GE MDS DS LN100 User Manual

MDS LN100 Integrator’s Guide

1.0 INTRODUCTION

The LN100 (Figure 1), is a fixed location (not intended for mobile use), multi-modem system operating in licensed
bands between 150-174, using channel bandwidths of 6.25kHz, 12.5kHz, and 25.0kHz. Modulation choices for each
bandwidth include CPFSK, QPSK, 16QAM, and 64QAM. Maximum power and modem speed is based on frequency,
modem choice, and applicable emission mask.

The unit is designed for use inside data equipment to provide reliable connectivity in wireless networks. The LN100
power control circuit ensures that the RF output is linear and never exceeds +41.4 dBm at the antenna connector.
The module is designed for OEM use only. Host systems must be professionally installed. Host systems must be
factory configured by the OEM to operate at the correct frequency and output power setting. Refer to the table at the
end of this guide to determine applicable antenna types and the RF output power allowed.

1.1 Transceiver Features

The LN100 maximizes performance and flexibility in wireless networks, offering the following key features:

 Selectable frequency (150-174MHz)
 Selectable bandwidth (6.25kHz, 12.5kHz, 25.0kHz)
 Selectable modem choices (CPFSK, QPSK, 16QAM, 64QAM)
 RSSI and EVM readback indicators
 Store-and-Forward repeater operation
 Same hardware for Master, Remote, or Store-and-Forward configurations
 Supports RS/EIA-232(TTL), Ethernet, and USB user interfaces
 Operates at 5.25 Vdc at the MiniPCIe card edge power connections and 10-60Vdc at the 3-pin power

connector.

Figure 1. LN100 Transceiver Module

(Mini PCI-Express Card Edge for Data/Power/& I/O and J700 Antenna)

NOTE: Some features may not be available on all units, based on the options purchased, or regulatory constraints in
the country of operation.

MDS LN100 Integrator’s Guide 05-6950A01, revision 3
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2.0 INSTALLATION

52-Pin GE MDS NIC Card Edge

Pin

Description

1, 6, 7, 10, 11, 13, 12, 14,
16, 19, 20, 23, 25, 28, 30,
31, 32, 33, 36, 38, 42, 44,

45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 51

GPIO

(Includes Ethernet &

Serial)

*Consult Factory

Documentation for

specific details

2, 24, 39, 41, 52

+5.25V

3, 5, 8, 17, 22

NC

4, 9, 15, 18, 21, 26, 27,

29, 34, 35, 37, 40, 43, 50

GND

3-Pin GE MDS (J900) connector

Pin

Description

1

GND

2, 3

+10.0-60.0V

The transceiver is designed for installation in existing electronic equipment. The I/O and 5.25v power connections are
made through the Mini PCI-Express card edge. The 10-60v power is provided through a separate 3-pin connector on
the bottom of the module. The transceiver mounts to the host heatsink assembly using two #4 screws inside the RF
can area. The required heatsink contact area on the bottom surface of the PCB has the solder mask removed for
proper heat transfer.

Only one cable connection is required to the radio for the J700 Antenna connector. The module has three optionally
populated status LEDs (CR100, CR101, and CR1000) that indicate operating mode details. These LEDs provide
important information that is useful during startup and optimization of the radio link.

Antennas used with the radio can be either a Yagi directional type (often used at remote sites) or an omni-directional
type used for short range applications or at Master stations. Contact your sales representative for information on
available antennas.

Follow these steps to install the transceiver module:

1. Power down the Host assembly the module is being installed in to.

2. Mate the MiniPCIe card edge of the module into the socket on the Host assembly.

3. Secure the module to the heatsink surface using two #4 screws through the mounting holes in the corners of
the RF can area on the radio’s PC board.

4. Install the RF shield over the transceiver section.

5. Select and install an appropriate antenna and feedline for your system coverage requirements.

6. Connect the antenna coaxial lead to J700 on the module. It accepts a Type-TNC male coaxial connector.

7. Host Power Supply Requirements:

a. Input power applied on the 52-pin connector (J1100) must be a regulated 5.25 Vdc (-/+0.05 V).
b. Input power applied on 3-pin connector (J900) must not exceed the range 10.0-60.0Vdc

i. Nominal Input power on J900 is in the range 12-52Vdc - FCC CFR 47 2.1055(d)(1)

See Table 1 for power supply interface connections.

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Table 1. LN100 Power Supply Connections

8. Set the radio’s basic configuration with a PC terminal through the Host system. The four essential settings

Command

Description

Notes

ABOUT

Displays NIC version build time and
date.

HELP

Displays all available commands.

RESET

Software reset.

SER

Display the NIC serial number.

MODEM

Display/set NIC modem selection.

[4QAM, 16QAM, 64QAM]

BAUD

Display/set NIC symbol baud rate
selection.

[4800,9600,10000,16000,20000]
TEST ADDR

Read/write test address.

[0-7] Address used for tests (e.g. PER)

TEST PER

Starts a Packet Error Rate Test.

[-a] Destination test address
[-n] Number of packets to send
[-l ] Length of each packet

UPTIME

Display the amount of time since last
power cycle.

MDM KEY

Transmits un-modulated CW

MDM KEYR

Transmits modulated random data

MDM KEYLO

Transmits pass through of LO through
TX chain

MDM DKEY

Disables active transmission

MDM PRBURST

Transmits a modulated random data
burst of 511 bytes, useful for training
the receiver equalizer

MDM RSSI!

Instantaneous RSSI reading

dB

TX [val]

Read/write TX frequency

[val] - frequency in MHz

RX [val]

Read/write RX frequency

[val] - frequency in MHz

TCXO [arg1]

Change TCXO tuning voltage

[arg1] - Tuning voltage in V

TCXO CAL [arg1]

Calibrate TCXO tuning voltage

[arg1] - Tuning voltage in V

for all transceivers are (See Section 3 for commands):

 Frequency
 Bandwidth
 Modem
 Power

9. In a normally operating system, you will see the CR101 POWER LED turn on at start-up.

10. Optimize the installation by checking:

 Antenna aiming and RSSI check
 Optimal modem rate setting

3.0 RADIO PROGRAMMING

There are no manual adjustments on the radio. All programming and control is performed through a PC connected to
the Host platform that interfaces with the radio’s J1100 MiniPCIe card edge connector.

3.1 User Commands

The following tables provide descriptions of the various user commands for the transceiver.

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Table 2. LN100 User Commands