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 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 POWERED OFF. When operating, the Sierra Wireless modem can transmit
signals that could interfere with various onboard systems.
Limitation of
Liability
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.
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 2 Apr.12Proprietary and Confidential3
AirPrime EM7700 Hardware Integration Guide
PatentsThis 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.
Sierra Wireless’ AirPrime Intelligent Embedded Modules form the
radio component for the products in which they are embedded.
The AirPrime EM7700 is available for use on LTE and HSPA+
networks.
1
Note: An understanding of
network technology, and
experience in integrating
hardware components into
electronic equipment is
assumed.
Purpose of this guide
This guide addresses issues that affect the integration of AirPrime
embedded modules into host products, and includes design
recommendations for the host products.
The Universal Development Kit
A hardware development platform is available from Sierra Wireless
for evaluating and developing with the EM7700. The Universal
Development Kit (UDK) (for AirPrime MC-series modules) and a
separate adapter board and RF cable may be ordered to use the
UDK with the EM7700.
The UDK contains hardware components for evaluating and
developing with the module, including:
•Development board
•Cables
•Antennas (Band 17 is not supported by supplied antennas)
•Documentation suite
•Other accessories
For instructions on setting up the UDK, see PCI Express Mini Card
Dev Kit Quick Start Guide (Document 2130705).
For over-the-air LTE testing, ensure that suitable antennas are used.
(Two antennas are required for this testing; Sierra Wireless offers an
LTE-capable antenna covering 700–2600 MHz BW—please order
part number 6000492 (Qty 1—this contains two antennas).)
Rev 2 Apr.12Proprietary and Confidential7
AirPrime EM7700 Hardware Integration Guide
Required connectors
Ta bl e 1- 1 describes the connectors used to integrate the EM7700 Module into
SIM•Industry-standard connector. Type depends on how host
device exposes the SIM socket
•Example: UDK board uses ITT CCM03-3518
a. Manufacturers/part numbers are for reference only and are subject to change. Choose
connectors that are appropriate for your own design.
8Proprietary and Confidential4112206
2: Power Interface
Overview of operation
AirPrime embedded modules are designed to use a 3.7V (nominal)
power supply provided by the host. It is the host’s responsibility to
provide safe and continuous power to the module at all times; the
module does NOT have an independent power supply, or protection
circuits to guard against electrical issues.
The module’s power state is controlled by the host’s assertion/
deassertion of POWER_ON and RESET_N. The module also
monitors its supply voltage and requests shutdown if the supply is
insufficient.
Power signals
The module must be connected to a 3.7V power supply.
For detailed pinout and voltage/ current requirements of this module,
see the AirPrime EM7700 Product Technical Specification Document & Customer Design Guidelines.
22
Rev 2 Apr.12Proprietary and Confidential9
AirPrime EM7700 Hardware Integration Guide
Module power states
The module has five power states, as described in Ta bl e 2- 1.
Table 2-1: Module power states
StateDetails
Normal
(Default
state)
•Module is active
•Default state. Occurs when VCC is first applied, POWER_ON is asserted (pulled
high), and WWAN_DISABLE_N is deasserted
•Module is capable of placing/receiving calls, or establishing data connections on the
wireless network
•Current consumption is affected by several factors, including:
• Radio band being used
• Transmit power
• Receive gain settings
• Data rate
Host is powered
Module is powered
USB interface active
RF enabled
Low power
(‘Airplane
mode’)
Sleep•Normal state of module between calls or data connections
•Module is active
•State is controlled by host interface using software commands:
• +CFUN=0 ([1] AT Command Set for User Equipment (UE) (Release 6)
(Doc# 3GPP TS 27.007)))
•Module cycles between wake (polling the network) and sleep, at network provider-
determined interval.
Off•Host keeps module powered off by deasserting POWER_ON (signal left floating or
tied low)
•Module draws minimal current
Disconnected •Host power source is disconnected from the module and all voltages associated with
the module are at 0 V.
10Proprietary and Confidential4112206
3: RF Integration
The AirPrime EM7700 operates on the frequency bands listed below.
Table 3-1: LTE frequency band support
BandFrequencies
3
Band 4 (AWS)
Band 17
Table 3-2: HSPA+ frequency ba nd support
BandFrequencies
Band 1
WCDMA 2100
Band 2
WCDMA 1900
Band 5
WCDMA 850
a. WCDMA channel spacing is 5 MHz, but this can be adjusted to
optimize performance in a particular deployment scenario.
Table 3-3: GPS frequency band support
BandFrequencies
GNSS
(wide band GPS and GLONASS)
Tx: 1710–1755 MHz
Rx: 2110–2155 MHz
Tx: 704–716 MHz
Rx: 734–746 MHz
a
Tx: 1920–1980 MHz
Rx: 2110–2170 MHz
Tx: 1850–1910 MHz
Rx: 1930–1990 MHz
Tx: 824–849 MHz
Rx: 869–894 MHz
1565–1606 MHz
GPS
(narrow band GPS)
1575.42 MHz
RF connection
When attaching antennas to the module:
•Use I-PEX connectors (model I-PEX MHF-A13) to attach
antennas to the module’s connection points.
•Match coaxial connections between the module and the antenna
to 50 .
•Minimize RF cable losses to the antenna; the recommended
maximum cable loss for antenna cabling is 0.5 dB.
•To ensure best thermal performance, if possible use the
mounting holes to attach (ground) the device to a metal chassis.
Rev 2 Apr.12Proprietary and Confidential11
AirPrime EM7700 Hardware Integration Guide
Note: If the antenna connection is shorted or open, the modem will not sustain permanent
damage.
Ground connection
When connecting the module to system ground:
•Prevent noise leakage by establishing a very good ground connection to the
module through the host connector.
•Connect to system ground using the three mounting holes at the top and
bottom of the module.
•Minimize ground noise leakage into the RF.
Depending on the host board design, noise could potentially be coupled to
the module from the host board. This is mainly an issue for host designs that
have signals traveling along the length of the module, or circuitry operating at
both ends of the module interconnects.
Shielding
The module is fully shielded to protect against EMI and must not be removed.
Antenna and cabling
When selecting the antenna and cable, it is critical to RF performance to match
antenna gain and cable loss.
Choosing the correct antenna and cabling
When matching antennas and cabling:
•The antenna (and associated circuitry) should have a nominal impedance of
50 with a return loss of better than 10 dB across each frequency band of
operation.
•The system gain value affects both radiated power and regulatory (FCC, IC,
CE, etc.) test results.
Designing custom antennas
Consider the following points when designing custom antennas:
•A skilled RF engineer should do the development to ensure that the RF
performance is maintained.
•If both UMTS and CDMA modules will be installed in the same platform, you
may want to develop separate antennas for maximum performance.
12Proprietary and Confidential4112206
RF Integration
Determining the antenna’s location
When deciding where to put the antennas:
•Antenna location may affect RF performance. Although the module is
shielded to prevent interference in most applications, the placement of the
antenna is still very important —if the host device is insufficiently shielded,
high levels of broadband or spurious noise can degrade the module’s performance.
•Connecting cables between the module and the antenna must have 50
impedance. If the impedance of the module is mismatched, RF performance
is reduced significantly.
•Antenna cables should be routed, if possible, away from noise sources
(switching power supplies, LCD assemblies, etc.). If the cables are near the
noise sources, the noise may be coupled into the RF cable and into the
antenna.
Disabling the diversity antenna
•Use the AT command !RXDEN=0 to disable receive diversity or !RXDEN=1 to
enable receive diversity.
Note: A diversity antenna is used to improve connection quality and reliabili ty through
redundancy. Because two antennas may experience difference interference effects (signal
distortion, delay, etc.), when one antenna receives a degraded signal, the other may not be
similarly affected.
Interference and sensitivity
Several sources of interference can affect the RF performance of the module
(RF desense). Common sources include power supply noise and devicegenerated RF.
RF desense can be addressed through a combination of mitigation techniques
(Methods to mitigate decreased Rx performance on page 13) and radiated
sensitivity measurement (Radiated sensitivity measurement on page 14).
Note: The EM7700 is based on ZIF (Zero Intermediate Frequency) technologies. When
performing EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility) tests, there are no IF (Intermediate
Frequency) components from the module to consider.
Methods to mitigate decreased Rx performance
It is important to investigate sources of localized interference early in the design
cycle. To reduce the effect of device-generated RF on Rx performance:
•Put the antenna as far as possible from sources of interference. The
drawback is that the module may be less convenient to use.
•Shield the host device. The module itself is well shielded to avoid external
interference. However, the antenna cannot be shielded for obvious reasons.
Rev 2 Apr.12Proprietary and Confidential13
AirPrime EM7700 Hardware Integration Guide
In most instances, it is necessary to employ shielding on the components of
the host device (such as the main processor and parallel bus) that have the
highest RF emissions.
•Filter out unwanted high-order harmonic energy by using discrete filtering on
low frequency lines.
•Form shielding layers around high-speed clock traces by using multi-layer
PCBs.
•Route antenna cables away from noise sources.
Radiated Spurious Emissions (RSE)
When designing an antenna for use with AirPrime embedded modules, the host
device with an AirPrime embedded module must satisfy the radiated spurious
emission (RSE) test cases described in:
•CE/ETSI EN 301 908 (WCDMA), test numbers 5.3.1 (‘Radiated Emissions
(UE)’)
Note that antenna impedance affects radiated emissions, which must be
compared against the conducted 50-ohm emissions baseline. (AirPrime
embedded modules meet the 50-ohm conducted emissions requirement.)
Radiated sensitivity measurement
A wireless host device contains many noise sources that contribute to a reduction
in Rx performance.
To determine the extent of any receiver performance desensitization due to selfgenerated noise in the host device, over-the-air (OTA) or radiated testing is
required. This testing can be performed by Sierra Wireless or you can use your
own OTA test chamber for in-house testing.
Power supply noise
Noise in the power supply can lead to noise in the RF signal.
The power supply ripple limit for the module is no more than 100 mVp-p 1 Hz to
100 kHz. This limit includes voltage ripple due to transmitter burst activity.
Additional decoupling capacitors can be added to the main VCC line to filter noise
into the device.
Interference from other wireless devices
Wireless devices operating inside the host device can cause interference that
affects the module.
To determine the most suitable locations for antennas on your host device,
evaluate each wireless device’s radio system, considering the following:
•Any harmonics, sub-harmonics, or cross-products of signals generated by
wireless devices that fall in the module’s Rx range may cause spurious
response, resulting in decreased Rx performance.
14Proprietary and Confidential4112206
RF Integration
•The Tx power and corresponding broadband noise of other wireless devices
may overload or increase the noise floor of the module’s receiver, resulting in
Rx desense.
The severity of this interference depends on the closeness of the other antennas
to the module’s antenna. To determine suitable locations for each wireless
device’s antenna, thoroughly evaluate your host device’s design.
Host-generated RF interference
All electronic computing devices generate RF interference that can negatively
affect the receive sensitivity of the module.
Proximity of host electronics to the antenna in wireless devices can contribute to
decreased Rx performance. Components that are most likely to cause this
include:
•Microprocessor and memory
•Display panel and display drivers
•Switching-mode power supplies
Device-generated RF interference
The module can cause interference with other devices. Wireless devices such as
AirPrime embedded modules transmit in bursts (pulse transients) for set durations
(RF burst frequencies). Hearing aids and speakers convert these burst
frequencies into audible frequencies, resulting in audible noise.
Rev 2 Apr.12Proprietary and Confidential15
AirPrime EM7700 Hardware Integration Guide
16Proprietary and Confidential4112206
A: Regulatory Information
This module is designed to and, upon commercial release, will be
certified to meet carrier requirements (e.g. AT&T).
Upon commercial release, the following regulatory approvals will
have been attained:
•FCC
Upon commercial release, the following industry approvals will have
been obtained:
•PTCRB
Additional approvals may be obtained upon customer request—
contact your Sierra Wireless account representative for details.
Additional testing and certification may be required for the end
product with an embedded EM7700 modem and are the
responsibility of the OEM. Sierra Wireless offers professional
services-based assistance to OEMs with the testing and certification
process, if required.
Important notice
Because of 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 wellconstructed 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
and its affiliates accept 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.
A
Safety and hazards
Do not operate your EM7700 modem:
•In areas where blasting is in progress
•Where explosive atmospheres may be present including
refuelling points, fuel depots, and chemical plants
•Near medical equipment, life support equipment, or any
equipment which may be susceptible to any form of radio interference. In such areas, the EM7700 modem MUST BE POWERED OFF. Otherwise, the EM7700 modem can transmit
signals that could interfere with this equipment.
Rev 2 Apr.12Proprietary and Confidential17
AirPrime EM7700 Hardware Integration Guide
In an aircraft, the EM7700 modem MUST BE POWERED OFF. Otherwise, the
EM7700 modem can transmit signals that could interfere with various onboard
systems and may be dangerous to the operation of the aircraft or disrupt the
cellular network. Use of a cellular phone in an aircraft is illegal in some
jurisdictions. Failure to observe this instruction may lead to suspension or denial
of cellular telephone services to the offender, or legal action or both.
Some airlines may permit the use of cellular phones while the aircraft is on the
ground and the door is open. The EM7700 modem may be used normally at this
time.
Important compliance information for
North American users
Note: Details are preliminary and subject to change.
The EM7700 modem has been granted modular approval for mobile applications.
Integrators may use the EM7700 modem in their final products without additional
FCC certification if they meet the following conditions. Otherwise, additional FCC
approvals must be obtained.
1. At least 20 cm separation distance between the EM7700 antenna and the
user’s body must be maintained at all times.
2. To comply with FCC regulations limiting both maximum RF output power and
human exposure to RF radiation, the maximum antenna gain including cable
loss for standalone transmission in mobile exposure condition must not
exceed:
· 9.5 dBi in Cellular band
· 9 dBi in PCS band
· 6.0 dBi in LTE Band 4
· 9.0 dBi in LTE Band 17
3. The EM7700 modem may transmit simultaneously with other co-located radio
transmitters within a host device, provided the following conditions are met:
· Each co-located radio transmitter has been certified by FCC for mobile
application.
· At least 20 cm separation distance between the antennas of the co-located
transmitters and the user’s body must be maintained at all times.
· The output power and antenna gain must not exceed the limits and configu-
rates stipulated in the following table.
18Proprietary and Confidential4112206
DeviceTechnologyFrequency
(MHz)
Maximum
Conducted
Power (dBm)
Maximum
Antenna Gain
(dBi)
EM7700
module
Co-located
transmitters
a. Valid co-located transmitter combinations: WLAN+BT; WiMAX+BT.
4. A label must be affixed to the outside of the end product into which the
EM7700 modem is incorporated, with a statement similar to the following:
· This device contains FCC ID: N7NEM7700
5. A user manual with the end product must clearly indicate the operating
requirements and conditions that must be observed to ensure compliance
with current FCC RF exposure guidelines.
The end product with an embedded EM7700 modem may also need to pass the
FCC Part 15 unintentional emission testing requirements and be properly
authorized per FCC Part 15.
Note: If this module is intended for use in a portable device, you are responsible
for separate approval to satisfy the SAR requirements of FCC Part 2.1093.
Rev 2 Apr.12Proprietary and Confidential19
AirPrime EM7700 Hardware Integration Guide
20Proprietary and Confidential4112206
B: Acronyms and Definitions
.
Table B-1: Acronyms and definitions
Acronym or termDefinition
AGCAutomatic Gain Control
BERBit Error Rate - a measure of receive sensitivity
BLERBlock Error Rate
Call BoxBase Station Simulator - Agilent E8285A or 8960, Rohde & Schwarz
dBmDecibels, relative to 1 mW - Decibel(mW) = 10 x log10 (Pwr (mW)/1mW)
DUTDevice Under Test
EDGEEnhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution
(V1/V2)
10
B
EMEmbedded Module
ESDElectroStatic Discharge
FERFrame Error Rate - a measure of receive sensitivity
GPRSGeneral Packet Radio Services
GPSGlobal Positioning System
GSMGlobal System for Mobile communications
HzHertz = 1 cycle/second
inrush currentPeak current drawn when a device is connected or powered on
IS-20003G radio standards for voice and data (CDMA only)
IS-952G radio standards targeted for voice (cdmaONE)
LDOLow Drop Out - refers to linear regulator
MC5728VSierra Wireless AirPrime embedded modules used on CDMA networks
MC57xxAny of the following CDMA AirPrime embedded modules: MC5728V
MC8801
MHzMegaHertz = 10E6 Hertz (Hertz = 1 cycle/second)
MIOModule Input/Output
MPEMaximum Permissible Exposure—the level of radiation to which a person
OTAOver-The-Air or Radiated through the antenna
PCSPersonal Communication System - PCS spans the 1.9 GHz radio spectrum
RFRadio Frequency
RMSRoot Mean Square
SASelective Availability
Sensitivity (Audio)Measure of lowest power signal that the receiver can measure
Sensitivity (RF)Measure of lowest power signal at the receiver input that can provide a
SIMSubscriber Identity Module
SNRSignal to Noise Ratio
SOFStart of Frame - a USB function
UARTUniversal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter
UDKUniversal Development Kit (PCI Express Mini Card Dev Kit)
UMTSUniversal Mobile T e lecommunications System
USBUniversal Serial Bus
may be exposed without hazardous effect or adverse biological changes
prescribed BER/BLER/SNR value at the receiver output.
USIMUniversal Subscriber Identity Module
VCCSupply voltage (3.3 V for these devices)
WCDMAWideband Code Division Multiple Access—In this document, the term
“UMTS” is used instead of “WCDMA”.
XIMIn this document, XIM is used as part of the contact identifiers for the USIM