Sierra Wireless MC8805 Operators Guide

AirPrime MC8805

Hardware Integration Guide

411xxxx

Rev 1

Distribution under NDA only

Contents subject to change

Preface

Important Notice

Safety and Hazards

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

Do not operate the Sierra Wireless modem in areas where blasting is in progress,
where explosive atmospheres may be present, near medical equipment, near life
support equipment, or any equipment which may be susceptible to any form of
radio interference. In such areas, the Sierra Wireless modem MUST BE
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 1 Dec.12 Proprietary and Confidential - Content s sub jec t to ch an ge 3

Hardware Integration Guide

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.

Copyright ©2012 Sierra Wireless. All rights reserved.

Trademarks AirCard

AirPrime™, Watcher™, and the Sierra Wireless logo are trademarks of Sierra
Wireless.

Windows® and Windows Vista® are registered trademarks of Microsoft
Corporation.

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

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

Other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Contact Information

Sales Desk: Phone: [phone]

Post: Sierra Wireless

Fax: [phone]
Web: www.sierrawireless.com

®

is a registered trademark of Sierra Wireless. Sierra Wireless™,

Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Pacific Time
E-mail: [e-mail]

13811 Wireless Way
Richmond, BC
Canada V6V 3A4

Consult our website for up-to-date product descriptions, documentation,
application notes,

www.sierrawireless.com

firmware upgrades, troubleshooting tips, and press releases:

Revision History

Revision
number

1 December 2012 FCC certification

4 Proprietary and Confidential - Contents subject to change 411xxxx

Release date Changes

Contents

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Required connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Power supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Module power states . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

RF Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

RF connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Shielding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Antenna and cabling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Ground connection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Interference and sensitivity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Interference from other wireless devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Host-generated RF interference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Device-generated RF interference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Methods to mitigate decreased Rx performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Radiated Spurious Emissions (RSE) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Radiated sensitivity measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Regulatory Compliance and Industry Certifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Important notice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Safety and hazards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Important compliance information for North American users . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Acronyms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Rev 1 Dec.12 Proprietary and Confidential - Contents subject to change 5

Hardware Integration Guide

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1: Introduction

The Sierra Wireless MC8805 PCI Express Mini Card is a compact,
lightweight, wireless

The MC8805 provides DC-HSPA+, HSPA+, HSDPA, HSUPA,

WCDMA, GSM, GPRS, EDGE, and GNSS connectivity for notebook,

ultrabook, and tablet computers over several radio frequency bands.
The device also supports 2G
provisioning.

Accessories

The Universal Development Kit (UDK) is a hardware development
platform for AirPrime MC-series modules. It contains hardware
components for evaluating and developing with the module, including:

• Development board

• Cables

• Antennas (Additional antennas may be required to support all

bands.)

• Initial allotment of support hours

• Other accessories

For instructions on setting up the UDK (part number 6000270), see

[4] PCI Express Mini Card Dev Kit Quick Start Guide
(Doc# 2130705).

1

UMTS-based modem.

/ 3G roaming, subject to carrier

Required connectors

Ta bl e 1-1 describes the connectors used to integrate the MC8805

into your host device.

Table 1-1: Required host-module connectors

Connector type Description

RF cables • Mate with Hirose U.FL connectors

(model U.FL #CL331-0471-0-10)

• Two connector jacks

EDGE (52-pin) • Industry-standard mating connector

• Some manufacturers include Tyco, Foxconn, Molex

• Example: UDK board uses Molex 67910-0001

SIM • Industry-standard connector. Type depends on how host

device exposes the SIM socket

• Example: UDK board uses ITT CCM03-3518

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1

Hardware Integration Guide

1. Manufacturers / part numbers are for reference only and are subject to change. Choose
connectors that are appropriate for your own design.

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2: Power

Table 2-1: Module power states

State Details

2

Power supply

The host provides power to the MC8805 through multiple power and
ground pins.The host must provide safe and continuous power at all
times; the module does not have an independent power supply, or
protection circuits to guard against electrical issues.

For detailed pinout and voltage / current requirements of this module,
see the AirPrime MC8805 Product Technical Specification Document
& Customer Design Guidelines.

Module power states

The module has four power states, as described in Ta bl e 2-1.

Normal
(Default

state)

Low power
(‘Airplane

mode’)

• Module is active

• Default state when VCC is first applied in the absence of W_DISABLE_N control

• 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

• Number of active Tx time slots

• Module is active

• Module enters this state:

• Under host interface control:

· Host issues AT+CFUN=0 ([1] AT Command Set for User Equipment (UE)

(Release 6) (Doc# 3GPP TS 27.007))), or

· Host asserts W_DISABLE_N, after AT!PCOFFEN=0 has been issued.

• Automatically, when critical temperature or voltage trigger limits have been

reached

Host is powered

Module is powered

USB interface active

   

   

RF enabled

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Hardware Integration Guide

Table 2-1: Module power states (Continued)

State Details

Sleep • Normal state of module between calls or data connections

• Module cycles between wake (polling the network) and sleep, at network provider-

determined interval.

Host is powered

Module is powered

USB interface active

   

RF enabled

Disconnected • Host power source is disconnected from the module and all voltages associated with

the module are at 0 V.

   

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3: RF Specifications

The MC8805 operates on the frequency bands listed below.

3

Table 3-1: WCDMA frequency band support

Band Frequencies

Band 1
WCDMA 2100

Band 2
WCDMA 1900

Band 5
WCDMA 850

Band 8
WCDMA 900

1. WCDMA channel spacing is 5 MHz, but this can be adjusted to
optimize performance in a particular deployment scenario.

Tx: 1920–1980 MHz
Rx: 2110–2170 MHz

Tx: 1850–1910 MHz
Rx: 1930–1990 MHz

Tx: 824–849 MHz
Rx: 869–894 MHz

Tx: 880–915 MHz
Rx: 925–960 MHz

1

Table 3-2: GSM frequency band support

Band Frequencies

GSM 850 Tx: 824–849 MHz

EGSM 900 Tx: 880–915 MHz

GSM 1800 Tx: 1710–1785 MHz

Rx: 869–894 MHz

Rx: 925–960 MHz

Rx: 1805–1880 MHz

GSM 1900 Tx: 1850–1910 MHz

Rx: 1930–1990 MHz

Table 3-3: GNSS frequency band support

Band Frequencies

GPS Rx: 1575.42 MHz
GLONASS Rx: 1602 MHz

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Hardware Integration Guide

RF connections

When attaching antennas to the module:

Note: To disconnect the
antenna, make sure you
use the Hirose U.FL
connector removal tool
(P / N UFL-LP-N-2(01)) to
prevent damage to the
module or coaxial cable
assembly.



• Use Hirose U.FL connectors (3 mm x 3 mm, low profile; model
U.FL

#CL331-0471-0-10) to attach antennas to connection points on the

module.

• 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

• To ensure best thermal performance, if possible use the mounting holes to
attach (ground) the device to the main PCB ground or a metal chassis.

Note: If the antenna connection is shorted or open, the modem will not sustain permanent
damage.

dB.

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 CDMA and UMTS modules will be installed in the same platform, you
may want to develop separate antennas for maximum performance.

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,

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RF Specifications

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.

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 two mounting holes at the top 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.

Interference and sensitivity

Several interference sources can affect the module’s RF performance
(RF

desense). Common sources include power supply noise and device-

generated RF.

RF desense can be addressed through a combination of mitigation techniques
(

Methods to mitigate decreased Rx performance on page 14) and radiated

sensitivity measurement (Radiated sensitivity measurement on page 15).

Note: The MC8805 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.

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Hardware Integration Guide

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

• The Tx power and corresponding broadband noise of other wireless devices

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.

wireless devices that fall in the module’s Rx range may cause spurious
response, resulting in decreased Rx performance.

may overload or increase the noise floor of the module’s receiver, resulting in
Rx desense.

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.

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.
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.

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RF Specifications

• 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)’)

• CE/ETSI EN 301 511 (GSM), test 5.2.16 (‘Radiated Spurious Emissions - MS

allocated a channel’). This test uses the procedure and requirement outlined
in 3GPP 51.010 (GSM) section 12.2.1 of the same test name.

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.)

Note: GSM spurious emissions are most likely to have RSE issues, but in general, RSE
requirements must be met on all models with user-designed antennas.

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.

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4: Regulatory Compliance and Industry Certifications

This module is designed to meet, and upon commercial release, will
meet the requirements of the following regulatory bodies and
regulations, where applicable:

• Federal Communications Commission (FCC) of the United States

• The National Communications Commission (NCC) of Taiwan,

Republic of China

• Radio Equipment and Telecommunications Terminal Equipment
(R&TTE) Directive of the European Union

Upon commercial release, the following industry approvals will have
been obtained, where applicable:

• GCF-CC

• Full GCF

Additional certifications 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 MC8805 modem and are the
responsibility of the
services-based assistance to OEMs with the testing and certification
process, if required.

OEM. Sierra Wireless offers professional

4

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.

Safety and hazards

Do not operate your MC8805 modem:

• In areas where blasting is in progress

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Hardware Integration Guide

• Where explosive atmospheres may be present including refuelling points, fuel

• Near medical equipment, life support equipment, or any equipment which

In an aircraft, the MC8805 modem MUST BE POWERED OFF. Otherwise, the
MC8805 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 MC8805 modem may be used normally at this
time.

Important compliance information for North American users

depots, and chemical plants

may be susceptible to any form of radio interference. In such areas, the
MC8805 modem MUST BE POWERED OFF. Otherwise, the MC8805
modem can transmit signals that could interfere with this equipment.

Note: Gain values are
preliminary and subject to
change.

Note: Details are preliminary and subject to change.

The MC8805 modem has been granted modular approval for mobile applications.
Integrators may use the MC8805 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 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:

· 6.5 dBi in Cellular band

· 3 dBi in PCS band

3. The MC8805 modem may transmit simultaneously with other collocated radio

transmitters within a host device, provided the following conditions are met:

· Each collocated radio transmitter has been certfied by FCC for mobile

application.

· At least 20 cm separation distance between the antennas of the collocated

transmitters and the user’s body must be maintained at all times.

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Regulatory Compliance and Industry Certifications

· The output power and antenna gain must not exceed the limits and configu­rations stipulated in the following table.

Device Technology Band Frequency

(MHz)

MC8805 Mini
Card

Collocated
transmitters

1. Valid collocated transmitter combinations: WLAN+BT; WiMAX+BT.
(WLAN+WiMAX+BT is not permitted.)

UMTS 2 1850–1910 23.5 3

5 824–849 23.5 3

GSM Cellular

(850)
PCS

(1900)

WLAN 2400–2500 29 5.0

1

WiMAX 2300–2400 29 5.0

BT 2400–2500 15 5.0

824–849 33 3

1850–1910 30 3

5150–5850 29 5.0

2500–2700 29 5.0
3300–3800 29 5.0

4. A label must be affixed to the outside of the end product into which the
MC8805 modem is incorporated, with a statement similar to the following:

· This device contains FCC ID: N7NMC8805

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.

Maximum

conducted power

(dBm)

Maximum

antenna gain

(dBi)

The end product with an embedded MC8805 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.

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5: Acronyms

Table 5-1: Acronyms and definitio ns

Acronym or term Definition

5

3GPP
8PSK
AGC
A-GPS
API
BER
BLER
bluetooth
CDG

CDMA

CQI
COM

3rd Generation Partnership Project
Octagonal Phase Shift Keying
Automatic Gain Control
Assisted GPS
Application Programming Interface
Bit Error Rate — A measure of receive sensitivity
Block Error Rate
Wireless protocol for data exchange over short distances
CDMA Development Group—a consortium of companies that develop and

promote the products and services for
Code Division Multiple Access.

A wideband spread spectrum technique used in digital cellular, personal
communications services, and other wireless networks. Wide channels (1.25
MHz) are obtained through spread spectrum transmissions, thus allowing many
active users to share the same channel. Each user is assigned a unique digital
code, which differentiates the individual conversations on the same channel.

Channel Quality Indication
Communication port

CDMA wireless systems.

CS
CW
dB

dBm

DC-HSPA+
DCS

DL
DUN
DRX

Circuit-switched
Continuous waveform
Decibel = 10 x log10 (P1 / P2)

P1 is calculated power; P2 is reference power

Decibel = 20 x log10 (V1 / V2)

V1 is calculated voltage, V2 is reference voltage

A logarithmic (base 10) measure of relative power (dB for decibels); relative to
milliwatts (m). A dBm value will be 30 units (1000 times) larger (less negative)
than a dBW value, because of the difference in scale (milliwatts vs. watts).

Dual Carrier HSPA+
Digital Cellular System

A cellular communication infrastructure that uses the 1.8 GHz radio spectrum.
Downlink (network to mobile)

Dial-Up Networking
Discontinuous Reception

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Hardware Integration Guide

Table 5-1: Acronyms and definitions (Continued)

Acronym or term Definition

DSM
DUT
EDGE
EIRP
EMC
EMI
ERP
ESD
FCC

FDMA
FER
firmware

Distributed Shared Memory
Device Under Test
Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution
Effective (or Equivalent) Isotropic Radiated Power
Electromagnetic Compatibility
Electromagnetic Interference
Effective Radiated P ow e r
Electrostatic Discharge
Federal Communications Commission

The U.S. federal agency that is responsible for interstate and foreign
communications. The FCC regulates commercial and private radio spectrum
management, sets rates for communications services, determines standards for
equipment, and controls broadcast licensing. Consult

Frequency Division Multiple Access
Frame Error Rate — A measure of receive sensitivity.
Software stored in ROM or EEPROM; essential programs that remain even when

the system is turned off. Firmware is easier to change than hardware but more
permanent than software stored on disk.

www.fcc.gov.

FOTA

FOV
FSN

GCF
GLONASS

GMSK
GNSS
GPRS
GPS

GSM
Host
HSDPA

Firmware Over The Air — Technology used to download firmware upgrades
directly from the service provider, over the air.

Field Of View
Factory Serial Number—A unique serial number assigned to the mini card during

manufacturing.
Global Certification Forum

Global Navigation Satellite System — A Russian system that uses a series of 24
satellites in middle circular orbit to provide navigational data.

Gaussian Minimum Shift Keying modulation
Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GPS plus GLONASS)
General Packet Radio Service
Global Positioning System

An American system that uses a series of 24 satellites in middle circular orbit to
provide navigational data.

Global System for Mobile Communications
The device into which an embedded module is integrated
High Speed Downlink Packet Access

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Table 5-1: Acronyms and definitions (Continued)

Acronym or term Definition

Acronyms

HSPA+
HSUPA
Hz
IC
IF
IMEI
inrush current
inter-RAT
IOT
IS

LED

LHCP
LNA
LPM

Enhanced HSPA, as defined in 3GPP Release 7 and beyond
High Speed Uplink Packet Access
Hertz = 1 cycle / second
Industry Canada
Intermediate Frequency
International Mobile Equipment Identity
Peak current drawn when a device is connected or powered on
Radio Access Technology
Interoperability Testing
Interim Standard.

After receiving industry consensus, the TIA forwards the standard to ANSI for
approval.

Light Emitting Diode.
A semiconductor diode that emits visible or infrared light.

Left-Hand Circular Polarized
Low Noise Amplifier
Low Power Mode

LPT
LTE

MCS
MHz
MIMO

NAS / AS
NC
NIC
NMEA
OEM

OFDMA
OMA DM
OTA

Line Print Terminal
Long Term Evolution—a high-performance air interface for cellular mobile

communication systems.
Modulation and Coding Scheme
Megahertz = 10e6 Hz
Multiple Input Multiple Output—wireless antenna technology that uses multiple

antennas at both transmitter and receiver side. This improves performance.
Network Access Server
No Connect
Network Interface Card

National Marine Electronics Association
Original Equipment Manufacturer—a company that manufactures a product and

sells it to a reseller.
Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access
Open Mobile Alliance Device Management — A device management protocol.
‘Over the air’ (or radiated through the antenna)

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Hardware Integration Guide

Table 5-1: Acronyms and definitions (Continued)

Acronym or term Definition

PA
packet

PCB
PCS

PDN
PMI
PSS
PST
PTCRB
QAM

QMI
QOS
QPSK

Power Amplifier
A short, fixed-length block of data, including a header, that is transmitted as a unit

in a communications network.
Printed Circuit Board

Personal Communication System
A cellular communication infrastructure that uses the 1.9 GHz radio spectrum.

Packet Data Network
Pre-coding Matrix Index
Primary synchronisation signal
Product Support Tools
PCS Type Certification Review Board
Quadrature Amplitude Modulation.

This form of modulation uses amplitude, frequency, and phase to transfer data on
the carrier wave.

Qualcomm MSM/Modem Interface
Quality of Service
Quadrature Phase-Shift Keying

QPST
RAT
RF
RI
roaming

RSE
RSSI
SDK
SED
Sensitivity

(Audio)

Sensitivity (RF)

SG
SIB

Qualcomm Product Support Tools
Radio Access Technology
Radio Frequency
Ring Indicator
A cellular subscriber is in an area where service is obtained from a cellular service

provider that is not the subscriber’s provider.
Radiated Spurious Emissions

Received Signal Strength Indication
Software Development Kit
Smart Error Detection
Measure of lowest power signal that the receiver can measure.

Measure of lowest power signal at the receiver input that can provide a prescribed
BER

/ BLER / SNR value at the receiver output.
An LTE signaling interface for SMS (“SMS over SGs”)
System Information Block

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Table 5-1: Acronyms and definitions (Continued)

Acronym or term Definition

Acronyms

SIM
SIMO

SISO

SKU

SMS

S/N
SNR
SOF
SSS
SUPL
TIA/EIA

Subscriber Identity Module. Also referred to as USIM or UICC.

Single Input Multiple Output—smart antenna technology that uses a single

antenna at the transmitter side and multiple antennas at the receiver side. This

improves performance and security.

Single Input Single Output—antenna technology that uses a single antenna at

both the transmitter side and the receiver side.

Stock Keeping Unit—identifies an inventory item: a unique code, consisting of

numbers or letters and numbers, assigned to a product by a retailer for purposes

of identification and inventory control.

Short Message Service.

A feature that allows users of a wireless device on a wireless network to receive

or transmit short electronic alphanumeric messages (up to 160 characters,

depending on the service provider).

Signal-to-noise (ratio)

Signal-to-Noise Ratio

Start of Frame — A USB function.

Secondary synchronisation signal.

Secure User Plane Location

Telecommunications Industry Association / Electronics Industry Association.

A standards setting trade organization, whose members provide communications

and information technology products, systems, distribution services and

professional services in the United States and around the world. Consult

www.tiaonline.org.

TIS
TRP
UDK
UE
UICC
UL
UMTS
USB
USIM
VCC
VSWR
WAN
WCDMA

Total Isotropic Sensitivity

Total Radiated Power

Universal Development Kit (for PCI Express Mini Cards)

User Equipment

Universal Integrated Circuit Card (Also referred to as a SIM card.)

Uplink (mobile to network)

Universal Mobile Telecommunications System

Universal Serial Bus

Universal Subscriber Identity Module (UMTS)

Supply voltage

Voltage Standing Wave Ratio

Wide Area Network

Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (also referred to as UMTS)

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Table 5-1: Acronyms and definitions (Continued)

Acronym or term Definition

WLAN
ZIF

Wireless Local Area Network
Zero Intermediate Frequency

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Index

A

accessories, 7
acronyms and definitions, 21– 26
antenna

connection considerations, 12
custom, design, 12
diversity antenna, disabling, 13
limit, matching coaxial connections, 12
location, considerations, 12
matching, considerations, 12
maximum cable loss, 12
routing, 13

approvals, regulatory and industry, 17

B

bands supported, RF

GSM, 11
WCDMA, 11

C

cable loss

antenna, maximum, 12

connection

grounding, 13

connectors, required

host-module, 7

G

gain

maximum, 18

grounding

connection considerations, 13

GSM

frequency band support, 11

I

impedance

module–antenna, 13
industry approvals, 17
interference

device generated, 14

host-generated, 14

wireless devices, 14

M

module

power states, 9–??

N

noise

leakage, minimizing, 13

D

desense. See RF
Development Kit contents, 7
diversity antenna

disabling, 13

E

EDGE

connector, required, 7

F

filtering, RF desense, 14
frequency band support

GSM, 11
WCDMA, 11

P

PCB

multi-layer, shielding for RF desense, 15
power

states, module, 9–??

R

radiated sensitivity measurement, 15
radiated spurious emissions, 15
regulatory approvals, 17
regulatory information, 17– 19

FCC, 18

limitation of liability, 17

safety and hazards, 17

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Hardware Integration Guide

RF

antenna cable loss, maximum, 12
antenna connection, considerations, 12
connectors, required, 7
desense

device-generated, 14
harmonic energy, filtering, 14
mitigation suggestions, 14
shielding suggestions, 14

interference

other devices, 14
wireless devices, 14

RF bands supported

GSM, 11

WCDMA, 11
RF specifications, 11–??
RSE, 15

S

sensitivity

radiated measurement, overview, 15

shielding

module, compliance, 12
reducing RF desense, 14

SIM

connector, required, 7

specifications

RF, 11–??

U

UDK, 7
Universal Development Kit, 7

W

WCDMA

frequency band support, 11

Z

ZIF (Zero Intermediate Frequency), 13

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