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Information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a committment
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but not limited to, the implied warranties of fitness or merchantability for a particular purpose. Digi may
make improvements and/or changes in this manual or in the product(s) and/or the program(s) described
in this manual at any time.
This product could include technical inaccuracies or typographical errors. Changes are made periodically
to the information herein; these changes may be incorporated in new editions of the publication.
Digi International, Inc.
1100 1 Bren Road East
Minnetonka, MN 55343 U.S.A.
United States: +1 877 912-3444
Other locations: +1 952 912-3444
www.digiembedded.com
Contents
Chapter 1:About the Module..................................................................7
This guide provides information about the Digi Connect Wi-Wave 802.11 b/g
embedded core module.
Conventions used
in this guide
This table describes the typographic conventions used in this guide:
This conventionIs used for
italictypeEmphasis, new terms, variables, and document titles.
monospaced type
Digi information
Related
documentation
Documentation
updates
For additional documentation, see the Documentation folder in the Start menu.
Digi occasionally provides documentation updates on the Web site
(www.digiembedded.com/support).
Be aware that if you see differences between the documentation you received in
your package and the documentation on the Web site, the Web site content is the
latest version.
Filenames, pathnames, and code examples.
5
Contact
information
For more information about your Digi products, or for customer service and
technical support, contact Digi International.
To contact Digi International byUse
MailDigi International, Inc.
11001 Bren Road East
Minnetonka, MN 55343
U.S.A
World Wide Webwww.digiembedded.com
Eservice Supportwww.digi.com/support/eservice/login.jsp
Telephone (U.S.)(952) 912 -34 44 or (877 ) 91 2-3444
Telephone (other locations)+1 (952) 912-3444 or +1 (877) 912-3444
6Digi Connect Wi-Wave 802.11 b/g Hardware Reference, Rev. B 2/2010
The Digi Connect Wi-W ave module is an 802.11b/g WLAN communications module
for use in embedded applications. The module is a single circuit card packaged in a
PCI Express Mini Card form factor, and supports all the RF, analog, and digital
circuitry necessary to implement WLAN functionality. Using Digi’s baseband
processor technology, this module is the ideal choice for embedded applications
requiring long-term product availability in conjunction with reliability and easy
design integration.
The primary interface to the module is through a standards-compliant PCI Express
Mini Card edge connector, using a USB 2.0 full speed/high speed link for
communication with the host system.
Features
Note:
The Digi Connect Wi-Wave 802.11 b/g module also provides a dual diversity antenna
option through two on-board U.FL connectors, which allow for cabling to remote 2.4
GHz antennas.
Ultra-compact and standards-based form factor
Easy design integration through USB 2.0 full speed/high speed interface
Dual diversity antenna option through two on-module U.FL antenna connectors
Digi 802.11b/g baseband processor technology for long-term product
-40°C to +85°C operating temperature for harsh environments
The Digi Connect Wi-Wave 802.11 b/g edge connector pinout is compliant
with the PCI Express Mini Card Electromechanical Specification, Revision 1.1
(March 28, 2005) with this exception: the Digi Connect Wi-Wave 802.11 b/g
has a 7-wire Dynamic C interface mapped to pins 37, 39, 41, 43, 47, 49, and
The Digi Connect Wi-W ave 802.11 b/g module edge connector is a 52-pin connector
whose pinout follows the standard PCI Express Mini Card edge connector pinout as
stated in the PCI Express Mini Card Electromechanical Specification, Revision 1.1,
with this exception: Dynamic C signals are mapped onto pins 37, 39, 41, 43, 47, 49,
and 51.
The module uses a peripheral USB controller to interface to either a full speed or
high speed USB 2.0 link. The link first tries to communicate to the host system
board at the high speed USB rate (480 Mbps). If not successful, the link reverts to
the full speed USB rate (12 Mbps). This link is used for all communication between
the module and the host system board.
Note:
The Digi Connect Wi-W ave 802.11 b/g module does not support low-speed USB
connections.
802.11b/g modes and channels
The Digi Connect Wi-Wave 802.11 b/g transmits and receives data at up to 11 Mbps
when operating in 802.11b mode and up to 54 Mbps when operating in 802.11g
mode. It supports these 802.11b/g channels:
Channels 1 through 11 for North America (2.401 GHz–2.473 GHz)
Channels 1 through 13 for Europe (2.401 GHz–2.483 GHz)
The module takes in 3.3V±9% (3.00V to 3.60V) as its main input power. This power is
filtered and used as a 3.3V supply to portions of the digital logic. This power also
acts as input to dedicated on-board voltage regulators.
Voltage monitor — Reset generator
The module provides a voltage monitor or automatic reset signal generator; but the
module can also set into reset with the RESET pin on the edge connector.
LEDS
The module does not have any on-board LEDs, but it drives the LED_WLAN# signal
(pin 44) to indicate WLAN association and transmit/receive activity. This table
shows the different LED states:
Voltage regulators
. . . . .
LED stateIndication
OffNot powered on
OnAssociated and authenticated
Slow blinkNot associated or authenticated
Intermittent blinkTransmit/receive activity
Power
The module requires only +3.3 VDC, 750 mA max. This power must be a wellregulated +3.3V supply due to limited supply filtering in the module. The digital
inputs and outputs are 3.3V CMOS compatible. See “Power requirements” on
page 31 for specifications.
DISABLE signalThe module supports the active low
Express Mini Card Electromechanical Specification. This signal not only disables the
power supplies to the radio portion of the module, it also powers down additional
portions of the module to reduce power consumption to a minimum.
W_DISABLE# signal (pin 20) as specified in the PCI
www.digiembedded.com11
Power
Requirements
Power
Module stateCurrent Composition 3/3V Input
Suspendedxx mA
Wireless Receive240 mA
Wireless Transmit420 mA
Pushbutton reset switch and under voltage reset logic
External USB Type B connector USB peripheral interface
Additional signal headers for user access
Two U.FL RP-SMA antenna connectors
-30°C to +75°C ambient operating temperature
RoHS compliant design
13
The development
board
ABOUT THE DEVELOPMENT BOARD
What’s on the development board
Unpopulated
components
There are components on the development board that are currently not populated.
These components allow the development board to be used in other applications.
14Digi Connect Wi-Wave 802.11 b/g Hardware Reference, Rev. B 2/2010
Place the Digi Connect Wi-Wave 802.11 b/g module into the connector and support
bracket, J52, on the development board.
The Digi Connect Wi-Wave 802.11 b/g module connector is a 52-pin connector that
conforms to the PCI Express Mini Card Electromechanical Specification, Rev. 1.1,
with additional non-standard connections (to the reserved pins on the standard
connector).
LED DS1The switching regulator is adjusted to output +3.3VDC ± 5% or better. LED DS1 lights
up when the regulator outputs +3.3V power. See “Power supply” on page 19 for
more information.
LED DS2LED DS2 lights up when the host system supplies power over the USB bus. This LED
indicates that the host platform has recognized the attachment of a USB peripheral
device on the USB bus. See “USB peripheral interface, J4” on page 20 for more
information.
Debug (signal)
breakout header
LEDs
Five LEDs are associated with the debug breakout header (J4):
DISABLE, DS3: Lights up when the W_DISABLE# signal is asserted.
RST, DS4: Lights up when the RESET# signal is asserted.
WAN, DS5: Reserved for future use.
LAN, DS6: Lights up when the module drives the LED_WLAN# signal.
PAN, DS7: Reserved for future use.
See “Debug breakout header, P21” on page 24 for more information.
Vo lt ag e m on it orThe development board provides a power supply voltage monitor and reset
generator. When the +3.3V regulated supply voltage drops below 2.93V, the rese t
signal — RESET# — is asserted for a minimum of 140 msec. This signal is connected
to the Digi Connect Wi-Wave 802.11 b/g edge connector (pin 22), as well as to the
debug breakout header for monitoring.
Alternative
methods to trigger
RESET#
In addition to supply voltage monitoring, reset logic can be triggered in another
way:
Manually push SW1, a pushbutton reset switch on the development board
18Digi Connect Wi-Wave 802.11 b/g Hardware Reference, Rev. B 2/2010
The development board provides a 3.3VDC switching power supply. Either a bench
power supply or an AC wall adapter supplies input power to the development board.
The required input voltage range is 9–30V
DC
.
. . . . .
Input power jack, J3The input power jack, J3, is a barrel connector that accepts 9-30 VDC. The power
Input power
supply
jack is labeled J3 on the development board. This figure schematically represents
the power jack’s polarity:
The output current of this regulator is limited to 2.4 amps and the Digi Connect WiWave 802.11 b/g module draws no more than .750 amps. Using these values as a
guideline, and using an 80% efficiency for the switching regulator, the input power
supply should be rated to provide at least 3 watts of power.
Important:
The development board can use USB power as the power source for the
3.3V regulator. This is accomplished by simply connecting the USB
cable to the development board. However, Digi recommends using the
supplied AC wall adapter.
The USB Type B connector, J4, is the primary communications interface to the
development board. The USB bus is routed from the USB peripheral jack to the
appropriate module connector pins.
20Digi Connect Wi-Wave 802.11 b/g Hardware Reference, Rev. B 2/2010
The debug breakout header’s primary purpose is to provide access to the
W_DISABLE# signal. The W_DISABLE# signal is typically used as a hardware means to
disable RF transmissions from the module without software intervention.
The active low W_DISABLE# signal is on pin 20 of the debug breakout header. GND
signals are positioned adjacent to the W_DISABLE# signal on pins 18 and 19. To
assert the W_DISABLE# signal to the module, place a jumper between either pins 18
and 20 or pins 19 and 20.
As an alternative, you can drive this pin with a low voltage TTL or CMOS driver.
When asserted, W_DISABLE# lights the DISABLE LED, DS3.
22Digi Connect Wi-Wave 802.11 b/g Hardware Reference, Rev. B 2/2010
U.FL connectorsThe development board has two U.FL connectors that pair with two RP-SMA
connectors. U.FL connector X5pairs with RP-SMA connector J1;U.FL connector X4
pairs with RP-SMA connector J2.
U.FL cablesThe development kit includes two U.FL-to-U.FL cables that can be used to connect
the module and development board. The number of cables used depends on
whether one antenna is used to transmit and receive or two antennas are used
(diversity receive).
Single antenna configuration: Connect one end of the U.FL cable to connector P1
on the development board and the other end of the cable to connector X5 on the
Digi Connect Wi-Wave 802.11 b/g module.
Dual antenna configuration: In addition to the connections outlined in the Single
antenna configuration, connect one end of the second U.FL cable to connector P2
on the development board and the other end of the cable to connector X4 on the
Digi Connect Wi-Wave 802.11 b/g module.
www.digiembedded.com23
ABOUT THE DEVELOPMENT BOARD
U.FL and RP-SMA connectors
RP-SMA
connectors
For more
information
RP-SMA Wi-Fi antennas are attached to the two RP-SMA connectors, J1 and J2.
Single antenna configuration: Attach an RP-SMA antenna to RP-SMA connector J1.
Dual antenna configuration: Attach RP-SMA antennas to both RP-SMA connectors J1
and J2.
For information about the antenna(s), see Chapter 3, “Using the Antenna.”
24Digi Connect Wi-Wave 802.11 b/g Hardware Reference, Rev. B 2/2010
Chapter 3:Using the Antenna
The Digi Connect Wi-Wave 802.11 b/g development board supports one type of
antenna:
29000146 ANT, WHIP 2.4 GHz Dipole
Attach the U.FL-to-U.FL cables, provided in the develop m en t kit, to bot h th e
module and the development board. There are two cables included; whether you
use one cable or both depends on how you set up your antenna(s).
Be sure that the antenna you use complies with the regulatory requirements of your
region. In North America, for example, you can operate only with antennas
approved by Digi International, Inc., or antennas matching the specifications of
Digi-approved antennas.
Necessary
Conditions for
Integration
The following conditions are necessary for integration:
The antenna must be installed such that 20 cm is maintained between the
antenna and users for all installations.
The transmitter module may not be co-located with any other transmitter or
antenna.
The Module is approved using the FCC “unlicensed modular transmitter
approval” method; therefore, the module must be used with the originallyapproved antennas only.
As long as you meet these three conditions, further transmitter testing will not
be required. However, you are still responsible for testing your end-product
for any additional compliance requirements associated with this module
installation (e.g., digital device emissions, PC peripheral requirements, etc.).
Note: In the event that any of these conditions cannot be met (e.g., portable
configurations, co-location with another transmitter, or use of a different antenna),
then the FCC authorization is no longer considered valid, and you are unable to use
the FCC ID on the final product. In these circumstances, you will be responsible for
re-evaluating the end product (including the transmitter) and obtaining a separate
FCC authorization.
The Digi Connect Wi-Wave 802.11 b/g can transmit data or receive data, but not at
the same time.
Note: If only one antenna is used, it must be connected to Wi-Fi RP-SMA antenna
connector J1. This is the Digi Connect Wi-Wave 802.11 b/g’s primary antenna.
General information
The module uses the same antennas to transmit and receive the 802.11b/g RF
signal. An antenna switch is required to isolate the transmit signal from th e rece ive
signal. The antenna switch works by alternately connecting the antennas to either
the transceiver transmit output or the transceiver receive input. To support this
antenna sharing scheme, the module operates in half-duplex mode; receive and
transmit operations do not occur at the same time.
Antenna switchThe antenna switch is a digitally controlled 2.4 GHz, 50 ohm, multi-function solid
state switch, controlled by software.
The switch can handle >28dBm of signal on the transmit port. The insertion loss of
the antenna switch is <0.5dB and the receive to transmit port isolation is >23dB.
Cable Specification: U.FL/W.FL to RP-SMA
Attributes
AttributeProperty
Impedance 50 Ohm
Frequency Range 0 to 6 GHz
Length 150 mm
Temperature Range -40
Loss 108.5 mm x 10.0 mm
Weight3.8dB/m (3 GHz)
Note:
Dimensions are provided for reference purposes only. The actual antenna
might vary.
°to +90° C
5.6dB/m (6 GHz)
26Digi Connect Wi-Wave 802.11 b/g Hardware Reference, Rev. B 2/2010
This module obtained its complete certification by using the cable described
here. End users in North America should use a cable that matches thes e specs
to maintain the module’s certification.
Antenna specifications: 802.11 a/b/g antenna
Attributes
AttributeBand 1Band 2
Frequency2.4~2.5 GHz5.15 GHz~6 GHz
Bandwidth120MHz875MHz
Wavelength1/4 Wave1/4 Wave
Impedance50 Ohm50 Ohm
VSWR< 1.9 typ. Center< 1.9 typ. Center
ConnectorRP-SMARP-SMA
Gain2.3dBi3.6dBi
DimensionSee measurements in the drawing after the table
Maximum Power LevelTBDTBD
Operating TemperatureTBDTBD
Storage TemperatureTBDTBD
Part NumberANT-DB1-RAF-RPS
Dimensions are provided for reference purposes only. The actual antenna
might vary.
End User Manual: RF Exposure Statements
The end user manual must include the following information in a prominent
location:
"IMPORTANT NOTE: To comply with FCC RF exposure compliance requirements, the
antenna used for this transmitter must be installed to provide a separation distance
of at least 20 cm from all persons and must not be co-located or operating in
conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter."
28Digi Connect Wi-Wave 802.11 b/g Hardware Reference, Rev. B 2/2010
Input voltage (Vcc)3.3V±9% (3.00V to 3.60V)
Input current750mA max
Power requirements
. . . . .
Input low voltage0.0V<V
Input high voltage0.7*Vcc<V
Output low voltage0.0V<V
Output high voltageVcc-0.4V <V
RF exposure statement
The Digi Connect Wi-Wave 802.11 b/g module complies with RF exposure limits for
humans as called out in RSS-102. It is exempt from RF evaluation based on its
operating frequency of 2.4 GHz, and effective radiated power less than the three
watt requirement for a mobile device (>20 cm separation) operating at 2.4 GHz.
Safety statements
To avoid contact with electrical current:
Never install electrical wiring during an electrical storm.
IL
IH
OL
OH
<0.3*Vcc
<Vcc
<0.4V
<Vcc
Use a screwdriver and other tools with insulated handles.
Wear safety glasses or goggles.
Installation of inside wiring may bring you close to electrical wire, conduit,
terminals and other electrical facilities. Extreme caution must be used to avoid
electrical shock from such facilities. Avoid contact with all such facilities.
Protectors and grounding wire placed by the service provider must not be
connected to, removed, or modified by the customer.
Do not touch or move the antenna(s) while the unit is transmitting or receiving.
Do not hold any component containing a radio such that the antenna is very
close to or touching any exposed parts of the body, especially the face or eyes,
while transmitting.
Do not operate a portable transmitter near unshielded blasting caps or in an
explosive environment unless it is a type especially qualified for such use.
Any external communications wiring you may install needs to be constructed to all
relevant electrical codes. In the United States, this is the National Electrical Code
Article 800. Contact a licensed electrician for details.
Module and development board dimensions
Module
dimensions
Note:
The measurements in this drawing are in inches.
32Digi Connect Wi-Wave 802.11 b/g Hardware Reference, Rev. B 2/2010
The Digi Connect Wi-Wave 802.11 b/g products comply with the standards cited
in this section.
FCC Part 15 Class B
Radio Frequency Interface (RFI) (FCC 15.105)
The Digi Connect Wi-W ave 802.11 b/g embedded module has been teste d and found
to comply with the limits for Class B digital devices pursuant to Part 15 Subpart B, of
the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against
harmful interference in a residential environment. This equipment generates, uses,
and can radiate radio frequency energy, and if not installed and used in accordance
with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in
a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio
or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and
on, the user is encouraged to try and correct the interference by one or more of the
following measures:
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
Connect the equipment into an outl et on a circuit different from that to which
the receiver is connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Labeling Requirements (FCC 15.19)
This device complies 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
34
CERTIFICATIONS
FCC Part 15 Class B
device must accept any interference received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
If the FCC ID is not visible when installed inside another device, then the outside of
the device into which the module is installed must also display a label referring to
the enclosed module FCC ID. This exterior label can use wording such as the
following: Contains Transmitter Module FCC ID: MCQ-50M1746, IC: 1846A-50M1746.
Modifications (FCC 15.21)
Changes or modifications to this equipment not expressly approved by Digi may void
the user’s authority to operate this equipment.
Industry Canada
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions
from digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian
Department of Communications.
Le present appareil numerique n’emet pas de bruits radioelectriques depassant les
limites applicables aux appareils numeriques de la class B prescrites dans le
Reglement sur le brouillage radioelectrique edicte par le ministere des
Communications du Canada.
35Digi Connect Wi-Wave 802.11 b/g Hardware Reference, Rev. B 2/2010
Declaration of Conformity
(In accordance with FCC Dockets 96-208 and 95-19)
Manufacturer’s Name:Digi International
Corporate Headquarters:110 01 Bren Ro ad East
Manufacturing Headquarters:10000 West 76th Street
Digi International declares, that the product:
Product Name:Digi Connect Wi-Wave 802.11 b/g
Model Numbers:50001746-01
CERTIFICATIONS
FCC Part 15 Class B
. . . . .
Minnetonka MN 55343
Eden Prairie MN 55344
to which this declaration relates, meets the requirements specified by the Federal
Communications Comm ission as detailed in the following specifications:
Part 15, Subpart B, for Class B equipment
FCC Docket 96-208 as it applies to Class B personal
Personal computers and peripherals
The product listed above has been tested at an External Test Laboratory certified
per FCC rules and has been found to meet the FCC, Part 15, Class B, Emission
Limits. Documentation is on file and available from the Digi International
Homologation Department.
www.digiembedded.com36
CERTIFICATIONS
FCC Part 15 Class B
International EMC Standards
The Digi Connect Wi-Wave 802.11 b/g meets the following standards:
Standards
EmissionsEN 55022
ImmunityEN 55024
EN 300328
ICES-003
FCC Part 15 Subpart B Class B
FCC Part 15 Subpart C Section 15.247
(FCC ID: MCQ-50M1746)
IC RSS 210 Issue 6 and RSS GEN Issue 1
(IC: 1846A-50M1746)
EN 301489-1-17
SafetyUL 60950-1
IEC60950/EN 60950-1
CSA C22.2, No. 60950-1
37Digi Connect Wi-Wave 802.11 b/g Hardware Reference, Rev. B 2/2010