BlackBerry R6420GN User Manual

RIM GPRS Radio Modem

1902G, 1902GS, 1802G, 1802GS

Integrator Guide

Version 1.0

RIM GPRS Radio Modem 1902G, 1902GS, 1802G, 1802GS Integrator Guide Last revised: 05 March 2002

Part number: PDF-04522-001 Rev1

The information in this document is RIM confidential and is for internal distribution only.

© 1997-2002 Research In Motion Limited. All Rights Reserved. The BlackBerry and RIM families of related marks, images and symbols are the exclusive properties of Research In Motion Limited. RIM, Research In Motion, ‘Always On, Always Connected’, the “envelope in motion” symbol and the BlackBerry logo are registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and may be pending or registered in other countries. All other brands, product names, company names, trademarks and service marks are the properties of their respective owners.

The handheld and/or associated software are protected by copyright, international treaties and various patents, including one or more of the following U.S. patents: 6,278,442; 6,271,605; 6,219,694; 6,075,470; 6,073,318; D445,428; D433,460; D416,256. Other patents are registered or pending in various countries around the world. Visit www.rim.net/patents.shtml for a current listing of applicable patents.

While every effort has been made to ensure technical accuracy, information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on the part of Research In Motion Limited, or any of its subsidiaries, affiliates, agents, licensors, or resellers.

Research In Motion Limited

295 Phillip Street

Waterloo, ON N2L 3W8

Canada

Research In Motion Europe

Centrum House, 36 Station Road

Egham, Surrey TW20 9LF

United Kingdom

Produced in Canada

NOTE

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Contents
CHAPTER 1	About this guide ............................................................................	9
	Related documentation ..................................................................	9
CHAPTER 2	Introduction to the RIM GPRS Radio Modem ............................	11
	Applications...........................................................................	12
	Radio performance................................................................	13
	Receiver sensitivity ...............................................................	13
	Noise immunity.....................................................................	13
	Powerful and efficient transmitter......................................	14
	Small size................................................................................	14
	GPRS network technology...........................................................	14
CHAPTER 3	Getting Started ............................................................................	17
	Working with RIM........................................................................	17
	Integration overview ....................................................................	18
	Contact the RIM OEM team ................................................	19
	Obtain Integrator's Kit..........................................................	19
	Read the Integrator's Guide.................................................	19
	Obtain SIM .............................................................................	19
	Activate GPRS account.........................................................	19
	Contact Certification Labs ...................................................	19
	Start Development ................................................................	20
	Develop Software..................................................................	20
	Develop an Antenna .............................................................	20
	Develop a Power Supply......................................................	20
	Complete PCB and Remaining Development...................	20
	Conduct Field Trials .............................................................	21
	Perform Certification............................................................	21
	Pilot/Beta Release ..................................................................	21
	Final Release ..........................................................................	21

CHAPTER 4	Setting up the test board ............................................................	23
	Test board overview .....................................................................	23
	RS-232 interface .....................................................................	24
	On/off switch .........................................................................	24
	Test points ..............................................................................	24
	Power supply.........................................................................	24
	LED indicators.......................................................................	24
	Standard SIM Slot .................................................................	25
	Microphone/Speaker Jack ....................................................	25
	Connecting the test board ............................................................	25
	Connecting the test board to the radio...............................	25
	Connecting the SIM to the radio .........................................	26
	Connecting the test board to the computer.......................	26
	Inserting the SIM card ..........................................................	26
	Connecting the test board to an AC outlet........................	27
	Connecting the antenna to the radio ..................................	27
	Turning on the system..........................................................	27
CHAPTER 5	Integrating the radio modem .....................................................	29
	Environmental properties............................................................	29
	Storage temperature .....................................................................	29
	Operating temperature.................................................................	30
	Physical properties........................................................................	30
	Weight.....................................................................................	30
	Dimensions ............................................................................	30
	Mounting methods .......................................................................	31
	Bolts or standoffs...................................................................	32
	Tie wraps ................................................................................	33
	Permanent industrial adhesive ...........................................	33
	Cables and connectors..................................................................	33
	Radio interface cable and connector...................................	34
	SIM interface cable and connector......................................	34
	Antenna cable and connectors ............................................	36
CHAPTER 6	Power Requirements ...................................................................	39
	Load specifications........................................................................	39

	Power supply parameters....................................................	39
	Ripple specification...............................................................	40
	Batteries ..........................................................................................	40
	Rechargeable batteries..........................................................	41
	Single-use batteries ...............................................................	42
	Plug-in supplies.............................................................................	42
	Automotive supplies ....................................................................	42
CHAPTER 7	Interface specification.................................................................	45
	AT Commands ..............................................................................	46
	SIM Interface Pins .........................................................................	46
	Radio Interface Pins ......................................................................	48
	Overview ................................................................................	48
	Pin descriptions .....................................................................	49
	Turning the radio on and off .......................................................	53
	Turning the radio on.............................................................	53
	Turning the radio off ............................................................	53
	Resetting the Radio ...............................................................	54
	Loading firmware (optional).......................................................	54
CHAPTER 8	Antenna selection........................................................................	57
	Selecting an antenna .....................................................................	57
	Antenna requirements..................................................................	58
	Introduction to antenna terminology.........................................	58
	Gain and ERP.........................................................................	58
	Impedance matching, return loss, and VSWR..................	59
	Antenna size ..........................................................................	60
	Antenna design considerations...................................................	60
	Vertical polarization .............................................................	60
	Proximity to active electronics ............................................	61
	Transmit interference ...........................................................	61
	Device position ......................................................................	61
	Antenna cable ........................................................................	62
	Additional notes....................................................................	62
	Shielding.........................................................................................	63

CHAPTER 9	Specifications...............................................................................	65
	Power supply & typical current usage...............................	65
	RF properties..........................................................................	65
	Serial communications .........................................................	65
	Other features ........................................................................	66
	Mechanical & environmental properties ...................................	66
CHAPTER 10	Glossary ........................................................................................	67
	Index .............................................................................................	71

Chapter 1

About this guide

This guide explains how to integrate the RIM GPRS Radio Modem into a variety of devices such as laptop computers, handhelds, vending machines, point-of-sale terminals, vehiclebased mobile terminals, and alarm systems.

This guide includes the following topics:

•integration overview

•test board overview

•mounting requirements

•power (battery) requirements

•interfacing to the RIM radio modem

•antenna selection and placement

Throughout the guide, there are suggestions and precautions that can ease the implementation of a wireless communication solution. To discuss the technical integration of this radio modem, contact RIM at [e-mail].

Related documentation

The Integrator’s Kit also includes the RIM GPRS Radio Modem AT Command Reference, which lists the AT commands that apply to the RIM GPRS Radio Modem.

About this guide

10	RIM GPRS Radio Modem

Chapter 2

Introduction to the RIM GPRS Radio Modem

With the introduction of the RIM GPRS Radio Modem, RIM sets a new standard for radio modem performance. Its small size and weight makes it suitable for virtually any wireless data and voice application, including handheld devices and mobile terminals. Its multislot class allows for the highest possible download rates allowed using a single receiver on a GPRS network.

The RIM GPRS Radio Modem consists of the following models:

•1902G

•1902GS

•1802G

•1802GS

Introduction to the RIM GPRS Radio Modem

Model	Description
1902G	This model was designed for use with GPRS and GSM wide-area wireless
	data/voice networks operating in the 1900 and 850 MHz range in the
	United States, including VoiceStream Wireless and Cingular Interactive. It
	is identical to the 1902GS, but has an off-board SIM card.
1902GS	This model was designed for use with GPRS and GSM wide-area wireless
	data/voice networks operating in the 1900 and 850 MHz range in the
	United States, including VoiceStream Wireless and Cingular Interactive. It
	is identical to the 1902G, but has an on-board SIM card.
1802G	This model was designed for use with GPRS and GSM wide-area wireless
	voice and data networks operating in the 1800 MHz and 900 MHz
	ranges. It is identical to the 1802GS, but has an off-board SIM card.
1802GS	This model was designed for use with GPRS and GSM wide-area wireless
	voice and data networks operating in the 1800 MHz and 900 MHz
	ranges. It is identical to the 1802G, but has an on-board SIM card.

Applications

RIM radio modems are designed to integrate easily into a computing device. Potential applications include:

•laptop computers

•vehicle tracking

•point-of-sale devices

•monitoring and telemetry

•ruggedized terminals

•vending machines

•handheld computers

•utility meters

•parking meters

•billboards

•dispatching

•security alarm panels

12	RIM GPRS Radio Modem

Introduction to the RIM GPRS Radio Modem

Radio performance

The RIM GPRS Radio Modem offers very high radio performance for use with GPRS wireless data networks.

Receiver sensitivity

Receiver sensitivity is a measure of how well the radio modem can receive and decode data from a network base station. This figure is important when a device is used in areas where signal strength is weak, such as inside buildings and in locations that are not close to a base station. A radio modem with good receiver sensitivity can be used in more places than a radio modem with poor receiver sensitivity.

Preliminary indications suggest the RIM GPRS Radio Modem has a receiver sensitivity of approximately -107 dBm at 0.01 BER. This means that the radio can interpret received data from a very weak signal (approximately 0.03 picowatt) with a 1% bit error rate. Final values are yet to be determined.

Note: 1% is an industry standard error rate used to define sensitivity, and does not indicate that 1% of the data passed by the radio to the application is corrupted.

Noise immunity

The RIM GPRS Radio Modem is not desensitized by the electromagnetic interference (EMI) or “noise” generated by the electronics of the terminal into which it is integrated. As a result, no special shielding is required between the radio and your device.

Noise immunity offers several key benefits:

•easier integration

•longer battery life

•increased reliability

•improved RF performance

•more coverage from each base station

•no need for special RF shielding

Integrator Guide

13

Introduction to the RIM GPRS Radio Modem

Powerful and efficient transmitter

When necessary, the RIM GPRS Radio Modem can supply a full 1.0 watt at 1900 MHz. However, the RIM GPRS Radio Modem quickly decreases the output power when it is close to a base station because a stronger signal is needed only when far from a base station. By transmitting a strong signal only when necessary, the RIM GPRS Radio Modem conserves battery power and ensures a balanced link.

Preliminary results indicate that the RIM GPRS Radio Modem provides reliable transmit efficiency across the entire operating voltage range of 3.5 to 4.75 volts. As a result, batteries can be used even when nearing depletion. This also maximizes the radio coverage area throughout the life of the battery. Final numbers are yet to be determined.

Small size

Because of its single board design, the RIM GPRS Radio Modem is very thin, and at only 42.0 by 67.5 mm, is smaller than a business card. This tiny size allows the RIM GPRS Radio Modem to meet tight space requirements within most applications. Its single-board design is more reliable than multi-board designs, particularly in high-vibration environments (such as vehicles) or in devices that can be dropped (such as handheld devices).

GPRS network technology

The Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM), first deployed by Oy Radiolinja Ab of Finland in 1992, has become the international voice communication standard. The General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) supplement to the GSM network was first proposed in 1992 in order to converge telecom and datacom. The result has been well received. For further information on GSM and GPRS, please visit http://www.gsm.org.

GPRS is a packet switched overlay to the circuit switched GSM network. This gives a mobile device the ability to be “always on”. GPRS allows for a theoretical maximum transfer speed of 171.2 kbps. It is also IP-based, making a mobile device Internet aware.

GPRS networks are deployed worldwide. There are currently 172 countries with deployed GSM networks. These networks can be enabled to perform GPRS communication with the addition of two hardware devices and a software

14	RIM GPRS Radio Modem

Introduction to the RIM GPRS Radio Modem

upgrade. Many GSM network providers have already supplemented their networks with GPRS capability. GPRS technology is deployed or in the process of being deployed in the following countries:

Australia	Germany	Luxembourg	Singapore
Austria	Greece	Malaysia	Slovenia
Belgium	Hong Kong	Malta	South Africa
Canada	Hungary	Netherlands	Spain
China	Iceland	New Zealand	Sweden
Croatia	Ireland	Norway	Switzerland
Czech Republic	Israel	Philippines	Taiwan
Denmark	Italy	Poland	Turkey
Estonia	Lebanon	Portugal	United Arab
			Emirates
Finland	Liechtenstein	Romania	United Kingdom
French W. Indies	Lithuania	Russia	United States

Note: The RIM 1902G and 1902GS models are compatible with networks in North America that operate in the 1900 and 850 MHz range.

The RIM 1802G and 1802GS models are compatible with networks, usually in Europe, that operate in the 1800 and 900 MHz range.

Integrator Guide

15

Introduction to the RIM GPRS Radio Modem

16	RIM GPRS Radio Modem

Chapter 3

Getting Started

RIM is committed to facilitating RIM GPRS Radio Modem integration. RIM provides resources for you to evaluate the feasibility of implementing a wireless communication solution and works closely with partners to develop an application in the shortest time possible.

The Integrator’s Kit includes several tools to help streamline the evaluation and integration process. Using the kit, you can quickly interface the radio modem to your computing device.

Note: The radio modem that is part of the Integrator’s Kit is not activated on the GPRS network until a SIM card, which has been activated for GPRS communication, is attached to the device through the proper lines. Contact your GPRS network provider to obtain a SIM card and activate the radio modem.

Working with RIM

RIM has an experienced team to help you with design and implementation. If you need help getting started, or if you have any questions about the radio technology or its integration into your platform, contact the engineering development team:

Phone: [phone] ext. 5200

Fax: [phone]

E-mail: [e-mail]

Web Site: http://www.rim.net/oem

Chapter 3: Getting Started

Integration overview

The following flowchart illustrates the integration process.

18	RIM GPRS Radio Modem

Integration overview

Contact the RIM OEM team

Email [e-mail] or call [phone] x5200 to obtain more information about RIM Radio Modem products and whether they are suitable for your application.

Obtain Integrator's Kit

You can request the Integrator’s Kit from Research In Motion. This kit includes the radio modem, a mechanical sample of the radio, an interface and test board, AC to DC power supply, required cables, magnetic mount antenna, and documentation.

Read the Integrator's Guide

Read the Integrator Guide first to ensure that you follow proper procedures to prevent unnecessary delays and damage to equipment. This guide explains topics such as mounting requirements, battery power characteristics, interfaces to the RIM radio modem, and antenna selection and placement.

Obtain SIM

Contact the appropriate network provider to obtain a SIM card. For network contact information, visit http://www.rim.net/oem or contact RIM at [e-mail].

Activate GPRS account

Contact the appropriate network provider to activate the GPRS account. For network contact information, visit http://www.rim.net/oem or contact RIM at [e-mail].

Contact Certification Labs

Learn about obtaining FCC and/or Industry Canada certification. Radio frequency (RF) emitting products cannot be sold in the United States or Canada until you have the necessary government approvals. Understanding what you are permitted to do before beginning your design can save redesign costs later on.

Integrator Guide

19

Chapter 3: Getting Started

For more information on testing, visit http://www.rim.net/oem/ or contact the RIM at [e-mail].

Start Development

Plan your project carefully before starting development. You must address several important considerations when planning your design. To speed up the development process, you can often perform several procedures in parallel.

Contact RIM at [e-mail] for further details.

Develop Software

RIM will help if you encounter any problems with the communication between the offboard processor and the radio.

Develop an Antenna

Several antennas have been certified for use with the RIM radio modem. Refer to the Integrator's Guide for details. If these antennas do not meet your needs, start developing an antenna for use with the final product. Please refer to the Integrator's Guide for guidelines on antenna development. In addition, contact RIM for general assistance and for recommendations of antenna companies that can provide further assistance.

Develop a Power Supply

Start developing the power supply for the product. Refer to the Integrator's Guide for guidelines on the strict power requirements of the RIM radio modem. Contact RIM at [e-mail] for further details on power requirements, guidelines for power supply development, and recommendations of power supply companies that can provide further assistance.

Complete PCB and Remaining Development

Start developing the housing and Printed Circuit Board (PCB) for the product. Refer to the Integrator's Guide for guidelines on radio and antenna placement.

20	RIM GPRS Radio Modem

Integration overview

Conduct Field Trials

Start product field trials to ensure performance and reliability.

Perform Certification

Choose a testing lab to perform FCC or Industry Canada certification and any applicable network certification. Before sending your product for testing, contact RIM to ensure that the solution is set up properly for testing. For more information, visit http://www.rim.net/oem/.

Pilot/Beta Release

Contact RIM prior to beta release of the product, especially if the product has not been certified yet. There are very specific guidelines that must be followed to ensure legality of the release prior to certification.

Final Release

Congratulations on having completed the development process! Contact RIM if you encounter any obstacles related to the RIM radio modem. In addition, please provide regular updates to RIM on the progress of the release.

Integrator Guide

21

Chapter 3: Getting Started

22	RIM GPRS Radio Modem