General Dynamics Itronix XC6250RIM801D User Manual

Integrator’s Guide

RIM 801D

OEM Radio Modem

version 1.0

RIM 801D OEM Radio Modem Integrator’sGuide Last Revised: 22 February 1999

Part Number: MAT-01769-002 Rev. 001

Research In Motion and RIM are registered trademarks of Research In Motion Limited. DataTAC and RD-LAP are trademarks of Motorola. MS-DOS is a registered trademark, and Windows is a trademark, of Microsoft Corporation. Velcro is a registered trademark of Velcro Canada Incorporated. Scotchmate and Dual Lock are trademarks of 3M Corporation.

Warning: This document is for the use of licensed users only. Any unauthorized copying, distribution or disclosure ofinformation is a violation of copyright laws.

While every effort has been made to ensure technical accuracy, information in this document is subject to changewithout notice and does not represent a commitment on the part of Research In Motion Limited.

Research In Motion

295 Phillip Street Waterloo, Ontario Canada N2L 3W8 tel. (519) 888-7465 fax (519) 888-6906

DATATAC Interface, specified

DataTAC Open Protocol

Internet: info@rim.net Web site: www.rim.net

Printed in Canada AM0598R801D-int

Specification

970.0775R1

FCC Compliance Statement (USA)

FCC Class B Part 15 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 device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Warning

Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These 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 manufacturer’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 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 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.

Contents

FCC Compliance Statement (USA)..........................................i

Figures, tables and equations................................................. v

About this guide.....................................................................vii

1. Introduction.................................................................1

Radio modem features.....................................................................1

DataTAC network technology.........................................................3

2. Mechanical specifications and mounting needs........ 5

Environmental properties ................................................................5

Physical properties ..........................................................................6

Mounting the RIM 801D.................................................................8

3. Power requirements.................................................. 11

Load specifications........................................................................ 11

Automotive supplies...................................................................... 13

Rechargeable batteries...................................................................13

Single use batteries........................................................................14

Plug-in supplies............................................................................. 15

Connecting the power source ........................................................16

4. Serial interface specification .................................... 17

Signal specifications (Standard 5V interface) ...............................17

Connecting the serial cable............................................................18

Detailed pin description.................................................................19

Turning the radio ON....................................................................23

Turning the radio OFF...................................................................23

5. Antenna integration .................................................. 25

Antenna requirements....................................................................25

Positioning the antenna..................................................................27

Antenna cabling.............................................................................28

Shielding........................................................................................30

6. Protocol support ........................................................33

Service Data Units (SDUs)........................................................... 34

NCL Protocol ............................................................................... 35

Radio Access Protocol (RAP) ...................................................... 35

Summary.......................................................................................41

7. Interfacing and controlling the RIM 801D............. 43

Interfacing to an RS232 device..................................................... 43

Controlling the RIM 801D ........................................................... 44

Serial port interface ...................................................................... 44

Specifications.........................................................................49

Glossary of terms...................................................................51

Appendices.............................................................................53

Appendix I - Parts......................................................................... 53

Appendix II - Company Directory................................................ 55

Index.......................................................................................57

Figures, tables

and equations

Figure 1: Top view of RIM 801D 7 Figure 2: Side view of RIM 801D 7 Figure 3: Battery Transmit Power Comparison 14 Figure 4: Sample plug-in supply 15 Figure 5: FPC cable and connectors 18 Figure 6: Controlled Shutdown Using a Low-Power Battery Supply 24 Figure 7: Connecting an antenna 28 Figure 8: Different MMCX Connector Orientations 29 Figure 9: Example SMA Jack Connectors 30 Figure 10: RAP Frame Structure 37 Figure 11: Sending data from the host to the wireless network 38 Figure 12: Simple PC RS232 Interface 45 Figure 13: Simple 8051 Interface 46 Figure 14: 8250 Serial Port Interface 47

Table 1: Serial Interface Pin-out and Description 19

Equation 1: VSWR 26 Equation 2: Return Loss 26

About this guide

This document is a guide to integrating the RIM 801D OEM DataTAC radio modem into an embedded system, such as a laptop computer, PDA, vending machine, POS terminal, or alarm system.

Topics covered in this guide include:

• physical size and mounting requirements

• power and battery characteristics

• interfacing to the RIM 801D

• antenna selection and placement

• communication protocols

Throughout the guide, there are suggestions and precautions that will ease the implementation of a wireless communication solution. Attention is drawn to these through the use of the two symbols below.

This symbol represents a hint or a suggestion. Although the ideas presented are not necessary to the integration of the RIM 801D, they are useful to many applications, and they may save integrators time.

This is an important note or a warning. The text will advize integrators of a potentially hazardous situation, or a necessary precaution to take when

designing applications.

1. Introduction

Topics covered in this introduction include the RIM 801D OEM radio modem features and an introduction to DataTAC network technology.

Radio modem features

The RIM 801D OEM radio modem is specifically designed to integrate easily into a computer or other embedded system, such as PDAs, vending machines, and point-of-sale terminals. Operating in the 800 MHz frequency range, the RIM 801D is compatible with DataTAC wide-area wireless data communication networks.

Powerful and efficient transmitter

The RIM 801D provides reliable transmit efficiency throughout the range of operational voltage (6.0 to 9.5 volts). This is an important feature because the radio modem does not lose transmit power as battery voltage drops, thereby keeping the radio coverage area at a maximum throughout the life of the battery. The chart below shows how the transmit power output remains constant over the 6.0 to 9.5 volt supply.

Introduction: Radio modem features

33.00

30.00

27.00

24.00

21.00

18.00

15.00

6.00 6.50 7.00 7.50 8.00 8.50 9.00

Noise immunity

Leveled Transmit Power

Battery Voltage [V]

The RIM 801D is not d e-sensitized by RF noise generated by nearby electronics. This makes the RIM 801D ideal for integration into hand-held terminals, and eliminates the need for special shielding. Noise immunity significantly increases reliability, improves performance, extends battery life, and increases the effective range of operation of the RIM 801D.

Low power requirements

Battery life is a critical issue for portable devices: end-users want long lasting devices without heavy battery packs. The RIM 801D sets a new power consumption standard for OEM-style radio modems by reducing standby power to only 12 mA. This allows the RIM 801D to maximize efficiency and ensure long battery life.

Small size

Using a single board design, the RIM 801D is very thin, o nly 0.3” to 0.38” (7.5 to 9.6 mm). The RIM 801D is about the size of a credit card, with a footprint of 3.5” by 2.6” (87.5 by 66.3 mm). This tiny size makes the RIM 801D very lightweight (only 2.3oz or 64g, including case) and allows the device to meet tight space requirements within most applications.

Integrator’s Guide – RIM 801D OEM Radio Modem

Introduction: DataTAC network technology

DataTAC network technology

The DataTAC infrastructure has become an international data communications standard, offering fast data transmission rates with accurate, highly reliable message delivery. DataTAC networks are deployed around the world from North America to Europe to Asia-Pacific.

Using an advanced Radio Data Link Access Procedure (RD-LAP) radio channel protocol, DataTAC systems provide transmission rates up to 19.2 kb per second and 9.6 kb per second depending on the country. Those rates mean fewer delays and faster response times for the mobile user. For network operators, they mean greater capacity to accommodate more customers, while minimizing the required investment in network infrastructure.

DataTAC’s error detection and correction schemes provide increased message accuracy, fewer message retries and enhanced networks throughput. With DataTAC technology, the state of the entire network is constantly monitored and safety mechanisms including system alarms, remote diagnostics and redundant back-up links ensure network reliability and availability.

The key components of the network infrastructure include the Network Management Center (NMC), Area Communications Controller (ACC) and base site equipment.

The NMC is an advanced client-server based management tool which provides all network administration, operation and maintenance functions. It acts as the central point of control in the DataTAC system.

The ACC consists of the Radio Network Gateway (RNG), Radio Network Controller (RNC), and Communications Hub. The ACC is primarily responsible for all message switching and routing functions, as well as providing the key communication link between host computers and remote base stations. Connectivity between the host computer and the infrastructure is established using industry standard X.25 or TCP/IP host link protocols. The ACC maintains all customer-specific information for each device on the system and allows users within a given geographic area to connect to host application services. It manages user device authorization, roaming control and base site control. It also collects all system usage/traffic information for accounting/billing purposes and detailed analysis of usage patterns.

RIM 801D OEM Radio Modem – Integrator’s Guide

Introduction: DataTAC network technology

DataTAC Data System Station (DSS) base site equipment is located at various remote sites in the operational area of coverage and provides the RF link between the DataTAC infrastructure and end user devices. They convert the host data messages into the RD-LAP radio channel protocol for transmission to the user devices and reverse the process on the return connection. They also allow device r oaming between base site coverage areas in a seamless manner completely transparent to the end user.

Integrator’s Guide – RIM 801D OEM Radio Modem

2. Mechanical

specifications and mounting needs

This chapter provides information about the RIM 801D that will be useful in determining the physical positioning of the radio modem within an application. Environmental properties, case dimensions, cabling, connectors, and mounting suggestions are presented.

Environmental properties

The RIM 801D OEM Radio Modem is designed to function within the following environmental limits:

• -30°Cto+55°C(-22°F to +131°F) operational

• -40°Cto+85°C(-40°F to +185°F) storage

• 5 to 95% relative humidity, non-condensing

Mechanical specifications and mounting needs: Physical properties

Physical properties

Dimensions

The RIM 801D has been designed to meet the most stringent space requirements. In most cases, there will be sufficient room in an existing enclosure to house the radio modem. Within the case of the modem, the smaller components are mounted on one side, and the larger components on the other. This separation of large and small components results in a case with two different thickness (see Figure 2, below).

The overall maximum dimensions of the radio modem are:

• Width: 2.61” (6.63 cm)

• Length: 3.44” (8.74 cm)

• Thickness: 0.30” (0.75 cm) to 0.38” (0.96 cm)

Top and side views of the radio modem are shown on the next page.

Weight

The RIM 801D weighs 2.3oz (64g), including the case.

Integrator’s Guide – RIM 801D OEM Radio Modem

Mechanical specifications and mounting needs: Physical properties

Figure 1: Top view of RIM 801D

Figure 2: Side view of RIM 801D

RIM 801D OEM Radio Modem – Integrator’s Guide

Mechanical specifications and mounting needs: Mounting the RIM 801D

Mounting the RIM 801D

The RIM 801D OEM radio modem may be securely fastened using a variety of methods. When deciding on a mounting option, the most important consideration is the operating environment. Such factors as extreme temperature or heavy vibration may dictate the need for a special mounting

solution.

Due to the RIM 801D’s small size and low weight, Research In Motion recommends the use of an industrial adhesive when attaching the radio modem to the host device. This method of mounting is preferable to bolts,

because of its ease of use in manufacturing and its resistance to loosening. An effective solution is to adhere the radio modem to the inside surface of your product’s casing.

The designer should select an adhesive based on its suitability to the mounting surface of the radio modem as well as the casing. The outer casing of the RIM 801D is pre-tinned steel or stainless steel, with a thickness of

0.010” (0.25 mm).

The following information is presented as a guide, but applications can vary considerably. Please make sure that the mounting method you choose is suitable for your particular application.

Permanent adhesive

3M manufactures VHB, a permanent industrial adhesive with excellent long-term holding power. The peel adhesion and tensile holding power of VHB tapes are extremely high, making this a suitable solution when the radio will not need to be removed.

Testing by Research In Motion has shown that a RIM 801D radio modem, bonded to a suitable surface with VHB, should never come loose even when subject to heavy vibration. Although the use of an adhesive might seem inadequate or insufficient, it should be considered that this particular adhesive is extremely strong — for example, VHB tapes replace rivets in fastening side panels to the frames of ambulances. VHB adheres best to metal, and can also be used on finished wood, paper, cardboard, glass, painted concrete, and most plastics, with various ratings in bond strength. VHB will not bond to polyethylene or polypropylene plastics, leather, or fabric.

Integrator’s Guide – RIM 801D OEM Radio Modem

Mechanical specifications and mounting needs: Mounting the RIM 801D

Please be aware that because VHB is a permanent adhesive, the radio modem cannot be removed once it is installed. Attempting to break the adhesive bond by twisting off the radio modem will certainly damage the unit. There is no known solvent that will remove VHB. If using VHB as your adhesive, please make sure that you will not need to remove the radio modem after it is installed. Otherwise, the use of a reclosable fastener is recommended.

More information about VHB may be obtained by contacting 3M Industrial Tape and Specialties Division. The publication number for the VHB technical data sheet is 70-0702-0266-1(104.5)R1. Please refer to -

Appendix II for complete contact information.

Reclosable Fasteners

A reclosable fastener may be used to affix the RIM 801D to a surface. The use of such fasteners is useful if the radio modem might be removed at some point during the p roduct’s life. For example, the RIM 801D can be installed in a housing with no need for the end user to remove the radio modem, but the product manufacturer might later wish to do so.

The choice of reclosable fastener is governed by two factors. The first is the strength of the closure. The fastener should ensure that the closure will last long enough so the radio modem will not accidentally separate from the housing of the embedded system. The second consideration is the number of times the radio modem will be removed and refastened.

Two lines of Velcro-like reclosable fasteners are offered by 3M: Scotchmate and Dual Lock. Scotchmate is a plastic hook and cloth loop fastening system, the use of which is inappropriate to this application because it is expected that the radio modem would eventually come loose. Dual Lock is a sturdier, more rugged design that is appropriate to this task. The use of Dual Lock, alone or in combination with Scotchmate, offers excellent fastening while retaining the capability of removing the RIM 801D.

Different applications have different fastening needs. The combinations suitable to most applications are outlined below:

• Attaching the RIM 801D to a rigid surface. The use of Type 400

Dual Lock with Type 170 Dual Lock is a universal combination, suitable for most situations where the RIM 801D is affixed to a rigid surface. (The “Type” number, 400 or 170, refers to the number of interlocking mushroom-shaped stems per square inch.)

RIM 801D OEM Radio Modem – Integrator’s Guide

Mechanical specifications and mounting needs: Mounting the RIM 801D

The RIM 801D can be removed and reattached as often as necessary using this method.

• Attaching the RIM 801D to a flexible surface. Using Type 400

Dual Lock on both surfaces offers the maximum tensile disengagement of 55 psi (380 kPa). The RIM 801D can be removed and reattached as often as necessary using this method.

• Maximum holding power. A high-strength closure may be

obtained by mating Scotchmate Loop (on the RIM 801D) with Type 170 Dual Lock (on the attaching surface). The peel strength of this combination is very high, at 10 pounds/inch (17.5 N/cm). This solution offers the highest possible long-term holding strength, but it limits the number of times the RIM 801D could be removed to between 20 and 50. Please be aware that the radio modem may tend to “wiggle” a little bit because of the loops. This may give the appearance of a loose bond, although the radio is in fact held in place quite securely.

It is necessary to choose the adhesive backing on the fastener strips (rubber adhesive, acrylic adhesive, or VHB) so that it is appropriate to the attaching surface. Either backing will attach to the RIM 801D’s steel casing, although VHB is recommended for its greater strength. However, VHB will not adhere to polyethylene or polypropylene plastic, for which rubber adhesive is recommended.

The disadvantage of these reclosable fasteners is that they will add slightly to the thickness of the radio modem. The engaged thickness of the combinations above will be from 0.19” to 0.23” (4.8 mm to 5.8 mm).

More information about 3M’s reclosable fasteners may be obtained by contacting 3M Industrial Tape and Specialties Division and requesting publication number 70-0704-5609-3(833)JR.