Sierra Wireless HL7618 User Manual

Product Technical Specification

AirPrime HL7618

December 02, 2015

Product Technical 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 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

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.

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

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.

Customer understands that Sierra Wireless is not providing cellular or GPS (including A-GPS)
services. These services are provided by a third party and should be purchased directly by the
Customer.

4117929 Rev 2.0 December 02, 2015 2

Product Technical Specification

SPECIFIC DISCLAIMERS OF LIABILITY: CUSTOMER RECOGNIZES AND ACKNOWLEDGES
SIERRA WIRELESS IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR AND SHALL NOT BE HELD LIABLE FOR ANY
DEFECT OR DEFICIENCY OF ANY KIND OF CELLULAR OR GPS (INCLUDING A-GPS)
SERVICES.

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

© 2015 Sierra Wireless. All rights reserved.

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

Windows

Macintosh
countries.

QUALCOMM

Other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

®

is a registered trademark of NETGEAR, Inc., used under license.

®

and Windows Vista® are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

®

and Mac OS X® are registered trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other

®

is a registered trademark of QUALCOMM Incorporated. Used under license.

Contact Information

Phone: [phone]

Sales Desk:

Post:

Technical Support:

RMA Support:

Web:

Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Pacific Time

Contact:

Sierra Wireless
13811 Wireless Way
Richmond, BC
Canada V6V 3A4

[e-mail]

[e-mail]

Fax: [phone]

http://www.sierrawireless.com/

http://www.sierrawireless.com/sales

Consult our website for up-to-date product descriptions, documentation, application notes, firmware
upgrades, troubleshooting tips, and press releases: www.sierrawireless.com

4117929 Rev 2.0 December 02, 2015 3

Product Technical Specification

Document History

Version Date Updates

1.0 August 14, 2015 Creation

Added:

 2.12 Analog to Digital Converter (ADC1)
 2.15.3 TX_ON Indicator (TX_ON)
 Error! Reference source not found. Error! Reference source

not found.

 Error! Reference source not found. Error! Reference source

not found.

Updated:

 Table 2 AirPrime HL7618 Features
 Figure 1 AirPrime HL7618 Architecture Overview

2.0 December 02, 2015

 Figure 2 AirPrime HL7618 Mechanical Overview (Top View and

Bottom View)

 Table 3 ESD Specifications
 Table 5 Regulation Compliance
 Error! Reference source not found. Error! Reference source

not found.

 2.2 Current Consumption (TBC)
 3 Mechanical Drawings
 4 FCC Legal Information
 Error! Reference source not found. Error! Reference source

not found.

4117929 Rev 2.0 December 02, 2015 4

Contents

1. INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................... 9

1.1. Common Flexible Form Factor (CF3) ............................................................................... 9

1.2. Physical Dimensions ....................................................................................................... 9

1.3. General Features .......................................................................................................... 10

1.4. Architecture ................................................................................................................... 11

1.5. Interfaces ...................................................................................................................... 12

1.6. Connection Interface ..................................................................................................... 12

1.7. ESD .............................................................................................................................. 13

1.8. Environmental and Certifications ................................................................................... 13

1.8.1. Environmental Specifications ................................................................................. 13

1.8.2. Regulatory ............................................................................................................. 14

1.8.3. RoHS Directive Compliant ..................................................................................... 14

1.8.4. Disposing of the Product ........................................................................................ 14

1.9. References .................................................................................................................... 14

2. DETAILED INTERFACE SPECIFICATIONS ....................................................... 15

2.1. Power Supply ................................................................................................................ 15

2.2. Current Consumption (TBC) .......................................................................................... 15

2.3. VGPIO ........................................................................................................................... 16

2.4. BAT_RTC ...................................................................................................................... 1 6 

2.5. SIM Interface ................................................................................................................. 17

2.5.1. UIM1_DET ............................................................................................................. 17

2.6. USB .............................................................................................................................. 18

2.7. Electrical Information for Digital I/O ............................................................................... 18

2.8. General Purpose Input/Output (GPIO) .......................................................................... 19

2.9. Main Serial Link (UART1) .............................................................................................. 19

2.10. POWER-ON Signal (PWR_ON_N) ................................................................................ 20

2.11. Reset Signal (RESET_IN_N) ........................................................................................ 20

2.12. Analog to Digital Converter (ADC1) ............................................................................... 21

2.13. Clock Interface .............................................................................................................. 2 2 

2.14. Debug Interfaces ........................................................................................................... 22

2.14.1. Trace Debug .......................................................................................................... 22

2.14.2. JTAG ...................................................................................................................... 22

2.15. RF Interface .................................................................................................................. 23

2.15.1. RF Connection ....................................................................................................... 23

2.15.2. RF Performances ................................................................................................... 23

2.15.3. TX_ON Indicator (TX_ON) ..................................................................................... 24

3. MECHANICAL DRAWINGS ................................................................................. 25

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Product Technical Specification

4. FCC LEGAL INFORMATION ............................................................................... 28

5. TERMS AND ABBREVIATIONS .......................................................................... 30

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List of Figures

Figure 1. AirPrime HL7618 Architecture Overview ....................................................................... 11

Figure 2. AirPrime HL7618 Mechanical Overview (Top View and Bottom View) .......................... 12

Figure 3. TX_ON State During Transmission ............................................................................... 24

Figure 4. AirPrime HL7618 Mechanical Drawing .......................................................................... 25

Figure 5. AirPrime HL7618 Dimensions Drawing ......................................................................... 26

Figure 6. AirPrime HL7618 Footprint ............................................................................................ 27

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List of Tables

Table 1. Supported Bands/Connectivity ........................................................................................ 9

Table 2. AirPrime HL7618 Features ............................................................................................ 10

Table 3. ESD Specifications ........................................................................................................ 13

Table 4. AirPrime HL7618 Environmental Specifications ............................................................ 13

Table 5. Regulation Compliance ................................................................................................. 14

Table 6. Power Supply ................................................................................................................ 15

Table 7. Current Consumption .................................................................................................... 15

Table 8. Current Consumption per Power Supply ....................................................................... 15

Table 9. VGPIO Electrical Characteristics ................................................................................... 16

Table 10. BAT_RTC Electrical Characteristics .............................................................................. 16

Table 11. UIM1 Pad Description ................................................................................................... 17

Table 12. Electrical Characteristics of UIM1.................................................................................. 17

Table 13. USB Pad Description .................................................................................................... 18

Table 14. Digital I/O Electrical Characteristics .............................................................................. 18

Table 15. GPIO Pad Description ................................................................................................... 19

Table 16. UART1 Pad Description ................................................................................................ 19

Table 17. PWR_ON_N Electrical Characteristics .......................................................................... 20

Table 18. RESET_IN_N Electrical Characteristics ........................................................................ 21

Table 19. ADC Interface Pad Description ..................................................................................... 21

Table 20. ADC Electrical Characteristics ...................................................................................... 21

Table 21. Clock Interface Pad Description .................................................................................... 22

Table 22. Trace Debug Pad Description ....................................................................................... 22

Table 23. JTAG Pad Description ................................................................................................... 22

Table 24. RF Main Connection ..................................................................................................... 23

Table 25. RF Diversity Connection ............................................................................................... 23

Table 26. Conducted RX Sensitivity (dBm) ................................................................................... 23

Table 27. TX_ON Indicator Pad Description ................................................................................. 24

Table 28. TX_ON Characteristics ................................................................................................. 24

4117929 Rev 2.0 December 02, 2015 8

1. Introduction

This document is the Product Technical Specification for the AirPrime HL7618 Embedded Module. 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, including electrical and mechanical.

The AirPrime HL7618 belongs to the AirPrime HL Series from Essential Connectivity Module family.
These are industrial grade Embedded Wireless Modules that provides data connectivity on LTE
networks (as listed in Table 1 Supported Bands/Connectivity).

The HL7618 supports a large variety of interfaces such as USB 2.0, UART, GPIOs and dual SIM to
provide customers with the highest level of flexibility in implementing high-end solutions.

Table 1. Supported Bands/Connectivity

RF Band Transmit band (Tx) Receive band (Rx) Maximum Output Power

LTE B4 1710 to 1755 MHz 2110 to 2155 MHz 23dBm ± 2dBm

LTE B13 777 to 787 MHz 746 to 756 MHz 23dBm ± 2dBm

1.1. Common Flexible Form Factor (CF3)

The AirPrime HL7618 belongs to the Common Flexible Form Factor (CF3) family of modules. This
family consists of a series of WWAN modules that share the same mechanical dimensions (same
width and length with varying thicknesses) and footprint. The CF
solution to a series of problems faced commonly in the WWAN module space as it:

 Accommodates multiple radio technologies (from 2G to LTE advanced) and band groupings

 Supports bit-pipe (Essential Module Series) and value add (Smart Module Series) solutions

 Offers electrical and functional compatibility

 Provides Direct Mount as well as Socketability depending on customer needs

3

form factor provides a unique

1.2. Physical Dimensions

AirPrime HL7618 modules are compact, robust, fully shielded modules with the following dimensions:

 Length: 23 mm

 Width: 22 mm

 Thickness: 2.5 mm

 Weight: 3.5 g

Note: Dimensions specified above are typical values.

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Product Technical Specification Introduction

1.3. General Features

The table below summarizes the AirPrime HL7618 features.

Table 2. AirPrime HL7618 Features

Feature Description

 Small form factor (146-pad solderable LGA pad) – 23mm x 22mm x

2.5mm (nominal)

Physical

Electrical Single or double supply voltage (VBATT and VBATT_PA) – 3.2V – 4.5V

RF Dual-band LTE (AWS (B4), 700 MHz (B13))

SIM interface

Application interface

Protocol Stack

SMS

 Complete body shielding

 RF connection pads (RF main interface)

 Baseband signals connection

 Dual SIM Single Standby (DSSS)

 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

 NDIS NIC interface support (Windows 7, Windows 8, Linux)

 MBIM support

 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

Single mode LTE operation:

 LTE FDD, bandwidth 1.4-20 MHz

 System Release: 3GPP Rel. 9

 Category 1 (up to 10 Mbit/s in downlink, 5 Mbit/s in uplink)

 Max modulation 64 QAM DL, 16 QAM UL

 Intra-frequency and inter-frequency mobility

 SON ANR

 Public Warning System PWS

 SMS over SGs and IMS

 SMS MO and MT

 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)

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Product Technical Specification Introduction

Feature Description

 Multiple (up to 20) cellular packet data profiles

 Sleep mode for minimum idle power draw

 Mobile-originated PDP context activation / deactivation

 Support QoS profile

 Release 97 – Precedence Class, Reliability Class, Delay Class, Peak

Throughput, Mean Throughput

Connectivity

Operating temperature ranges (industrial grade):

Environmental

RTC Real Time Clock (RTC) with calendar

 Release 99 QoS negotiation – Background, Interactive, and

Streaming

 Static and Dynamic IP address. The network may assign a fixed IP

address or dynamically assign one using DHCP (Dynamic Host
Configuration Protocol).

 Supports PAP and CHAP authentication protocols

 PDP context type (IPv4, IPv6, IPv4v6). IP Packet Data Protocol context

 RFC1144 TCP/IP header compression

 Class A: -30°C to +70°C



Class B: -40°C to +85°C

1.4. Architecture

The figure below presents an overview of the AirPrime HL7618 internal architecture and external
interfaces.

Figure 1. AirPrime HL7618 Architecture Overview

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Product Technical Specification Introduction

1.5. Interfaces

The AirPrime HL7618 module provides the following interfaces and peripheral connectivity:

 1x - 8-wire UART

 1x - Active Low RESET

 1x - USB 2.0

 1x - Backup Battery Interface

 2x - System Clock Out

 1x - Active Low POWER-ON

 1x - 1.8V/3V SIM

 1x - JTAG Interface

 12x - GPIOs (2 of which have multiplexes)

 1x - Main Antenna

 1x - RX Diversity

 1x - VGPIO

 1x - TX ON

 1x - ADC

 1x - Debug Interface

1.6. Connection Interface

The AirPrime HL7618 module is an LGA form factor device. All electrical and mechanical connections
are made through the 146 Land Grid Array (LGA) pads on the bottom side of the PCB.

Figure 2. AirPrime HL7618 Mechanical Overview (Top View and Bottom View)

The 146 pads have the following distribution:

 66 inner signal pads, 1x0.5mm, pitch 0.8mm

 1 reserved test point (do not connect), 1.0mm diameter

 7 test point (JTAG), 0.8mm diameter, 1.20mm pitch

 64 inner ground pads, 1.0x1.0mm, pitch 1.825mm/1.475mm

 4 inner corner ground pads, 1x1mm

 4 outer corner ground pads, 1x0.9mm

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Product Technical Specification Introduction

1.7. ESD

Refer to the following table for ESD Specifications.

Note: Information specified in the following table is preliminary and subject to change.

Table 3. ESD Specifications

Category Connection Specification

Operational RF ports IEC-61000-4-2 — Level (Electrostatic Discharge Immunity Test)

Unless otherwise specified:

Non-operational

Signals

Host connector
interface

SIM connector

Other host signals

 JESD22-A114 +/- 1kV Human Body Model

JESD22-A115 +/- 200V Machine Model





JESD22-C101C +/- 250V Charged Device Model

Adding ESD protection is highly recommended at the point where
the USIM contacts are exposed, and for any other signals that
would be subjected to ESD by the user.

1.8. Environmental and Certifications

1.8.1. Environmental Specifications

The environmental specification for both operating and storage conditions are defined in the table
below.

Table 4. AirPrime HL7618 Environmental Specifications

Conditions Range

Operating Class A -30°C to +70°C

Operating Class B -40°C to +85°C

Storage -40°C to +85°C

Class A is defined as the operating temperature ranges that the device:

 Shall exhibit normal function during and after environmental exposure.

 Shall meet the minimum requirements of 3GPP or appropriate wireless standards.

Class B is defined as the operating temperature ranges that the device:

 Shall remain fully functional during and after environmental exposure

 Shall exhibit the ability to establish an SMS or DATA call (emergency call) at all times even

when one or more environmental constraint exceeds the specified tolerance.

 Unless otherwise stated, full performance should return to normal after the excessive

constraint(s) have been removed.

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Product Technical Specification Introduction

1.8.2. Regulatory

The AirPrime HL7618 is compliant with FCC regulations.

FCC compliance will be reflected on the AirPrime HL7618 label.

Table 5. Regulation Compliance

Document Current Version Title

GCF-CC v3.59.0 or later GCF Conformance Certification Criteria

FCC Part 27 NA Miscellaneous wireless communication services

1.8.3. RoHS Directive Compliant

The AirPrime HL7618 module is compliant with RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU which sets limits for the
use of certain restricted hazardous substances. This directive states that “from 1st July 2006, new
electrical and electronic equipment put on the market does not contain lead, mercury, cadmium,
hexavalent chromium, polybrominated biphenyls (PBB) or polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE)”.

1.8.4. Disposing of the Product

This electronic product is subject to the EU Directive 2012/19/EU for Waste Electrical
and Electronic Equipment (WEEE). As such, this product must not be disposed of at a
municipal waste collection point. Please refer to local regulations for directions on how
to dispose of this product in an environmental friendly manner.

1.9. References

[1] AirPrime HL Series Customer Process Guidelines

Reference Number: 4114330

[2] AirPrime HL7618, HL7690 and HL7692 AT Commands Interface Guide

Reference Number: 4118395

[3] AirPrime HL Series Development Kit User Guide

Reference Number: 4114877

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2. Detailed Interface Specifications

Note: If not specified, all electrical values are given for VBATT=3.7V and an operating temperature of

25°C.

For standard applications, VBATT and VBATT_PA must be tied externally to the same power
supply. For some specific applications, AirPrime HL7618 module supports separate VBATT and
VBATT_PA connection if requirements below are fulfilled.

2.1. Power Supply

The AirPrime HL7618 module is supplied through the VBATT signal with the following characteristics.

Table 6. Power Supply

Supply Minimum Typical Maximum

VBATT voltage (V) 3.21 3.7 4.5

VBATT_PA voltage (V) Full Specification 3.21 3.7 4.5

VBATT_PA voltage (V) Extended Range 2.8 3.7 4.5

1 This value has to be guaranteed during the burst.

Note: Load capacitance for VBATT is around 32µF ± 20% embedded inside the module.

Load capacitance for VBATT_PA is around 10µF ± 20% embedded inside the module.

2.2. Current Consumption (TBC)

The following table lists the current consumption of the AirPrime HL7618 at different conditions.

Note: Typical values are defined for VBATT/VBATT_PA at 3.7V and 25°C, for 50Ω impedance at all RF

Table 7. Current Consumption

Parameter Minimum Typical Maximum Unit

Off mode 95.0 110 202.0 µA

Sleep mode – LTE
DRX = 1.28s
USB = suspended

LTE in communication
mode (TX Max)

Table 8. Current Consumption per Power Supply

Parameter (at nominal voltage, 3.7 V) Typical Unit

VBATT Band 4 207 mA

ports. Maximum values are provided for VSWR3:1 with worst conditions among supported ranges
of voltages and temperature.

Band 4 1.2 1.4 6.2 mA

Band 13 1.2 1.4 6.2 mA

Band 4 510.0 610.0 945.0 mA

Band 13 460.0 540.0 720.0 mA

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Product Technical Specification Detailed Interface Specifications

Parameter (at nominal voltage, 3.7 V) Typical Unit

VBATT_PA

LTE in communication mode (TX Max)
USB = disconnected

LTE in communication mode (TX Max)
USB = disconnected

Band 13

Band 4 403 mA

Band 13 328 mA

212

2.3. VGPIO

The VGPIO output can be used to:

 Pull-up signals such as I/Os

 Supply the digital transistors driving LEDs

The VGPIO output is available when the AirPrime HL7618 module is switched ON.

Table 9. VGPIO Electrical Characteristics

Parameter Min Typ Max Remarks

Voltage level (V) 1.7 1.8 1.9 Both active mode and sleep mode

Current capability
Active Mode (mA)

Current capability
Sleep Mode (mA)

Rise Time(ms) - - 1.5 Start-Up time from 0V

- - 50

- - 3

Power management support up to 50mA
output in Active mode

Power management support up to 3mA output
in Sleep mode

mA

2.4. BAT_RTC

The AirPrime HL7618 module provides an input/output to connect a Real Time Clock power supply.

This pad is used as a back-up power supply for the internal Real Time Clock. The RTC is supported
when VBATT is available but a back-up power supply is needed to save date and hour when VBATT
is switched off.

If VBATT is available, the back-up battery can be charged by the internal 1.8V power supply regulator.

Table 10. BAT_RTC Electrical Characteristics

Parameter Minimum Typical Maximum Unit

Input voltage - 1.8 - V

Input current consumption - 2.5 (TBC) - µA

Output voltage -5% 1.8 +5% V

Max charging current (@VBATT=3.7V) - 25 - mA

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Product Technical Specification Detailed Interface Specifications

2.5. SIM Interface

The AirPrime HL7618 has one physical SIM interface, UIM1, which has optional support for dual SIM
application with an external SIM switch.

It allows control of a 1.8V/3V SIM and is fully compliant with GSM 11.11 recommendations concerning
SIM functions.

The five signals used by UIM1 are as follows:

 UIM1_VCC: power supply

 UIM1_CLK: clock

 UIM1_DATA: I/O port

 UIM1_RESET: reset

 UIM1_DET: SIM detection

Table 11. UIM1 Pad Description

Pad # Signal Name Description

26 UIM1_VCC 1.8V/3V SIM1 Power supply

27 UIM1_CLK 1.8V/3V SIM1 Clock

28 UIM1_DATA 1.8V/3V SIM1 Data

29 UIM1_RESET 1.8V/3V SIM1 Reset

64 UIM1_DET UIM1 Detection

Table 12. Electrical Characteristics of UIM1

Parameter Min Typ Max Remarks

UIM1 Interface Voltage (V)
(VCC,CLK,IO,RST)

UIM1 Detect - 1.80 - High active

UIM1_VCC Current (mA) - - 10 Max output current in sleep mode = 3 mA

UIM1_VCC Line Regulation
(mV/V)

UIM1_VCC Power-up Setting
Time (µs) from power down

- 2.9 -

- 1.80 -

- - 50 At Iout_Max

- 10 -

The appropriate output voltage is auto
detected and selected by software.

2.5.1. UIM1_DET

UIM1_DET is used to detect and notify the application about the insertion and removal of a SIM
device in the SIM socket connected to the SIM interface. When a SIM is inserted, the state of
UIM1_DET transitions from logic 0 to logic 1. Inversely, when a SIM is removed, the state of
UIM1_DET transitions from logic 1 to logic 0.

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Product Technical Specification Detailed Interface Specifications

2.6. USB

The AirPrime HL7618 has one USB interface.

Table 13. USB Pad Description

Pad Number Signal Name I/O Function

12 USB_D- I/O USB Data Negative

13 USB_D+ I/O USB Data Positive

16 USB_VBUS I USB VBUS

Note: When the 5V USB supply is not available, connect USB_VBUS to VBATT to supply the USB

interface.

2.7. Electrical Information for Digital I/O

The AirPrime HL7618 supports two groups of digital interfaces with varying current drain limits. The
following list enumerates these interface groupings and the following table enumerates the electrical
characteristics of each digital interface.

 Group 1 (6mA current drain limit)

 GPIO2, GPIO4, GPIO6, GPIO8, GPIO10, GPIO11, GPIO13, GPIO14, GPIO15

 Group 2 (1mA current drain limit)

 GPIO1, GPIO5, GPIO7
 UART1
 JTAG

Table 14. Digital I/O Electrical Characteristics

Parameter Symbol Min Typ Max Remarks

Input Current-High(µA) IIH - - 240

Input Current-Low(µA) IIL - - 240

Group 1

Group 2

Input Voltage-High(V) VIH 1.19 - 2.10

Input Voltage-Low(V) VIL -0.20 - 0.38

Output Voltage-High(V)

Output Voltage-Low(V)

DC Output Current-High (mA) I

DC Output Current-Low (mA) IOL -6 - -

DC Output Current-High (mA) I

DC Output Current-Low (mA) IOL -1 - -

- - 6

OH

- - 1

OH

V

1.35 - - IOH = -6mA

OH

VOH 1.50 - - IOH = -0.1mA

V

- - 0.35 I

OL

VOL - - 0.2 I

= 6mA

OH

= 0.1mA

OH

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Product Technical Specification Detailed Interface Specifications

2.8. General Purpose Input/Output (GPIO)

The AirPrime HL7618 modules provide 12 GPIOs, 2 of which have multiplexes.

Table 15. GPIO Pad Description

Pad # Signal Name Multiplex I/O Power Supply Domain

1 GPIO1 I/O 1.8V

10 GPIO2 TRACE_DATA2 I/O 1.8V

40 GPIO7 I/O 1.8V

41 GPIO8 TRACE_CLK I/O 1.8V

44 GPIO13 I/O 1.8V

46 GPIO6 I/O 1.8V

51 GPIO14 I/O 1.8V

52 GPIO10 I/O 1.8V

53 GPIO11 I/O 1.8V

54 GPIO15 I/O 1.8V

65 GPIO4 I/O 1.8V

66 GPIO5 I/O 1.8V

2.9. Main Serial Link (UART1)

The main serial link (UART1) is used for communication between the AirPrime HL7618 module and a
PC or host processor. It consists of a flexible 8-wire serial interface that complies with RS-232
interface.

The supported baud rates of the UART1 are 300, 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, 19200, 38400, 57600,
115200, 230400, 460800, 500000, 750000, 921600, 1843200, 3000000 and 3250000 bit/s.

The signals used by UART1 are as follows:

 TX data (UART1_TX)

 RX data (UART1_RX)

 Request To Send (UART1_RTS)

 Clear To Send (UART1_CTS)

 Data Terminal Ready (UART1_DTR)

 Data Set Ready (UART1_DSR)

 Data Carrier Detect (UART1_DCD)

 Ring Indicator (UART1_RI)

Note: Signal names are according to PC view.

UART1 pad description is summarized in the table below.

Table 16. UART1 Pad Description

Pad # Signal Name* I/O* Description

2 UART1_RI O Signal incoming calls (data only), SMS, etc.

3 UART1_RTS I Request to send

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Product Technical Specification Detailed Interface Specifications

Pad # Signal Name* I/O* Description

4 UART1_CTS O AirPrime HL7618 is ready to receive AT commands

5 UART1_TX I Transmit data

6 UART1_RX O Receive data

Prevents the AirPrime HL7618 from entering sleep mode,

7 UART1_DTR I (active low)

8 UART1_DCD O Signal data connection in progress

9 UART1_DSR O Signal UART interface is ON

* According to PC view.

switches between data mode and command mode, and
wakes the module up.

2.10. POWER-ON Signal (PWR_ON_N)

A low level signal has to be provided to switch the AirPrime HL7618 module ON.

It is internally connected to the permanent 1.8V supply regulator inside the HL7618 via a pull-up
resistor. Once VBAT is supplied to the HL7618 module, this 1.8V supply regulator will be enabled and
so the PWR_ON_N signal is by default at high level.

The PWR_ON_N signal’s characteristics are listed in the table below.

Table 17. PWR_ON_N Electrical Characteristics

Parameter Min Typical Max

Input Voltage-Low (V) - 0.51

Input Voltage-High (V) 1.33 - 2.2

Power-up period (ms) from PWR_ON_N falling edge 2000 - -

PWR_ON_N assertion time (ms) 25

Note: As PWR_ON_N is internally pulled up with 47kΩ, an open collector or open drain transistor must be

used for ignition.

VGPIO is an output from the module that can be used to check if the module is active.

 When VGPIO = 0V, the module is OFF

 When VGPIO = 1.8V, the module is ON (it can be in idle, communication or sleep mode)

Note: PWR_ON_N signal cannot be used to power the module off. To power the module off, use AT

command AT+CPWROFF.

2.11. Reset Signal (RESET_IN_N)

To reset the module, a low level pulse must be sent on the RESET_IN_N pad for 20ms. This action
will immediately restart the AirPrime HL7618 module with the PWR_ON_N signal at low level. (If the
PWR_ON_N signal is at high level, the module will be powered off.) As RESET_IN_N is internally
pulled up, an open collector or open drain transistor has to be used to control this signal.

The RESET_IN_N signal will reset the registers of the CPU and reset the RAM memory as well, for
the next power on.

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Product Technical Specification Detailed Interface Specifications

Note: As RESET_IN_N is referenced to the VRTC (200kΩ pull-up resistor to VRTC 1.8V) an open

Table 18. RESET_IN_N Electrical Characteristics

Parameter Min Typical Max

Input Voltage-Low (V) - 0.51

Input Voltage-High (V) 1.33 - 2.2

Reset assertion time (ms) 20 - -

Power-up period (ms) from RESET_IN_N falling edge* 2000 - -

* With the PWR_ON_N Signal at low level.

collector or open drain transistor has to be used to control this signal.

2.12. Analog to Digital Converter (ADC1)

One Analog to Digital Converter input, ADC1, is provided by the AirPrime HL7618 module. This
converter is a 10-bit resolution ADC ranging from 0 to 1.2V.

The following table describes the pad description of the ADC interface.

Table 19. ADC Interface Pad Description

Pad Number Signal Name I/O Description

24 ADC1 I Analog to digital converter

Typical ADC1 use is for monitoring external voltage; wherein an application is used to safely power
OFF an external supply in case of overvoltage.

Table 20. ADC Electrical Characteristics

Parameter Min Typ Max Remarks

ADC1 Resolution (bits) - 10 -

Input Voltage Range (V) 0 - 1.2 General purpose input

Update rate per channel (kHz) - - 125

Integral Nonlinearity (bits) - - ±2 LSB

Offset Error (bits) - - ±1 LSB

Gain 849 853 858

Input Resistance (MΩ) 1 - -

Input Capacitance (pF) - 1 -

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Product Technical Specification Detailed Interface Specifications

2.13. Clock Interface

The AirPrime HL7618 modules support two digital clock interfaces.

The following table describes the pad description of the clock out interfaces.

Table 21. Clock Interface Pad Description

Pad Number Signal Name I/O

22 26M_CLKOUT O 1.8V 26MHz Digital Clock output

23 32K_CLKOUT O 1.8V 32.768kHz Digital Clock output

Enabling or disabling the clock out feature can be done using AT commands. For more information
about AT commands, refer to document [2] AirPrime HL7618, HL7690 and HL7692 AT Commands
Interface Guide.

I/O Type

Description

2.14. Debug Interfaces

The AirPrime HL7618 module provides 2 interfaces for a powerful debug system.

2.14.1. Trace Debug

The AirPrime HL7618 module provides a Trace Debug interface, providing real-time instruction and
data trace of the modem core.

Table 22. Trace Debug Pad Description

Pad Number Signal Name Function

2 TRACE_DATA3 Trace data 3

8 TRACE_DATA1 Trace data 1

9 TRACE_DATA0 Trace data 0

10 TRACE_DATA2 Trace data 2

41 TRACE_CLK Trace clock

Note: It is strongly recommended to provide access to this interface through Test Points.

2.14.2. JTAG

The JTAG interface provides debug access to the core of the HL7618. These JTAG signals are
accessible through solder-able test points.

Table 23. JTAG Pad Description

Pad Number Signal Name Function

236 JTAG_RESET JTAG RESET

237 JTAG_TCK JTAG Test Clock

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Product Technical Specification Detailed Interface Specifications

Pad Number Signal Name Function

238 JTAG_TDO JTAG Test Data Output

239 JTAG_TMS JTAG Test Mode Select

240 JTAG_TRST JTAG Test Reset

241 JTAG_TDI JTAG Test Data Input

242 JTAG_RTCK JTAG Returned Test Clock

Note: It is recommended to provide access through Test Points to this interface the JTAG pads (for

Failure Analysis debugging). All signals listed in table above shall be outputs on the customer board
to allow JTAG debugging.

2.15. RF Interface

The RF interface of the HL7618 module allows the transmission of RF signals. This interface has a
50Ω nominal impedance.

2.15.1. RF Connection

A 50Ω stripline can be used to connect to standard RF connectors such as SMA, UFL, etc. for
antenna connection.

Table 24. RF Main Connection

Pad Number RF Signal Impedance VSWR Rx (max) VSWR Tx (max)

49 RF_MAIN 50Ω 1.5:1 1.5:1

Table 25. RF Diversity Connection

Pad Number RF Signal Impedance VSWR Rx (max) VSWR Tx (max)

31 RF_DIV 50Ω 1.5:1 ---

2.15.2. RF Performances

RF performances are compliant with 3GPP recommendation TS 36.101.

Note: Values in the table below are preliminary and subject to change.

Table 26. Conducted RX Sensitivity (dBm)

Frequency Band Primary (Typical)

LTE B4 Full RB; BW: 20 MHz* -95 -95 -99

LTE B13 Full RB; BW: 10 MHz* -98 -99 -102

* Sensitivity values scale with bandwidth: x_MHz_Sensitivity = 10 MHz_Sensitivity – 10*log (10 MHz/x_MHz)

4117929 Rev 2.0 December 02, 2015 23

Secondary
(Typical)

SIMO (Typical)

Product Technical Specification Detailed Interface Specifications

2.15.3. TX_ON Indicator (TX_ON)

The AirPrime HL7618 provides a signal, TX_ON, for TX indication. The TX_ON is a 2.3V signal and
its status signal depends on the module transmitter state.

Refer to the following table for the status of the TX_ON signal depending on the embedded module’s
state.

Table 27. TX_ON Indicator Pad Description

Pad Number Signal Name Function I/O type Power Supply Domain

60 TX_ON TX indicator O 2.3V

Table 28. TX_ON Characteristics

Parameter Minimum Typical Maximum

T

30µs

advance

T

10µs

delay

Figure 3. TX_ON State During Transmission

4117929 Rev 2.0 December 02, 2015 24

3. Mechanical Drawings

Figure 4. AirPrime HL7618 Mechanical Drawing

4117929 Rev 2.0 December 02, 2015 25

Product Technical Specification Mechanical Drawings

Figure 5. AirPrime HL7618 Dimensions Drawing

4117929 Rev 2.0 December 02, 2015 26

Product Technical Specification Mechanical Drawings

Figure 6. AirPrime HL7618 Footprint

4117929 Rev 2.0 December 02, 2015 27

4. FCC Legal Information

FCC Caution: Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for

compliance could void the user's authority to operate this equipment.

IMPORTANT NOTE – FCC Radiation Exposure Statement:

This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment.
This equipment should be installed and operated with minimum distance 20cm between the radiator &
your body.

This transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or
transmitter.

The HL7618 module has been granted modular approval for mobile applications. Integrators may use
the HL7618 module 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 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 in a mobile-only
exposure condition must not exceed:

 6.99 dBi in LTE Band 4
 11.87 dBi in LTE Band 13

3. The HL7618 module must not transmit simultaneously with other collocated radio transmitters
within a host device.

4. The RF signal must be routed on the application board using tracks with a 50Ω characteristic
impedance. Basically, the characteristic impedance depends on the dielectric, the track width
and the ground plane spacing. In order to respect this constraint, Sierra Wireless
recommends using MicroStrip or StripLine structure and computing the Tracks width with a
simulation tool (like AppCad shown in the figure below and that is available free of charge at

http://www.agilent.com).

4117929 Rev 2.0 December 02, 2015 28

Product Technical Specification FCC Legal Information

If a multi-layered PCB is used, the RF path on the board must not cross any signal (digital,
analog or supply).

If necessary, use StripLine structure and route the digital line(s) "outside" the RF structure. An
example of proper routing is shown in the figure below.

Stripline and Coplanar design requires having a correct ground plane at both sides.
Consequently, it is necessary to add some vias along the RF path. It is recommended to use
Stripline design if the RF path is fairly long (more than 3cm), since MicroStrip design is not
shielded. Consequently, the RF signal (when transmitting) may interfere with neighbouring
electronics (AF amplifier, etc.). In the same way, the neighbouring electronics (micro­controllers, etc.) may degrade the reception performances. The GSM/GPRS connector is
intended to be directly connected to a 50Ω antenna and no matching is needed.

5. A label must be affixed to the outside of the end product into which the HL7618 module is
incorporated, with a statement similar to the following:

This device contains FCC ID: N7NHL7618

6. 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 HL7618 module 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.

4117929 Rev 2.0 December 02, 2015 29

5. Terms and Abbreviations

Abbreviation Definition

ADC Analog to Digital Converter

AGC Automatic Gain Control

AT Attention (prefix for modem commands)

CDMA Code Division Multiple Access

CF3 Common Flexible Form Factor

CLK Clock

CODEC Coder Decoder

CPU Central Processing Unit

DAC Digital to Analog Converter

DTR Data Terminal Ready

EGNOS European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service

EMC ElectroMagnetic Compatibility

EMI ElectroMagnetic Interference

EN Enable

ESD ElectroStatic Discharges

ETSI European Telecommunications Standards Institute

FDMA Frequency-division multiple access

GAGAN GPS aided geo augmented navigation

GLONASS Global Navigation Satellite System

GND Ground

GNSS Global Navigation Satellite System

GPIO General Purpose Input Output

GPRS General Packet Radio Service

GSM Global System for Mobile communications

Hi Z High impedance (Z)

IC Integrated Circuit

IMEI International Mobile Equipment Identification

I/O Input / Output

LED Light Emitting Diode

LNA Low Noise Amplifier

MAX Maximum

MIN Minimum

MSAS Multi-functional Satellite Augmentation System

N/A Not Applicable

PA Power Amplifier

PC Personal Computer

PCB Printed Circuit Board

PCL Power Control Level

PLL Phase Lock Loop

PWM Pulse Width Modulation

4117929 Rev 2.0 December 02, 2015 30

Product Technical Specification Terms and Abbreviations

Abbreviation Definition

QZSS Quasi-Zenith Satellite System

RF Radio Frequency

RFI Radio Frequency Interference

RMS Root Mean Square

RST Reset

RTC Real Time Clock

RX Receive

SCL Serial Clock

SDA Serial Data

SIM Subscriber Identification Module

SMD Surface Mounted Device/Design

SPI Serial Peripheral Interface

SW Software

PSRAM Pseudo Static RAM

TBC To Be Confirmed

TBD To Be Defined

TP Test Point

TX Transmit

TYP Typical

UART Universal Asynchronous Receiver-Transmitter

UICC Universal Integrated Circuit Card

USB Universal Serial Bus

UIM User Identity Module

VBATT Main Supply Voltage from Battery or DC adapter

VSWR Voltage Standing Wave Ratio

WAAS Wide Area Augmentation System

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