The Hiberband modem is a highly integrated, low-power communications front-end designed for global delivery
of sensor data through Hiber’s satellite-based HiberBand Low-Power Global Area Network (LPGAN). Designed as
a compact, solderable SMT module, it is straightforward to integrate in IoT devices. The application host processor
of the IoT device interacts with the Hiberband modem through a UART-based serial interface using a commandresponse protocol.
The Hiberband modem operates in one of several modes, each with their own distinctive power consumption
pattern:
• Hibernation Mode: the Hiberband modem will be in this mode most the time; with exception of its internal
real-time clock, all systems are shut off.
• Host Communication Mode: the Hiberband modem has activated the minimal set of functions needed to
receive instructions (e.g. to submit sensor data for transmission) from the application host processor.
• Geo-location Mode: the Hiberband modem will autonomously activate its GPS receiver to re-determine its
current location to stay synchronized with the HiberBand network of orbiting satellites.
• HiberBand Listen Mode: the Hiberband modem has activated its receiver in anticipation of a satellite
passing overhead.
• HiberBand Transmission Mode: the Hiberband modem has activated its HiberBand transmitter to send
sensor data to a satellite in range.
The highly energy-efficient operation of the Hiberband modem is supported by an advanced orbit prediction
algorithm that allows it to remain in hibernation mode until one of the HiberBand satellites becomes ’visible’ to
the LPGAN-enabled IoT device. The optimal communication window is determined by the current geographic
location of the device; to keep track of the actual location, the Hiberband modem is equipped with its own GPS
receiver. This geo-position information acquired by the Hiberband modem is also available to the IoT device
application through the host processor interface.
For the integration details of the Hiberband modem in your IoT device, please refer to the Hiber System
Integration Manual.
The information on the internal GPS receiver of the Hiberband modem is provided for
reference purposes only; this functionality has been discontinued. The application developer
must provide current the geo-location by other means to the modem.
The pin numbering scheme of the Hiberband modem is shown in figure 1.
The module pins are implemented as so-called castellations that allow
soldering onto a printed circuit board (PCB) using standard reflow
manufacturing techniques.
The Hiberband modem provides one or two on-board antenna
connectors (depending on the modem version), one for the HiberBand
satellite communication, and one for the GPS antenna (for modem
versions with integrated GPS receiver). The antenna details are
described in section 2.8.
Stressing the Hiberband modem above one or more of the ratings listed in the Absolute
Maximum Ratings section may cause permanent damage. These are stress ratings only.
Operating the Hiberband modem at these or at any conditions other than those specified in
the Operating Conditions sections of the specification should be avoided. Exposure to
Absolute Maximum Rating conditions for extended periods may affect device reliability.
Operating conditions ranges define those limits within which the functionality of the device is
guaranteed.
Where application information is given, it is advisory only and does not form part of the
specification.
Unless otherwise specified, all operating conditions are valid at an ambient operating temperature
of +25 °C.
2.1Absolute maximum ratings
The absolute maximum ratings of the Hiberband modem given in table 2 apply over the operating temperature
range (for reasons of brevity the acronym HB is used for ’HiberBand’).
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ParameterDescriptionConditionMinMaxUnit
VCCSupply voltageDC voltage at VCC pins-0.156.0V
VREFReference voltageDC voltage at VREF pin-0.156.0V
WKUPWKUP input voltageDC voltage at WKUP pin-0.156.0V
RESETRESET input voltageDC voltage at RESET pin-0.156.0V
UARTUART input voltagesDC voltage at RXD pins-0.156.0V
GPS antenna powerInput RF power at GPS antenna-8dBm
HB antenna powerInput RF power at HB antenna-8dBm
HB antenna ruggednessOutput RF load mismatch at HB antenna20:1VSWR
T
storage
Table 2: Absolute maximum ratings
Storage temperature-40+125°C
The Hiberband modem is not protected against overvoltages or reversed voltages. If
necessary, voltage spikes exceeding the power supply voltage specification as given in the
table above must be limited to values within the specified boundaries by using appropriate
protection measures.
2.2Operating temperature ranges
The following temperature ranges are defined for operation of the Hiberband modem:
• Normal operating temperature: the Hiberband modem is fully functional and meets all its product
specifications across the specified temperature range.
• Extended operating temperature: the Hiberband modem is fully functional but RF performance may be