Sierra Wireless AirPrime Q26 User Manual

AirPrime Q26 Carrier Board

4117783

6.0

December 19, 2016

User Guide

Important Notice

Due to the nature of wireless communications, transmission and reception of data can never be guaranteed. Data may be delayed, corrupted (i.e., have errors) or be totally lost. Although significant delays or losses of data are rare when wireless devices such as the Sierra Wireless modem are used in a normal manner with a well-constructed network, the Sierra Wireless modem should not be used in situations where failure to transmit or receive data could result in damage of any kind to the user or any other party, including but not limited to personal injury, death, or loss of property. Sierra Wireless accepts no responsibility for damages of any kind resulting from delays or errors in data transmitted or received using the Sierra Wireless modem, or for failure of the Sierra Wireless modem to transmit or receive such data.

Safety and Hazards

Do not operate the Sierra Wireless modem in areas where cellular modems are not advised without proper device certifications. These areas include environments where cellular radio can interfere such as explosive atmospheres, medical equipment, or any other equipment which may be susceptible to any form of radio interference. The Sierra Wireless modem can transmit signals that could interfere with this equipment. Do not operate the Sierra Wireless modem in any aircraft, whether the aircraft is on the ground or in flight. In aircraft, the Sierra Wireless modem MUST BE POWERED OFF. When operating, the Sierra Wireless modem can transmit signals that could interfere with various onboard systems.

Note: Some airlines may permit the use of cellular phones while the aircraft is on the ground and the door

is open. Sierra Wireless modems may be used at this time.

The driver or operator of any vehicle should not operate the Sierra Wireless modem while in control of a vehicle. Doing so will detract from the driver or operator’s control and operation of that vehicle. In some states and provinces, operating such communications devices while in control of a vehicle is an offence.

Limitations of Liability

This manual is provided “as is”. Sierra Wireless makes no warranties of any kind, either expressed or

implied, including any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or noninfringement. The recipient of the manual shall endorse all risks arising from its use.

The information in this manual is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on the part of Sierra Wireless. SIERRA WIRELESS AND ITS AFFILIATES SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIM LIABILITY FOR ANY AND ALL DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, GENERAL, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR EXEMPLARY DAMAGES INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, LOSS OF PROFITS OR REVENUE OR ANTICIPATED PROFITS OR REVENUE ARISING OUT OF THE USE OR INABILITY TO USE ANY SIERRA WIRELESS PRODUCT, EVEN IF SIERRA WIRELESS AND/OR ITS AFFILIATES HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES OR THEY ARE FORESEEABLE OR FOR CLAIMS BY ANY THIRD PARTY.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall Sierra Wireless and/or its affiliates aggregate liability arising under or in connection with the Sierra Wireless product, regardless of the number of events, occurrences, or claims giving rise to liability, be in excess of the price paid by the purchaser for the Sierra Wireless product.

4117783 Rev 6.0 December 19, 2016 2

User Guide

Sales information and technical support, including warranty and returns

Web: sierrawireless.com/company/contact-us/ Global toll-free number: 1-877-687-7795

6:00 am to 6:00 pm PST

Corporate and product information

Web: sierrawireless.com

Patents

This product may contain technology developed by or for Sierra Wireless Inc. This product includes technology licensed from QUALCOMM®. This product is manufactured or sold by Sierra Wireless Inc. or its affiliates under one or more patents

licensed from InterDigital Group and MMP Portfolio Licensing.

Copyright

Trademarks

Sierra Wireless®, AirPrime®, AirLink®, AirVantage®, WISMO®, ALEOS® and the Sierra Wireless and Open AT logos are registered trademarks of Sierra Wireless, Inc. or one of its subsidiaries.

Watcher® is a registered trademark of NETGEAR, Inc., used under license. Windows® and Windows Vista® are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Macintosh® and Mac OS X® are registered trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other

countries. QUALCOMM® is a registered trademark of QUALCOMM Incorporated. Used under license. Other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Contact Information

4117783 Rev 6.0 December 19, 2016 3

User Guide

Version

Date

Updates

1.0

July 30, 2015

Creation

1.1

August 13, 2015 Added:

 6 Packaging  7.4 Component Placement

Updated:

 4.2.1 PCM Voltage Level Shifter Selection  7.3 Mechanical Drawings

2.0

September 14, 2015 Added compatibility information for Q2698

Updated:

 Table 6 General Features  5 Using the Q26 Carrier Board

3.0

February 05, 2016

Added 4.1.11 RF Performance

Updated:

 Table 5 Operating Temperature  4.1.2 General Purpose Input/Output  4.1.10.1 Analog Audio  4.2.1 PCM Voltage Level Shifter Selection  4.2.2 LED0  Figure 9 Schematic Diagram  7.4 Component Placement

3.1

February 12, 2016

Updated Table 5 Operating Temperature

3.2

March 08, 2016

Updated 4.1.11 RF Performance

3.3

March 11, 2016

4.0

June 08, 2016

Updated:

 1 Introduction  6 Packaging

5.0

August 18, 2016

Updated 7.4 Component Placement

6.0

December 19, 2016

Added weight in Table 1 Physical Dimension

Document History

4117783 Rev 6.0 December 19, 2016 4

List of Figures

Figure 1. Q26 Carrier Board ............................................................................................................. 9

Figure 2. Test Point Locations ........................................................................................................ 17

Figure 3. PCM Voltage Level Shifter .............................................................................................. 28

Figure 4. Optional Components Placement.................................................................................... 28

Figure 5. R305 Configuration on the Q26 Carrier Board ................................................................ 29

Figure 6. Q26 Carrier Boards in Plastic Trays ................................................................................ 32

Figure 7. Plastic Tape on the Snap-in Socket ................................................................................ 32

Figure 8. Plastic Trays Packed in a Pizza Box ............................................................................... 33

Figure 9. Schematic Diagram ......................................................................................................... 35

Figure 10. Top View .......................................................................................................................... 36

Figure 11. Bottom View .................................................................................................................... 36

Figure 12. Circuit Card Assembly ..................................................................................................... 37

Figure 13. Component Placement – Top View ................................................................................. 38

Figure 14. Component Placement – Bottom View ........................................................................... 39

4117783 Rev 6.0 December 19, 2016 7

List of Tables

Table 1. Physical Dimension ......................................................................................................... 10

Table 2. Operating Voltage ........................................................................................................... 10

Table 3. VCC_2V8 and VCC_1V8 on the Q26 Modules ............................................................... 11

Table 4. VGPIO on the HL6 and HL8 Modules ............................................................................. 11

Table 5. Operating Temperature ................................................................................................... 11

Table 6. General Features ............................................................................................................ 12

Table 7. Interface Compatibility ..................................................................................................... 15

Table 8. Test Points ....................................................................................................................... 16

Table 9. Pin Mapping ..................................................................................................................... 18

Table 10. Compatible GPIOs .......................................................................................................... 23

Table 11. ADC Voltage Range ........................................................................................................ 26

Table 12. BAT_RTC ........................................................................................................................ 27

Table 13. Debug Port ...................................................................................................................... 27

Table 14. Optional Component Configuration for PCM ................................................................... 28

Table 15. LED0 Resistor Selection ................................................................................................. 29

4117783 Rev 6.0 December 19, 2016 8

1. Introduction

Snap-in Socket with a cover

Q26 Carrier Board

The AirPrime Q26 Carrier Board is used to provide an interface between applications using an AirPrime Q26 (which includes Q2686, Q2687, Q2686 Refreshed, Q2687 Refreshed and Q2698) form factor and the AirPrime HL6528, HL6528RD or HL8548 embedded module.

Note: HL6528 and HL6528RD refer to 1.8V variants of the HL6. 2.8V variants (which are not supported by

the Q26 Carrier Board) are designated as HL6528-2.8V and HL6528RD-2.8V.

AirPrime HL modules are inserted in a Snap-in Socket which is mounted on a PCB to form the Q26 Carrier Board.

Figure 1. Q26 Carrier Board

This document describes how the Q26 Carrier Board enables applications to change from using a Q26 module to an HL6528, HL6528RD or HL8548 module, as well as provides schematic diagrams and mechanical details to facilitate the user’s understanding and configuration of the Q26 Carrier Board.

The current Q26 Carrier Board is compatible with the following AirPrime HL modules:

 HL6528  HL6528RD  HL8548

For simplicity, these three modules will be collectively referred to as “HL6 and HL8 modules” throughout this document.

Likewise, the Q2686, Q2687, Q2686 Refreshed, Q2687 Refreshed will be collectively referred to as “Q268xx”, AirPrime Q26 variants as “Q26”, and the Q26 Carrier Board to “Q26CB” in this document.

For more information regarding AirPrime Q26, and HL6 and HL8 modules, refer to the specific product technical specifications listed in section 7.1 Reference Documents.

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2. General Description

Dimension

Q268xx

Q2698

Q26 Carrier Board*

Length

40 mm

Width

32.2 mm

Thickness

4.0 mm

6.2 mm

8.9 mm

Board-to-board stack up height

3.0 mm

Weight

8 g

11.8 g

12 g

Module

Vmin

Vnom

Vmax

Q268xx

3.2 V

3.6 V

4.8 V

Q2698

3.4 V

3.8 V

4.2 V

HL6528

3.2 V

3.7 V

4.5 V

HL6528RD

3.35 V

3.7 V

4.3 V

HL8548

3.2 V

3.7 V

4.5 V

2.1. Physical Dimension

The following table shows the physical dimension of the Q26 module and the Q26 Carrier Board.

Table 1. Physical Dimension

* Dimensions listed do not include shielding pins.

The Q26 Carrier Board can be assembled to any existing Q26 product design without the need for any additional setup or configuration.

2.2. Operating Voltage

Refer to the following table for the operating voltages of the Q26, and the HL6 and HL8 modules.

Table 2. Operating Voltage

Note: Take note of the difference between voltage ranges when using the Q26 Carrier Board on an

existing Q26 application.

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User Guide

General Description

Parameter

Minimum

Typical

Maximum

Unit

VCC_2V8 Output voltage

2.74

2.8

2.86

V

Output current

15

mA

VCC_1V8 Output voltage

1.76

1.8

1.94

V

Output current

15

mA

Parameter

Minimum

Typical

Maximum

Unit

Output voltage

1.7

1.8

1.9 V Output current

50

mA

Condition

Q26

Q26 Carrier Board with HL6528, HL6528RD

Q26 Carrier Board with HL8548

Operating/Class A

-30°C to +70°C

Operating/Class B

-40°C to +85°C

-40°C to +80°C

-40°C to +75°C

Storage

-40°C to 85°C

-40°C to +85°C

2.3. Power Supply Output

The power supply output can be used to pull up signals such as IOs, as well as act as a voltage references for the ADC interface.

The Q26 modules have two digital power supply outputs – VCC_2V8 (pin 10) and VCC_1V8 (pin 5); while the HL6 and HL8 modules only have one – VGPIO (pin 45). Refer to the tables below for more information.

Table 3. VCC_2V8 and VCC_1V8 on the Q26 Modules

Table 4. VGPIO on the HL6 and HL8 Modules

2.4. Operating Temperature

The Q26 Carrier Board is an industrial-grade device and has the following operating temperature range.

Table 5. Operating Temperature

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User Guide

General Description

Feature

Q268xx

Q2698

Q26 Carrier Board with HL6528, HL6528RD

Q26 Carrier Board with HL8548

Shielding

The Q268xx embedded module has complete body shielding.

The Q2698 embedded module has complete body shielding.

Complete body shielding (Q26 Carrier Board and HL module)

Application interface

 Full set of AT

commands for GSM/GPRS/EG PRS including GSM 07.07 and

07.05 AT command sets

 Status indication

for GSM

 Full set of AT

commands for GSM/GPRS/EG PRS including GSM 07.07 and

07.05 AT command sets

 Status indication

for GSM

 Full set of AT

commands for GSM/GPRS including GSM

07.07 and 07.05

 AT command

sets

 Comprehensive

set of dedicated AT commands for M2M applications

 NDIS NIC

interface support (Windows XP, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows CE, Linux)

 Multiple non-

multiplexed USB channel support

 Dial-up

networking

 USB selective

suspend to maximize power savings

 CMUX

multiplexing over UART

 AT command

interface – 3GPP 27.007 standard, plus proprietary extended AT commands

GSM/DCS Output Power

 Class 4 (2 W)

for GSM 850 and E-GSM

 Class 1 (1 W)

for DCS and PCS

 Quad-Band

GSM GPRS EDGE 850/900/1800/1 900 MHz

 GPRS class 12  EDGE (E-

GPRS) multislot class 12

 Class 4 (2 W)

for GSM 850 and E-GSM

 Class 1 (1 W)

for DCS and PCS

 Quad-band

GSM850/EGSM/DCS/PCS

 GPRS Multi-slot

class 10

 R99 support  PBCCH support

Quad-band GSM / GPRS / EDGE (850 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 1900 MHz)

GPRS

 GPRS multislot

class 10

 Multislot class 2

supported

 PBCCH support  Coding

schemes: CS1 to CS4

2.5. General Features

Table 6. General Features

4117783 Rev 6.0 December 19, 2016 12

User Guide

General Description

Feature

Q268xx

Q2698

Q26 Carrier Board with HL6528, HL6528RD

Q26 Carrier Board with HL8548

EGPRS

 EGPRS

multislot class 10

 Multislot class 2

supported

 PBCCH support  Coding

schemes MCS1 to MCS9

 Coding

schemes:

 CS1 to CS4

(GPRS)

 MCS 5 to

MCS 9 (EDGE)

3G

Penta-Band UMTS/HSPA (WCDMA/FDD) 2100/1900/850/800/ 900 MHz (band I, II, V, VI, VIII):

 Downlink data

rates up to HSDPA Category 10 (14.4 Mbps)

 Uplink data

rates up to HSUPA Category 6 (5.76 Mbps)

Hexa-band UMTS WCDMA FDD (800 MHz (B19), 850 MHz (B5/B6), 900 MHz (B8), 1900 MHz (B2), 2100 MHz (B1))

Voice

 GSM Voice

Features with Emergency calls 118 XXX

 Full Rate (FR),

Enhanced Full Rate (EFR), Half Rate (HR) and Adaptive Multi-rate (AMR)

 Echo

cancellation and noise reduction

 Full duplex

Hands free

 Half Rate (HR),

Full Rate (FR) and Enhanced Full Rate (EFR) and Adaptive multi-rate (AMR)

 Echo

cancellation and noise reduction

 Hands free

 Analog and

Digital interfaces

 Supports Full

Rate (FR), Enhanced Full Rate (EFR), Half Rate (HR) and Adaptive Multi-rate (AMR)

 Noise reduction

and echo cancellation

 DTMF

generation

 Digital interface

(ONLY)

 Supports

Enhanced Full Rate (EFR), Full Rate (FR), Half Rate (HR), and both NarrowBand and Wideband Adaptive Multi-rate (AMRNB and AMRWB) vocoders

 MO and MT

calling

 Echo

cancellation and noise reduction

 Emergency calls

(112, 110, 911, etc.)

 Incoming call

notification

 DTMF

generation

4117783 Rev 6.0 December 19, 2016 13

User Guide

General Description

Feature

Q268xx

Q2698

Q26 Carrier Board with HL6528, HL6528RD

Q26 Carrier Board with HL8548

SMS

 SMS MT, MO  SMS CB  SMS storage

into SIM card

 SMS MT, MO  SMS CB  SMS storage

into SIM card

 SMS class 0,1

and 2

 SMS MT, MO  SMS storage

into SIM card or Flash memory

 Concatenation

of MT SMS

 SMS MT, MO  CS and PS

support

 SMS saving to

SIM card or ME storage

 SMS reading

from SIM card or ME storage

 SMS sorting  SMS

concatenation

 SMS Status

Report

 SMS

replacement support

 SMS storing

rules (support of AT+CNMI, AT+CNMA)

GSM Supplementary Services

 Call Forwarding,

Call Barring

 Multiparty  Call Waiting,

Call Hold

 USSD

 Call Forwarding,

Call Barring

 Multiparty  Call Waiting,

Call Hold

 USSD

 Call Forwarding  Call Barring  Multiparty

Service

 Call Waiting  Call Hold  USSD  Automatic

answer

 Call Barring  Call Forwarding  Call Hold  Caller ID  Call Waiting  Multi-party

service

 USSD  Automatic

answer

Data/Fax

 Data circuit

asynchronous, transparent, and non-transparent up to 14400 bits/s

 Fax Group 3

compatible

Data and fax not supported

Data circuit asynchronous nontransparent at 9600 bits/s

Circuit switched data at 9600 bits/s

4117783 Rev 6.0 December 19, 2016 14

User Guide

General Description

Feature

Q268xx

Q2698

Q26 Carrier Board with HL6528, HL6528RD

Q26 Carrier Board with HL8548

SIM Interface

 1.8V/3V SIM

interface

 5V SIM

interfaces are available with external adaptation

 SIM Tool Kit

Release 99

1.8V/3V USIM interface

 Dual SIM Dual

Standby support

 1.8V/3.0V

support for SIM1

 3V interface for

SIM2

 Hot plug and hot

extraction detection (SIM1 only)

 Supports SIM

application tool kit with proactive SIM commands

 Dual SIM Single

Standby with fast network switching capability

 1.8V/3V support  SIM extraction /

hot plug detection

 SIM/USIM

support

 Conforms with

ETSI UICC Specifications.

 Supports SIM

application tool kit with proactive SIM commands

Real Time Clock

Real Time Clock (RTC) with calendar and alarm

Temperature Sensor

 Temperature

monitoring

 Alarms

 Temperature

monitoring

 Alarms

 Temperature

monitoring

 Alarms

 Temperature

monitoring

 Alarms

Interface

Q26 Carrier Board with HL6528, HL6528RD

Q26 Carrier Board with HL8548

Power Supply



Digital section running under 2.8V and 1.8V



3V/1V8 SIM Interface



Main Serial Link



Auxiliary Serial Link



2.6. Interfaces

The following table enumerates the interfaces available on the Q26 modules and indicates whether these interfaces are also available on the HL6 and HL8 modules.

The table is marked with the following indicators:

: Fully supported

: Partially supported or with specific behavior

: Not supported

Compatibility details are described in section 4 Features Configuration and Limitations.

Table 7. Interface Compatibility

4117783 Rev 6.0 December 19, 2016 15

User Guide

General Description

Interface

Q26 Carrier Board with HL6528, HL6528RD

Q26 Carrier Board with HL8548

Analog Audio



Digital Audio (PCM)



USB 2.0

*  General Purpose IO



Keyboard



Serial Interface (SPI)



Parallel Interface



RF Interface



ADC



PWM/Buzzer Output



Backup Battery (BAT_RTC)



Battery Charging Interface



External Interrupt



JTAG



RF Interface



LED0 Signal



Q26 Carrier Board Test Point Number

Signal Name

Group Designation

Remark

TP202

VBATT

Power

TP245

V_GPIO

TP205

VCC_1V8

TP277

GND

TP219

ON-OFF

ON/OFF Signal TP218

\RESET

TP252

USB-VBUS

USB

Only supported with an HL8548 modules TP254

USB_D+

TP256

USB_D-

TP272

UART_RTS

UART

TP271

UART_TXD

TP276

UART_DTR

TP275

UART_CTS

TP273

UART_RXD

TP270

UART_DCD

TP274

UART_DSR

* The HL6528RD supports USB 2.0; while the HL6528 does not.

2.7. Test Points

The following table describes the 20 test points available for customer use on the Q26 Carrier Board. Locations of these 20 test points are shown in Figure 2 Test Point Locations below.

Table 8. Test Points

4117783 Rev 6.0 December 19, 2016 16

User Guide

General Description

Q26 Carrier Board Test Point Number

Signal Name

Group Designation

Remark

TP278

SP1_SRDY

Debug

Only supported with an HL6528 and HL6528RD module

Figure 2. Test Point Locations

4117783 Rev 6.0 December 19, 2016 17

3. Pin Mapping

CN301 Pin #

Q268xx Signal Name

Q2698 Signal Name

Q26 Carrier Board with HL6528, HL6528RD Signal Name

Q26 Carrier Board with HL8548 Signal Name

Compatibility Notes

1

ADC0/VBATT

VBATT_PA

2

ADC0/VBATT

VBATT_PA

3

ADC0/VBATT

VBATT

4 ADC0/VBATT

ADC0/VBATT

VBATT

5

VCC_1V8

VGPIO

6 CHG-IN

CHG-IN

- - Not supported

7

BAT-RTC

BAT_RTC

The HL8548 supports a different voltage range

8

CHG-IN

- - Not supported

9

SIM-VCC

UIM1_VCC

10

VCC_2V8

- -

11

SIM-IO

UIM1_DATA

12

SIMPRES

SIMPRES/GPIO18

UIM1_DET/GPIO3

GPIO3 / UIM1_DET

13

~SIM-RST

UIM1_RESET

14

SIM-CLK

UIM1_CLK

15

BUZZER0

UIM2_RESET/BUZZER

PWM1

The following table lists the pin assignment mapping of the Q26 Carrier Board and the HL6528, HL6528RD and HL8548 modules (which are inserted in the Snap-in Socket on the Carrier Board); as well as indicates restrictions or limitations on the signals/pins, if any.

The pin number specified in the table below refers to the corresponding pin number on the board-to-board connector (CN301) of the Q26 Carrier Board, while signal names refer to the module’s signal name. For more information about module signal names, refer to the product technical specifications listed in section 7.1 Reference Documents.

Table 9. Pin Mapping

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User Guide

Pin Mapping

CN301 Pin #

Q268xx Signal Name

Q2698 Signal Name

Q26 Carrier Board with HL6528, HL6528RD Signal Name

Q26 Carrier Board with HL8548 Signal Name

Compatibility Notes

16

BOOT

TP1

TP1 17

LED0

- - Not supported

18

~RESET

RESET_IN

RESET_IN_N

19

ON/~OFF

PWR_ON

PWR_ON_N

20

ADC1/BAT-TEMP

ADC0

The HL modules support a different voltage range

21

ADC2

ADC1

The HL modules support a different voltage range

22

GPIO31/SPI1-LOAD

GPIO31/SPI1-Load

- - Not supported

23

SPI1-CLK/GPIO28

- - Not supported

24

SPI1-I/GPIO30

- - Not supported

25

SPI1-IO/GPIO29

- - Not supported

26

SPI2-CLK/GPIO32

GPIO7

27

SPI2-IO/GPIO33

GPIO8

28

GPIO35/SPI2-Load

GPIO6

29

SPI2-I/GPIO34

UIM2_DET/GPIO4

GPIO4

30

CT104-RXD2/GPIO15/INT4

- - Not supported

31

CT103-TXD2/GPIO14

- - Not supported

32

~CT106-CTS2/GPIO16

- - Not supported

33

~CT105-RTS2/GPIO17

- - Not supported

34

MIC2N

MIC_N

NC

Only supported in the HL6528

35

SPK1P

SPKR_P

NC

Only supported in the HL6528

36

MIC2P

MIC_P

NC

Only supported in the HL6528

37

SPK1N

SPKR_N

NC

Only supported in the HL6528

38

MIC1N

MIC_N

NC

Only supported in the HL6528

39

SPK2P

SPKR_P

NC

Only supported in the HL6528

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User Guide

Pin Mapping

CN301 Pin #

Q268xx Signal Name

Q2698 Signal Name

Q26 Carrier Board with HL6528, HL6528RD Signal Name

Q26 Carrier Board with HL8548 Signal Name

Compatibility Notes

40

MIC1P

MIC_P

NC

Only supported in the HL6528

41

SPK2N

SPKR_N

NC

Only supported in the HL6528

42

A1*/Reserved

Reserved

- - Not supported

43

GPIO0/32kHz

NC

32K_CLKOUT

Not supported in the HL6528

44

SCL1/GPIO26

- - Not supported

45

GPIO19

GPIO2/UIM2_VCC_CTRL

GPIO2

46

SDA1/GPIO27

- - Not supported

47

GPIO21

UIM2_CLK/PWM

PWM2/GPIO12

Not supported in the HL6528

48

GPIO20

GPIO1/I2C_CLK

49

INT1/GPIO25

- - Not supported

50

INT0/GPIO3

- - Not supported

51

GPIO1/A25/~CS2*

GPIO1

GPIO5/I2C_DATA

GPIO5/I2C_SDA

52

VPAD-USB

NC

USB_VBUS

Not supported in the HL6528

53

GPIO2/A24*

GPIO2

SPI1_MRDY

DEBUG_RX

54

USB-DP

NC

USB_D+

Only supported in the HL8548

55

GPIO23

SPI1_CLK

GPIO11

Not supported in the HL6528

56

USB-DM

NC

USB_D-

Only supported in the HL8548

57

GPIO22

SPI1_MISO

GPIO10

Not supported in the HL6528

58

GPIO24

SPI1_MOSI

GPIO15

Not supported in the HL6528

59

COL0/GPIO4

- - Not supported

60

COL1/GPIO5

- - Not supported

61

COL2/GPIO6

- - Not supported

62

COL3/GPIO7

- - Not supported

63

COL4/GPIO8

- - Not supported

64

ROW4/GPIO13

- - Not supported

65

ROW3/GPIO12

- - Not supported

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User Guide

Pin Mapping

CN301 Pin #

Q268xx Signal Name

Q2698 Signal Name

Q26 Carrier Board with HL6528, HL6528RD Signal Name

Q26 Carrier Board with HL8548 Signal Name

Compatibility Notes

66

ROW2/GPIO11

- - Not supported

67

ROW1/GPIO10

- - Not supported

68

ROW0/GPIO9

- - Not supported

69

~CT125-RI/GPIO42

UART1_RI

70

~CT109-DCD1/GPIO43

UART1_DCD

71

CT103-TXD1/GPIO36

UART1_TX

72

~CT105-RTS1/GPIO38

UART1_RTS

73

CT104-RXD1/GPIO37/INT2

UART1_RX

74

~CT107-DSR1/GPIO40

UART1_DSR

75

~CT106-CTS1/GPIO39

UART1_CTS

76

~CT108-2-DTR1/GPIO41/INT3

UART1_DTR

77

PCM-SYNC

PCM_SYNC

78

PCM-IN

PCM_IN

79

PCM-CLK

PCM_CLK

80

PCM-OUT

PCM_OUT

81

/OE-R/W*/Reserved

Reserved

- - Not supported

82

DAC0*/Reserved

Reserved

- - Not supported

83

/CS3*/Reserved

Reserved

- - Not supported

84

/WE-E*/Reserved

Reserved

- - Not supported

85

D0*/Reserved

Reserved

- - Not supported

86

D15*/Reserved

Reserved

- - Not supported

87

D1*/Reserved

Reserved

- - Not supported

88

D14*/Reserved

Reserved

- - Not supported

89

D2*/Reserved

Reserved

- - Not supported

90

D13*/Reserved

Reserved

- - Not supported

91

D3*/Reserved

Reserved

- - Not supported

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User Guide

Pin Mapping

CN301 Pin #

Q268xx Signal Name

Q2698 Signal Name

Q26 Carrier Board with HL6528, HL6528RD Signal Name

Q26 Carrier Board with HL8548 Signal Name

Compatibility Notes

92

D12*/Reserved

Reserved

- - Not supported

93

D4*/Reserved

Reserved

- - Not supported

94

D11*/Reserved

Reserved

- - Not supported

95

D5*/Reserved

Reserved

- - Not supported

96

D10*/Reserved

Reserved

- - Not supported

97

D6*/Reserved

Reserved

- - Not supported

98

D9*/Reserved

Reserved

- - Not supported

99

D7*/Reserved

Reserved

- - Not supported

100

D8*/Reserved

Reserved

- - Not supported

* This signal is only available on the Q2687.

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4. Features Configuration and

Q26

Q26 Carrier Board with HL6528, HL6528RD

Q26 Carrier Board with HL8548

Pin #

Signal Name

Voltage

Signal Name*

26

GPIO32

2.8V

GPIO7

27

GPIO33

2.8V

GPIO8

28

GPIO35

2.8V

GPIO6

29

GPIO34

2.8V

GPIO4

43

GPIO0/32kHz

2.8V

-

32K_CLKOUT

45

GPIO19

2.8V

GPIO2

47

GPIO21

2.8V

UIM2_CLK/PWM2**

GPIO12

48

GPIO20

2.8V

GPIO1

51

GPIO1

1.8V

GPIO5

53

GPIO2

1.8V

SPI_MRDY**

DEBUG_RX**

55

GPIO23

2.8V

SPI_CLK**

GPIO11

57

GPIO22

2.8V

SPI_MISO**

GPIO10

58

GPIO24

2.8V

SPI_MOSI**

GPIO15

12

GPIO18/SIMPRES

1.8V

GPIO3/UIM1_DET

Limitations

The following sub-sections describes the adjustments or configuration needed to ensure full compatibility when using the Q26 Carrier Board in an existing design.

4.1. Hardware Features

4.1.1. Antenna

The Q26 Carrier Board only supports UFL/SMA and RF pad antenna connectors; it does not support Precidip antenna connectors.

4.1.2. General Purpose Input/Output

The Q26 modules support up to 44 GPIOs; however, the Q26 Carrier Board has limited GPIO support due to the HL6 and HL8 modules having less GPIOs (the HL6528 and HL6528RD modules only support 8, while the HL8548 module supports 12).

Table 10. Compatible GPIOs

* HL embedded module signal name. For more information about HL signal names, refer to the product technical

** This signal is an extended function and can’t be used as a GPIO.

4117783 Rev 6.0 December 19, 2016 23

specifications listed in section 7.1 Reference Documents.

User Guide

Features Configuration and Limitations

Additionally, all HL6 and HL8 GPIOs have an output voltage of 1.8 V. To compensate for this, level shifters are incorporated into the Q26 Carrier Board to match the Q26 module’s GPIO output voltage.

The level shifter used in the Q26 Carrier Board contains an auto-sense translator which quickly transforms an input driver to an output driver and vice versa. The input driver to the auto-sense translator should be capable of driving 2 mA of peak output current for proper operation. Note that although the peak current from the input signal is relatively large, the average current is small and consistent with a standard CMOS input stage.

4.1.3. Serial Interface

Q26 modules support two serial interfaces – SPI and I2C. However, both serial interfaces are controlled by the Open AT Application Framework which is not supported by the HL6 and HL8 modules; SPI and I2C buses are not supported in the Q26 Carrier Board.

4.1.4. Parallel Interface

The parallel interface of the Q26 is controlled by the Open AT Application Framework, which is not supported by the HL6 and HL8 modules; parallel interface is not supported in the Q26 Carrier Board.

4.1.5. Keyboard Interface

The keyboard interface of the Q26 is controlled by the Open AT Application Framework, which is not supported by the HL6 and HL8 modules; keyboard interface is not supported in the Q26 Carrier Board.

4.1.6. Main Serial Link (UART1)

The main serial link (UART1) is used for communication between the Q26 Carrier board and a PC or host processor. It consists of a flexible 8-wire serial interface that complies with the RS-232 interface.

The UART1 voltage level of the HL6 and HL8 modules (1.8 V) is different from that of the Q26 modules (2.8 V). To ensure that UART is fully compatible, an 8-bit voltage level shifter is added in the Q26 Carrier Board to match the Q26 module’s 2.8 V voltage and also remain 3.3 V tolerant.

4.1.7. Auxiliary Serial Link (UART2)

Although Q26 modules support an auxiliary serial link (UART2) interface, this interface is not supported by the HL6 and HL8 modules and so is also not supported in the Q26 Carrier Board.

4.1.8. SIM Interface

A fully compatible 1.8V and 3V SIM card interface is available on the Q26 Carrier Board.

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User Guide

Features Configuration and Limitations

4.1.9. USB 2.0

A 4-wire USB slave interface is available on the Q26 modules that comply with USB 2.0 protocol signaling, but not with the electrical interface due to the 5V interface of VPAD-USB. The VPAD-USB of the Q26 is 3V3 so an extra regulator is needed on the application. However, the USB VBUS of the HL6528RD and HL8548 modules is 5V, which is directly compatible to the USB interface. The extra regulator on the Q26 application should be removed when using the Q26 Carrier Board.

Caution: Due to the difference in USB speeds between the Q26 and the HL modules, it is recommended that

a low capacitance (0.5 pF) ESD diode be used in the application USB port.

Note: The HL6528 does not support USB.

4.1.10. Audio

4.1.10.1. Analog Audio

The Q26 Carrier Board can only support the use of one analog audio interface (MIC1/MIC2 and SPK1/SPK2). If the existing Q26 application uses an external single-ended MIC, the external bias circuitry must be removed when using the Q26 Carrier Board because the HL6528 and HL6528RD already includes a built-in internal bias voltage; the HL8548 does not support analog audio.

Note: Sierra Wireless does not recommend using single-ended audio as the DTMF noise floor is typically

high when using the Q26 Carrier Board.

4.1.10.2. Digital Audio (PCM)

The digital audio output of the HL8548 is electrically compatible with Q26 modules; however, the HL6528 and HL6528RD have a 2.8 V PCM output so an internal level shifter is reserved as an option when using the Q26 Carrier Board with an HL6528 or HL6528RD module.

For details about PCM protocol, refer to the product technical specification of the corresponding HL6 or HL8 embedded module in section 7.1 Reference Documents.

4.1.11. RF Performance

The Q26 Carrier Board's RF performance meets with 3GPP specifications when equipped with an HL6528 or an HL6528RD. However, when equipped with an HL8548, the Q26 Carrier Board has the following exceptions to 3GPP specifications:

1. RX sensitivity deviates in specific channels of 2G bands (channel 202 of the GSM850 band, channel 5 of the GSM900 band, channel 846 of the DCS band and channel 741 of the PCS band).

2. RX sensitivity deviates in specific channels of 3G bands (channels 10625 to 10670 of Band 1, channels 9875 to 9885 of Band 2, and channels 2975 to 2980 of Band 8).

4.1.12. Battery Charging Interface

Battery charging function is not supported in the Q26 Carrier Board.

4117783 Rev 6.0 December 19, 2016 25

User Guide

Features Configuration and Limitations

Condition

Q268xx

Q2698

Q26 Carrier Board with HL6528, HL6528RD

Q26 Carrier Board with HL8548

ADC1/BAT-TEMP

0 – 2 V

0 – 4 V

0 – 3 V (TBC)

0 – 1.2 V (TBC)

ADC2

0 – 2 V

0 – 4 V

0 – 3 V (TBC)

0 – 1.2 V (TBC)

4.1.13. Power ON Signal

The HL6 and HL8 modules have an active low power ON signal pin, while Q26 modules have an active high power ON signal. An inverter is added to the Q26 Carrier Board to reverse the polarity of the signal.

4.1.14. Reset Signal

When using the Q26 Carrier Board, a low level pulse must be sent on the reset pin for 10 ms. This action will immediately restart the AirPrime HL6 or HL8 module with the PWR_ON_N signal at low level.

4.1.15. BOOT Signal

Because the BOOT pin is connected to VCC_1V8 in the Q268xx (the Q2698 does not have a BOOT pin), and set to active low, the BOOT signal has to be reversed when using the Q26 Carrier Board.

4.1.16. ADC

Two Analog to Digital converter inputs, ADC1/BAT-TEMP and ADC2 are available when using the Q26 Carrier Board. These converters are 10-bit resolution ADCs with voltage range shown in the table below.

Table 11. ADC Voltage Range

Because the HL8548 voltage range is narrower than the Q26 input range, if an HL8548 module is used in the Q26 Carrier Board and receives an input voltage of more than 1.2 V, the ADC port might be damaged. To protect the Q26 Carrier Board from overvoltage input, additional circuitry has been added to the carrier board.

Similarly, the HL6528 and HL6528RD voltage range is also narrower than the Q2698 input range and additional circuitry on the Q26 Carrier Board protects it from overvoltage when migrating from an application that uses a Q2698.

However, if the existing application uses a Q268xx module, using an HL6528 or HL6528RD module with the Q26 Carrier Board might not provide enough resolution as the voltage range of the HL6 is wider than that of the Q268xx.

4117783 Rev 6.0 December 19, 2016 26

User Guide

Features Configuration and Limitations

Parameter Q26

Q26 Carrier Board with HL6528, HL6528RD

Q26 Carrier Board with HL8548

Min

Typ

Max

Min

Typ

Max

Min

Typ

Max

Input Voltage

1.85 V

-

3 V - 3 V - 1.0 V

1.8 V

1.9 V

Input current consumption

3.0 µA

3.3 µA

3.6 µA

-

2.5 µA

- - 1 µA

-

Output Voltage

2.40 V

2.45 V

2.50 V

2.82 V

3.0 V

3.18 V

1.71 V

1.8 V

1.89 V

Output current

- - 2 mA

-

0.6 mA

- - 25 mA

-

Q26

Q26 Carrier Board with HL6528, HL6528RD

Q26 Carrier Board with HL8548

Pin #

Signal Name

53

GPIO2

SPI1_MRDY

DEBUG_RX

55

GPIO23

SPI1_CLK

57

GPIO22

SPI1_MISO

58

GPIO24

SPI1_MOSI

4.1.17. BAT_RTC

As shown in the table below, the voltage range varies between Q26 modules, and the HL6 and HL8 modules. Additional circuitry has been added on the Q26 Carrier Board to protect it from overvoltage input.

Table 12. BAT_RTC

Note: The HL6528 and HL6528RD output is higher than the Q26.

The HL8548 output is only 1.8 V (typical) which might not be enough to charge the application’s

battery.

4.1.18. Debug Port

HL6 and HL8 embedded modules support a software trace interface that provides real-time instruction and data trace of the modem core.

The following table provides the pin mapping of the debug port between the Q26 Carrier Board and the HL6 and HL8 embedded modules.

Table 13. Debug Port

In addition to the pins specified in the table above, the Q26 Carrier Board also has a test pad, TP278, which corresponds to pin 44 of the HL6 and HL8 module (SPI1_SRDY on the HL6528 and HL6528RD, DEBUG_TX on the HL8548) which is also used for debug.

4117783 Rev 6.0 December 19, 2016 27

User Guide

Features Configuration and Limitations

Q26 Carrier Board with HL6528, HL6528RD

Q26 Carrier Board with HL8548

R336, R337

R301, R313, R322, R323 (default configuration)

4.2. Optional Pad Configuration

4.2.1. PCM Voltage Level Shifter Selection

Because the voltage level output of the PCM varies between the HL6528, HL6528RD and HL8548 (with the HL6528 and HL6528RD having 2.8 V, and the HL8548 having 1.8 V), optional component configuration is made available in the Q26 Carrier Board.

The Q26 Carrier Board’s PCM interface is configured to use HL8548 (1.8 V) by default. When using an HL6528 or HL6528RD module, resistors R301, R313, R322 and R323 must be removed and resistors R336 and R337 installed if PCM is to be used. Otherwise, PCM should be turned and kept

off when using an HL6528 or HL6528RD module to prevent the application’s PCM codec from being

damaged with an incorrect carrier board configuration.

Note: Ensure that the module used in the Q26 Carrier Board is compatible with the carrier board’s PCM

configuration. Using a module with the incorrect carrier board configuration will damage the customer’s PCM application.

Table 14. Optional Component Configuration for PCM

Figure 3. PCM Voltage Level Shifter

Figure 4. Optional Components Placement

4117783 Rev 6.0 December 19, 2016 28

User Guide

Features Configuration and Limitations

LED0

By Default

R305

0R

4.2.2. LED0

FLASH-LED indicates the GSM activity status of the modules inside the Snap-in Socket on the Q26 Carrier Board and can also be used to drive an LED. Application designers have the option of selecting to use GPIO4 for concurrent common GPIO use and FLASH-LED.

By default, R305 is connected on the Q26 Carrier Board to allow GPIO4 to be used as a regular GPIO and LED0 at the same time.

Refer to command +KSYNC in document [7] AirPrime HL6 and HL8 Series AT Commands Interface Guide for more information about using LED with the HL6 and HL8 modules.

Table 15. LED0 Resistor Selection

Figure 5. R305 Configuration on the Q26 Carrier Board

Note: Component placement is detailed in Figure 4.

4.3. Software Features

The Open AT Application Framework is not available when using the Q26 Carrier Board as the HL6 and HL8 modules do not support it.

4117783 Rev 6.0 December 19, 2016 29

5. Using the Q26 Carrier Board

Polarity mark on the Snap-in socket (triangle)

Polarity mark on the module (black dot)

To install the AirPrime Q26 Carrier Board, follow these steps.

1. Plug the Q26 Carrier Board into the application. Insert an HL6528, HL6528RD or HL8548 embedded module into the Snap-in Socket on the Q26 Carrier Board. Ensure that the polarity mark on the embedded module is aligned with the polarity mark on the Snap-in Socket.

4117783 Rev 6.0 December 19, 2016 30

User Guide

Using the Q26 Carrier Board

Polarity mark on the module (black dot)

Polarity mark on the module should align with this

2. Press the cover down on the embedded module and Snap-in Socket. Again, ensure that the polarity mark of the cover is aligned with the polarity mark of the embedded module and Snap-in Socket.

Note: The Snap-in cover is not included in the packaging, and must be ordered separately.

4117783 Rev 6.0 December 19, 2016 31

6. Packaging

Protective plastic tape

Q26 Carrier Boards are packed in plastic trays, with each plastic tray containing 100 pieces of the carrier board as shown in Figure 6.

Figure 6. Q26 Carrier Boards in Plastic Trays

Note that a protective plastic tape is affixed to the Snap-in Socket (as shown in Figure 7) to prevent the Snap-in Socket’s pins from becoming deformed.

Figure 7. Plastic Tape on the Snap-in Socket

4117783 Rev 6.0 December 19, 2016 32

User Guide

Packaging

The plastic trays are then packed in pizza boxes.

Figure 8. Plastic Trays Packed in a Pizza Box

Note: The snap-in cover is not included in the packaging, and must be ordered separately.

4117783 Rev 6.0 December 19, 2016 33

7. References

7.1. Reference Documents

[1] AirPrime Q2686 Refreshed Product Technical Specification & Customer Design Guidelines

Reference number: 4111963

[2] AirPrime Q2687 Refreshed Product Technical Specification & Customer Design Guidelines

Reference number: 4111964

[3] AirPrime Q2698 Product Technical Specification & Customer Design Guidelines

Reference number: 4111754

[4] AirPrime HL6528x Product Technical Specification

Reference number: 4114016

[5] AirPrime HL6528RDx Product Technical Specification

Reference number: 4117701

[6] AirPrime HL8548 and HL8548-G Product Technical Specification

Reference number: 4114663

[7] AirPrime HL6 and HL8 Series AT Commands Interface Guide

Reference number: 4114680

[8] AirPrime HL6528RDx AT Commands Interface Guide

Reference number: 4117743

4117783 Rev 6.0 December 19, 2016 34

User Guide

References

7.2. Schematic Diagram

Figure 9. Schematic Diagram

4117783 Rev 6.0 December 19, 2016 35

User Guide

References

7.3. Mechanical Drawings

Note: The following drawings show the Q26 Carrier Board with a mounted snap-in cover.

Figure 10. Top View

Figure 11. Bottom View

4117783 Rev 6.0 December 19, 2016 36

User Guide

References

Figure 12. Circuit Card Assembly

4117783 Rev 6.0 December 19, 2016 37

User Guide

References

7.4. Component Placement

Figure 13. Component Placement – Top View

4117783 Rev 6.0 December 19, 2016 38

User Guide

References

Figure 14. Component Placement – Bottom View

4117783 Rev 6.0 December 19, 2016 39

Sierra Wireless AirPrime Q26 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Contents

List of Figures

List of Tables

1. Introduction

2. General Description

2.1. Physical Dimension

2.2. Operating Voltage

2.3. Power Supply Output

2.4. Operating Temperature

2.5. General Features

2.6. Interfaces

2.7. Test Points

3. Pin Mapping

4.1. Hardware Features

4.1.1. Antenna

4.1.2. General Purpose Input/Output

4.1.3. Serial Interface

4.1.4. Parallel Interface

4.1.5. Keyboard Interface

4.1.6. Main Serial Link (UART1)

4.1.7. Auxiliary Serial Link (UART2)

4.1.8. SIM Interface

4.1.9. USB 2.0

4.1.10. Audio

4.1.10.1. Analog Audio

4.1.10.2. Digital Audio (PCM)

4.1.11. RF Performance

4.1.12. Battery Charging Interface

4.1.13. Power ON Signal

4.1.14. Reset Signal

4.1.15. BOOT Signal

4.1.16. ADC

4.1.17. BAT_RTC

4.1.18. Debug Port

4.2. Optional Pad Configuration

4.2.1. PCM Voltage Level Shifter Selection

4.2.2. LED0

4.3. Software Features

5. Using the Q26 Carrier Board

6. Packaging

7. References

7.1. Reference Documents

7.2. Schematic Diagram

7.3. Mechanical Drawings

7.4. Component Placement