BlackBerry R902M-2-O Revised copy of Integrator Manual
Integrator’s
Guide
RIM 902M
OEM Radio Modem
RIM 902M OEM Radio Modem Integrator’s Guide
Last Updated: January 11, 1999
Model No. R902M-2-O
© 1999, RESEARCH IN MOTION LIMITED
Research In Motion and RIM are registered trademarks of Research In Motion Ltd.
Mobitex is a trademark of the Swedish Telecommunications Administration.
MS-DOS is a registered trademark, and Windows is a trademark, of Microsoft Corp.
Warning: This document is for the use of licensed users only. Any unauthorised
copying, distribution or disclosure of information is a violation of copyright laws.
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.
Research In Motio n
295 Phillip Street
Waterloo, Ontario
Canada N2L 3W8
tel. (519) 888-7465
fax (519) 888-7884
E-mail: rim902m@rim.net
Web site: www.rim.net
MOBITEX Interface, specified
in Specification
LZBA 703 1001,
compatible equipment
FCC Compliance Statement (USA)
FCC Class B Part 15
This device com plies with Part 15 of FCC Rules. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference, and
2. This device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired operation.
Warning
Changes or modifications to this unit not express ly approved by the party
responsible for compliance could void the us er’s authority to operate this
equipment.
This equipment has been tes ted and found to com ply with the limits for a
Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. T hes e limits
are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses
and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the manufacture’s instructions, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications.
There is no guarantee, however, that interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment does c ause harmful interference
to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the
equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Re-orient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from
that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for
help.
Industry Canada Certification
This device complies with Industry Canada RSS 119, under certification number
TBD.
IC Class B compliance
This device complies with the Class B limits for radio noise emissions as set out
in the interference-causing equipment standard entitled “Digital Apparatus,”
ICES-003 of Industry Canada.
Contents
FCC Compliance Statement (USA)
Industry Canada Certification
..........................................i
.................................................ii
About this guide.......................................................................v
1. Introduction.................................................................1
Radio performance......................................................................... 1
Mobitex network technology.......................................................... 4
FCC radio frequency exposure rules .............................................. 5
2. Getting started.............................................................9
Test board overview..................................................................... 10
How to connect the test board...................................................... 11
The MENU diagnostics tool......................................................... 13
3. Mechanical integration .............................................21
Environmental properties............................................................. 21
Physical properties........................................................................ 22
Mounting methods........................................................................ 24
Cables and connectors.................................................................. 27
4. Power requirements.................................................. 31
Load specifications....................................................................... 31
Batteries........................................................................................ 32
Plug-in supplies............................................................................ 34
Automotive supplies..................................................................... 34
5. Interface specification...............................................35
MASC and RAP link-layer protocols........................................... 35
Pin descriptions............................................................................ 37
How to turn the radio on and off .................................................. 42
Interface to an RS-232 device...................................................... 43
Interface to microprocessor.......................................................... 43
6. Antenna selection.......................................................45
Selecting an antenna..................................................................... 45
Introduction to antenna terminology............................................. 46
Positioning the antenna................................................................. 48
Shielding....................................................................................... 49
Specifications......................................................................... 51
Glossary of terms................................................................... 53
Index.......................................................................................55
About this guide
This document is a guide to integrating the RIM 902M OEM radio modem into a
variety of devices such as laptop computers, handhelds, vending machines,
point-of-sale terminals, vehicle-based mobile terminals, and alarm system.
Topics covered in this guide include:
•
mounting requirements
•
power (battery) characteristics
•
interfacing to the RIM 902M
•
antenna selection and placement
Throughout the guide, there are suggestions and p recautions that will ease the
implementation of a wireless communication solution. These recommendations
are based on years of experience integrating wireless modems into a variety of
devices. You are welcome and encouraged to contact RIM if you would like to
discuss the technical implementation of this radio modem.
1
1.
Introduction
With the introduction of the RIM 902M, Research In Motion (RIM) has set a
new standard for radio modem performance. The RIM 902M is unrivalled in the
key areas of receiver sensitivity, output efficiency, noise immunity, and power
consumption. Its small size and weight make it suitable for virtually any wireless
data application, including handheld devices and mobile terminals.
The RIM 902M is designed for use with Mobitex wide-area wireless data
networks operating in the 900 MHz range, such as the BellSouth Intelligent
Wireless Network.
RIM radio modems are specifically designed to integrate easily into a computer
or other embedded system. Potential applications include:
•
Laptop computers
•
Point of sale devices
•
Ruggedized terminals
•
Handheld PC’s
•
Parking meters
•
Dispatching
Radio performance
The RIM 902M offers the highest performance of any radio modem for Mobitex
wireless data networks:
•
Vehicle tracking and location
•
Monitoring and telemetry
•
Vending machines
•
Utility meters
•
Billboards
•
Security alarm panels
2 Introduction – Radio performance
Receiver sensitivity
Receiver sensitivity is a measure of how well a radio modem can “hear” a
network base station. This figure is important when a device will be 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 sensitivity.
The RIM 902M has a receiver sensitivity of –118 dBm, or 0.0016 picowatts.
This is the strength of the weakest digital signal that can be interpreted with a
1% bit error rate. Although 1% may seem high, the sophisticated over-the-air
Mobitex protocol corrects these errors
application, ensuring error-free communication. This capability is already built
into the radio’s firmware, and does not require any additional software
development.
Noise immunity
The RIM 902M is not de-sensitized by the electromagnetic interference (EMI) or
“noise” that is 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.
before
the data is passed to the
Noise immunity offers several benefits, including:
•
easier integration
•
longer battery life
•
increased reliability
•
•
•
Powerful and efficient transmitter
When necessary, the RIM 902M can supply a full 2.0 watts to the antenna.
However, the RIM 902M quickly decreases the output power when it is close to
a base station − to as little as 0.06 watt – because a stronger signal is needed only
when far from a base station. By transmitting a strong signal only when
necessary, the RIM 902M conserves battery power.
The RIM 902M provides reliable transmit efficiency across the entire operating
voltage range of 4.15 to 4.75 volts. As a result, batteries can be used even when
nearing deplet ion. This also maximizes the radio coverage area througho ut the
life of the battery.
Integrator’s Guide – RIM 902M OEM Radio Modem
improved RF performance
more coverage from each base station
no need for special RF shielding
Introduction – Radio performance 3
Low power requirements
If you are planning to integrate the RIM 902M into a handheld or portable
device, battery life is a critical issue: your customers will insist on long lasting
devices without heavy battery packs. The RIM 902M sets a new power
consumption standard for Mobitex radio modems. This ensures efficiency and
maximizes battery life.
Transmitting data: 1.7 amps or less (at 4.5V), depending on output power
The transmitter is ON for a pulse of between 32 ms and 1 second per
packet, depending on the amount of data transmitted. The maximum packet
size for a Mobitex device is 512 bytes.
Receiving data: 60 mA (at 4.5V)
The radio turns its receiver ON for a 150 ms “window” once every 10
seconds. The base station will only attempt to communicate with the radio
during this window. To minimize latency during rapid two-way
communication, the receiver is also turned ON and kept ON for 10 seconds
after any communication (transmit or receive) with the network.
Standby power: 0.3 mA (at 4.5V)
Standby power consumption is very low and occurs when no radio activity
has taken place for at least 10 seconds. The radio and base station are
closely synchronized to ensure that a communication attempt is not missed
when the radio is in standby mode.
Battery life is not a concern for certain applications, such as in-vehicle
applications that draw power from the vehicle battery. For these applications, it
is possible to put the radio in an express operating mode, in which power
consumption is higher than normal but packet transfer latency is reduced to a
minimum.
Small size
Using a single board design, the RIM 902M is very thin, and much smaller than
a business card, at only 42.0 by 67.5 mm. This tiny size allows the RIM 902M to
meet tight space requirements within most applications. The fact that a single
board is used means that the device is much more reliable than multi-board
designs, part i cularly in high-vibrati on environments such as vehi cles.
RIM 902M OEM Radio Modem – Integrator’s Guide
4 Introduction – Mobitex network technology
Mobitex network technology
The Mobitex wireless network technology, developed by Eritel in 1984 for
Swedish Telecom, has become an international data communication standard.
Now managed by the Mobitex Operators Association (MOA), which controls the
specifications for this open standard, Mobitex is a secure, reliable, wireless
packet switching network specifically designed for wide-area wireless data
communications.
Mobitex networks are deployed around the world. The technology is presently
available in the following countries:
•
Australia
•
Austria
•
Belgium
•
Canada
•
Chile
•
Finland
•
France
Mobitex networks in the United States, Canada, Korea, Chile, and Venezuela
operate in the 900 MHz range, and are therefore directly compatible with the
RIM 902M OEM radio modem. Currently, Mobitex networks in other countries
operate at other frequencies, such as 400 MHz.
Mobitex provides highly reliable, two-way digital data transmission. The
network provides error detection and correction to ensure the integrity of the
data being sent and received, and includes transmission acknowledgment.
The Mobitex network has a hierarchical structure that allows messages to be
routed from sender to receiver along the most direct path possible. Each radio
cell is served by an intelligent base station. Because intelligence is distributed
throughout the network, data is only forwarded to the lowest network node
common to the sender and the receiver. For example, one base station is able to
handle all traffic in its coverage area.
The network constantly monitors the location of the mobile users. As a mobile
moves from one area of coverage to another, base stations track its signals,
sending updated mobile location and status information to the network. If the
network goes down at any point in transmission, the message is held until
network service is restored. If the mobile receiver moves outside the coverage
area, the base station stores the data until coverage is re-established, then
•
Germany
•
Indonesia
•
Italy
•
Korea
•
Netherlands
•
Norway
•
Poland
•
Singapore
•
Sweden
•
Turkey
•
United Kingdom
•
United States
•
Venezuela
Integrator’s Guide – RIM 902M OEM Radio Modem
Introduction – FCC radio frequency exposure rules 5
forwards it to the mobile. This prevents data loss, and increases the reliability of
transmission.
Mobitex is optimized for data communication. It uses a packet switching
technique to provide the greatest flexibility in data transmission. Conventional
cellular phone systems, by contrast, use a circuit-switched network, in which a
physical connection is created between the sending and receiving nodes, and
must be maintained throughout the duration of the transmission. With circuitswitched systems, the set-up time for establishing a connection involves
significant overhead and airtime cost, especially when only a small amount of
data needs to be transferred.
Mobitex packets include information about the origin, destination, size, type, and
sequence of data to be sent. This enables packets to be transmitted individually,
in any order, as traffic permits. Internal to the network, individual packets may
travel along different routes, in any order, without interfering with other packets
sent over the same frequency by different users. At the receiving end, all packets
are accounted for, and reassembled into the original message.
Set up time is eliminated and network connection is instantaneous. As a result,
packet-switching makes far more efficient use of channel capacity, typically
allowing 10 to 50 times more users over a radio channel than a circuit switched
network.
FCC radio frequency exposure rules
Based on FCC rules 2.1091 and 2.1093
Exposure to Radio Frequency Electromagnetic Fields, OET Bulletin 65 and its
Supplement C
routine environmental evaluation for RF exposure prior to equipment
authorization or use.
For portable devices, defined in accordance with FCC rules as a transmitting
device designed to be used within 20 cm of the user body under normal
operating conditions, RF evaluation must be based on Specific Absorption Rate
(SAR) limits in Watts/kg. SAR is a measurement of the rate of energy
absorption per unit mass of body tissue.
For mobile devices, defined as a transmitting device designed to be generally
used such that a separation distance of at least 20 cm is maintained between the
body of the user and the transmitting radiated structure, the human exposure to
(2)
, all integrations of the RIM 902M OEM unit are subject to
RIM 902M OEM Radio Modem – Integrator’s Guide
(1)
and FCC Guidelines for Human
6 Introduction – FCC radio frequency exposure rules
RF radiation can be evaluated in terms of Maximum Permissible Exposure
(MPE) limits for field strength or power density in mWatts/cm
2
.
Warning: For an end product not covered by RIM MPE testing and submission,
the integrator will submit for a separate FCC ID. It is mandatory for portable end
products such as hand-held and body-worn devices to comply with FCC RF
radiation requirements with respect to SAR limit.
The submission should include end product information, end product SAR/MPE
test report and a reference to RIM module FCC ID for all other Part 90
requirements. RIM will submit module specific information and test reports for a
generic MPE compliance.
The three specific antennas tested with the RIM 902M radio modem for generic
MPE compliance are Larsen NMO 3E 900B with 3 dBd gain, Austin 200160
500C with 0 dBd gain and Eclipse II Magnet Mount 3 dBd gain antenna. The
MPE passing distance for the Larsen ground plane bolted antenna adjusted to 6
foot cable length, is 23 cm. And the passing distance for both Austin ground
plane bolted and Eclipse II ground magnet mount scaled to 6 ft cable is 20 cm.
The vehicular integrators of RIM 902M who use the Larsen, Austin or Eclipse II
antennas, will be in compliance with MPE limit, provided that the antennas are
installed at least 23 cm for Larsen and 20 cm for Austin or Eclipse II antennas
from any edge of a vehicle rooftop.
The vehicular de vic e i ntegr at o rs using t hese ant enna s would b e re qui re d t o a d d a
prominent warning in their user manuals to instruct the installer/end user on
proper antenna mounting and antenna centering on the vehicle rooftop in
compliance with MPE separation distance. Also the operator/user should be
warned to maintain the minimum required distance from antenna at all times.
Integrators using the above antennas in the vehicular configurations, do not
require separate FCC approval for RF exposure compliance with respect to MPE
limits. However, the integrators of vehicular devices who use antennas other than
the three tested by RIM or integrators of portable devices, would then be
required to do separate MPE testing for vehicular/mobile applications and SAR
testing for handheld/portable devices. This would require submitting for a
separate FCC ID and going through the appropriate process.
SAR and MPE limits
SAR limits for General Population/Uncontrolled exposure is 1.6 W/kg for partial
body exposure, averaged over 1 g of tissue and 4 W/kg for hands, wrists, feet
and ankles averaged over 10 g of tissue. The limits for Occupational/Controlled
exposure are more relaxed, i.e., 8 W/kg for partial body and 20 W/kg for hands,
Integrator’s Guide – RIM 902M OEM Radio Modem
Introduction – FCC radio frequency exposure rules 7
wrists, feet and ankles. The 1.6 W/kg limit applies for most of RIM OEM
integrators.
The limit for MPE is 0.6 mW/cm
2
at 900 MHz.
Guidelines
RF exposure distance is based on normal operating proximity to the user’s or
nearby persons’ bodies. This distance is measured from any part of a radiating
structure, which is generally the antenna to the closest body part. A set of test
needs to be performed to determine the passing distance that meets the exposure
limits with respect to SAR for hand held/body worn/portable devices and MPE
for vehicular/mobile devices if antennas other than the three tested by RIM are
used.
Operating manual compliance statement
For the mobile/vehicular transmitter, the integrators should include a statement
in their operation/user/installation manual making the user aware of RF exposure
issues and insuring that the users keep a passing distance from the antenna while
transmitting. The integrators of mobile end products, should provide instructions
or diagrams in the manual for proper antenna mounting and positioning, when
applicable, to ensure a safe exposure distance to the operator and nearby
persons.
For portable transmitters, separate FCC approval is required to be in compliance
with FCC RF exposure guidelines in respect to the SAR limits.
Label
If the minimum separation distance of the final device configuration can not be
met due to occasional non-essential operating conditions or requirements, then
the device needs to have an RF radiation hazard label warning the user or nearby
persons to keep away from the antenna by the specified distance.
RIM 902M OEM Radio Modem – Integrator’s Guide
Compliance with respect to SAR limits which satisfy MPE limits, would not
require warning labels, however, an RF radiation warning label can be used to
alert the user or nearby persons about abnormal usage conditions.
Warning to Integrators and Users
To meet the FCC RF exposure requirement for mobile transmitter end products
using the Larsen NMO 3E 900B, 3 dBd antenna, ensure that the antenna is at
least 23 cm away from the user or nearby persons when transmitting.
This statement should be added by all integrators to their user manual along with
proper installation instructions. The installation instructions should include, but
are not limited to, the correct mounting procedures on a ground plane, and
positioning the antenna such that the minimum 23 cm is kept from any edge of
the vehicle rooftop.
2
2.
Getting started
RIM is committed to facilitating the integration of the RIM 902M OEM radio
modem. We provide the necessary resources to evaluate the feasibility of
implementing a wireless communication solution, and work closely with our
partners to develop an application in the shortest time possible.
Years of intense R&D ha ve spa wned severa l too ls that ha ve be en used inte rnally
to help streamline our own development process. We have included many of
these tools with the RIM 902M OEM Developer’s Kit. The purpose of the Kit is
to accelerate radio integration and to help system designers evaluate the
RIM 902M. Using the Kit, you can quickly begin interfacing the radio modem to
your computing device.
We’re here for you!
RIM has a team of experienced engineers who can support you in the design and
implementation of your p roject. If you need help getting star ted, or if you have
any questions about the radio technology or its integration into your platform,
please contact the RIM 902M engineering development team:
10 Getting started – Test board overview
e-mail:
phone:
fax:
web:
rim902m@rim.net
+1 (519) 888-7465
+1 (519) 888-7884
www.rim.net
Test board overview
The RIM test board provides a standard RS-232 serial interface between a PC
and the radio modem. It is designed to help you quickly interface the RIM 902M
to a standard PC (through a COM port) or a terminal device with an RS-232
serial port. The test board also provides access points to the radio’s serial
communication port, which allows you to monitor activity with a logic probe,
multimeter, or oscilloscope.
The test board includes the following components and functionality:
RS-232 interface
The serial (COM) port on a PC and most terminal devices operates at RS-232
signal levels, which are typically ±12V. This high voltage would damage the
RIM 902M, which is typically integrated into a device that operates an
asynchronous serial port at 3.0V. The RS-232 interface on the test board allows
you to produce an output from the radio that is easily interpreted by a PC.
Test points
The test board is more than just an RS-232 interface. It also features debugging
facilities to help you test your application. It provides direct access to each of the
22 pins on the serial data cable, which allows connectivity to analytical
equipment (e.g. logic probe, multimeter, or oscilloscope) and real-time
indication of data flow.
Integrator’s Guide – RIM 902M OEM Radio Modem
Getting started – How to connect the test board 11
On/off switch
With the switch in the ON position, the radio will turn on whenever power is
applied to the test board. When the switch is moved to the OFF position, the
radio will shut down.
Power supply
The RIM 902M must be provided with a clean, high-current power source. In
this case, we use a standard plug-pack to provide the current necessary to operate
the radio. The voltage is converted into the necessary levels by the power supply
section on the test board.
LED indicators
The test board includes several LED indicators designed to indicate the flow of
data to and from the host (in real time), the radio power status, power to the test
board, and more.
How to connect the test board
Now that you are familiar with the components and functions of the test board,
you are ready to connect the RIM 902M radio modem to an antenna and to a PC
(or some other computing device with an RS-232 serial interface). To do this,
you will use the test board and cables supplied with your RIM 902M
Developer’s Kit.
RIM 902M OEM Radio Modem – Integrator’s Guide
12 Getting started – How to connect the test board
1. Flat serial cable (test board to radio)
The flat serial interface cable carries data between the test board and the
RIM 902M. Control and status signals such as TURNON are also carried on this
cable. Use this cable to connect the RIM 902M’s serial connector to the test
board.
This cable also carries clean, regulated power to the RIM 902M.
When inserting the cable, ensure that the side with the bare pins is in direct
contact with the pin side of the connector.
2. DB-9 serial cable (test board to PC)
Connect the male end of the straight-thro ugh DB-9 serial cable to the test board.
Connect the female end of the cable to your PC’s COM port.
3. Power adapter (test board to AC outlet)
Plug the 120VAC-to-12VDC power adapter into the wall outlet. Connect the
other end to the power jack of the test board.
4. Antenna cable (radio to magmount antenna)
Your develop er’s kit includ es a high-p erfor mance, 6d B-gain magmount a ntenna.
This antenna is terminated with a screw-on SMA plug. The RIM 902M radio
modem includes a snap-on MMCX jack. The antenna cable supplied with your
developer’s kit connects the antenna’s SMA plug to the radio’s MMCX jack.
The magmount antenna provides the best RF performance when placed on a
broad metal surface, such as the roof of a car. When used inside a building,
performance is improved if the antenna is located near a window, with few
obstacles (wall, furniture, equipment, etc.) between the antenna and the window.
The antenna performs equally well if it is positioned upside down.
Integrator’s Guide – RIM 902M OEM Radio Modem
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