The iM980A is a compact, low power, bidirectional radio module for the 915 MHz
frequency band using Semtech’s LoRaTM modulation technology. The module provides
ultra-long range spread spectrum communication and high interference immunity whilst
minimising current consumption. Using the iM980A in an application minimizes the need
for an expensive and time-consuming RF development. Fast time to market is possible with
this pre-qualified module.
Figure 1-1: Picture of iM980A
Please visit our web site www.wireless-solutions.de for more information.
Default host controller interface is UART. SPI and I²C functionality available on request.
The iM980A is an ultra-long range, high-performance, pre-certified module for wireless
communication. It operates in the license free 915 MHz ISM frequency band and includes
all necessary passive components for wireless communication as depicted in the following
figure.
Figure 2-1: Block Diagram of Radio Module iM980A
The iM980A uses Semtech’s patented LoRa modulation technique which combines spread
spectrum modulation and forward error correction techniques to increase the range and
robustness of radio communication links compared with traditional FSK or OOK based
modulation. Typically examples of iM980A receive performances are given in the following
table.
Table 2-1: Typically Radio Performance of iM980A
This high sensitivity combined with the integrated power amplifier yields industry leading
link budget.
The module is solderable like a SMD component and can easily be mounted on a simple
carrier board with a minimum of required external connections. It is RoHS compliant and
qualified in accordance to FCC Part 15.
The iM980A uses Semtech’s LoRa proprietary spread spectrum modulation technique. This
modulation, in contrast to conventional modulation techniques, permits an increase in link
budget and increased immunity to in-band interference. It achieves sensitivities 8 dB better
than FSK modulation.
LoRa also provides significant advantages in both blocking and selectivity, solving the
traditional design compromise between range, interference immunity and energy
consumption.
3.1 Channel Frequencies
The iM980A uses the following channel set up specified by LoRaWAN [2]:
1) Unless otherwise noted, all voltages are with respect to GND
Note: With RF output power level above +16 dBm a minimum distance
between two devices should be 1 m for avoiding too large input level.
Note: Stress exceeding of one or more of the limiting values listed under
“Absolute Maximum Ratings” may cause permanent damage to the radio
module.
WiMOD iM980A Electrical Characteristics
4. Electrical Characteristics
In the following different electrical characteristics of the iM980A are listed. Furthermore
details and other parameter ranges are available on request.
T = 25°C, VDD = 3 V (typ.), 915 MHz if nothing else stated
Parameter
Condition
Min
Typ.
Max
Unit
Frequency Range
902
-
928
MHz
RF Output Power
915 MHz Band
17.5
dBm
Modulation Techniques
LoRa®
TX Frequency Variation
vs. Temperature
-40 to +85°C
-
±10
-
kHz
TX Power Variation vs.
Temperature
-
±0.5
-
dB
Note: The duty cycle of transmission at maximum output power is limited to 1%. The
antenna has to be matched with a maximum VSWR of 3:1.
WiMOD iM980A Electrical Characteristics
4.4 RF Characteristics
4.4.1 Applicable Frequency Bands and Sub-Bands
Please refer to chapter 3.1
4.4.2 Transmitter RF Characteristics
The iM980A has an excellent transmitter performance as given by Table 4-4. For further
details, refer to Figure 4-1 which gives an overview of RF output power levels versus power
level settings and its current consumption with microcontroller in sleep mode.
In the following the iM980A module package is described. This description includes the
iM980A pinout as well as the modules dimensions. Furthermore a recommendation for a
suitable footprint is given, which should be used for further mounting on appropriate
carrier boards.
5.1 Pinout Description
Figure 5-1 depicts a description of the iM980A's pads on the bottom side. The figure
shows the module with its pinout in top view (right figure). A detailed description of the
individual pins can be found in Table 5-1.
Figure 5-1: Description of iM980A module pins and top view
For programming the module with special firmware versions, there are two types of
interfaces supported: A SWD-interface, which require a special programmer, as well as a
bootloader-interface, for updating the modules firmware via UART-interface.
Note: The module offers some IOs that are connected to the JTAG On-chip Debug
system. Currently this interface is unavailable1.
Currently there is a silicon limitation for the MCU of the module. For more information please see:
The iM980A provides 32 connectors as described in Chapter 5. For integrating the
iM980A into an environment, a typically circuit as given in Chapter 7.1 can be used.
While designing the PCB Layout, the recommendations of Chapter 7.2 should be applied,
as well as the recommendation for soldering in Chapter 7.3.
7.1 Typical Application Schematic
Figure 7-1: Typical Application Schematic for iM980A
Note: Disregarding this recommendation can affect the RF performance
respective RF output power, sensitivity, and unwanted emissions.
WiMOD iM980A Integration Guide
7.2 PCB Design Recommendation
The Top Layer of the carrier board should be kept free of Tracks and Vias under the
iM980A because there are some test pads on the bottom side of the module which are not
covered by solder resist.
All GND pads of the module should be connected via low impedance path to GND.
The iM980A's RF interface is already matched to 50 By using an adequate
50 antenna, no additional matching components are required1. For an ideal signal
transmission between the modules RF pad and the antenna, the transmission line should
be as short as possible and represent an impedance of 50 .
This impedance depends on frequency and PCB structure. It is recommended to use a
grounded coplanar waveguide (CPWG) structure, to reduce effects of electromagnetic
fields. The impedance of transmission line for grounded CPWG is basically affected by
height H and material of the substrate, gap G between transmission line and ground on
the top layer, as well as width W and thickness T of the transmission lines (Figure 7-2).
Figure 7-2: Structure of a grounded CPWG
In other case a special matching network is required
Note: The quality of the soldering process depends on several parameters,
e.g. soldering paste, carrier board design, fabrication equipment,...
WiMOD iM980A Integration Guide
Assuming a frequency of approx. 915 MHz, FR4 (er≈4.8) as substrate material, copper as
conductor material, G = 0.4 mm and T = 35 µm, the width of transmission line is given
by Table 7-1.
Table 7-1: Recommended width of transmission line for CPWG and 915 MHz
7.3 Recommended Soldering Conditions
An example of the temperature profile for the soldering process of the iM980A is depicted
in Figure 7-3 with the corresponding values as given by Table 7-2. The temperature values
should not exceed the limits.
Figure 7-3: Soldering Profile
Table 7-2: Recommended Soldering Parameter for Temperature and Timing
The iM980A module has received Federal Communications Commission (FCC) CFR47
Telecommunications, Part 15 Subpart C modular approval in accordance with Part
15.212 Modular Transmitter Statement about FCC.
10.1 FCC Regulatory Notices
Modification Statement
IMST GmbH has not approved any changes or modifications to this device by the user.
Any changes or modifications could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
Interference Statement
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following
two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must accept
any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.
Wireless notice
This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled
environment. The antenna should be installed and operated with minimum distance of
20 cm between the radiator and your body. This transmitter must not be co-located or
operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.
Permitted Antenna
This radio transmitter iM980Ahas been approved by FCC to operate with the antenna
types listed below with the maximum permissible gain indicated. Antenna types not
included in this list, having a gain greater than the maximum gain indicated for that type,
are strictly prohibited for use with this device.
FCC Class B Digital Device Notice
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
Please refer to the Mote II data sheet for further information.
Datasheet
WiMOD iM980A Regulatory Compliance Information
equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed
and used in accordance with the instructions, 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 to 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 outlet on a circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Labelling Requirements for Host Device
The host device shall be properly labelled to identify the modules within the host device.
The certification label of the module shall be clearly visible at all times when installed in
the host device, otherwise the host device must be labelled to display the FCC ID of the
module, preceded by the words "Contains transmitter module", or the word "Contains", or
similar wording expressing the same meaning, as follows:
Datasheet
WiMOD iM980A Regulatory Compliance Information
The applicable regulation requirements are subject to change. IMST GmbH does not take
any responsibility for the correctness and accuracy of the aforementioned information.
National laws and regulations, as well as their interpretation can vary with the country. In
case of uncertainty, it is recommended to contact either IMST’s accredited Test Center or
to consult the local authorities of the relevant countries.
IMST GmbH points out that all information in this document is given on an “as is” basis.
No guarantee, neither explicit nor implicit is given for the correctness at the time of
publication. IMST GmbH reserves all rights to make corrections, modifications,
enhancements, and other changes to its products and services at any time and to
discontinue any product or service without prior notice. It is recommended for customers to
refer to the latest relevant information before placing orders and to verify that such
information is current and complete. All products are sold and delivered subject to
“General Terms and Conditions” of IMST GmbH, supplied at the time of order
acknowledgment.
IMST GmbH assumes no liability for the use of its products and does not grant any licenses
for its patent rights or for any other of its intellectual property rights or third-party rights. It
is the customer’s duty to bear responsibility for compliance of systems or units in which
products from IMST GmbH are integrated with applicable legal regulations. Customers
should provide adequate design and operating safeguards to minimize the risks associated
with customer products and applications. The products are not approved for use in life
supporting systems or other systems whose malfunction could result in personal injury to
the user. Customers using the products within such applications do so at their own risk.
Any reproduction of information in datasheets of IMST GmbH is permissible only if
reproduction is without alteration and is accompanied by all given associated warranties,
conditions, limitations, and notices. Any resale of IMST GmbH products or services with
statements different from or beyond the parameters stated by IMST GmbH for that
product/solution or service is not allowed and voids all express and any implied
warranties. The limitations on liability in favor of IMST GmbH shall also affect its
employees, executive personnel and bodies in the same way. IMST GmbH is not
responsible or liable for any such wrong statements.