AirPrime EM7511 Product Specification r7
AirPrime EM7511 Product Specification r7
AirPrime EM7511 Product Specification r7
41112028
Rev 7
Proprietary and Confidential
Contents subject to change
Product Technical Specification
Important Due to the nature of wireless communications, transmission and reception of data can
Notice 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 product are used in a normal manner with a well-constructed network, the
Sierra Wireless product 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 product, or for failure of the Sierra Wireless product
to transmit or receive such data.
Safety and Do not operate the Sierra Wireless product in areas where blasting is in progress, where
Hazards 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 product MUST BE POWERED OFF. The Sierra
Wireless product can transmit signals that could interfere with this equipment.
Do not operate the Sierra Wireless product in any aircraft, whether the aircraft is on the
ground or in flight. In aircraft, the Sierra Wireless product MUST BE POWERED OFF.
When operating, the Sierra Wireless product 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 products may be used at this time.
The driver or operator of any vehicle should not operate the Sierra Wireless product 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 The information in this manual is subject to change without notice and does not represent
Liability 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.
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.
Trademarks Sierra Wireless®, AirPrime®, AirLink®, AirVantage® and the Sierra Wireless logo are
registered trademarks of Sierra Wireless, Inc.
Windows® and Windows Vista® are registered trademarks 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
Sales information and technical Web: sierrawireless.com/company/contact-us/
support, including warranty and returns Global toll-free number: 1-877-687-7795
6:00 am to 6:00 pm PST
Revision
History
5 May 2019 LTE B42, B43, B48 support enabled, and added LTE B48 Regulatory note for airborne
operations
Added table of Additional Carrier Aggregation Downlink Combinations (Table 1-3)
Updated RESET# usage description in (Table 2-7)
Updated LTE B7/B41 Conducted Tx Power Tolerances (Table 3-6)
Added footnote for LTE B7/B41 (Table 7-2)
Electrical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Host Interface Pin Assignments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Power Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
USB Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Host-side Recommendation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
USB Throughput Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
User-developed Drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
SIM Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
SIM Implementation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
Control Interface (Signals) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
WAKE_ON_WAN# — Wake Host . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
W_DISABLE# (Wireless Disable) and GPS_DISABLE# (GNSS Disable) . . . . . . . . 33
Full_Card_Power_Off# and RESET# . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
WWAN_LED#—LED Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
Antenna Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
RF Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
RF Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Shielding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Antenna and Cabling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Ground Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Interference and Sensitivity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Interference from Other Wireless Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Host-generated RF Interference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Device-generated RF Interference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Methods to Mitigate Decreased Rx Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Radiated Spurious Emissions (RSE) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Radiated Sensitivity Measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Sierra Wireless’ Sensitivity Testing and Desensitization Investigation . . . . . . . . . . 41
Sensitivity vs. Frequency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Supported Frequencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Conducted Rx Sensitivity / Tx Power. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
GNSS Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Power Consumption. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Module Power States. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Power State Transitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Power Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Power Ramp-up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Timing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Power Supply Noise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
SED (Smart Error Detection) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Tx Power Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Software Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Support Tools. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Host Interface. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Antenna Specification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Recommended Main/Diversity Antenna Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Recommended GNSS Antenna Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Antenna Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Design Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
AT Command Entry Timing Requirement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Acceptance Testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Acceptance Test Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Acceptance Test Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Certification Testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Production Testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Functional Production Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Production Test Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
UMTS (WCDMA) RF Transmission Path Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
LTE RF Transmission Path Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
UMTS (WCDMA) RF Receive Path Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
LTE RF Receive Path Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
GNSS RF Receive Path Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Quality Assurance Testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Thermal Testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Worst Case Testing—Absolute vs Realistic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Thermal Testing Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Packaging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Sierra Wireless Documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Command Documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Other Sierra Documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Industry/Other Documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Acronyms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Supported RF bands
The module, based on Qualcomm's MDM9250 baseband processor, supports data
operation on LTE and UMTS networks over the bands described in Table 1-1, with LTE
carrier aggregation (CA) as described in Table 1-2, Table 1-3 and Table 1-4.
30
32
41
42
43
46
48
66
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
LTEa F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F Fb Fb Fb T T T Tb T F
CA_1A-5A CA_1A-3A-7A
CA_1A-7A CA_1A-3A-8A
CA_1A-18A CA_1A-3A-19A
CA_1A-19A CA_1A-3A-20A
CA_1A-20A CA_1A-5A-7A
CA_1A-26A CA_1A-7A-20A
CA_1A-41A
CA_2A-66A CA_2A-29A-30A
CA_3A-8A CA_3A-7B
CA_3A-19A CA_3A-7C
CA_3A-20A CA_3A-7A-7A
CA_3A-41A CA_3C-7A
CA_3C-20A
CA_3A-41C
CA_4A-29A CA_4A-7A-7A
CA_4A-30A
CA_4A-46A
CA_5A-66A CA_5A-66A-66A
CA_7B CA_7A-12A
CA_7C CA_7A-20A
CA_12A-30A CA_12A-30A-66A
CA_12A-66A
CA_13A-66A CA_13A-66A-66A
CA_13A-66B
CA_20A-32A
CA_29A-30A CA_29A-30A-66A
CA_29A-66A
CA_30A-66A
CA_41D
CA_66B CA_66A-66B
CA_66C CA_66A-66C
CA_1A-42A
CA_2A-5A CA_2A-5A-30A
CA_2A-28A CA_2A-5A-66A
CA_2A-7A-12A
CA_3A-42A CA_3A-7A-28A
CA_3C-28A
CA_4A-28A
CA_5B CA_5A-7A
CA_5A-46A
CA_5A-66B
CA_7A-7A CA_7A-28A
CA_7B-28A
CA_7C-28A
CA_13A-46A CA_13A-66C
CA_19A-42A CA_19A-42C
CA_28A-42A
CA_41C-42A
CA_42C
CA_48A-48A CA_48A-48C
CA_48C
CA_48D
CA_7C
CA_41C
Physical Features
• M.2 form factor—WWAN Type 3042-S3-B (in WWAN—USB 3.0 Port
Configuration 2), as specified in [8] PCI Express NGFF (M.2) Electromechanical
Specification Revision 1.0. (Note: Any variations from the specification are detailed in
this document.)
• Ambient operating temperature range with appropriate heatsinking:
· Class A (3GPP compliant): -30°C to +70°C
· Class B (operational, non-3GPP compliant): -40°C to +85°C (reduced operating
parameters required)
Important: The internal module temperature (reported by AT!PCTEMP) must be kept below
100°C. For best performance, the internal module temperature should be kept below 85°C. Proper
mounting, heat sinks, and active cooling may be required, depending on the integrated application.
Module Features
• LTE / DC-HSPA+ / HSPA+ / HSPA / UMTS (WCDMA) operation
• Multiple (up to 16) cellular packet data profiles
• Traditional modem COM port support for AT commands
• USB suspend / resume
• Sleep mode for minimum idle power draw
• SIM application tool kit with proactive SIM commands
• Enhanced Operator Name String (EONS)
• Mobile-originated PDP context activation / deactivation
• Support QoS QCI (3GPP Release 12)
• Static and Dynamic IP address. The network may assign a fixed IP address or
dynamically assign one using DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol).
• PAP and CHAP support
• PDP context type (IPv4, IPv6, or IPv4v6)
• RFC1144 TCP/IP header compression
LTE Features
• Carrier aggregation:
· DL LTE-FDD—60 MHz
· DL LTE-TDD—60 MHz
· UL LTE—40 MHz intraband contiguous
• CSG support (LTE Femto)
• LTE Advanced receivers (NLIC, eICIC, feICIC)
• Basic cell selection and system acquisition
· PSS/SSS/MIB decode
· SIB1–SIB16 decoding
• NAS/AS security procedures
· Snow 3G/AES/ZUC security
• CQI/RI/PMI reporting
• Paging procedures
· Paging in Idle and Connected mode
• Dedicated bearer
· Network-initiated dedicated bearer
· UE-initiated dedicated bearer
• Multiple PDN connections (IPv4 and IPv6 combinations), subject to operating system
support.
• Connected mode intra-LTE mobility
• Idle mode intra-LTE mobility
• iRAT between LTE/3G for idle and connection release with redirection
• Detach procedure
· Network-initiated detach with reattach required
· Network-initiated detach followed by connection release
Supporting Documents
Several additional documents describe module design, usage, integration, and other
features. See References on page 91.
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 suitable antennas are used.
Required Connectors
Table 1-5 describes the connectors used to integrate the EM7511 Embedded Module into
your host device.
EDGE (67 pin) • Slot B compatible—Per the M.2 standard ([8] PCI Express
NGFF (M.2) Electromechanical Specification Revision 1.0), 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.
a. Manufacturers/part numbers are for reference only and are subject to change. Choose
connectors that are appropriate for your own design.
Ordering Information
To order, contact the Sierra Wireless Sales Desk at +1 (604) 232-1488 between 8 AM and
5 PM Pacific Time.
Integration Requirements
Sierra Wireless provides, in the documentation suite, guidelines for successful module
integration and offers integration support services as necessary.
When integrating the EM7511 Embedded Module, the following items must be addressed:
• Mounting —Effect on temperature, shock, and vibration performance
• Power supply —Impact on battery drain and possible RF interference
• Antenna location and type —Impact on RF performance
• Regulatory approvals —As discussed in Regulatory Compliance and Industry Certifica-
tions on page 62.
• Service provisioning —Manufacturing process
• Software —As discussed in Software Interface on page 56.
• Host interface —Compliance with interface voltage levels
RF APT
BLOCK
GPS
PWR
RF + GRFC_GPIO
Voltage Supply
SPMI
MDM9250
CBL_PWR_N
LED_DRV_N
RESIN_N
VPH/
LDO
VBAT
WAKE_ON_WAN#
DPR
RESET#
ANTCTL/RFFE
LED#1
COEX_RXD / COEX_TXD /
COEX3
Full_Card_Power_Off#
PCI-E USB3.0 USB2.0 PCIe
2.7 / 1.8 V
QLN1030_PRX
LTE-LAA (B46)
LAA_IN LTE-LAA
B42/43/48 B42/43/48
UHB_IN
B30
HB2_IN1
B7
HB1_IN1
B4/66
MB1_IN2
B2
MB_SW21
B3/9
MB_SW22
B1
MB1_IN1
B41
HB1_IN2
WTR5975
PRX_UHB_LTEU_A UHB_AUX_OUT1 B41 RX
B41 TRX B41 TRX
PRX_UHB_LTEU_B UHB_AUX_OUT2 B41
SW B30 B30
PRX_LHB HB_AUX_OUT1 B30
B7 B7
PRX_HB_A HUHB_OUT B7
B4/66 B4/66
PRX_MB_B MHUHB_OUT B4/66
B2 B2
PRX_MB_A MLMHB_OUT B2
B3/9 B3/9
SW
LHB_LB_IN B3/9
B1 B1
B1
B32
MLB_IN2 B32
TX_CH1_UHB
B13
TX_CH0_HB2 B13
B8
TX_CH0_MB B8
B20
B20
B5/26
SW
SW
TX_CH0_LB2
B5/26
QLN1020_PRX B12 LPF
B12
OUT2 B14
B14
PRX_LB OUT1
B29
B14
LB_SW12
B29 50 Ohms
LB_SW14 TerminaƟon
B5/18/19/26
LB_SW21
B20
LB_SW11
LPF
B8
LB_SW23
B12/13
LB_SW13
TX_FBRX
WTR5975
GNSS GNSS
GNSS_L1 GNSS
PRX_LB OUT1
OUT2
B8
B8
B20
B20
B12/13
B12/13
B5/18/19/26
B26
B14
B14
B29
B29
LHB_LB_IN
B32
B32
B1 GNSS
B1
B3/9
B3/9
B4/66
B66
B2
B2
B7
B7
B30
B30
B41
B41
B42/43/48
B42/43/48
LTE-LAA (B46)
LTE-LAA
DRX_UHB_LTEU_B UHB_AUX_OUT2
DRX_UHB_LTEU_A UHB_AUX_OUT1
DRX_LHB HB_AUX_OUT
DRX_HB HUHB_OUT
DRX_MB_B MHUHB_OUT
DRX_MB_A MHB_OUT
Note: On any given interface (USB, SIM, etc.), leave unused inputs and outputs as no-connects.
Note: The host should not drive any signals to the module until >100 ms from the start of the
power-on sequence.
20 NC Reserved—Host must
not repurpose this pin.
22 NC Reserved—Host must
not repurpose this pin.
24 NC Reserved—Host must
not repurpose this pin.
28 NC Reserved—Host must
not repurpose this pin.
38 NC Reserved
41 PCIE_TXM Reserved
Note: Leave pin
floating on host side.
43 PCIE_TXP Reserved
Note: Leave pin
floating on host side.
47 PCIE_RXM Reserved
Note: Leave pin
floating on host side.
49 PCIE_RXP Reserved
Note: Leave pin
floating on host side.
50 PCIE_PERST_N Reserved
Note: Leave pin
floating on host side.
52 PCIE_CLKREQ_N OC Reserved
Note: Leave pin
floating on host side.
53 PCIE_REFCLKM Reserved
Note: Leave pin
floating on host side.
54 PCIE_PEWAKE_N OC Reserved
Note: Leave pin
floating on host side.
55 PCIE_REFCLKP Reserved
Note: Leave pin
floating on host side.
56 NC Reserved—Host must
not repurpose this pin.
58 NC Reserved—Host must
not repurpose this pin.
60 Reserved—Host must not repurpose this pin and should leave it not connected.
62 Reserved—Host must not repurpose this pin and should leave it not connected.
64 Reserved—Host must not repurpose this pin and should leave it not connected.
68 NC Reserved
Power Supply
The host provides power to the EM7511 through multiple power and ground pins as
summarized in Table 2-2.
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.
USB Interface
Important: Host support for USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 signals is required.
The device supports USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 interfaces for communication between the
host and module.
The interfaces comply with the [9] Universal Serial Bus Specification, Rev 2.0 and [10]
Universal Serial Bus Specification, Rev 3.0 (subject to limitations described below), and
the host device must be designed to the same standards.
Host-side Recommendation
Note: When designing the host device, careful PCB layout practices must be followed.
Sierra Wireless recommends the host platform include series capacitors on the USB3.0
Rx signals (no capacitors required for the Tx signals), as shown below.
Host
100 nF 35 USB3.0-RX-
M.2 Connector
100 nF 37 USB3.0-RX+
RX
EM7511
29 USB3.0-TX- 100 nF
31 USB3.0-TX+ 100 nF TX
User-developed Drivers
Details for user-developed USB drivers are described in [4] AirCard/AirPrime USB Driver
Developer’s Guide (Doc# 2130634).
SIM Interface
Note: Host support for SIM interface signals is required.
The module supports up to two SIMs (Subscriber Identity Module) (1.8 V or 3 V). Each
SIM holds information for a unique account, allowing users to optimize their use of each
account on multiple devices.
The SIM pins (Table 2-4 on page 29) provide the connections necessary to interface to
SIM sockets located on the host device as shown in Figure 2-5 on page 30. Voltage levels
over this interface comply with 3GPP standards.
The types of SIM connectors used depends on how the host device exposes the SIM
sockets.
SIM Detect
UIM-PWR
4.7uF
X5R 0.1uF (Optional.
typ Locate near the
SIM socket)
15 k - 30 k NOTE: UIM signals
refer to both UIM1
and UIM2.
Located near
SIM socket
(Optional.
(C9) (C1) Locate near the
Note: SIM Detect SIM socket)
contact may vary 47 pF, 51
by vendor UIM-CLK
(C3)
UIM-DATA
(C7)
UIM-RESET
(C2)
UIM_GND EM7511
(C5)
RFU C8 C4 RFU
I/O C7 C3 CLK
VPP C6 C2 RST
GND C5 C1 VCC
SIM Implementation
Note: For interface design requirements, refer to ETSI TS 102 230 V5.5.0, section 5.2.
When designing the remote SIM interface, you must make sure that SIM signal integrity is
not compromised.
Some design recommendations include:
• Total impedance of the VCC and GND connections to the SIM, measured at the
module connector, should be less than 1 to minimize voltage drop (includes any
trace impedance and lumped element components—inductors, filters, etc.).
• Position the SIM connector 10 cm from the module. If a longer distance is required
because of the host device design, use a shielded wire assembly—connect one end
as close as possible to the SIM connector and the other end as close as possible to
the module connector. The shielded assembly may help shield the SIM interface from
system noise.
• Reduce crosstalk on the UIM1_DATA and UIM2_DATA lines to reduce the risk of
failures during GCF approval testing.
• Avoid routing the clock and data lines for each SIM (UIM1_CLK/UIM1_DATA,
UIM2_CLK/UIM2_DATA) in parallel over distances 2 cm—cross-coupling of a clock
and data line pair can cause failures.
• 3GPP has stringent requirements for I/O rise time (<1 µs), signal level limits, and
noise immunity—consider this carefully when developing your PCB layout.
· Keep signal rise time <1 µs—keep SIM signals as short as possible, and keep very
low capacitance traces on the data and clock signals (UIM1_CLK, UIM1_DATA,
UIM2_CLK, UIM2_DATA). High capacitance increases signal rise time, potentially
causing your device to fail certification tests.
• Add external pull-up resistors (15 k–30 k), if required, between the data and power
lines for each SIM (UIM1_DATA/UIM1_PWR, UIM2_DATA/UIM2_PWR) to optimize
the signal rise time.
• VCC line should be decoupled close to the SIM socket.
• SIM is specified to run up to 5 MHz (SIM clock rate). Take note of this speed in the
placement and routing of the SIM signals and connectors.
• You must decide whether additional ESD protection is required for your product, as it
is dependent on the application, mechanical enclosure, and SIM connector design.
The SIM pins will require additional ESD protection if they are exposed to high ESD
levels (i.e. can be touched by a user).
• Putting optional decoupling capacitors on the SIM power lines (UIM1_PWR,
UIM2_PWR) near the SIM sockets is recommended—the longer the trace length
(impedance) from the socket to the module, the greater the capacitance requirement
to meet compliance tests.
• Putting an optional series capacitor and resistor termination (to ground) on the clock
lines (UIM1_CLK, UIM2_CLK) at the SIM sockets to reduce EMI and increase signal
integrity is recommended if the trace length between the SIM socket and module is
long—47 pF and 50 resistor are recommended.
• Test your first prototype host hardware with a Comprion IT3 SIM test device at a
suitable testing facility.
Note: Host support for Full_Card_Power_Off# is required, and support for other signals in Table 2-5
is optional.
These signals are summarized in Table 2-5 and paragraphs that follow.
The EM7511 uses WAKE_ON_WAN# to wake the host when specific events occur.
The host must provide a 5 k–100 k pullup resistor that considers total line capacitance
(including parasitic capacitance) such that when WAKE_ON_WAN# is deasserted, the line
will rise to 3.3 V (Host power rail) in < 100 ns.
See Figure 2-7 on page 33 for a recommended implementation.
VCC
5k-100k
Host
WAKE_ON_WAN#
1 Q
Control
R
2
Module
The host device uses W_DISABLE# to enable/disable the WWAN or radio modem, and
GPS_DISABLE# to enable/disable GNSS functionality.
Letting these signals float high allows the module to operate normally. These pins have
100 k pull-up resistors. See Figure 2-8 on page 34 for a recommended implementation.
When integrating with your host device, keep the following in mind:
• The signal is an input to the module and should be driven LOW to turn the radio off, or
HIGH or floating to keep it on.
• If the host never needs to assert this power state control to the module, leave this
signal unconnected from the host interface.
W_DISABLE# 8 Enable/disable the WWAN or radio modema. When disabled, the modem cannot
transmit or receive.
• Leave as not connected or drive HIGH to keep the modem always on.
• Drive LOW to turn the modem off.
GPS_DISABLE# 26 Enable/disable GNSS functionalitya
• Leave as not connected or drive HIGH to enable GNSS functionality.
• Drive LOW to disable GNSS functionality.
• For details on enabling / disabling GNSS functionality, see the
AT!CUSTOM=”GPSENABLE” command in [2] AirPrime EM75xx AT
Command Reference (Doc# 41111748).
a. Sierra Wireless recommends that the host implement an open collector driver where a Low signal turns off the modem or dis-
ables GNSS functionality, and a high signal turns on the modem or lenables GNSS functionality.
2
Module
Note: Host support for Full_Card_Power_Off# is required, and support for RESET# is optional.
Full_Card_Power_Off# and RESET# are inputs to the module that the host uses as
described in Table 2-7.
For timing details, see Power On/Off Timing for the USB on page 53.
Low
250ms–2 sec
Caution: RESET# should not be driven or pulled to a logic high level by the host, as
this may cause damage to the module.
WWAN_LED#—LED Output
The configuration for the LED shown in Figure 2-9 is customizable. Contact your Sierra
Wireless account representative for details.
VCC
LED
Module
LED#
MIO
Antenna Control
Note: Host support for antenna control signals is optional.
The EM7511 provides four output signals (listed in Table 2-8) that may be used for host
designs that incorporate tunable antennas. Customers can configure these signals as
appropriate for the operating band(s) using the command AT!ANTSEL. (See [2] AirPrime
EM75xx AT Command Reference (Doc# 41111748) for details.)
Note: To avoid detuning the PCC band, customers must make sure there are no GPIO state
conflicts between the PCC and SCC for all supported CA combinations.
ANTCTL3 65
Auxiliary RF (Diversity/MIMO/GNSS)
GNSS RF
Main RF (Rx/Tx)
RF Connections
When attaching antennas to the module:
• Use RF plug connectors that are compatible with the following RF receptacle
connectors: Foxconn (KK12011-02-7H), Longwell (911-002-0006R), Speedtech
(C87P101-00001-H), Murata (MM4829-2702RA4 (HSC)), IPEX (20449-001E
(MHF4)).
• 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.
• To ensure best thermal performance, use the mounting hole (if possible) to attach
(ground) the device to a metal chassis.
Note: If the antenna connection is shorted or open, the modem will not sustain permanent damage.
Shielding
The module is fully shielded to protect against EMI and must not be removed.
Note: For detailed electrical performance criteria, see Appendix A: Antenna Specification on
page 65.
Important: 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.
For details, see [2] AirPrime EM75xx AT Command Reference (Doc# 41111748).
Note: A diversity antenna is used to improve connection quality and reliability through redundancy.
Because two antennas may experience difference interference effects (signal distortion, delay, etc.),
when one antenna receives a degraded signal, the other may not be similarly affected.
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 mounting hole shown in Figure 3-1 on page 37.
• 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.
Note: The EM7511 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.
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.
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
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.
Note: Sierra Wireless has the capability to measure TIS (Total Isotropic Sensitivity) and TRP (Total
Radiated Power) according to CTIA's published test procedure.
Supported Frequencies
The EM7511 supports:
• Multiple-band LTE—See Table 3-1 on page 42 (supported bands) and Table 3-2 on
page 42 (LTE bandwidth support).
• LTE Advanced carrier aggregation—See Table 1-1 on page 12, Table 1-2 on
page 12, and Table 1-3 on page 14 for details.
• Multiple-band WCDMA/HSPA/HSPA+/DC-HSPA+—See Table 3-3 on page 43.
• Multiple-band WCDMA receive diversity
• GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo, QZSS—See Table 3-7 on page 47.
• Inter-RAT and inter-frequency cell reselection and handover between supported
frequency bands
2305–2315 MHz
B30 2350–2360 MHz
Note: B30 Tx is disabled.
B1
B2 b b
B3 b b
B4
B5 b
B7 c b,c
B8 b
B9 b b
B12 b b
B13 b b
B14 b b
B18 b b
B19 b b
B20 b b b
B26 b b
B30 b
B32
B41
B42
B43
B46
B48
B66
a. Table contents are derived from 3GPP TS 36.521-1 v12.6.0, table 5.4.2.1-1.
b. Bandwidth for which a relaxation of the specified UE receiver sensitivity requirement
(Clause 7.3 of 3GPP TS 36.521-1 v12.6.0) is allowed.
c. 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 v12.6.0).
Full RB on downlink;
B46 -96.5 -97.0 -99.0 -88.5
BW: 20 MHz
UMTS
GNSS Specifications
Note: For detailed electrical performance criteria, see Recommended GNSS Antenna Specifica-
tions on page 67.
.
Table 3-7: GNSS Specifications
Parameter/feature Description
Hot start: 1 s
Acquisition timea Warm start: 29 s
Cold start: 32 s
The module includes an internal GNSS LNA, as shown in Figure 2-3 on page 22.
Leakage current
Current a
Description Tx power Notes
Typ Unit
510 mA 3 CA, 20 MHz+20 MHz+20 MHz BW
Peak current
1.3 A All LTE/WCDMA bands
(averaged over 100 s)
Warning: The maximum RF power level allowable on any RF port is +10dBm—damage may
occur if this level is exceeded.
RF enabled
RF enabled
Low power • Module is active
(‘Airplane
mode’) • Module enters this state:
• Under host interface control:
· Host issues AT+CFUN=0 ([1] AT Command Set for User Equipment (UE)
(Release 6) (Doc# 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))
Off • Host keeps module powered off by asserting Full_Card_Power_Off# (signal pulled
low or left floating)
• Module draws minimal current
• See Full_Card_Power_Off# and RESET# on page 34 for more information.
Disconnected • Host power source is disconnected from the module and all voltages associated with
the module are at 0 V.
Voltage Temperature a
Voltage Temperature a
Power Interface
Power Ramp-up
On initial power up, inrush current depends on the power supply rise time—turn on time
>100 µs is required for < 3A inrush current.
The supply voltage must remain within specified tolerances while this is occurring.
Timing
Power On/Off Timing for the USB
Figure 4-2 describes the timing sequence for powering the module on and off.
Note: Before reaching the “Active” state, signals on the host port are considered to be undefined
and signal transitions may occur. This undefined state also applies when the module is in reset
mode, during a firmware update, or during the Power-off sequence. The host must consider these
undefined signal activities when designing the module interface.
Note: The host should not drive any signals to the module until >100 ms from the start of the
power-on sequence.
Power-on Power-off
DEVICE STATE Disconnected Off Active Off Disconnected
Sequence Sequence
High
VCC
Low
High
t_USB_suspend
Full_Card_Power_Off# Low
t_pwr_on_seq
High
USB_D+
(Double enumeration) Low
t_USB_active t_pwr_off_seq
t_pwr_on_seq
High
USB_D+
(Single enumeration) Low
t_pwr_off_seq
t_pwr_on_seq
High
USB3.0
(Single enumeration) Low
t_pwr_off_seq
High
M.2 Host Signals
Low
Table 4-6: USB 2.0 Power-On / Off Timing Parameters (Double Enumeration)
Parameter Typical (s) Maximum (s)
t_USB_suspend 8.5 11
t_pwr_off_seq 21.4 25
Table 4-7: USB 2.0 Power-On / Off Timing Parameters (Single Enumeration)
Parameter Typical (s) Maximum (s)
t_pwr_on_seq 8.7 11
t_pwr_off_seq 21.4 25
Table 4-8: USB 3.0 Power-On / Off Timing Parameters (Single Enumeration)
Parameter Typical (s) Maximum (s)
t_pwr_on_seq 8.6 11
t_pwr_off_seq 21.5 25
USB Enumeration
The unit supports single and double USB enumeration with the host:
• Single enumeration:
· Enumeration starts within maximum t_pwr_on_seq seconds of power-on.
• Double enumeration—As shown in Figure 4-2:
· First enumeration starts within t_pwr_on_seq seconds of power-on (while USB_D+
is high)
· Second enumeration starts after t_USB_suspend (when USB_D+ goes high again)
Reset Timing
To reset the module, refer to Table 2-7 on page 35 for RESET# signal usage instructions.
Warning: To avoid causing issues with the file system, follow this shutdown sequence.
Tx Power Control
The module’s Tx power limit may be controlled using either SAR backoff AT commands,
defined in [2] AirPrime EM75xx AT Command Reference (Doc# 41111748), or the DPR
(Dynamic power control) signal. Use the GPIOSARENABLE parameter for !CUSTOM to
choose the method:
• AT commands:
· !SARSTATEDFLT—Set (or report) the default SAR backoff state that the device
uses when it powers up. This setting is persistent across power cycles and
overrides any PRI setting.
· !SARSTATE—Set (or report) the current SAR backoff state (override the default
state). This change in state is non-persistent across power cycles.
· !SARBACKOFF—Set (or report) the maximum Tx power limit for a specific band/
technology/state combination.
Note: A customization is available to invert the DPR logic. (e.g. make DPR low = No SAR backoff)
• Dynamic power control— The module’s firmware monitors DPR (pin 25) and adjusts
the RF Tx power appropriately, as detailed in Table 4-9. (This state change is equiv-
alent to issuing the !SARSTATE AT command.)
Low Backoff 1
Note: The host can implement an open collector drive for the DPR pin (if a 1.8 V-compatible drive is
not available).
Host Interface
The device supports the following protocols for modem communication:
• MBIM (Mobile Broadband Interface Model)
• Qualcomm QMI interface. (Please contact your Sierra Wireless account represen-
tative for QMI interface documentation.)
Relative humidity Non-operational 85ºC, 85% relative humidity for 48 hours (non-condensing)
Drop Non-operational 1 m on concrete on each of six faces, two times (module only)
(Electrostatic discharge Operational The RF port (antenna launch and RF connector) complies with the IEC
(See Electrostatic 61000-4-2 standard:
Discharge (ESD) on • Electrostatic Discharge Immunity: Test: Level3
page 59.) Air Discharge: ±8 kV
Non-operational The host connector interface complies with the following standard only:
• minimum ±500 V Human Body Model (JESD22-A114-B)
Thermal considerations See Thermal Considerations on page 60.
Device Views
23.80
29.68
30.00
0.8 ± 10%
0.00
0.32
6.20
0.00
1.90
3.72
10.0
vacuum cup
37.68
38.00
42.00
Shield lid
5.08
15.00
20.02
21.22
24.92
Figure 6-3: Unit Product Marking Example—Laser-etched, Typical Representation (Not to scale. Contents will
vary by SKU.)
Thermal Considerations
Embedded modules can generate significant amounts of heat that must be dissipated in
the host device for safety and performance reasons.
RF
Baseband
RF
Baseband
Note: Adequate dissipation of heat is necessary to ensure that the module functions properly.
Note: Make sure that your system design provides sufficient cooling for the module.
(For acceptance, certification, quality, and production (including RF) test suggestions, see
Testing on page 71.)
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
EM7511 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.
3. The EM7511 module may transmit simultaneously with other collocated radio trans-
mitters within a host device, provided the following conditions are met:
· Each collocated radio transmitter has been certified by FCC/IC for mobile appli-
cation.
· At least 20 cm separation distance between the antennas of the collocated trans-
mitters and the user’s body must be maintained at all times.
· The radiated power of a collocated transmitter must not exceed the EIRP limit stipu-
lated in Table 7-2 on page 63.
Table 7-2: Antenna Gain and Collocated Radio Transmitter Specifications
Max Time-Avg Antenna Gain Limit (dBi) EIRP
Tx Freq Range Cond. Power Limits
Operating mode (MHz) (dBm) Standalone Collocated (dBm)
a. Includes 0.8 dB offset from single-cell tolerance (Table 3-6 on page 46) for UL CA.
b. Important: Airborne operations in LTE Band 48 are prohibited.
4. A label must be affixed to the outside of the end product into which the EM7511
module is incorporated, with a statement similar to the following:
· This device contains FCC ID: N7NEM75S
Contains transmitter module IC: 2417C-EM75S where 2417C-EM75S is the
module’s certification number.
5. A user manual with the end product must clearly indicate the operating requirements
and conditions that must be observed to ensure compliance with current FCC/IC RF
exposure guidelines.
The end product with an embedded EM7511 module may also need to pass the FCC
Part 15 unintentional emission testing requirements and be properly authorized per FCC
Part 15.
Note: If this module is intended for use in a portable device, you are responsible for
separate approval to satisfy the SAR requirements of FCC Part 2.1093 and IC RSS-102.
Note: Antennas should be designed before the industrial design is finished to make sure that the
best antennas can be developed
Antenna system (LTE) External multi-band 2x2 If Ant2 includes GNSS, then it must also satisfy
MIMO antenna system (Ant1/ requirements in Table A-2 on page 67.
Ant2)b
(3G) External multi-band antenna
system with diversity (Ant1/Ant2)c
VSWR of Ant1 and Ant2 • < 2:1 (recommended) On all bands including band edges
• < 3:1 (worst case)
Total radiated efficiency of > 50% on all bands • Measured at the RF connector.
Ant1 and Ant2 • 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.
Maximum antenna gain Must not exceed antenna gains See Important Compliance Information for the
due to RF exposure and ERP/ United States and Canada on page 62.
EIRP limits, as listed in the
module’s FCC grant.
Isolation between Ant1 and > 10 dB • If antennas can be moved, test all
Ant2 (S21) positions for both antennas.
• Make sure all other wireless devices
(Bluetooth or WLAN antennas, etc.) are
turned OFF to avoid interference.
a. 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) 50 ohm system. 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.
b. Ant1—Primary, Ant2—Secondary (Diversity/MIMO/GNSS)
c. Ant1—Primary, Ant2—Secondary (Diversity/GNSS)
Free space average gain > -6 dBi (preferably > -3 dBi) Gv and Gh are measured
(Gv+Gh) over FOV and averaged over -45° to
+90° in elevation, and ±180°
in azimuth.
Antenna Tests
The following guidelines apply to the requirements described in Table A-1 on page 65 and
Table A-2 on page 67:
• Perform electrical measurements at room temperature (+20°C to +26°C) unless
otherwise specified
• For main and diversity path antennas, make sure the antennas (including contact
device, coaxial cable, connectors, and matching circuit with no more than six compo-
nents, if required) have nominal impedances of 50 across supported frequency
bands.
Note: Additional testing, including active performance tests, mechanical, and accelerated life tests
can be discussed with Sierra Wireless’ engineering services. Contact your Sierra Wireless repre-
sentative for assistance.
Note: This is NOT an exhaustive list of design considerations. It is expected that you will employ
good design practices and engineering principles in your integration.
Component placement
If an ESD suppressor is not used on the host device, allow space on the SIM connector SIM Implementation on
for series resistors in layout. (Up to 100 may be used depending on ESD testing page 31
requirements).
Minimize RF cable losses as these affect performance values listed in product RF Connections on page 37
specification documents.
Antennas
If installing UMTS and CDMA modules in the same device, consider using separate Antenna and Cabling on
antennas for maximum performance. page 38
Power
Make sure the power supply can handle the maximum current specified for the module Power Consumption on
type. page 48
Limit the total impedance of VCC and GND connections to the SIM at the connector to SIM Implementation on
less than 1 (including any trace impedance and lumped element components— page 31
inductors, filters, etc.). All other lines must have a trace impedance less than 2 .
Decouple the VCC line close to the SIM socket. The longer the trace length SIM Implementation on
(impedance) from socket to module, the greater the capacitance requirement to meet page 31
compliance tests.
EMI / ESD
Investigate sources of localized interference early in the design cycle. Methods to Mitigate Decreased
Rx Performance on page 40
Provide ESD protection for the SIM connector at the exposed contact point (in SIM Implementation on
particular, the CLK, VCC, IO, and RESET# lines). page 31
Keep very low capacitance traces on the UIM_DATA and UIM_CLK signals. SIM Implementation on
page 31
To minimize noise leakage, establish a very good ground connection between the Ground Connection on page 39
module and host.
Route cables away from noise sources (for example, power supplies, LCD assemblies, Methods to Mitigate Decreased
etc.). Rx Performance on page 40
Shield high RF-emitting components of the host device (for example, main processor, Methods to Mitigate Decreased
parallel bus, etc.). Rx Performance on page 40
Use discrete filtering on low frequency lines to filter out unwanted high-order harmonic Methods to Mitigate Decreased
energy. Rx Performance on page 40
Use multi-layer PCBs to form shielding layers around high-speed clock traces. Methods to Mitigate Decreased
Rx Performance on page 40
Thermal
Test to worst case operating conditions—temperature, voltage, and operation mode Thermal Considerations on
(transmitter on 100% duty cycle, maximum power). page 60
Use appropriate techniques to reduce module temperatures (for example, airflow, heat Thermal Considerations on
sinks, heat-relief tape, module placement, etc.). page 60
Make sure the host USB driver supports remote wakeup, resume, and suspend [4] AirCard/AirPrime USB
operations, and serial port emulation. Driver Developer’s Guide
(Doc# 2130634)
When no valid data is being sent, do not send SOF tokens from the host (causes [4] AirCard/AirPrime USB
unnecessary power consumption). Driver Developer’s Guide
(Doc# 2130634)
Note: All AirPrime embedded modules are factory-tested to ensure they conform to published
product specifications.
Acceptance Testing
Note: Acceptance testing is typically performed for each shipment received.
When you receive a shipment from Sierra Wireless, you should make sure it is suitable
before beginning production.
From a random sampling of units, test that:
• Units are operational
• Units are loaded with the correct firmware version
Certification Testing
Note: Typically, certification testing of your device with the integrated module is required one time
only.
Production Testing
Note: Production testing typically continues for the life of the product.
Production testing ensures that, for each assembled device, the module is installed
correctly (I/O signals are passed between the host and module), and the antenna is
connected and performing to specifications (RF tests).
Typical items to test include:
• Host connectivity
• Baseband (host/module connectors)
• RF assembly (Tx and/or Rx, as appropriate)
• Network availability
• Host/device configuration issues
Note: The number and types of tests to perform are your decision—the tests listed in this section
are guidelines only. Make sure that the tests you perform exercise functionality to the degree that
your situation requires.
Use an appropriate test station for your testing environment (see Acceptance Test
Requirements on page 71 for suggestions) and use AT commands to control the
integrated module.
Note: Your test location must be protected from ESD to avoid interference with the module and
antenna(s), assuming that your test computer is in a disassembled state.
Also, consider using an RF shielding box—local government regulations may prohibit unauthorized
transmissions.
5. Make sure your modem is connected and running, and then establish contact with the
module:
· Windows systems: Use a terminal emulation/communications program such as
Microsoft HyperTerminal® to connect to the Sierra Wireless modem (see listings in
Step 4):
a. Start HyperTerminal.
b. Select File > Connection Description. The Connection Description dialog box
appears.
i. Type Sierra in the Name box and click OK. The Connect To dialog box
appears.
ii. Click OK without changing any of the displayed information. The Connect
dialog box appears.
iii. Click Cancel.
iv. Type ATZ in the HyperTerminal window. If the connection is established, the
message OK appears.
6. Display the firmware version:
· AT+GMR
7. Test the LED—Set the LED in blinking mode using this command, then visually verify
that the LED turns off and on:
· AT!LDTEST=0,0 (LED on)
· AT!LDTEST=0,1 (LED off)
Note: This procedure segment is performed in Step 11 of the Production Test Procedure on
page 74.
The suggested test procedure that follows uses the parameters in Table 3-1.
a. Channel value used by the !DARCONFIG command (!DARCONFIG uses uplink (Tx) channel at
the center of the corresponding band (rounded down), for both Tx and Rx testing).
b. Either 15 (WCDMA1900A) or 16 (WCDMA1900B) may be used for testing.
Note: This procedure describes steps using the "Power Meter: Gigatronics 8651A” (with
Option 12 and Power Sensor 80701A).
a. Make sure the meter has been given sufficient time to warm up, if necessary, to
enable it to take accurate measurements.
b. Zero-calibrate the meter.
c. Enable MAP mode.
2. Prepare the DUT using the following AT commands:
a. AT!ENTERCND=”<password>” (Unlock extended AT command set.)
b. AT!DAFTMACT (Enter test mode.)
c. AT!DARCONFIG=0,1,<bandValue>,<channel>
(e.g. AT!DARCONFIG=0,1,2,9400)
(Set frequency band and channel.
See Table 3-1 for values.)
d. AT!DAWTXCONTROL=1,<power_dBm>
(e.g. AT!DAWTXCONTROL=1,10)
(Enable Tx power output.
<power_dBm> = -57.0 to 23.0)
e. Take the measurement.
f. Repeat steps c–e with different Tx power levels if needed.
g. AT!DAWTXCONTROL=0 (Disable Tx power output.)
h. AT!DARCONFIGDROP=1 (Drop the current UMTS configuration.)
3. Test limits—Run ten or more good DUTs through this test procedure to obtain a
nominal output power value.
· Apply a tolerance of 5 to 6 dB to each measurement (assuming a good setup
design).
· Monitor these limits during mass-production ramp-up to determine if further adjust-
ments are needed.
Note: The module has a nominal output power of +23 dBm 1 dB in WCDMA mode. However, the
value measured by the power meter is significantly influenced (beyond the stated 1 dB output
power tolerance) by the test setup (host RF cabling loss, antenna efficiency and pattern, test
antenna efficiency and pattern, and choice of shield box).
Note: When doing the same test over the air in an RF chamber, values are likely to be significantly
lower.
Note: This procedure segment is performed in Step 11 of the Production Test Procedure on
page 74.
The suggested test procedure that follows uses the parameters in Table 3-2..
a. Channel value used by the !DARCONFIG command (!DARCONFIG uses uplink (Tx) channel at
the center of the corresponding band (rounded down), for both Tx and Rx testing).
Note: This procedure describes steps using the "Power Meter: Gigatronics 8651A” (with
Option 12 and Power Sensor 80701A).
a. Make sure the meter has been given sufficient time to warm up, if necessary, to
enable it to take accurate measurements.
b. Zero-calibrate the meter.
c. Enable MAP mode.
2. Prepare the DUT using the following AT commands:
a. AT!ENTERCND=”<password>” (Unlock extended AT command set.)
b. AT!DAFTMACT (Enter test mode.)
c. AT!DARCONFIG=0,3,<bandValue>,<channel>,<lte_bw>
(e.g. AT!DARCONFIG=0,3,1,18300,3)
(Set frequency band and channel. See Table 3-1
for values. <lte_bw>: 0 (1.4 MHz), 1 (3 MHz),
2 (5 MHz), 3 (10 MHz), 4 (15 MHz), 5(20 MHz))
d. AT!DALTXCONTROL=0,1,<tx_pwr>,<waveform>,<mod>,<ns_val>,<num_RB>,<start_RB>
(e.g. AT!DALTXCONTROL=0,1,10,1,0,1,12,19)
(Set LTE Tx power level, waveform, modulation
and NS value. Programs PA range, LUT index,
and digital gain to reach Tx power level with
power limiting enabled.)
e. Take the measurement.
f. Repeat steps c–e with different Tx power levels if desired.
g. AT!DALTXCONTROL=0,0 (Disable Tx power control.)
h. AT!DARCONFIGDROP=3 (Drop the current LTE configuration.)
3. Test limits—Run ten or more good DUTs through this test procedure to obtain a
nominal output power value.
· Apply a tolerance of 5 to 6 dB to each measurement (assuming a good setup
design).
· Monitor these limits during mass-production ramp-up to determine if further adjust-
ments are needed.
Note: The module has a nominal output power of +23 dBm 1 dB in LTE mode. However, the value
measured by the power meter is significantly influenced (beyond the stated 1 dB output power
tolerance) by the test setup (host RF cabling loss, antenna efficiency and pattern, test antenna
efficiency and pattern, and choice of shield box).
Note: When doing the same test over the air in an RF chamber, values are likely to be significantly
lower.
Note: This procedure segment is performed in Step 12 of Production Test Procedure on page 74.
The suggested test procedure that follows uses the parameters in Table 3-3.
Note: This procedure describes steps using the Agilent 8648C signal generator—the
Rohde & Schwarz SML03 is shown for reference only.
Warning: The maximum RF power level allowable on any RF port is +10dBm—damage may
occur if this level is exceeded.
· Make sure the measurement is made at a high enough level that it is not influenced
by DUT-generated and ambient noise.
· The Signal Generator power level can be adjusted and new limits found if the
radiated test needs greater signal strength.
· Monitor these limits during mass-production ramp-up to determine if further adjust-
ments are needed.
Note: The value measured from the DUT is significantly influenced by the test setup and DUT
design (host RF cabling loss, antenna efficiency and pattern, test antenna efficiency and pattern,
and choice of shield box).
Note: This procedure segment is performed in Step 12 of the Production Test Procedure on
page 74.
The suggested test procedure that follows uses the parameters in Table 3-4.
To test the DUT’s receive path (or diversity path, while connected to the diversity
antenna):
1. Set up the signal generator:
Note: This procedure describes steps using the Agilent 8648C signal generator—the
Rohde & Schwarz SML03 is shown for reference only.
Warning: The maximum RF power level allowable on any RF port is +10dBm—damage may
occur if this level is exceeded.
Note: The value measured from the DUT is significantly influenced by the test setup and DUT
design (host RF cabling loss, antenna efficiency and pattern, test antenna efficiency and pattern,
and choice of shield box).
4. Take several more !DACGPSCTON readings. This will demonstrate a 'bad' signal in
order to set limits for testing, if needed. This frequency offset should fall outside of the
guidelines in the note below, which indicates that the CtoN result is invalid.
5. (Optional) Turn the signal generator on again, and reduce the level to -120dBm. Take
more !DACGPSCTON readings and use these as a reference for what a marginal/poor
signal would be.
Note: The response to AT!DACGPSCTON for a good connection should show CtoN within 58 +/-
5dB and Freq (frequency offset) within 100000 Hz +/- 5000 Hz .
The quality assurance tests that you perform on your finished products should be
designed to verify the performance and quality of your devices.
The following are some testing suggestions that can confirm that the antenna is interfaced
properly, and that the RF module is calibrated and performs to specifications:
• Module registration on cellular networks
• Power consumption
• Originate and terminate data and voice (if applicable) calls
• Cell hand-off
• Transmitter and receiver tests
• FER (Frame Error Rate) as an indicator of receiver sensitivity/performance
• Channel and average power measurements to verify that the device is transmitting
within product specifications
• RF sensitivity tests
• RF sensitivity testing—BER/BLER for different bands and modes
• Transmitter and receiver tests (based on relevant sections of the 3GPP TS51010 and
3GPP 34121 documents)
IOT/Operator Testing
Interoperability and Operator/Carrier testing of the finished system is the responsibility of
the OEM. The test process will be determined with the chosen network operator(s) and
will be dependent upon your business relationship with them, as well as the product's
application and sales channel strategy.
Sierra Wireless offers assistance to OEMs with the testing process, if required.
Password commands
Diagnostic commands
Test commands
Note: It is highly recommended to have a thermocouple measuring the air temperature around
the module inside the platform, which will be close to the module’s board temperature.
4. Set up a call with the use case for the platform (throughput rate, output power, duty
cycle) on the worst-case band.
Note: The worst case band for power consumption and thermals is a 3CA call with PCC LTE
Band 66 (20 MHz) and SCC any bands (20 MHz + 20 MHz). For example, Sierra Wireless tests
using B66+B2+B66.
5. Observe the ramp in board temperature due to the call, and confirm whether the
overall system performance still meets customer requirements.
6. Use AT!TMSTATUS? to check the module’s thermal mitigation status (see [2] AirPrime
EM75xx AT Command Reference (Doc# 41111748) for details).
7. Increase the platform’s ambient temperature to determine the margin that exists over
the desired temperature specifications as subsequent mitigation methods activate
(e.g. UL data rate throttled, DL throughput throttled (third and second CA dropped),
UL power reduced, Emergency Service).
System connector
Detail A
See Detail A
The tray cover is secured to the tray base with ESD-safe tape (EP1) at the locations
indicated. The tray is placed in a manufacturing box(B1), sealed with a security tape (P1),
a manufacturing label (L3) is placed on the bottom-right corner, above the security tape,
and if required a label (L4) is applied beside the manufacturing label. (See Figure 5-2.)
If required
(SKU-specific)
Command Documents
[1] AT Command Set for User Equipment (UE) (Release 6) (Doc# 3GPP TS 27.007)
[2] AirPrime EM75xx AT Command Reference (Doc# 41111748)
Industry/Other Documents
The following non-Sierra Wireless references are not included in your documentation
package:
[5] FCC Regulations - Part 15 - Radio Frequency Devices
[6] IEC-61000-4-2 level 3 (Electrostatic Discharge Immunity Test)
[7] Mobile Station (MS) Conformance Specification; Part 4: Subscriber Interface Module
(Doc# 3GPP TS 11.10-4)
[8] PCI Express NGFF (M.2) Electromechanical Specification Revision 1.0
[9] Universal Serial Bus Specification, Rev 2.0
[10] Universal Serial Bus Specification, Rev 3.0
[11] JESD22-A114-B
[12] JESD22-C101
[13]MIPI Alliance Specification for RF Front-End Control Interface
CS Circuit-switched
CW Continuous waveform
dBm A logarithmic (base 10) measure of relative power (dB for decibels); relative to
milliwatts (m). A dBm value will be 30 units (1000 times) larger (less negative) than a
dBW value, because of the difference in scale (milliwatts vs. watts).
firmware Software stored in ROM or EEPROM; essential programs that remain even when the
system is turned off. Firmware is easier to change than hardware but more permanent
than software stored on disk.
FOTA Firmware Over The Air—Technology used to download firmware upgrades directly
from the service provider, over the air.
FSN Factory Serial Number—A unique serial number assigned to the mini card during
manufacturing.
Galileo A European system that uses a series of satellites in middle earth orbit to provide
navigational data.
GLONASS Global Navigation Satellite System—A Russian system that uses a series of 24
satellites in middle circular orbit to provide navigational data.
GNSS Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, and Galileo)
Hz Hertz = 1 cycle/second
IF Intermediate Frequency
IS Interim Standard.
After receiving industry consensus, the TIA forwards the standard to ANSI for approval.
LTE Long Term Evolution—a high-performance air interface for cellular mobile
communication systems.
MIMO Multiple Input Multiple Output—wireless antenna technology that uses multiple
antennas at both transmitter and receiver side. This improves performance.
NC No Connect
OEM Original Equipment Manufacturer—a company that manufactures a product and sells it
to a reseller.
packet A short, fixed-length block of data, including a header, that is transmitted as a unit in a
communications network.
RF Radio Frequency
RI Ring Indicator
roaming A cellular subscriber is in an area where service is obtained from a cellular service
provider that is not the subscriber’s provider.
Sensitivity (Audio) Measure of lowest power signal that the receiver can measure.
SIMO Single Input Multiple Output—smart antenna technology that uses a single antenna at
the transmitter side and multiple antennas at the receiver side. This improves
performance and security.
SISO Single Input Single Output—antenna technology that uses a single antenna at both the
transmitter side and the receiver side.
SKU Stock Keeping Unit—identifies an inventory item: a unique code, consisting of numbers
or letters and numbers, assigned to a product by a retailer for purposes of identification
and inventory control.
UE User Equipment
G
M
gain
GNSS, 67 mean effective gain, 66
maximum, 62, 66 mean effective gain imbalance, 66
mean effective, 66 mechanical specifications, 57– 59
mean effective imbalance, 66 MIB, 16
GNSS modem features, 16
antenna specifications, recommended, 65, 67 module
GPS power states, 50– 52
features supported, 17
specifications, 47
GPS_DISABLE#, 19, 32, 33 N
ground specifications, 27
NAS/AS security, 16
grounding
noise
connection considerations, 39
leakage, minimizing, 39
RF interference, power supply, 54
H
host interface O
pin assignments, 22
OEM
humidity specifications, 57
assistance with testing, 85
labeling, 59
I operator/carrier testing, 85
ordering information, 18
I/O rise time requirements, 31
impedance
module–antenna, 38 P
SIM, 31
packaging, 89
industry approvals, 62
paging procedures, 16
integration requirements, 18
PCB
interface
multi-layer, shielding for RF desense, 40
control interface, 32
PDN connections, multiple, 16
feature summary, 15
pin assignments, host interface, 22
host, pin assignments, 22
PMI, 16
QMI, 56
polarization, 67
SIM, 29
position location, 17
software, 56
power
USB, 28
design checklist, 69
interference
handling, 66
device generated, 40
power-up timing, 53
host-generated, 40
ramp-up timing, 52
power supply noise, 54
state machines, 51
wireless devices, 39
states, module, 50– 52
Interoperability testing, 85
supply, RF interference, 54
intra-LTE mobility, 16
supply, ripple limit, 54
IOT testing, 85
power consumption, DC
iRAT, 16
averaged call mode, 49
isolation, 66, 67
averaged standby, 48
power off signal, 19
L power specifications, 27
power tolerances, conducted Tx, 46
labeling, 59 Product Support Tool, QUALCOMM (QPST), 56
LED production tests, 73
example, 36 PSS, 16
LED output, 19, 32, 35
Q shielding
module, compliance, 37
QMI interface, 56 reducing RF desense, 40
QPST (QUALCOMM Product Support Tool), 56 shock specifications, 57
QUALCOMM Product Support Tool (QPST), 56 SIB, 16
quality assurance tests, 84 signals, 32
QXDM support, 56 Full_Card_Power_Off#, 34
RESET#, 34
WWAN_LED#, 35
R SIM
capacitor recommendations, 32
radiated efficiency, total, 65
card contacts, 28, 31
radiated sensitivity measurement, 41
clock rate, 31
radiated spurious emissions, 40 connector, required, 18
radiation patterns, 66
electrical specifications, 31
references, 91
impedance, connectors, 31
regulatory approvals, 62 interface, 29
regulatory information, ??– 64
interface diagram, 30
FCC, 62
operation, 31– 32
reset SIM Detect, 19
timing, 53
Smart Error Detection
RESET#, 19, 34
detecting module reset, 55
resistors, external pull-up, 31 SMS features, 17
RF
Snow 3G/AES security, 16
antenna cable loss, maximum, 37
software interface, 56
antenna connection, considerations, 37
specifications
connectors, required, 17 electrical, 19
desense
environmental specifications, 57– 59
device-generated, 40
GPS, 47
harmonic energy, filtering, 40 mechanical, 57– 59
mitigation suggestions, 40
RF, 37–??
shielding suggestions, 40
SSS, 16
interference standalone mode, GPS/GLONASS, 17
other devices, 40
standby DC power consumption, averaged, 48
power supply, 54
state machines, 51
wireless devices, 39 support
RF bands supported
testing assistance by Sierra Wireless, 84
summary, 12
tools, 56
LTE, 42, 43, 75, 77, 79, 81 system acquisition, 16
RF block diagram, expanded, 21, 22
system block diagram, 20
RF specifications, 37–??
RI, 16
RSE, 40 T
Rx sensitivity
conducted, 45, 46 temperature specifications, 57
temperature, module. See thermal
testing
S overview, 71
acceptance tests, 71
sales assistance provided by Sierra Wireless, 84
ordering, 18
certification tests, 72
SAR backoff, 55
equipment, suggested, 84
SDKs available, 56 interoperability and operator/carrier testing, 85
SED
manual functional test, suggested, 73
see Smart Error Detection
production tests, 73
See also GPS_DISABLE#, 33 quality assurance tests, 84
See also W_DISABLE#, 33
RF receive path, LTE, 81
sensitivity
RF receive path, UMTS, 79
conducted, RF parameter, 45, 46 RF transmission path, LTE, 77
defined, 41
RF transmission path, UMTS, 75
radiated measurement, overview, 41
suggestions, 71–??
testing, overview, 41
thermal
considerations, 60– 61
design checklist, 70
dissipation, factors affecting, 60
dissipation, suggestions, 61
testing, module, 61
timing
power ramp-up, 52
power-up, 53
reset, 53
USB enumeration, 53
top view, 58
tracking session
automatic, 17
standalone, 17
Tx power tolerances, conducted, 46
U
UMTS
3GPP compliance, 62
USB
drivers, user-developed, 29
high / full speed throughput performance, 29
interface, 28
USB enumeration timing, 53
USB3
design checklist, 69
V
vibration specifications, 57
VSWR, 65, 67
W
W_DISABLE#, 19, 32, 33
WAKE_ON_WAN#, 19
Wireless Disable, 32
Wireless Disable (GNSS), 33
Wireless Disable (Main RF), 33
WWAN_LED#, 32, 35
Z
ZIF (Zero Intermediate Frequency), 39