Sierra Wireless BX31A Operators Guide
AirPrime BX3100/BX3105
Wi-Fi/BT Module
Hardware Integration Guide
41112607
Rev 3
Hardware Integration Guide
Important
Notice
Safety and
Hazards
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.
Do not operate the Sierra Wireless modem in areas where blasting is in progress,
where explosive atmospheres may be present, near medical equipment, near life
support equipment, or any equipment which may be susceptible to any form of radio
interference. In such areas, the Sierra Wireless modem MUST BE IN AIRPLANE
MODE OR POWERED OFF. 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 IN
AIRPLANE MODE OR 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.
Limitation of
Liability
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.
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.
Rev 3 Sep.18 2 41112607
Preface
Patents This product may contain technology developed by or for Sierra Wireless Inc. This
product is manufactured or sold by Sierra Wireless Inc. or its affiliates under one or
more patents licensed from MMP Portfolio Licensing.
Copyright ©2018 Sierra Wireless. All rights reserved.
Trademarks Sierra Wireless
registered trademarks of Sierra Wireless, Inc.
Windows
The Bluetooth
Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Sierra Wireless is under license.
Other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
®
and Windows Vista® are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
Contact
Information
Sales information and technical
support, including warranty and returns
Corporate and product information Web: sierrawireless.com
Revision
History
Revision
number
Release date Changes
®
, AirPrime®, AirLink®, AirVantage® and the Sierra Wireless logo are
®
word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by the
Web: sierrawireless.com/company/contact-us/
Global toll-free number: 1-877-687-7795
6:00 am to 5:00 pm PST
1 July 2018 Document created
2 July 2018 Updated Integrated PIFA gain
3 September 2018 Updated Regulatory text
Updated Wi-Fi Radio Generic Radio Characteristics table values
Updated Bluetooth Radio Generic Radio Characteristics table values
Rev 3 Sep.18 3 41112607
Contents
1: Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
1.1 Module Variants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
1.2 General RF/Software Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
1.2.1 Wi-Fi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
1.2.2 Bluetooth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
1.2.3 Interfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
1.2.4 Configuration Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
1.3 General Hardware Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
1.3.1 Physical Dimensions and Connection Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
2: Functional Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
2.1 Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
3: Technical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
3.1 Environmental . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
3.2 Power Supply Ratings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
3.3 Power Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
3.4 RF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
3.4.1 Generic Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
3.4.2 Wi-Fi Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
3.4.3 Bluetooth Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
3.5 Electrical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
3.5.1 Absolute Maximum Ratings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
4: Interfaces Specification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
4.1 Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
4.2 UART . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
4.3 ADC/Voltage Measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
4.4 I2C Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
4.4.1 Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
4.5 I2S Interface (Digital Audio) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
4.6 General Purpose Input/Output (GPIO) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Rev 3 Sep.18 4 41112607
Contents
4.7 Bootstrap Pins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
4.8 SPI Bus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
4.9 Secure Digital IO (SDIO) Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
4.10 Module Enable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
4.11 PWM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
5: General Layout Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
6: Regulatory Compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
6.1 United States . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
6.2 Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
7: Pinout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
7.1 Pin Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
7.2 Pin Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
8: References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
8.1 Web Site Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
8.2 Reference Documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
9: Abbreviations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Rev 3 Sep.18 5 41112607
1: Introduction
This document defines and illustrates the AirPrime BX310x (BX3100, BX3105) Wi-Fi/
BT Host-less module’s high-level product features, interfaces, and hardware features
(including electrical and mechanical performance criteria).
1.1 Module Variants
AirPrime BX310x module variants include:
• AirPrime BX3100— External antenna connection
• AirPrime BX3105— Embedded antenna
1.2 General RF/Software Features
1
The AirPrime BX310x is a low-power, small form-factor self-contained Wi-Fi/
Bluetooth
With an embedded software suite, the BX310x is an ideal solution for developers who
want to quickly and cost-effectively integrate Wi-Fi/ BT functionality into their products.
The following table summarizes the module’s supported wireless frequencies and
modes:
Table 1-1: Supported RF Frequencies
Technology RF band Notes
Bluetooth • v4.2 BR/EDR and BLE compliant
Wi-Fi
®
(Wi-Fi/BT) module.
2.4GHz (2.400–2.485 GHz)
• 802.11b/g/n/e/i
• Max data rate—MCS7 HT40 150 Mbps
1.2.1 Wi-Fi
The AirPrime BX310x supports 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi operation. Key features include:
• TCP/IP
• 802.11 b/g/n/e/i
• Connection methods—BSS STA, SoftAP
• Transmit power— Adjustable, up to 20 dBm (maximum)
For a list of additional supported Wi-Fi functionality, protocols, and features, see
Features on page 9.
1.2.2 Bluetooth
The AirPrime BX310x supports 2.4 GHz Bluetooth classic and BLE operation. Key
features include:
• Bluetooth v4.2 BR/EDR and BLE compliant
• SPP (Serial Port Profile)
For a list of additional supported Bluetooth functionality, protocols, and features, see
Features on page 9.
Rev 3 Sep.18 6 41112607
Introduction
1.2.3 Interfaces
The AirPrime BX310x provides the following interfaces and peripheral connectivity:
• Power supply—See Power Supply Ratings on page 11.
• RF—See RF on page 12.
• UART serial link—See UART on page 15.
• ADC/Voltage measurement—See ADC/Voltage Measurement on page 16.
2
• I
C—See I2C Interface on page 17.
• Digital audio (I
• GPIOs—See General Purpose Input/ Output (GPIO) on page 18.
• SPI bus—See SPI Bus on page 20.
• SDIO—See Secure Digital IO (SDIO) Interface on page 21.
• Module enable— See Module Enable on page 22.
• PWM—See PWM on page 22.
2
S)—See I2S Interface (Digital Audio) on page 18.
1.2.4 Configuration Utility
The AirPrime BX310x includes a browser-based utility for device configuration. For
usage details, refer to [1] AirPrime BX310x AT Command Reference available at
source.sierrawireless.com.
1.3 General Hardware Features
1.3.1 Physical Dimensions and Connection Interface
AirPrime BX310x modules are compact, robust, fully shielded and laser-marked
modules with the dimensions noted in Table 1-2.
Table 1-2: AirPrime BX310x Dimensions
Nominal
Parameter
Length 11. 5 13.5 ±0.10 mm
Width 9.5 11.5 ±0.10 mm
Thickness 2.4 2.4 ±0.20 mm
Weight 0.56 0.65 ±0.10 g
a. Dimensions are accurate as of the release date of this document.
b. BX3100 is a CF3 xSmall module, which belongs to the Common Flexible Form Factor (CF3)
family of WWAN modules
The AirPrime BX310x module is an LGA form factor device. All electrical and
mechanical connections are made through the 70 Land Grid Array (LGA) pads on the
bottom side of the PCB. (See Figure 7-1 on page 28 for details.)
b
a
BX3105
Tol e r a n c e UnitsBX3100
Rev 3 Sep.18 7 41112607
Hardware Integration Guide
The LGA pads have the following distribution:
Table 1-3: LGA Pad Types
Pad Type/ Quantity Dimensions Pitch
Signal Pads 54 outer pads 0.75 x0.35 mm 0.65 mm
Ground Pads 16 inner pads 1.0x1.0 mm 1.83 mm/ 1.48 mm
Rev 3 Sep.18 8 41112607
2: Functional Specifications
2.1 Features
Table 2-1 summarizes the AirPrime BX310x module’s RF (Wi-Fi and Bluetooth),
Power, software, and hardware capabilities.
Note: Table contents are preliminary and subject to change.
Table 2-1: AirPrime BX310x Capabilities
Feature Description
• Secure boot
• Secure update
Module
Wi-Fi
• FOTA (Firmware update Over The Air)
• Sierra Wireless AirVantage support
• CF3-compliant footprint (BX3100)
• Protocols:
· 802.11 b/g/n/e/i
· 802.11 n (2.4 GHz), up to 150 Mbps; MCS0-7 in 20 / 40 MHz bandwidths
· Receiving STBC (Space-time Block Code) 2x1
· 802.11 e: QoS for wireless multimedia technology
· Additional 802.11i security features (pre-authentication, TSN, etc.)
· WMM-PS, UAPSD
· A-MPDU, A-MSDU aggregation
· Block ACK (RTS/CTS/ACK/BA)
· Fragmentation/defragmentation
· CCMP (CBC-MAC, counter model), TKIP (MIC, RC4), WAPI (SMS4), WEP
(RC4), CRC
· Frame encapsulation (802.11h/RFC 1042)
· Pre-authentication, TSN
• Supported channels— 1–14
• Data transfer (HTTP, HTTPS, MQTT, TCP/ UDP)
• Autoconnection—After device reset, automatically connects to available AP
based on previous configuration
• Infrastructure BSS Station mode/ SoftAP mode: AP mode, STA mode,
concurrent AP/STA mode
• Up to 8
• IP configuration—IP address in STA mode via DHCP or static assignment
• Authentication (security) modes: WPA, WPA2, WPA/WPA2, WPA2 Enterprise
• UMA-compliant and certified
• Open interface for various upper layer authentication schemes over EAP (e.g.
• Adaptive rate fallback algorithm
• Automatic retransmission/response on slow hosts
a
simultaneous Wi-Fi clients
TLS, PEAP, LEAP, SIM, AKA, customer-specific)
2
Rev 3 Sep.18 9 41112607
Hardware Integration Guide
Table 2-1: AirPrime BX310x Capabilities (Continued)
Feature Description
Bluetooth
• Bluetooth v4.2 BR/EDR
• Supported channels: BT Classic
• Supported v4.2 modes: BR
(Low Energy)
b
• BT
classic mandatory features
b
and BLE compliant
b
—0–78; BLE—0–39
b
(Basic Rate); EDRb (Enhanced Data Rate); LE
• BT low-energy mandatory features
• Class 1/Class 2/Class 3 transmitter without external power amplifier
• Class 1 operation without external PA
• Enhanced power control (>30 dB dynamic control range)
• +10 dBm transmitting power
• NZIF receiver with -98 dBm sensitivity
• Modulation—p/4 DQPSK
• ACL
b
, SCOb, eSCO
b
b
, 8 DPSK
b
• Adaptive Frequency Hopping (AFH)
• BT 4.2 controller and host stack
• Service Discover Protocol (SDP)
b
b
• General Access Profile (GAP)
• Security Manage Protocol (SMP)
b
• Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)
• ATT/GATT
• BLE Beacon
• SPP
b
b
, RFCOMM
• Profiles: Wi-Fi Autoconnection—After device reset, automatically connects to
available AP based on previous configuration.
• UART features: GATT profiles, Define personal services
• Roles—Simultaneous Central (access point) / Peripheral (client)
• Simultaneous connections:
tions
b
a
(total) simultaneous connections, including up to 3aBLE connec-
b
and BLE connections
b
/I2S
· Up to 7
· Simultaneous BT Classic
• PCM
Device configuration methods:
Configuration
• Built-in web-based configuration utility. See Configuration Utility on page 7.
• AT commands available over UART, Wi-Fi, and BT links. Refer to [1] AirPrime
BX310x AT Command Reference at source.sierrawireless.com.
• All standard IEEE802.11 security features, including WFA, WPA/WPA2, WAPI
• Secure boot
Security
• Flash encryption
• Cryptographic hardware acceleration: AES, HASH (SHA-2) library, RSA, ECC,
Random Number Generator (RNG)
Multiple power modesb to reduce power consumption: Active, Radio off, Light sleep,
Power management
a. Subject to firmware support and RAM limitations.
b. Support pending firmware upgrade.
Deep sleep, Hibernation
Sleep Patterns: Association sleep pattern, ULP sensor-monitored pattern
b
Rev 3 Sep.18 10 41112607
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