Sierra Wireless AirPrime WP8548 Quick setup guide

AirPrime WP8548
Hardware Integration Guide
4118723
Rev 2

Preface
Rev 2 Feb.16 3 Specifications subject to change
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.

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Specifications subject to change 4 4118723
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 InterDigital Group and MMP Portfolio
Licensing.
Copyright ©2016 Sierra Wireless. All rights reserved.
Trademarks Sierra Wireless®, AirPrime®, AirVantage®, Skylight™, and the Sierra Wireless
and Open AT logos are registered trademarks of Sierra Wireless, Inc. or one of its
subsidiaries.
Windows®is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
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
Contact: http://www.sierrawireless.com/sales
Post: Sierra Wireless
13811 Wireless Way
Richmond, BC
Canada V6V 3A4
Technical support: [e-mail]
RMA support: [email protected]
Fax: [phone]
Web: www.sierrawireless.com
Revision
number
Release date Changes
1February 2016 FCC/IC certification
2February 2016 Removed trace diagrams from Chapter 4; added point #6 (for RF trace design) to
Important Compliance Information for North American Users on page 22.

Rev 2 Feb.16 5 Specifications subject to change
Contents
1. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Accessories. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2. Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Power Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Module Power States . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
3. RF Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Conducted Tx power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
4. Routing Constraints and Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
General Rules and Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
PCB Layout Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Power Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Antenna. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
PCB Specifications for the Application Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Recommended PCB Land Pattern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Routing Constraints. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Power Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
UIM Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
RF Circuit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
USB Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Thermal Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
EMC and ESD Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Mechanical Integration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Signal Reference Schematics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
5. Regulatory Compliance and Industry Certifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Important Notice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Safety and Hazards. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

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Specifications subject to change 6 4118723
Important Compliance Information for North American Users . . . . . . . . . . 22

Rev 2 Feb.16 7 Specifications subject to change
1
1: Introduction
The AirPrime WP8548 is an industrial-grade LGA 239-pad module that provides
voice and data connectivity on HSPA, WCDMA, EDGE and GPRS networks. The
module also provides GNSS functionality.
Accessories
A hardware development kit is available for AirPrime WP-series modules. The kit
contains hardware components for evaluating and developing with the module,
including:
•Development board
•Cables
•Antennas (Additional antennas may be required to support all bands.)
•Other accessories

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Rev 2 Feb.16 9 Specifications subject to change
2
2: Power
Power Supply
The host provides power to the AirPrime WP8548 through multiple power and
ground pins. The host must provide safe and continuous power at all times; the
module does not have an independent power supply, or protection circuits to
guard against electrical issues.
For detailed pinout and voltage/current requirements of this module, see the
AirPrime WP8548 Product Technical Specification.
Module Power States
The module has three main power states, as described in Table 2-1.
Table 2-1: Supported Power States
State Description Wake-Up Events
OFF Module is off (no power to the system).
Apply power for system to go to Active state.
Apply power.
Interrupt Simple wakeup sources are configured to interrupt from this
power-saving state to the Active state.
An event generated from a state change of
RESET_IN_N or POWER_ON_N, or a
timeout event.
Active The module may be fully functioning (WWAN radio and GNSS
radio active), or be operating in airplane mode (WWAN radio off).
Module actively reduces power consumption by disabling
components that are not in use (for example, stepping down
clock signals, putting USB bus into selective suspend, etc.)
System wakes up (returns to fully active
mode) automatically as required, or can be
woken directly via wakeable GPIOs.

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Specifications subject to change 10 4118723

Rev 2 Feb.16 11 Specifications subject to change
3
3: RF Specifications
The AirPrime WP8548 operates on the frequency bands listed below.
Table 3-1: WCDMA Frequency Band Support1
1. WCDMA channel spacing is 5 MHz, but this can be adjusted to optimize perfor-
mance in a particular deployment scenario.
Band Frequency (Tx) Frequency (Rx)
B1 1920–1980 2110–2170
B2 1850–1910 1930–1990
B5 824–849 869–894
B6 830–840 875–885
B8 880–915 925–960
B19 830–845 875–890
Table 3-2: GPRS / EDGE Frequency Band Support
Band Frequency (Tx) Frequency (Rx)
GSM 850 824–849 869–894
E-GSM 900 880–915 925–960
DCS 1800 1710–1785 1805–1880
PCS 1900 1850–1910 1930–1990
Table 3-3: GNSS Frequency Band Support
Band Frequencies
GPS 1575.42 ± 1.023
GLONASS 1597.52–1605.92
Galileo 1575.42 ± 2.046

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Conducted Tx power
Table 3-4: Conducted Tx Max Output Power Tolerances — WCDMA
RF band Min Typ Max Notes
B1 22 23 24 Connectorized (Class 3)
B2 22 23 24 Connectorized (Class 3)
B5 22 23 24 Connectorized (Class 3)
B6 22 23 24 Connectorized (Class 3)
B8 22 23 24 Connectorized (Class 3)
B19 22 23 24 Connectorized (Class 3)
Table 3-5: Conducted Tx Max Output Power Tolerances — GSM
RF band Min Typ Max Notes
GSM 850 31 32 33 GMSK mode, connectorized (Class 4; 2 W; 33 dBm)
E-GSM 900 31 32 33
DCS 1800 28 29 30 GMSK mode, connectorized (Class 1; 1 W, 30 dBm)
PCS 1900 28 29 30
GSM 850 25.5 26.5 27.5 8PSK mode, connectorized (Class E2; 0.5 W; 27 dBm)
E-GSM 900 25.5 26.5 27.5
DCS 1800 24.5 25.5 26.5 8PSK mode, connectorized (Class E2; 0.4 W, 26 dBm)
PCS 1900 24.5 25.5 26.5

Rev 2 Feb.16 13 Specifications subject to change
4
4: Routing Constraints and Recommen-
dations
This section describes general routing constraints and recommendations for the
AirPrime WP8548 module.
Note: This is a non-exhaustive list of suggested design guidelines. The developer is
responsible for deciding whether to implement these guidelines.
General Rules and Recommendations
Clock and other high-frequency digital signals (e.g. serial buses) should be routed
as far as possible from the module’s analog signals.
If the application design makes it possible, all analog signals should be separated
from digital signals by a ground trace on the PCB.
Tip: Avoid routing any signals under the module on the application board.
PCB Layout Recommendations
Ground pads should be re-flowed on to the host PCB with < 30% voiding to allow
effective heat dissipation.
Power Supply
When designing the power supply, make sure that VBAT_BB/VBAT_RF meet the
requirements listed in the WP8548 Product Technical Specification.
Careful attention should be paid to the following:
•Power supply quality—PFM, or PSM systems should be avoided; Low ripple,
linear regulation or PWM converters are preferred for low noise.
•Capacity to deliver high current peaks in a short time (for pulsed radio
emission)
•VBAT_BB/VBAT_RF must support peak currents with an acceptable voltage
drop that guarantees the minimum required VBAT_BB/VBAT_RF value.
•VBAT_BB/VBAT_RF signal pads must never exceed the maximum required
VBAT_BB/VBAT_RF value, otherwise the module’s power amplifier and GPS
chipset may be severely damaged.
•A weakly-designed (not robust) power supply could affect EMC performance,
the emission spectrum, and the phase error and frequency error.

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Specifications subject to change 14 4118723
Antenna
Sierra Wireless strongly recommends working with an antenna manufacturer
either to develop an antenna adapted to the application, or to adapt an existing
solution to the application.
For information on routing constraints for the RF circuit, see RF Circuit on
page 15.
PCB Specifications for the Application
Board
Sensitive signals (such as audio, UIM, and clocks) should be protected by ground
planes/fills. Routing sensitive signals close to noisy signals could result in noise
being coupled.
Recommended PCB Land Pattern
Refer to the AirPrime WP8548 Customer Process Guidelines document, available
at http://source.sierrawireless.com.
Routing Constraints
Power Supply
If the following design recommendations are not followed, phase error (peak) and
power loss could occur.
•Since the maximum peak current can reach 2.5 A, Sierra Wireless strongly
recommends having a large width for the layout of the power supply signal (to
avoid voltage loss between the external power supply and VBAT_BB/
VBAT_RF.
Figure 4-1: Power Supply Routing Example

Routing Constraints and Recommendations
Rev 2 Feb.16 15 Specifications subject to change
Note: Figure 4-1 shows separate traces for VBAT_BB and VBAT_RF. If VBAT_BB and
VBAT_RF share a single power supply, these traces should be connected.
Note: For optimal decoupling, place the capacitors on the underside of the board, directly
under the pins.
•Filtering capacitors (100 nF to 1500 F) are recommended near the module’s
power supply.
•Attention should be paid to the ground trace or the ground plane on the appli-
cation board for the power supply that supplies the module. The ground trace
or ground plane, as well as the VBAT trace, must be able to support current
peaks.
•If the ground trace between the module and the power supply is a copper
plane, make sure it is a solid plane.
•Design routing to make sure total line impedance does not exceed
10 m@ 217 Hz.
Ground Plane Connection
The AirPrime WP8548 module requires a solid, central ground plane (with solder
mask defined pads) located directly under the module. This will:
•Ensure high current signal returns
•Provide heat dissipation under higher operating temperatures
The ground plane should be connected (with vias) to the reference ground layer
of the application board.
UIM Interface
•The length of the tracks between the AirPrime WP8548 and the UIM socket
should be as short as possible. Maximum recommended length is 10cm.
•ESD protection is mandatory on the UIM lines unless:
·An ESIM is being used, or
·There is no physical access to the UIM
•The decoupling capacitor(s) should be placed as close as possible to the UIM
card connector for the UIM1_VCC signal.
RF Circuit
The RF signal must be routed on the application board using tracks with a 50
characteristic impedance.
The characteristic impedance depends on the dielectric, the track width and the
ground plane spacing.

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Specifications subject to change 16 4118723
It is recommended to use stripline design if the RF path is fairly long (more than
3cm), since microstrip design is not shielded. Consequently, the RF (transmit)
signal may interfere with neighboring electronic circuits. In the same way, the
neighboring electronics (micro-controllers, etc.) may interfere with the RF
(receive) signal and degrade the reception performance.
USB Interface
When the USB interface is externally accessible, ESD protection is required on
the USB_VBUS, USB_D+, and USB_D- signals.
Thermal Considerations
When transmitting, the AirPrime WP8548 can generate significant amounts of
heat (due to the internal Power Amplifier) that must be dissipated in the host
device for safety and performance reasons.
The amount of thermal dissipation required depends on the following factors:
•Supply voltage—Maximum power dissipation for these modules can be up to
3 W at voltage supply limits.
•Usage—Typical power dissipation values depend on the location within the
host, amount of data transferred, etc.
To enhance heat dissipation:
•Maximize airflow over / around the module
•Locate the module away from other components that generate heat
•Ensure the module is connected to a solid ground plane
EMC and ESD Recommendations
EMC tests must be performed on the application as soon as possible to detect
any potential problems.
When designing, special attention should be paid to:
•Possible spurious emissions radiated by the application to the RF receiver in
the receiver band
•ESD protection—Typically, ESD protection is mandatory for externally acces-
sible signals, including:
·VBAT_RF/VBAT_BB
·UIM (if accessible from outside)
·Serial link
·USB
·Antennas
•Length of the UIM interface lines (preferably <10 cm)
•Length of the HSIC interface lines (<10 cm, as required by the HSIC specifi-
cation)
•EMC protection on audio input/output (filters against 900 MHz emissions)

Routing Constraints and Recommendations
Rev 2 Feb.16 17 Specifications subject to change
•Ground plane: Sierra Wireless recommends a common ground plane for
analog/digital/RF grounds
Note: The AirPrime WP8548 does not include any protection against over-voltage.
The host device must provide adequate ESD protection on digital circuits and
antenna ports as detailed in the following table.
Note: The level of protection required depends on your application.
Mechanical Integration
Attention should be paid to:
•Antenna cable integration (bending, length, position, etc)
•Pads of the AirPrime WP8548 to be soldered to the ground plane
•Ensuring proper board layout
•Providing sufficient space around the module for heat dissipation
Table 4-1: ESD specifications 1,2
1. ESD specifications are preliminary, subject to change.
2. ESD protection is highly recommended at the point where the UIM contacts are exposed,
and for any other signals that would be subjected to ESD by the user.
Category Connection Specification
Operational RF ports
UIM connector
USB connector
UART connector
IEC-61000-4-2 - Level (Electrostatic Discharge
Immunity Test)
·± 6kV Contact
·± 8kV Air
Non-operational Host connector
interface
Unless otherwise specified:
•JESD22-A114 ± 2kV Human Body Model
•JESD22-A115 ± 200V Machine Model
•JESD22-C101C ± 500V Charged Device
Model

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Specifications subject to change 18 4118723
Signal Reference Schematics
Figure 4-2: UIM Interface
Figure 4-3: USB Interface
0
0
0
0
10nF
0
100nF
10
C3
C2
C1
9
C7
C6
C5 GND
VPP
I/O
SW_A
VCC
RST
CLK
SW_B
DNI
DNI
DNI
VGPIO_1V8
UIM_RESET_N
UIM_DATA UIM_CLK
UIM_VCC
UIM1_DET
UIM1
DNI
SIM2070-6-0-30-00-A
ESD suppressor
Note: Example ESD and SIM connector part numbers listed.
Comparable parts may be used instead.
Note: Capacitor on UIM_CLK is intended to slow down the
clock signal in case of crosstalk.
DNI
DNI
Example ESD suppressor:
STMicroelectronics
DALC208SC6
+
uClamp 3301P
1
2
3
4
6
5
Important: SIM connector must have a‘Normally closed’
detection switch.

Routing Constraints and Recommendations
Rev 2 Feb.16 19 Specifications subject to change
Figure 4-4: USB OTG Interface
2
1
53
4
6
6
4
2
5
7
1
3
51K
5%
51K
5%
51K
5%
470
1%
NC1 VCC
NC2 GND
AY
VCC_1V8
VCC_5V0
USB_ID
DNI
VCC_1V8
10µF
USB_VBUS
VIN VOUT
FLAGB ISET
ON
GND1 GND2
Replace with FPF2163 if Autorestart is required
FPF2164

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