance. Although the module is shielded to prevent
interference in most applications, the placement of the antenna is still very important —if the
host device is insufficiently shielded, high levels of broadband or spurious noise can degrade the
module’s performance.
Connecting cables between the module and the antenna must have 50Ωimpedance. If the
impedance of the module is mismatched, RF performance is reduced significantly.
Antenna cables should be routed, if possible, away from noise sources (switching power
supplies, LCD assemblies, etc.). If the cables are near the noise sources, the noise may be
coupled into the RF cable and into the antenna. See Interference from Other Wireless Devices.
Disabling the Auxiliary (Diversity) Antenna
Certification testing of a device with an integrated EM7690 may require the module’s main and
diversity antennas to be tested separately.
To facilitate this testing, receive diversity can be enabled/disabled using AT commands:
!RXDEN —used to enable/disable diversity for single-cell call (no carrier aggregation).
!LTERXCONTROL —used to enable/disable paths (in carrier aggregation scenarios) after a call
is set up.
Note: LTE networks expect modules to have more than one antenna enabled for proper operation.
Therefore, customers must not commercially deploy their systems with the diversity antenna
disabled.
A diversity antenna is used to improve connection quality and reliability through redundancy.
Because two antennas may experience different interference effects (signal distortion, delay, etc.),
when one antenna receives a degraded signal, the other may not be similarly affected.
3.3. Ground Connection
When connecting the module to system ground:

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AirPrime EM7690 Hardware Integration Guide
RF Specifications
Prevent noise leakage by establishing a very good ground connection to the module through the
host connector.
Connect to system ground using the ground hole shown in Figure 3-1.
Minimize ground noise leakage into the RF. Depending on the host board design, noise could
potentially be coupled to the module from the host board. This is mainly an issue for host designs
that have signals traveling along the length of the module, or circuitry operating at both ends of
the module interconnects.
3.4. Interference and Sensitivity
Several interference sources can affect the module’s RF performance (RF desense). Common
sources include power supply noise and device-generated RF.
RF desense can be addressed through a combination of mitigation techniques (Methods to Mitigate
Decreased Rx Performance) and radiated sensitivity measurement (Radiated Sensitivity
Measurement).
Note: The EM7690 is based on ZIF (Zero Intermediate Frequency) technologies. When performing EMC
(Electromagnetic Compatibility) tests, there are no IF (Intermediate Frequency) components from
the module to consider.
3.4.1. Interference from Other Wireless Devices
Wireless devices operating inside the host device can cause interference that affects the module.
To determine the most suitable locations for antennas on your host device, evaluate each wireless
device’s radio system, considering the following:
Any harmonics, sub-harmonics, or cross-products of signals generated by wireless devices that
fall in the module’s Rx range may cause spurious response, resulting in decreased Rx
performance.
The Tx power and corresponding broadband noise of other wireless devices may overload or
increase the noise floor of the module’s receiver, resulting in Rx desense.
The severity of this interference depends on the closeness of the other antennas to the module’s
antenna. To determine suitable locations for each wireless device’s antenna, thoroughly evaluate your
host device’s design.
3.4.2. Host-generated RF Interference
All electronic computing devices generate RF interference that can negatively affect the receive
sensitivity of the module.
Proximity of host electronics to the antenna in wireless devices can contribute to decreased Rx
performance. Components that are most likely to cause this include:
Microprocessor and memory
Display panel and display drivers
Switching-mode power supplies
3.4.3. Device-generated RF Interference
The module can cause interference with other devices. Wireless devices such as AirPrime embedded
modules transmit in bursts (pulse transients) for set durations (RF burst frequencies). Hearing aids
and speakers convert these burst frequencies into audible frequencies, resulting in audible noise.

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RF Specifications
3.4.4. Methods to Mitigate Decreased Rx Performance
It is important to investigate sources of localized interference early in the design cycle. To reduce the
effect of device-generated RF on Rx performance:
Put the antenna as far as possible from sources of interference. The drawback is that the module
may be less convenient to use.
Shield the host device. The module itself is well shielded to avoid external interference. However,
the antenna cannot be shielded for obvious reasons. In most instances, it is necessary to employ
shielding on the components of the host device (such as the main processor and parallel bus)
that have the highest RF emissions.
Filter out unwanted high-order harmonic energy by using discrete filtering on low frequency lines.
Form shielding layers around high-speed clock traces by using multi-layer PCBs.
Route antenna cables away from noise sources.
3.4.5. Radiated Spurious Emissions (RSE)
When designing an antenna for use with AirPrime embedded modules, the host device with an
AirPrime embedded module must satisfy any applicable standards/local regulatory bodies for radiated
spurious emission (RSE) for receive-only mode and for transmit mode (transmitter is operating).
Note that antenna impedance affects radiated emissions, which must be compared against the
conducted 50Ωemissions baseline. (AirPrime embedded modules meet the 50Ωconducted emissions
requirement.)
3.5. Radiated Sensitivity Measurement
A wireless host device contains many noise sources that contribute to a reduction in Rx performance.
To determine the extent of any receiver performance desensitization due to self-generated noise in
the host device, over-the-air (OTA) or radiated testing is required. This testing can be performed by
Sierra Wireless or you can use your own OTA test chamber for in-house testing.
3.5.1. Sierra Wireless’ Sensitivity Testing and
Desensitization Investigation
Although AirPrime embedded modules are designed to meet network operator requirements for
receiver performance, they are still susceptible to various performance inhibitors.
As part of the Engineering Services package, Sierra Wireless offers modem OTA sensitivity testing
and desensitization (desense) investigation.
Note: Sierra Wireless has the capability to measure TIS (Total Isotropic Sensitivity) and TRP (Total
Radiated Power) according to CTIA's published test procedure.
3.5.2. Sensitivity vs. Frequency
Sensitivity definitions for supported RATs:
UMTS bands —sensitivity is defined as the input power level in dBm that produces a BER (Bit
Error Rate) of 0.1%. Sensitivity should be measured at all UMTS frequencies across each band.
LTE bands —sensitivity is defined as the RF level at which throughput is 95% of maximum.

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AirPrime EM7690 Hardware Integration Guide
RF Specifications
3.6. Supported Frequencies
The EM7690 supports data operation on 4G LTE and 3G networks over the bands described in Table
3-2.
Table 3-2 RF Band Support
Technology
Bands
LTE
LTE
B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B7, B8, B12, B13, B14, B17, B18, B19,
B20, B25, B26, B28, B29, B301, B32, B34, B38, B39, B40,
B41, B42, B462, B48, B66, B71
3G
HSPA+/WCDMA
Bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 19
GNSS
L1
GPS/QZSS L1, GLONASS G1, Galileo E1, BeiDou B1i
L5
GPS L5, GAL E5a, QZSS L5, BDS B2a
1. Devices can choose to operate B30 as Tx/Rx or Rx only.
2. LTE-LAA
See following tables for supported bands frequency and bandwidth:
Table 3-3 Supported Frequency Bands, by RAT (LTE/3G)
Band#
LTE
(B<band#>)
3G
(Band<band#>)
Frequency (Tx)
Frequency (Rx)
1
Yes
Yes
1920–1980 MHz
2110–2170 MHz
2
Yes
Yes
1850–1910 MHz
1930–1990 MHz
3
Yes
Yes
1710–1785 MHz
1805–1880 MHz
4
Yes
Yes
1710–1755 MHz
2110–2155 MHz
5
Yes
Yes
824–849 MHz
869–894 MHz
6
Yes
830–840 MHz
875–885 MHz
7
Yes
2500–2570 MHz
2620–2690 MHz
8
Yes
Yes
880–915 MHz
925–960 MHz
9
Yes
1749.9–1784.9 MHz
1844.9–1879.9 MHz
12
Yes
699–716 MHz
729–746 MHz
13
Yes
777–787 MHz
746–756 MHz
14
Yes
788–798 MHz
758–768 MHz
17
Yes
704–716 MHz
734–746 MHz
18
Yes
815–830 MHz
860–875 MHz
19
Yes
Yes
830–845 MHz
875–890 MHz
20
Yes
832–862 MHz
791–821 MHz
25
Yes
1850–1915 MHz
1930–1995 MHz
26
Yes
814–849 MHz
859–894 MHz
28
Yes
703–748 MHz
758–803 MHz
29
Yes
N/A
717–728 MHz
30
Yes
2305–2315 MHz
Note: B30 Tx is
disabled.
2350–2360 MHz
32
Yes
N/A
1452–1496 MHz

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AirPrime EM7690 Hardware Integration Guide
RF Specifications
Band#
LTE
(B<band#>)
3G
(Band<band#>)
Frequency (Tx)
Frequency (Rx)
34
Yes
2010–2025 MHz (TDD)
38
Yes
2570–2620 MHz (TDD)
39
Yes
1880–1920 MHz (TDD)
40
Yes
2300–2400 MHz (TDD)
41
Yes
2496–2690 MHz (TDD)
421
Yes
3400–3600 MHz (TDD)
46
Yes
N/A
5150–5925 MHz
(TDD)
481
Yes
3550–3700 MHz (TDD)
66
Yes
1710–1780 MHz
2110–2200 MHz
71
Yes
663–698 MHz
617–652 MHz
77
3300–4200 MHz (TDD)
78
3300–3800 MHz (TDD)
79
4400–5000 MHz (TDD)
257
26500–29500 MHz (TDD)
258
24250–27500 MHz (TDD)
260
37000–40000 MHz (TDD)
261
27500–28350 MHz (TDD)
1. B42/B48 disabled as of publication date, support pending regulatory approval.
Table 3-4 LTE Bandwidth Support1
Band
1.4 MHz
3 MHz
5 MHz
10 MHz
15 MHz
20 MHz
B1
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
B2
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes2
Yes2
B3
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes2
Yes2
B4
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
B5
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes2
B7
Yes
Yes
Yes3
Yes2,3
B8
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes2
B12
Yes
Yes
Yes2
Yes2
B13
Yes2
Yes2
B14
Yes2
Yes2
B17
Yes2
Yes2
B18
Yes
Yes2
Yes2
B19
Yes
Yes2
Yes2
B20
Yes
Yes2
Yes2
Yes2
B25
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes2
Yes2
B26
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes2
Yes2
B28
Yes
Yes
Yes2
Yes2
Yes2,3
B29
Yes
Yes
Yes
B30
Yes
Yes2
B32
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
B34
Yes
Yes
Yes

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RF Specifications
Band
1.4 MHz
3 MHz
5 MHz
10 MHz
15 MHz
20 MHz
B38
Yes
Yes
Yes3
Yes3
B39
Yes
Yes
Yes3
Yes3
B40
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
B41
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
B424
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
B46
Yes
Yes
B484
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
B66
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
B71
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes2
Yes2
Yes2
1. Table contents are derived from 3GPP TS 36.521-1 v15.5.0, table 5.4.2.1-1.
2. Bandwidth for which a relaxation of the specified UE receiver sensitivity requirement (Clause 7.3 of 3GPP TS 36.521-1
v15.5.0) is allowed.
3. Bandwidth for which uplink transmission bandwidth can be restricted by the network for some channel assignments in
FDD/TDD co-existence scenarios in order to meet unwanted emissions requirements (Clause 6.6.3.2 of 3GPP TS 36.521-
1 v15.5.0).
4. B42/B48 disabled as of publication date, support pending regulatory approval.
3.7. Antenna Specification
This appendix describes recommended electrical performance criteria for 3G/4G, GNSS antennas
used with AirPrime embedded modules.
The performance specifications described in this section are valid while antennas are mounted in the
host device with antenna feed cables routed in their final application configuration.
Note: Antennas should be designed before the industrial design is finished to make sure that the best
antennas can be developed.
3.7.1. Recommended WWAN Antenna Specifications
Table 3-6 Antenna Requirements1
Parameter
Requirements
Comments
Antenna System
(LTE) External multi-band 4x4 MIMO
antenna system (Ant1/ Ant2/Ant3/Ant4)2
(3G) External multi-band antenna system
with diversity (Ant1/Ant2)
If Ant2 or Ant3 includes GNSS, then it
must also satisfy requirements in Table 3-
7.
Operating Bands —
Ant1
All supporting Tx and Rx frequency
bands.
Operating Bands —
Ant2/3/4
All supporting Rx frequency bands, plus
GNSS frequency bands if Ant2 is used in
shared Diversity/MIMO/GNSS mode.
VSWR of Ant1 and
Ant2
< 2:1 (recommended)
< 3:1 (worst case)
On all bands including band edges

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AirPrime EM7690 Hardware Integration Guide
RF Specifications
Parameter
Requirements
Comments
Total Radiated
Efficiency
> 50% on all bands
Measured at the RF connector.
Includes mismatch losses, losses in the
matching circuit, and antenna losses,
excluding cable loss.
Sierra Wireless recommends using
antenna efficiency as the primary
parameter for evaluating the antenna
system.
Peak gain is not a good indication of
antenna performance when integrated
with a host device (the antenna does not
provide omni-directional gain patterns).
Peak gain can be affected by antenna
size, location, design type, etc. —the
antenna gain patterns remain fixed
unless one or more of these parameters
change.
Radiation Patterns
Nominally Omni-directional radiation
pattern in azimuth plane.
Envelope
Correlation
Coefficient between
Ant
< 0.5 on Rx bands below 960 MHz
< 0.2 on Rx bands above 1.4 GHz
Mean Effective Gain
of Ant1 and Ant2
(MEG1, MEG2)
-3 dBi
Ant1 and Ant2
Mean Effective Gain
Imbalance
| MEG1 / MEG2 |
< 2 dB for MIMO operation
< 6 dB for diversity operation
Maximum Antenna
Gain
Must not exceed antenna gains due to
RF exposure and ERP/ EIRP limits, as
listed in the module’s FCC grant.
See Important Compliance Information for
the United States and Canada.
Isolation
>10dB for all antennas at all bands
frequency range.
>20dB for Ant1 and Ant4 at B41
frequency range.
If antennas can be moved, test all
positions for both antennas.
Make sure all other wireless devices
(Bluetooth or WLAN antennas, etc.) are
turned OFF to avoid interference.
Power Handling
>1W
Measure power endurance over 4 hours
(estimated talk time) using a 1 W CW
signal —set the CW test signal
frequency to the middle of each
supporting Tx band.
Visually inspect device to ensure there is
no damage to the antenna structure and
matching components.
VSWR/TIS/TRP measurements taken
before and after this test must show
similar results.
1. These worst-case VSWR figures for the transmitter bands may not guarantee RSE levels to be within regulatory limits.
The device alone meets all regulatory emissions limits when tested into a cabled (conducted) 50Ωsystem. With antenna
designs with up to 2.5:1 VSWR or worse, the radiated emissions could exceed limits. The antenna system may need to be
tuned in order to meet the RSE limits as the complex match between the module and antenna can cause unwanted levels
of emissions. Tuning may include antenna pattern changes, phase/delay adjustment, passive component matching.
Examples of the application test limits would be included in FCC Part 22, Part 24 and Part 27, test case 4.2.2 for WCDMA
(ETSI EN 301 908-1), where applicable.
2. Ant1 - Primary, Ant2 - Secondary (Diversity/GNSS L1), Ant3 - MIMO1 Rx path, Ant4 - MIMO2 Rx path and GNSS L5.

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AirPrime EM7690 Hardware Integration Guide
RF Specifications
3.7.2. Recommended GNSS Antenna Specifications
Table 3-7 GNSS Antenna Requirements
Parameter
Requirements
Comments
Frequency Range
Wide-band GNSS: 1559–1606 MHz
recommended
Narrow-band GPS: 1575.42 MHz ±2 MHz
minimum
Narrow-band Galileo: 1575.42 MHz ±2 MHz
minimum
Narrow-band BeiDou: 1561.098 MHz ±2 MHz
minimum
Narrow-band GLONASS: 1601.72 MHz ±4.2
MHz minimum
Narrow-band QZSS: 1575.42 MHz ±2 MHz
minimum
Field of View (FOV)
Omni-directional in azimuth
-45°to +90°in elevation
Polarization (Average
Gv/Gh)
>0 dB
Vertical linear polarization is
sufficient.
Free Space Average
gain (Gv+Gh) over
FOV
> -6 dBi (preferably > -3 dBi)
Gv and Gh are measured and
averaged over -45°to +90°in
elevation, and ±180°in azimuth.
Gain
Maximum gain and uniform coverage in the
high elevation angle and zenith.
Gain in azimuth plane is not desired.
Average 3D Gain
> -5 dBi
Isolation between
GNSS and ANTx for
WWAN Tx
> 15 dB in all uplink bands and GNSS Rx
Bands
Typical VSWR
< 2.5:1
Polarization
Any other than LHCP (left-hand circular
polarized) is acceptable.
Note: GNSS active antenna is forbidden to use.

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4. Regulatory Compliance and
Industry Certification
This module is designed to meet, and upon commercial release, will meet the requirements of the
following regulatory bodies and regulations, where applicable:
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) of the United States
The National Communications Commission (NCC) of Taiwan, Republic of China
The Certification and Engineering Bureau of Industry Canada (IC)
EU RED/CE
Russia type approval certificate (FAC), FSS notification
China CCC
China NAL
China SRRC
South Korea KCC
Upon commercial release, the following industry certifications will have been obtained, where
applicable:
GCF
PTCRB
Additional certifications and details on specific country approvals may be obtained upon customer
request —contact your Sierra Wireless account representative for details.
Additional testing and certification may be required for the end product with an embedded EM7690
module and are the responsibility of the OEM. Sierra Wireless offers professional services-based
assistance to OEMs with the testing and certification process, if required.
4.1. RoHS Directive Compliant
AirPrime EM7690 modules are compliant with RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU, including directive
2015/863 amending annex II. which sets limits for the use of certain restricted hazardous substances.
This directive states that electrical and electronic equipment put on the market does not contain lead,
mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, polybrominated biphenyls (PBB), polybrominated diphenyl
ethers (PBDE), Bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), Butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP), Dibutyl phthalate
(DBP) or Diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP) above threshold limits.
4.2. Important Notice
Because of the nature of wireless communications, transmission and reception of data can never be
guaranteed. Data may be delayed, corrupted (i.e., have errors) or be totally lost. Although significant
delays or losses of data are rare when wireless devices such as the Sierra Wireless module are used
in a normal manner with a well-constructed network, the Sierra Wireless module should not be used in
situations where failure to transmit or receive data could result in damage of any kind to the user or
any other party, including but not limited to personal injury, death, or loss of property. Sierra Wireless
and its affiliates accept no responsibility for damages of any kind resulting from delays or errors in
data transmitted or received using the Sierra Wireless module, or for failure of the Sierra Wireless
module to transmit or receive such data.
4

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Regulatory Compliance and Industry Certification
4.3. Safety and Hazards
Do not operate your EM7690 module:
In areas where blasting is in progress
Where explosive atmospheres may be present including refueling points, fuel depots, and
chemical plants
Near medical equipment, life support equipment, or any equipment which may be susceptible to
any form of radio interference. In such areas, the EM7690 module MUST BE POWERED OFF.
Otherwise, the EM7690 module can transmit signals that could interfere with this equipment.
In an aircraft, the EM7690 module MUST BE POWERED OFF. Otherwise, the EM7690 module can
transmit signals that could interfere with various onboard systems and may be dangerous to the
operation of the aircraft or disrupt the cellular network. Use of a cellular phone in an aircraft is illegal in
some jurisdictions. Failure to observe this instruction may lead to suspension or denial of cellular
telephone services to the offender or legal action, or both.
Some airlines may permit the use of cellular phones while the aircraft is on the ground and the door is
open. The EM7690 module may be used normally at this time.
4.4. Important Compliance Information for the
United States and Canada
The EM7690 module, upon commercial release, will have been granted modular approval for mobile
applications. Integrators may use the EM7690 module in their final products without additional FCC/IC
(Industry Canada) certification if they meet the following conditions. Otherwise, additional FCC/IC
approvals must be obtained.
1. At least 20 cm separation distance between the antenna and the user’s body must be maintained
at all times.
2. To comply with FCC/IC regulations limiting both maximum RF output power and human exposure
to RF radiation, the maximum antenna gain including cable loss in a mobile-only exposure
condition must not exceed the limits stipulated in Table 4-1.
3. The EM7690 module may transmit simultaneously with other collocated radio transmitters within
a host device, provided the following conditions are met:
Each collocated radio transmitter has been certified by FCC/IC for mobile application.
At least 20 cm separation distance between the antennas of the collocated transmitters and
the user’s body must be maintained at all times.
The radiated power of a collocated transmitter must not exceed the EIRP limit stipulated in
Table 4-1.
Table 4-1 Antenna Gain and Collocated Radio Transmitter Specifications
Device
Operating Mode
Tx Freq
Range (MHz)
Max Time-
Avg Cond.
Power
(dBm)
Antenna Gain Limit (dBi)
EIRP
Limits
(dBm)
Standalone
Collocated
EM7690
WCDMA Band 2
1850
1910
24.5
8.5
8
32.5
WCDMA Band 4
1710
1755
24.5
5.5
5.5
30
WCDMA Band 5
824
849
24.5
6
5.5
30
LTE B2
1850
1910
24
8.5
8
32
LTE B4
1710
1755
24
5.5
5.5
29.5

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AirPrime EM7690 Hardware Integration Guide
Regulatory Compliance and Industry Certification
Device
Operating Mode
Tx Freq
Range (MHz)
Max Time-
Avg Cond.
Power
(dBm)
Antenna Gain Limit (dBi)
EIRP
Limits
(dBm)
Standalone
Collocated
LTE B5
824
849
24
6
5.5
29.5
LTE B7
2500
2570
24.8
5.5
5.5
30.3
LTE B12
699
716
24
5.5
5
29
LTE B13
777
787
24
5.5
5
29
LTE B14
788
798
24
5.5
5
29
LTE B17
704
716
24
5.5
5
29
LTE B25
1850
1915
24
8.5
8
32
LTE B26
814
849
24
6
5.5
29.5
LTE B30
2305
2315
24
6
6
30
LTE B38
2570
2620
24.8
7
7
31.8
LTE B41
2496
2690
24.8
7
7
31.8
LTE B41-HPUE
2496
2690
26
7
7
33
LTE B48
3550
3700
24.8
5
5
29.8
LTE B66
1710
1780
24
5.5
5.5
29.5
LTE B71
663
698
24
5.5
5
29
Collocated
Transmitters
WLAN 2.4 GHz
2400
2500
20
-
5
25
WLAN 5 GHz
5150
5850
20
-
8
28
Bluetooth
2400
2500
17
-
5
22
Note: The FCC and IC have a strict EIRP limit in Band 30 for mobile and portable stations in order to
protect adjacent satellite radio, aeronautical mobile telemetry, and deep space network operations.
Mobile and portable stations must not have antenna gain exceeding 1 dBi in Band 30. Additionally,
both the FCC and IC prohibit the use of external vehicle-mounted antennas for mobile and portable
stations in this band.
Fixed stations may use antennas with higher gain in Band 30 due to relaxed EIRP limits. EM7690
modules used as fixed subscriber stations in Canada or fixed customer premises equipment (CPE)
stations in the United States may have an antenna gain up to 10 dBi in Band 30, however, the use
of outdoor antennas or outdoor station installations are prohibited except if professionally installed
in locations that are at least 20 meters from roadways or in locations where it can be shown that the
ground power level of -44 dBm per 5 MHz in the bands 2305–2315 MHz and 2350–2360 MHz or
-55 dBm per 5 MHz in the bands 2315–2320 MHz and 2345–2350 MHz will not be exceeded at the
nearest roadway. For the purposes of this notice, a roadway includes a highway, street, avenue,
parkway, driveway, square, place, bridge, viaduct or trestle, any part of which is intended for use by
the general public for the passage of vehicles.
Mobile carriers often have limits on total radiated power (TRP), which requires an efficient antenna.
The end product with an embedded module must output sufficient power to meet the TRP
requirement but not too much to exceed FCC/IC's EIRP limit. If you need assistance in meeting this
requirement, please contact Sierra Wireless.