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AC4490
Hardware Integration Guide
Version 4.6
AC4490 Hardware Integration Guide
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REVISION HISTORY
Versio
n
Date
Description
Approved By
4.2
16 Dec
2013
Separated into two separate docs (Hardware Integration Guide
and User Guide). Information in this document was originally part
of the User Guide.
Added a Related Documents section.
Note: Starting at Rev 4.2 to match the current User Guide.
Sue White
4.3
09 Apr
2014
Updated Serial Interface information to:
Serial Interface and
Digital I/O
3.3V TTL only, all part numbers
UART baud rates from
1200 bps to 115,200 bps
Chris Downey
4.4
28 Apr
2014
Updated Serial Interface information to:
Serial Interface and I/O
3.3V TTL
UART baud rates from
1200 bps to 115,200 bps
Chris Downey
4.5
4 Aug
2014
Added Approved Antenna List
Chris Downey
4.6
18 May
2017
Removed references to EOL part numbers
Jonathan Kaye
FCC Notice
WARNING: This device complies with Part 15 of the 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.
RF Exposure/Installation Instructions
WARNING: To satisfy FCC RF exposure requirements for mobile transmitting devices, this equipment
must be professionally installed such that the end user is prevented from replacing the antenna with
a non-approved antenna. The end user should also be prevented from being within 20cm of the
antenna during normal use with the exception of hands, feet, wrists and ankles.
The preceding statement must be included as a CAUTION statement in manuals for OEM products to
alert users on FCC RF Exposure compliance.
Caution: Any change or modification not expressly approved by Laird could void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment.
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CONTENTS
AC4490 RF Transceiver ................................................................................................................................. 5
Overview .................................................................................................................................................... 5
Features ........................................................................................................................................................ 5
Networking and Security ........................................................................................................................... 5
Easy to Use ................................................................................................................................................ 5
Detailed Specifications ................................................................................................................................ 5
Electrical Specifications ............................................................................................................................... 7
Hardware .................................................................................................................................................... 10
Pin Definitions .......................................................................................................................................... 10
Pin Descriptions ........................................................................................................................................ 12
Generic I/O .............................................................................................................................................. 12
TXD & RXD .............................................................................................................................................. 12
CTS ....................................................................................................................................................... 12
GND ........................................................................................................................................................ 12
RTS .......................................................................................................................................................... 12
Test ...................................................................................................................................................... 12
RSSI ......................................................................................................................................................... 13
UP_Reset ................................................................................................................................................. 13
CMD /Data ............................................................................................................................................ 14
AD In ....................................................................................................................................................... 14
In Range ............................................................................................................................................... 14
Serial Interface ........................................................................................................................................... 14
Serial Communications ............................................................................................................................. 14
Asynchronous Operation .......................................................................................................................... 14
Parity ........................................................................................................................................................ 14
Serial Interface Baud Rate ......................................................................................................................... 15
OEM Host Data Rate ................................................................................................................................ 16
Radio Interface ........................................................................................................................................... 16
Protocol Status / Receive Acknowledgement ............................................................................................ 16
Protocol Status ........................................................................................................................................ 16
Receive Acknowledgement ...................................................................................................................... 16
Flow Control ............................................................................................................................................ 16
CTS On/CTS On Hysteresis (Flow Control) ................................................................................................ 16
Security ....................................................................................................................................................... 18
Spread Spectrum History ......................................................................................................................... 18
How Spread Spectrum Works .................................................................................................................. 18
Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum ...................................................................................................... 18
AC4490 Security Features ........................................................................................................................ 19
AC4490 Mechanical and Layout ............................................................................................................... 20
Mechanical Drawings ............................................................................................................................... 20
AC4490 Timing Diagrams .......................................................................................................................... 23
Ordering Information ................................................................................................................................ 24
Product Part Number Tree ........................................................................................................................ 24
Developer Kit Part Number ....................................................................................................................... 24
Compliance Information ........................................................................................................................... 24
AC4490- 1x1 ........................................................................................................................................... 24
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Agency Identification Numbers ................................................................................................................. 24
Approved Antenna List ............................................................................................................................. 25
FCC / IC Requirements for Modular Approval ........................................................................................... 25
OEM Equipment Labeling Requirements ................................................................................................... 26
Antenna Requirements ............................................................................................................................. 26
Warnings Required in OEM Manuals ........................................................................................................ 26
Channel Warning ..................................................................................................................................... 26
Appendix I: 5V to 3.3V Levels ................................................................................................................... 27
Voltage Level Conversion IC’s ................................................................................................................... 27
Passive Resistor Voltage Divider ................................................................................................................ 27
Appendix II: Sample Power Supply ........................................................................................................... 28
Bill of Materials ........................................................................................................................................ 28
Schematic ................................................................................................................................................ 28
Switching Power Supply .......................................................................................................................... 28
PCB Layout ............................................................................................................................................... 29
Appendix III: Product Throughput ............................................................................................................ 30
Related Documents and Files .................................................................................................................... 31
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AC4490 RF TRANSCEIVER
The compact AC4490 900 MHz transceiver can replace miles of cable in harsh industrial environments. Using
field-proven frequency hopping spread spectrum (FHSS) technology which needs no additional FCC licensing
in the Americas, OEMs can easily make existing systems wireless with little or no RF expertise.
Overview
The AC4490 is a cost effective, high performance, frequency hopping spread spectrum transceiver designed
for integration into OEM systems operating under FCC part 15.247 regulations for the 900 MHz ISM band.
AC4490 transceivers provide an asynchronous TTL level serial interface for OEM Host communications, which
include both system and configuration data. The Host supplies system data for transmission to other Host(s).
Configuration data is stored in the on-board EEPROM. All frequency hopping, synchronization, and RF system
data transmission/reception is performed by the transceiver.
To boost data integrity and security, the AC4490 uses Laird’s field-proven FHSS technology featuring optional
Data-Encryption Standards (DES). Fully transparent, these transceivers operate seamlessly in serial cable
replacement applications.
AC4490 transceivers can operate in Point-to-Point, Point-to-Multipoint, Client-Server, or Peer-to-Peer
architecture. One transceiver is configured as a server with one or many client-configured transceivers
synchronized to it. To establish synchronization between transceivers, the server emits a beacon; upon
detecting a beacon an RF link is established and a GPIO is toggled to signify to the host that the link is active.
This document contains information about the hardware and software interface between a Laird AC4490
transceiver and an OEM Host. Information includes the theory of operation, specifications, interface
definition, configuration information and mechanical drawings. The OEM is responsible for ensuring the final
product meets all appropriate regulatory agency requirements listed herein before selling any product.
Note: Unless mentioned by name, the AC4490 module is referred to as the “radio” or “transceiver”.
Individual naming is used to differentiate product specific features. The host (PC / Microcontroller /
Any device to which the AC4490 module is connected) will be referred to as “OEM Host”.
FEATURES
Networking and Security
Generic I/O digital lines and integrated DAC/ADC functions
Retries and Acknowledgements
API Commands to control packet routing and
acknowledgement on a packet-by-packet basis
Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum for security and
interference rejection
Customizable RF Channel number and system ID
Dynamic link analysis, remote radio discovery
Low latency and high throughput
Hardware Protocol Status monitoring
Easy to Use
Continuous 76.8 Kbps RF data stream
Software selectable interface baud
rates from 1200 bps to 115.2 Kbps
Low cost, low power and small size
ideal for high volume, portable and
battery powered applications
All modules are qualified for Industrial
temperatures (-40° C to 85° C)
Advanced configuration available using
AT commands
DETAILED SPECIFICATIONS
Table 1: AC4490 Specification table
GENERAL
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20 Pin Interface Connector
Molex 87759-0030, mates with Samtec SMM-110-02-S-D
RF Connector
MMCX jack Johnson Components 135-3711-822
Antenna
AC4490-1x1: Customer must provide
AC4490-200: External antenna with MMCX plug or integral antenna
AC4490-1000: External antenna with MMCX plug
Serial Interface and I/O
3.3V TTL
UART baud rates from 1200 bps to 115,200 bps
Power Consumption
(typical)
Duty Cycle (Tx = Transmit, Rx = Receive)
10%Tx
50%Tx
100%
100%Rx
Pwrdown
Deep
Sleep
1x1
33 mA
54 mA
80 mA
28 mA
15 mA
3 mA
200
38 mA
68 mA
106 mA
30 mA
19 mA
6 mA
1000
130 mA
650 mA
1300 mA
30 mA
19 mA
6 mA
Channels
3 Channel Sets comprising 56 total channels.
AC4490-1x1: 3 Channel Sets
AC4490-200: 3 Channel Sets
AC4490-1000: 2 Channel Sets
Security
One byte System ID. 56-bit DES encryption key
Interface Buffer Size
Input/Output: 256 bytes each
TRANCEIVER
Frequency Band
902 – 928 MHz
RF Data Rate
76.8 Kbps fixed
RF Technology
Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS)
Output Power
Conducted (no antenna)
EIRP (3 dBi gain antenna)
1x1
10 mW typical
20 mW typical
200
100 mW typical
200 mW typical
1000
743 mW typical
1486 mW typical
Supply Voltage
1x1
VCC: 3.3 V, ±50 mV ripple
VPA: 3.3 V, ±50 mV ripple
200
VCC: 3.3 – 5.5 V, ±50 mV ripple
VPA: 3.3 – 5.5 V, ±50 mV ripple
1000*
VCC: 3.3 – 5.5 V ±50 mV ripple
VPA: 3.3 ±3%, ±100 mV ripple
* VCC & VPA may be tied together, provided the supply voltage never falls
below 3.3 V and is capable of supplying 1.5 A of current. VCC & VPA are
internally connected on the AC4490-200 only.
Sensitivity
RF Data Rate
Typical
76.8 Kbps
-100 dBm
76.8 Kbps (AC4490LR-1000)
-110 dBm
Note: Receive sensitivity listed for US and Australian modes. Radios ordered
per Brazilian regulations have a receive sensitivity of -80 dBm.
EEPROM write cycles
20000
Hop period
20 ms
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TRANCEIVER
Range, Outdoor Line of
Site
(based on 3dBi gain
antenna)
1x1
Up to 1 mile
200
Up to 4 miles
1000
Up to 20 miles
LR1000
Up to 40 miles
Note: Distance based on US and Australian Modes
ENVIRONMENTAL
Temperature (Operational)
-40° C to +80° C (-40° F to +176° F)
Temperature (Storage)
-50° C to +85° C (-58°F to +185° F)
Humidity (non-condensing)
10% - 90%
PHYSICAL
Dimensions
Transceiver w/ MMCX connector: 1.65” x 1.9” x 0.20”
Transceiver w/ integral antenna: 1.65” x 2.65” x 0.20”
AC4490-1x1: 1.00” x 1.00” x 0.162”
CERTIFICATIONS
AC4490-200
AC4490-1000
FCC Part 15.247
KQL-4x90200
KQLAC4490
Industry Canada (IC)
2268C-4x90200
2268C-AC44901000
Caution! ESD Sensitive Component. You must use proper ESD precautions when
handling this device to prevent permanent damage.
External ESD protection is required to protect this device from damage as required
to pass IEC 61000-4-2 or ISO 10605 based on end system application.
ELECTRICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Table 2: Input Voltage Characteristics
AC44901x1 / AC4490-1000M
AC4490-200X
Signal Name
High
Min.
High
Max.
Low
Min.
Low
Max.
High
Min.
High
Max.
Low
Min.
Low
Max.
Unit
RXD
2.31
3.3 0 0.99 2 5.5 0 0.8
V
GI0
2.31
3.3 0 0.99 2 5.5 0 0.8
V
RTS
2.31
3.3 0 0.99 2 5.5 0 0.8
V
Test
2.31
3.3 0 0.99 2 5.5 0 0.8
V
GI1
2.31
3.3 0 0.99 2 5.5 0 0.8
V
UP_RESET
0.8
3.3 0 0.6
0.8 5 0
0.6
V
CMD /Data
2.31
3.3 0 0.99 2 5.5 0 0.8
V
AD In
N/A
3.3 0 N/A
N/A
3.3 0 N/A
V
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Table 3: Output Voltage Characteristics
Signal Name
Module Pin
1x1 Pin
Type
High Min.
Low Max.
Unit
GO0 1 19
O
2.5 @ 8 mA
0.4 @ 8 mA
V
TXD 2 6
O
2.5 @ 2 mA
0.4 @ 2 mA
V
Hop Frame
6 1 O
2.5 @ 2 mA
0.4 @ 2 mA
V
CTS 7 9
O
2.5 @ 2 mA
0.4 @ 2 mA
V
GO1 9 19
O
2.5 @ 2 mA
0.4 @ 2 mA
V
RSSI
13
12
O
See Figure 1
See Figure 1
V
DA_Out
19
20
O
N/A
N/A
V1
In Range
20
18
O
2.5 @ 2 mA
0.4 @ 2 mA
V
1. DA_Out is an unbuffered, high impedance output and must be buffered by the OEM Host when used.
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Figure 1: Pending RF Buffer Flow
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HARDWARE
Pin Definitions
The AC4490 has a simple interface that allows OEM host communications with the transceiver and shows the
connector pin numbers and associated functions.
Table 4: AC4490 Pin Definitions
Module
Pin
1x1
Pin
Type
Signal Name
Function
1 4 O
GO0
Generic Output pin
2 6 O
TXD
Serial data output from the module to the OEM Host.
3 7 I
RXD
Serial data input to the module from the OEM Host.
4
51 GI0
Generic Input pin
5 3 GND
GND
Signal Ground
6 O
Hop Frame
Pulses low when the transceiver is hopping frequencies.
7 9 O
CTS
Clear to Send – Active Low when the transceiver is ready to accept
data for transmission. CTS should be monitored by the OEM Host
& data flow to the radio should cease when CTS is High.
8
101
I
RTS
Request to Send – When enabled in EEPROM, the OEM Host can
take this High when it is not ready to accept data from the
transceiver.
Note: Keeping RTS High for too long can cause data loss.
9
19 O GO1
Generic Output pin
10
2 PWR
VCC
Powers the radio and microcontroller. Must be connected.
1x1:
3.3 V, +/- 50 mV ripple
200:
3.3 – 5.5 V, +/- 50 mV ripple (Pin 10 is internally
connected to Pin 11)
1000:
3.3 – 5.5V, +/-50mV ripple
11
11
PWR
VPA
Powers the power-amplifier and draws most current when in TX
mode. Must be connected.
1x1:
3.3 V, +/- 50 mV ripple
200:
3.3 – 5.5 V, +/- 50 mV ripple (Pin 11 is internally
connected to Pin 10)
1000:
3.3 V +/- 3%, +/- 100 mV ripple
12
23 I Test
Test Mode – When pulled logic Low and then applying power or
resetting, the transceiver’s serial interface is forced to a 9600, 8-N1 rate. To exit, the transceiver must be reset or power-cycled with
Test Mode logic High.
13
12 O RSSI
Received Signal Strength - An analog output giving an
instantaneous indication of received signal strength. Only valid
while in Receive Mode.
14
211 I GI1
Generic Input pin
15
16 I UP_RESET
RESET – Controlled by the AC4490 for power-on reset if left
unconnected. After a stable power-on reset, a logic High pulse will
reset the transceiver.
16
13 GND
GND
Signal Ground
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