Sierra Wireless AirPrime series Quick setup guide

AirPrime Intelligent Embedded
Modules
Hardware Integration Guide
2130114
Rev 2.02

Preface
Rev 2.02 Sep.10 Proprietary and Confidential 3
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 blasting is in progress,
where explosive atmospheres may be present, near medical equipment, near life
support equipment, or any equipment which may be susceptible to any form of
radio interference. In such areas, the Sierra Wireless modem MUST BE
POWERED OFF. 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.
Limitation of
Liability 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.

AirPrime Embedded Module Hardware Integration Guide
4 Proprietary and Confidential 2130114
Patents This product includes technology licensed from QUALCOMM®3G.
Manufactured or sold by Sierra Wireless Inc. or its licensees under one or more
patents licensed from InterDigital Group.
Copyright ©2010 Sierra Wireless. All rights reserved.
Trademarks AirCard®and Watcher® are registered trademarks of Sierra Wireless. Sierra
Wireless, AirPrime, AirLink, AirVantageand the Sierra Wireless logo are
trademarks of Sierra Wireless.
Windows®and Windows Vista®are registered trademarks of Microsoft
Corporation.
Macintosh®and Mac OS®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
Consult our website for up-to-date product descriptions, documentation,
application notes, firmware upgrades, troubleshooting tips, and press releases:
www.sierrawireless.com
Revision
History
Sales Desk: Phone: [phone]
Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Pacific Time
E-mail: [email protected]
Post: Sierra Wireless
13811 Wireless Way
Richmond, BC
Canada V6V 3A4
Fax: [phone]
Web: www.sierrawireless.com
Revision
number Release date Changes
2.02 September 2010 •Created document

Rev 2.02 Sep.10 Proprietary and Confidential 5
Contents
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
The Universal Development Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Required connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Guide organization. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Related documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Power Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Overview of operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Power signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Electrostatic discharge (ESD) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Module power states . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Disconnected state . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Off state . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Normal state . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Low power state . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Usage models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
RF Integration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
RF connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Ground connection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Shielding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Antenna and cabling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Interference and sensitivity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Power supply noise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Interference from other wireless devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Device-generated RF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Regulatory Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
Important notice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Safety and hazards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

AirPrime Embedded Module Hardware Integration Guide
6 Proprietary and Confidential 2130114
Important compliance information for North American users. . . . . . . . . . . . 22
EU regulatory conformity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Brazil ANATEL homologation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Acronyms and Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Rev 2.02 Sep.10 Proprietary and Confidential 7
1
1: Introduction
Sierra Wireless’ AirPrime Intelligent Embedded Modules form the
radio component for the products in which they are embedded.
Ta bl e 1- 1 identifies embedded modules that are available for use on
CDMA and GSM networks.
Table 1-1: CDMA and UMTS AirPrime Intelligent Embedded Modules
Device Networks Network
standards
GPS features
Stand-
alone gpsOne gpsOne XTRA A-GPS Nav2.0 NMEA sentences
MC5727
MC5727V
MC5728V
CDMA CDMA IS-95
1X
1xEV-DO (IS-
856)
    
MC8201 GSM GSM, GPRS,
EDGE, UMTS,
HSDPA
MC8355
CDMA CDMA 1xRTT,
EV-DO Rev.A
GSM GSM, GPRS,
EDGE, UMTS,
HSDPA,
HSUPA,
HSPA+
  
MC8700 GSM GSM, GPRS,
EDGE, UMTS,
HSDPA,
HSUPA,
HSPA+
MC8704
MC8705
MC8801
GSM GSM, GPRS,
EDGE, UMTS,
HSDPA,
HSUPA,
HSPA+
     (5)
MC8775
MC8775V GSM GSM, GPRS, EDGE, UMTS,
HSDPA

MC8780
MC8781
MC8790
MC8790V
MC8791V
MC8792V
MC8795V
GSM GSM, GPRS,
EDGE, UMTS,
HSDPA,
HSUPA
     (5)

AirPrime Embedded Module Hardware Integration Guide
8 Proprietary and Confidential 2130114
Note: An understanding of
network technology, and
experience in integrating
hardware components into
electronic equipment is
assumed.
Purpose of this guide
This guide addresses issues that affect the integration of AirPrime embedded
modules into host products, and includes design recommendations for the host
products.
The Universal Development Kit
Sierra Wireless manufactures a Universal Development Kit (UDK) that facilitates
all phases of the integration process.
This kit is a hardware development platform that is designed to support the
AirPrime embedded modules listed in Ta bl e 1 - 1 on page 7. It contains the
hardware components that are typically necessary for evaluating and developing
with the module, including:
•Development board
•Cables
•Antennas
•Other accessories
For instructions on setting up the UDK, see PCI Express Mini Card Dev Kit Quick
Start Guide (Document 2130705).
Required connectors
Note: Contact vendors
before choosing your
connectors—the numbers
included here are for
reference only. Choose
connectors that are appro-
priate to your design.
When integrating AirPrime embedded modules into your host device, you need
the following connector types:
•RF cables that mate with Hirose U.FL connectors (model
U.FL #CL331-0471-0-10). Modules include one to three connector jacks
depending on individual module support for diversity or GPS functionality.
•Industry-standard mating connector for 52-pin EDGE—some manufacturers
include Tyco, Foxconn, and Molex. For example, the connector used on the
Mini Card Dev Kit board is a Molex 67910-0001.
•Industry-standard USIM connector (MC8xxx only)—the actual connector you
use depends on how your device exposes the USIM socket. For example, the
USIM connector used on the Mini Card Dev Kit board is an ITT CCM03-3518.
Guide organization
This guide includes the following sections:
1. Introduction (this section)
2. Power Interface on page 13
Describes power control signals used by the module and discusses design
issues related to power supply integration.
3. RF Integration on page 17
Describes antenna connection methods and grounding issues, RF inter-
ference and desense issues.

Introduction
Rev 2.02 Sep.10 Proprietary and Confidential 9
4. Host/Module Interfaces on page 21
Describes the USB interface for host/module communication, and the USIM
interface for host/module integration.
5. Regulatory Information on page 21
Describes regulatory approvals and regulatory information requirements.
6. Acronyms and Definitions on page 25
Lists acronyms and definitions used throughout this guide.
7. Index on page 27
Note: The term "host" always refers to the host device.
Related documents
This guide deals specifically with hardware integration issues that are unique to
AirPrime embedded modules.
Ta b le 1 - 2 lists other documents referenced in this guide.
Table 1-2: Related documentation
Document title Description
AT Command Set for User Equipment (UE)
(Release 6) (3GPP TS 27.007) Standard AT commands for GSM/UMTS devices.
CDMA 1X Standard
(CDMA 200 Series Release A (2000) -
Document #TIA/EIA/IS-2000 Series,
Release A)
Technical requirements for CDMA systems, including details on sleep
cycle index (SCI) values.
CDMA CnS Reference (Document 2130754) CnS (Control and Status) messages supported by AirPrime CDMA
embedded modules.
CDMA AT Command Reference (Document
2130620) Proprietary, basic AT commands for AirPrime CDMA embedded modules.
For UMTS-specific commands, see AirCard/AirPrime UMTS devices
Supported AT Command Reference (Document 2130617).
CDMA Extended AT Command Reference
(Document 2130621) Proprietary AT commands for AirPrime CDMA embedded modules. For UMTS-specific commands, see AirPrime MC8xxx Embedded
Modules Extended AT Command Reference (Document 2130616).
FCC Regulations - Part 15 - Radio Frequency
Devices This section of the FCC Code of Federal Regulations, Title 47 deals with radio frequency devices, including shielding requirements for embedded
modules.
IEC-61000-4-2 level 3 Techniques for testing and measuring electrostatic discharge (ESD)
immunity.
MC5727 Mini Card Product Specification
(Document 2130958) Features, mechanical and electrical specifications, and standards compliance of the MC5727.
MC5727V Mini Card Product Specification
(Document 2131023) Features, mechanical and electrical specifications, and standards compliance of the MC5727V.

AirPrime Embedded Module Hardware Integration Guide
10 Proprietary and Confidential 2130114
MC5728V Mini Card Product Specification
(Document 2111350) Features, mechanical and electrical specifications, and standards compliance of the MC5728V.
MC8201 PCI Express Mini Card Product
Specification (Document 2131362) Features, mechanical and electrical specifications, and standards compliance of the MC8201.
MC8700 PCI Express Mini Card Product
Specification (Document 2131202) Features, mechanical and electrical specifications, and standards compliance of the MC8700.
AirPrime MC8704 with Audio PCI Express
Mini Card Product Specification (Document
2400059)
Features, mechanical and electrical specifications, and standards
compliance of the MC8704.
AirPrime MC8705 PCI Express Mini Card
Product Specification (Document 2400057) Features, mechanical and electrical specifications, and standards compliance of the MC8705.
MC8775 PCI Express Mini Card Product
Specification (Document 2130697) Features, mechanical and electrical specifications, and standards compliance of the MC8775.
MC8775V with Audio PCI Express Mini Card
Product Specification (Document 2130700) Features, mechanical and electrical specifications, and standards compliance of the MC8775V.
MC8780 / MC8781 PCI Express Mini Card
Product Specification (Document 2130782) Features, mechanical and electrical specifications, and standards compliance of the MC8780/MC8781.
MC8790 PCI Express Mini Card Product
Specification (Document 2111279) Features, mechanical and electrical specifications, and standards compliance of the MC8790.
MC8790V PCI Express Mini Card Product
Specification (Document 2111280) Features, mechanical and electrical specifications, and standards compliance of the MC8790V.
MC8791V PCI Express Mini Card Product
Specification (Document 2131032) Features, mechanical and electrical specifications, and standards compliance of the MC8791V.
MC8792V PCI Express Mini Card Product
Specification (Document 2131033) Features, mechanical and electrical specifications, and standards compliance of the MC8792V.
MC8795V PCI Express Mini Card Product
Specification (Document 2131276) Features, mechanical and electrical specifications, and standards compliance of the MC8795V.
MC87XX Modem CnS Reference (Document
2130602) CnS (Control and Status) messages supported by AirPrime UMTS embedded modules.
MC87xx Modem CnS Reference (Voice)
(Document 2130817) Voice-related CnS (Control and Status) messages supported by voice- enabled AirPrime UMTS embedded modules (MC8704, MC8775V,
MC8790V, MC8791V, MC8792V, and MC8795V).
AirPrime MC8801 PCI Express Mini Card
Product Specification (Document 2400068) Features, mechanical and electrical specifications, and standards compliance of the MC8801.
AirCard/AirPrime UMTS devices Supported
AT Command Reference (Document
2130617)
Proprietary, basic AT commands for UMTS AirCard and AirPrime
devices. For CDMA-specific commands, see the CDMA AT Command
Reference (Document 2130620).
AirPrime MC8xxx Embedded Modules
Extended AT Command Reference
(Document 2130616)
Proprietary AT commands for UMTS AirPrime embedded modules. For
CDMA-specific commands, see the CDMA Extended AT Command
Reference (Document 2130621).
Table 1-2: Related documentation (Continued)
Document title Description

Introduction
Rev 2.02 Sep.10 Proprietary and Confidential 11
Mobile Station (MS) Conformance
Specification; Part 4: Subscriber Interface
Module (3GPP TS 11.10-4)
SIM testing methods.
PCI Express Mini Card Dev Kit Quick Start
Guide (Document 2130705) Setup and configuration of modules.
PCI Express Mini Card Electromechanical
Specification Revision 1.1
Universal Serial Bus Specification, Rev 2.0
Table 1-2: Related documentation (Continued)
Document title Description

AirPrime Embedded Module Hardware Integration Guide
12 Proprietary and Confidential 2130114

Rev 2.02 Sep.10 Proprietary and Confidential 13
2
2: Power Interface
Overview of operation
Note: This chapter contains information for both CDMA (MC57xx) and GSM
(MC8xxx) AirPrime embedded modules.
Information that is unique to specific module types is clearly identified.
AirPrime embedded modules are designed to use a 3.3V (nominal)
power supply (3.8V for the MC8201) provided by the host. It is the
host’s responsibility to provide safe and continuous power to the
module at all times; the module does NOT have an independent
power supply, or protection circuits to guard against electrical issues.
The module’s power state is controlled by the host’s assertion/de-
assertion of the W_Disable# signal. The module also monitors its
supply voltage and requests shutdown if the supply is insufficient.
Power signals
The module must be connected to a 3.3V power supply (3.8V for the
MC8201), as described in PCI Express Mini Card Electromechanical
Specification Revision 1.1.
The MC8xxx has more power pins than the MC57xx due to higher
peak current requirements for GSM devices.
For detailed pinout and voltage/current requirements of these
modules, see the Product Specification Document for your AirPrime
embedded module (see Ta b l e 1 - 2 on page 9).
Electrostatic discharge (ESD)
You are responsible for ensuring that the host has adequate ESD
protection on digital circuits and antenna ports as described by the
following specifications:
•(Operational) RF port (antenna launch and RF connector): IEC-
61000-4-2—Level (Electrostatic Discharge Immunity Test)
•(Non-operational) Host connector interface: JESD22-A114-B +/-
1kV Human Body Model and JESD22-C101 +/- 125 V Charged
Device Model
•MC5728V only: (Non-operational) Host connector interface:
JESD22-A114-B +/- 125V Human Body Model and
JESD22-C101 +/- 100 V Charged Device Model
MC5728V has placeholders for additional ESD devices, for
cases where the device must, per customer requirements, meet
the higher Human Body Model (+/-1kV) ESD rating.

AirPrime Embedded Module Hardware Integration Guide
14 Proprietary and Confidential 2130114
This guide provides specific recommendations where needed, however, the level
of protection required depends on your application.
Note: ESD protection is highly recommended for the USIM connector at the point where
the contacts are exposed, and for any other signals from the host interface that would be
subjected to ESD by the user of the product.
Module power states
Note: The module unit
defaults to the Normal
state when VCC is first
applied in the absence of
W_Disable# control.
The module has four power states:
•Disconnected
No power to the module.
•Off
Power to the module, but the module is powered off.
•Normal
The module is active. Several modes are possible (Receive, Transmit, Sleep,
Shutdown).
•Low power (“airplane mode”)
The module is active, but RF is disabled.
State machines are implemented in the module to monitor the power supply and
operating temperature.
Disconnected state
Note: The difference
between the Discon-
nected and Off states is
that, in the Off state, the
module is still connected to
the power source and
draws minimal current.
This state occurs when there is no power to the module—the host power source
is disconnected from the module and all voltages associated with the module are
at 0 V.
Whether the host device is also powered off depends on the power rail design:
•If the connection between the power rail and the module is controlled by the
host, the host can stay powered on and cut the power to put the module into
the disconnected state.
•If the power rail is shared between the host device and the module, the host
is powered off when the module is powered off.
Off state
In this state, the host is powered up and the module is powered down (but still
connected to the power source).
The host keeps the module powered off by driving the W_Disable# signal low. In
this state, the module draws minimal current.

Power Interface
Rev 2.02 Sep.10 Proprietary and Confidential 15
Note: This is the default
state when VCC is first
applied in the absence of
W_Disable# control.
Normal state
This is the active state of the module. In this state:
•The module is fully powered.
•The module is capable of placing/receiving calls or establishing data connec-
tions on the wireless network.
•The USB interface is fully active.
Low power state
In this state (also called “airplane mode”), RF (both Rx and Tx) is disabled in the
module, but the USB interface is still active.
Usage models
Usage models can be used to calculate expected current consumption. A sample
usage model is provided in Ta b l e 2 - 1 ,
This example model applies to a battery-operated device. In practice, because
the module is isolated from the battery (the host device manages the power
source), the mAh ratings depend on the module’s supply efficiency.
The module automatically enters slotted sleep mode when there is no
transmission or reception occurring (SCI = 2).
Transmit power is assumed to be +3 dBm.
Table 2-1: Power consumption of sample application
Used by a field
worker (data only) Used for remote data logging
Upload (module Tx) 1000 kB/day 40 kB/h
Download (module Rx) 500 kB/day 100 kB/day
Coverage/data rate 1X/80 kbps IS-95/14.4 kbps
Hours of operation 8 hrs/day (off 16 hrs/day) 24/day
Total power consumed
over 24 hours 60 mAh 200 mAh

AirPrime Embedded Module Hardware Integration Guide
16 Proprietary and Confidential 2130114

Rev 2.02 Sep.10 Proprietary and Confidential 17
3
3: RF Integration
AirPrime embedded modules operate on the following frequencies:.
Table 3-1: RF Parameters (AirPrime UMTS embedded modules)
Frequencies
(MHz)
AirPrime UMTS embedded module (MC8xxx)
8201 8355 8700 8704 8705 8775 8775V 8777V 8780 8781 8790 9890V 8791V 8792V 8795V 8801
GSM 850a
Tx: 824–849
Rx: 869–894                
EGSM_900a
Tx: 880–915
Rx: 925–960               
DCS 1800a
Tx: 1710–1785
Rx: 1805–1880               
PCS 1900a
Tx: 1850–1910
Rx: 1930–1990                
Band Ib
(UMTS 2100)
Tx: 1920–1980
Rx: 2110–2170
              
Band IIb
(UMTS 1900)
Tx: 1850–1910
Rx: 1930–1990
              
Band Vb,c
(UMTS 850)
Tx: 824–849
Rx: 869–894
               
Band VIIIb
(UMTS 900)
Tx: 880–915
Rx: 925–960
             
CDMA2000 BC0
Tx: 824–849
Rx: 869–894 
CDMA2000 BC1
Tx: 1850–1910
Rx: 1930–1990 
CDMA2000 BC6
Tx: 1920–1980
Rx: 2110–2170 
GPS
1575.42          
a. (2%) CS
b. (0.1%) 12.2 kbps
c. Band VI is included as a subset of Band V.

AirPrime Embedded Module Hardware Integration Guide
18 Proprietary and Confidential 2130114
RF connection
When attaching an antenna to the module:
Note: To disconnect the
antenna, make sure you
use the Hirose U.FL
connector removal tool
(P/N UFL-LP-N-2(01)) to
prevent damage to the
module or coaxial cable
assembly.
•Use a Hirose U.FL connector (model U.FL #CL331-0471-0-10) to attach an
antenna to a connection point on the module.
•Match coaxial connections between the module and the antenna to 50 
•Minimize RF cable losses to the antenna; the recommended maximum cable
loss for antenna cabling is 0.5 dB.
Ground connection
When connecting the module to system ground:
•Prevent noise leakage by establishing a very good ground connection to the
module through the host connector.
•Connect to system ground using the two mounting holes at the top of the
module.
•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.
Shielding
The module is fully shielded to protect against EMI and to ensure compliance with
FCC Part 15 - “Radio Frequency Devices” (or equivalent regulations in other
jurisdictions).
Note: The module shields must NOT be removed.
Note: Values in this guide
are taken from the appro-
priate product specifi-
cation documents (PSDs)
(listed in Related
documents on page 9)—in
the case of a discrepancy
between this document
and the relevant PSD, use
the value listed in the PSD.
Antenna and cabling
When selecting the antenna and cable, it is critical to RF performance to match
antenna gain and cable loss.
Choosing the correct antenna and cabling
Consider the following points for proper matching of antennas and cabling:
•The antenna (and associated circuitry) should have a nominal impedance of
50 with 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.

RF Integration
Rev 2.02 Sep.10 Proprietary and Confidential 19
Developing custom antennas
Consider the following points when developing custom-designed antennas:
•A skilled RF engineer should do the development to ensure that the RF
performance is maintained.
•Identify the bands that need to be supported.
Determining the antenna’s location
Consider the following points when deciding where to put the antenna:
•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 perfor-
mance.
•Connecting cables between the module and the antenna must have 50 
impedance. 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.
Note: These modules are
based on ZIF (Zero Inter-
mediate Frequency)
technologies. When
performing EMC (Electro-
magnetic Compatibility)
tests, there are no IF
(Intermediate Frequency)
components from the
module to consider.
Interference and sensitivity
Several sources of interference can affect the RF performance of the module
(RF desense). Common sources include power supply noise and device-
generated RF.
RF desense can be addressed through a combination of mitigation techniques
and radiated sensitivity measurement.
Power supply noise
Noise in the power supply can lead to noise in the RF signal.
Note: Values in this guide
are taken from the appro-
priate product specifi-
cation documents (PSDs)
(listed in Related
documents on page 9)—in
the case of a discrepancy
between this document
and the relevant PSD, use
the value listed in the PSD.
The power supply ripple limit for the module is no more than 200 mVp-p 1 Hz to
100 kHz. This limit includes voltage ripple due to transmitter burst activity.
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.

AirPrime Embedded Module Hardware Integration Guide
20 Proprietary and Confidential 2130114
•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.
Device-generated RF
Note: The module can
cause interference with
other devices such as
hearing aids and on-board
speakers.
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.
All electronic computing devices generate RF interference that can negatively
affect the receive sensitivity of the module.
The 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
These and other high-speed devices (in particular, the processor) can decrease
Rx performance because they run at frequencies of tens of MHz. The rapid rise
and fall of these clock signals generates higher-order harmonics that often fall
within the operating frequency band of the module, affecting the module’s receive
sensitivity.
Example
On a sub-system running at 40 MHz, the 22nd harmonic falls at 880 MHz, which
is within the cellular receive frequency band.
Note: In practice, there are usually numerous interfering frequencies and harmonics. The
net effect can be a series of desensitized receive channels.