Preliminary
0.6
January 04, 2011
AirPrime AR Series
Product Specification
Product Specification
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 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.
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.
Preliminary Rev 0.6 January 04, 2011 2
Product Specification
Patents
5,515,013
5,629,960
5,845,216
5,847,553
5,878,234
5,890,057
5,929,815
6,169,884
6,191,741
6,199,168
6,339,405
6,359,591
6,400,336
6,516,204
6,561,851
6,643,501
6,653,979
6,697,030
6,785,830
6,845,249
6,847,830
6,876,697
6,879,585
6,886,049
6,968,171
6,985,757
7,023,878
7,053,843
7,106,569
7,145,267
7,200,512
7,295,171
7,287,162
D442,170
D459,303
D599,256
D560,911
Sales Desk:
Phone:
1-604-232-1488
Hours:
8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Pacific Time
E-mail:
sales@sierrawireless.com
Post:
Sierra Wireless
13811 Wireless Way
Richmond, BC
Canada V6V 3A4
Fax:
1-604-231-1109
Web:
www.sierrawireless.com
Portions of this product may be covered by some or all of the following US patents:
and other patents pending.
This product includes technology licensed from QUALCOMM
®
3G
Manufactured or sold by Sierra Wireless or its licensees under one or more patents licensed from
InterDigital Group.
Copyright
© 2010 Sierra Wireless. All rights reserved.
Trademarks
AirCard® and Watcher® are registered trademarks of Sierra Wireless. Sierra Wireless™, AirPrime™,
AirLink™, AirVantage™ and the Sierra Wireless logo are trademarks of Sierra Wireless.
, , ®, inSIM®, WAVECOM®, WISMO®, Wireless Microprocessor®,
Wireless CPU®, Open AT® are filed or registered trademarks of Sierra Wireless S.A. in France and/or
in other countries.
Windows
®
and Windows Vista® are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
Macintosh and Mac OS 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 the respective owners.
Contact Information
Consult our website for up-to-date product descriptions, documentation, application notes, firmware
upgrades, troubleshooting tips, and press releases: www.sierrawireless.com
Preliminary Rev 0.6 January 04, 2011 3
Product Specification
Document History
Version
Date
Updates
0.1
December 9, 2009
Creation
0.2
December 14, 2009
Updates for Preliminary release
Preliminary Rev 0.6 January 04, 2011 4
Contents
1. OVERVIEW .......................................................................................................... 8
1.1. Reference Specifications ................................................................................................... 8
2. FEATURES .......................................................................................................... 9
2.1. Modes of Operation ........................................................................................................... 9
2.2. Communications Functions ............................................................................................... 9
2.3. Block Diagrams ............................................................................................................... 10
3. HARDWARE SPECIFICATION .......................................................................... 11
3.1. Environmental Specification ............................................................................................ 11
3.2. ESD Specification ............................................................................................................ 11
3.3. Absolute Maximum Ratings ............................................................................................. 11
4. RF SPECIFICATION .......................................................................................... 12
4.1. CDMA RF Interface ......................................................................................................... 12
4.1.1. CDMA Antenna Interface ......................................................................................... 12
5. GNSS SPECIFICATION ..................................................................................... 13
5.1. GPS ................................................................................................................................. 13
6. BASEBAND SPECIFICATION ........................................................................... 13
6.1. Power Supply .................................................................................................................. 13
6.2. Current Consumption ...................................................................................................... 13
6.3. USB ................................................................................................................................. 14
7. RF CIRCUIT ROUTING CONSTRAINTS ........................................................... 16
7.1. General recommendations .............................................................................................. 16
8. REGULATORY INFORMATION......................................................................... 18
Preliminary Rev 0. January 04, 201 5
List of Figures
Figure 1. AR3550/5550 Block Diagram .......................................................................................... 10
Figure 2. AppCAD screenshot for MicroStrip design power mode diagram ................................... 16
Figure 3. RF routing examples ....................................................................................................... 17
Figure 4. Coplanar clearance example ........................................................................................... 17
Figure 5. Antenna microstrip routing example ................................................................................ 17
Preliminary Rev 0. January 04, 201 6
List of Tables
Table 1: AirPrime AR series intelligent embedded modules ........................................................... 8
Table 2: Reference specifications ................................................................................................... 8
Table 3: AR3550 modes of operation .............................................................................................. 9
Table 4: Communications functions ................................................................................................ 9
Table 5: Environmental specifications ........................................................................................... 11
Table 6: ESD ratings ..................................................................................................................... 11
Table 7: Absolute Maximum ratings .............................................................................................. 11
Table 8: CDMA antenna characteristics ........................................................................................ 12
Table 9: Power supply requirements ............................................................................................. 13
Table 10: Power supply pad ............................................................................................................ 13
Table 11: USB pad details ............................................................................................................... 14
Table 12: USB characteristics ......................................................................................................... 14
Preliminary Rev 0. January 04, 201 7
1. Overview
Product
Description
Band Support
AR3550
CDMA2000 1xRTT intelligent embedded module
BC0, BC1
Ref
Title
Rev
Issuer
[1]
Recommended Minimum Performance Standards for
cdma2000 High Rate Packet Data Access Terminal – C.S0033
A v1.0
3GPP2
[2]
Recommended Minimum Performance Standards for
cdma2000 Spread Spectrum Mobile Stations – C.S0011 (IS-98D)
A
3GPP2
[3]
Universal Serial Bus Specification
2.0
USB Implementers
Forum
[4]
Universal Serial Bus CDC Subclass Specification for Wireless
Mobile Communication Devices
1.0
USB Implementers
Forum
[5]
Universal Serial Bus Class Definitions for Communication Devices
1.1
USB Implementers
Forum
[6]
AirPrime AR Series LGA Specification
0.5
Sierra Wireless
This document is the Hardware Product Specification for the AirPrime AR series of intelligent
embedded modules. It defines the high level product features and illustrates the interfaces for these
features. This document is intended to cover the hardware aspects of the product series, including
electrical and mechanical.
The AirPrime AR series of intelligent embedded modules are designed for the automotive industry
and any market with similar quality and life-time support requirements. They support several air
interface standards but share a common form-factor and electrical interface. All versions also have
Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) capabilities via GPS.
The AirPrime AR series of intelligent embedded modules are based on the Qualcomm MDM6200 and
MDM6600 wireless chipsets. The term AirPrime AR series addresses all of the following specific
products.
Table 1: AirPrime AR series intelligent embedded modules
1.1. Reference Specifications
The table below lists the reference specifications for this product.
Table 2: Reference specifications
Preliminary Rev 0. January 04, 201 8
2. Features
Mode
Band
Frequency (MHz)
RX
TX
CDMA2000 1xRTT
Band Class 0
869 – 894
824 – 849
Band Class 1
1930 – 1990
1850 – 1910
GNSS
GPS L1
1574.42 – 1576.42
---
Communications Function
AR3550 / AR3550
Voice
EVRC, QCELP, EVRC-B
Data
Circuit Switch (CSD)
Packet
Short Message Service (SMS)
OTA
OTAPA
OTASP
DTMF
Forward link only
This chapter highlights the features of the AirPrime AR series intelligent embedded modules.
2.1. Modes of Operation
The AR3550 support CDMA 1xRTT operation in the US Cellular (BC0) and US PCS (BC1) frequency
Bands. All models also support Standalone GNSS operation. For complete details, refer to the tables
below.
Table 3: AR3550 modes of operation
2.2. Communications Functions
The AirPrime AR series provides the following communications functions via the CDMA networks.
Table 4: Communications functions
Preliminary Rev 0. January 04, 201 9
Product Specification
Features
2.3. Block Diagrams
Figure 1. AR3550/5550 Block Diagram
Preliminary Rev 0.6 January 04, 2011 10
3. Hardware Specification
Parameter
Temperature Range
Ambient Operating Temperature
-30°C to +75°C (Class A)
-40°C to +85°C (Class B)
Ambient Storage Temperature
-40°C to +90°C
Ambient Humidity
95% or less
Signal Pads
ESD Rating
Primary, Diversity and GNSS antenna pads
8 kV
All other signal pads
Tbd
Parameter
Min
Max
Units
VBATT
Power Supply Input
-
5.0
V
VIN
Voltage on any digital input or output pin
-
VCC_1v8+0.5
V
IIN
Latch-up current
-100
100
mA
Maximum Voltage applied to antenna interface pins
VANT
Primary Antenna
-
30
V
Diversity Antenna
-
25 V GNSS Antenna
-
25
V
3.1. Environmental Specification
The environmental specification for both operating and storage are defined in the table below.
Table 5: Environmental specifications
3.2. ESD Specification
The AirPrime AR series devices are sensitive to Electrostatic Discharge. ESD countermeasures and
handling methods must be used when handling the AirPrime AR series devices.
Table 6: ESD ratings
3.3. Absolute Maximum Ratings
This section defines the Absolute Maximum Ratings of the AirPrime AR series devices. If these
parameters are exceeded, even momentarily, damage may occur to the device.
Table 7: Absolute Maximum ratings
Preliminary Rev 0. January 04, 201 11
4. RF Specification
Characteristics
US Cellular (BC0)
US PCS (BC1)
Frequency (MHz)
TX
824-849
1850-1910
RX
869-894
1930-1990
Impedance
RF
50 Ohm
DC
10 kOhm ±1k
VSWR max
RX
1.5: 1
TX
1.5: 1
Polarization
Linear, vertical
Maximum Voltage
Primary Antenna
30 V
Diversity Antenna
25 V
The section presents the RF interface of the AirPrime AR series intelligent embedded module. The
specifications for the CDMA interfaces are defined.
4.1. CDMA RF Interface
This section presents the CDMA RF Specification for the AirPrime AR3550. These AirPrime AR
series devices are designed to be compliant with 3GPP2 C.S0011 Rev A and additionally 3GPP2
C.S0033 Rev A v1.0 for the AR3550. Parameters specified differently for the reference standard are
identified below.
4.1.1. CDMA Antenna Interface
The specification for the CDMA Antenna Interface is defined in the table below.
Table 8: CDMA antenna characteristics
Preliminary Rev 0. January 04, 201 12
5. GNSS Specification
Power Supply
Min
Typ
Max
Units
Main DC Power Input Range
3.8
4.0
4.2
V
Power Supply Ripple
0 to 1kHz
200
mVpp
>1kHz
50
mVpp
Maximum Current draw
AR3550
800
mA
Pad
Name
Direction
Function
If Unused
S20
VBATT
Input
Power Supply Input
Required
Parameter
Typical
Max
Units
On Call
AR3550
Maximum TX Output – 1xRTT
-
800
mA
+0dBm TX Output – 1xRTT
tbd
-
mA
Idle
Registered
tbd
-
mA
Searching
tbd
-
mA
Sleep Mode
Average current, SCI=2
-
tbd
mA
Off Mode Current
All AR Series devices
-
tbd
μA
The AirPrime AR series intelligent embedded module includes optional Global Navigation Satellite
System (GNSS) capabilities via the Qualcomm gpsOne Gen8 Engine, capable of operation in
assisted and stand-alone GPS modes.
5.1. GPS
The GPS implementation supports GPS L1 operation centered at 1575.42 MHz (+/- 1 MHz).
6. Baseband Specification
6.1. Power Supply
The AirPrime AR series is powered via a single regulated DC power supply, 4.0V ± 5%. The power
supply requirements can be found in the following table.
Table 9: Power supply requirements
AirPrime AR series does not support USB self powered operation.
Table 10: Power supply pad
6.2. Current Consumption
The table below summarizes some key current consumption values for varies modes of the AR series
devices.
Preliminary Rev 0. January 04, 201 13
Product Specification
Baseband Specification
6.3. USB
Pad
Name
Direction
Function
R1
USB_VBUS
Input
USB Power Supply
V1
USB_D_P
In/Out
Differential data interface positive
T1
USB_D_M
In/Out
Differential data interface negative
USB
Value
Units
USB_VBUS
Voltage range
4.25 – 5.25
V
Maximum Current draw
1
mA
Maximum Input Capacitance (Min ESR = 50 mOhm)
10
μF
The AirPrime AR series has a High Speed USB2.0 compliant, peripheral only interface.
Table 11: USB pad details
The AirPrime AR series will not be damaged if a valid USB_VBUS is supplied while the main DC
power is not supplied.
Table 12: USB characteristics
Preliminary Rev 0.6 January 04, 2011 14
Product Specification
Baseband Specification
Preliminary Rev 0.6 January 04, 2011 15
Product Specification
RF Circuit Routing Constraints
7. RF Circuit Routing Constraints
7.1. General recommendations
To route the RF antenna signals, the following recommendations must be observed for PCB layout:
The RF signals must be routed using traces with a 50 characteristic impedance.
Basically, the characteristic impedance depends on the dielectric constant (εr) of the material used,
trace width (W), trace thickness (T), and height (H) between the trace and the reference ground plane.
In order to respect this constraint, Sierra Wireless recommends that a MicroStrip structure be used
and trace width be computed with a simulation tool (such as AppCAD, shown in the figure below and
available free of charge at http://www.avagotech.com).
Figure 2. AppCAD screenshot for MicroStrip design power mode diagram
The trace width should be wide enough to maintain reasonable insertion loss and manufacturing
reliability. Cutting out inner layers of ground under the trace will increase the effective substrate
height; therefore, increasing the width of the RF trace.
Caution: It is critical that no other signals (digital, analog, or supply) cross under the RF path. The figure below
shows a generic example of good and poor routing techniques.
Preliminary Rev 0.6 January 04, 2011 16
Product Specification
RF Circuit Routing Constraints
Poor routing
Correct routing
The yellow traces cross the RF trace.
There is no signal around the RF path.
Figure 3. RF routing examples
Fill the area around the RF traces with ground and ground vias to connect inner ground layers
for isolation.
Cut out ground fill under RF signal pads to reduce stray capacitance losses.
Avoid routing RF traces with sharp corners. A smooth radius is recommended.
The ground reference plane should be a solid continuous plane under the trace.
The coplanar clearance (G, below) from the trace to the ground should be at least the trace
width (W) and at least twice the height (H). This reduces the parasitic capacitance, which
potentially alters the trace impedance and increases the losses. Note the figure below shows
several internal ground layers cutout, which may not be necessary for every application.
Figure 4. Coplanar clearance example
Figure 5. Antenna microstrip routing example
Preliminary Rev 0.6 January 04, 2011 17
8. Regulatory Information
Product
Max Antenna Gain (dBi)
CDMA 800 Band
Max Antenna Gain (dBi) CDMA PCS
Band
AR3550
4.65
8.30
AR5550
4.65
8.30
GTM-2
8.70
6.10
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 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 and its affiliates accept no responsibility for damages of any kind
resulting from delays or errors in data transmitted or received using Sierra Wireless modem, or for
failure of the Sierra Wireless modem to transmit or receive such data.
Safety and Hazards
Do not operate the AR Series/GTM-2 modem:
In areas where blasting is in progress
Where explosive atmospheres may be present including refueling 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 AR Series device MUST BE POWERED
OFF. Otherwise, the AR Series device can transmit signals that could interfere with this
equipment
In an aircraft, the AR Series device MUST BE POWERED OFF. Otherwise, the AR Series
device 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 cellular phone
in 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 AR Series device may be used normally at this time.
Important Compliance Information for USA OEM
Integrators
The AR Series device is granted with a modular approval for mobile applications. Integrators may use
the AR Series device in their final products without additional FCC/IC (Industry Canada) certification if
they meet the following conditions. Otherwise, additional FCC/IC approvals must be obtained.
1. At least 20cm separation distance between the antenna and the user’s body must be
maintained at all times.
2. To comply with FCC/IC regulations limiting both maximum RF output power and human
exposure to RF radiation, the maximum antenna gain including cable loss in a mobile-only
exposure condition must not exceed the gain values presented in the table below:
Preliminary Rev 0. January 04
Product Specification
Regulatory Information
3. The AR Series device and the antenna must not be co-located or operating in conjunction
with any other transmitter or antenna within a host device.
4. A label must be affixed to the outside of the end product into which the AR Series device is
incorporated, with a statement similar to the following:
a. For AR3550:
This device contains FCC ID: N7NAR3550
This equipment contains equipment certified under IC: 2417C-AR3550
b. For GTM-2:
This device contains FCC ID: N7NGTM2
This equipment contains equipment certified under IC: 2417C-GTM2
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/IC RF exposure guidelines.
The end product with an embedded AR Series device may also need to pass the FCC Part 15
unintentional emission testing requirements and be properly authorized.
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 and IC RSS-102.
Preliminary Rev 0. January 04
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