Sierra Wireless Q2698 Operators Guide

Hardware Integration Guide

AirPrime Q2698

WA_DEV_Q2698_001

June 18, 2011

Hardware Integration Guide

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.

WA_DEV_Q2698_HWIG Rev 1.0 JuneJune 18, 2011 2

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.

®

3G.

Copyright

© 2011 Sierra Wireless. All rights reserved.

Trademarks

AirCard® and Watcher

AirLink™, AirVantage™ and the Sierra Wireless logo are trademarks of Sierra Wireless.

Wireless CPU
in other countries.

Windows

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

QUALCOMM

Other trademarks are the property of the respective owners.

®

, Open AT® are filed or registered trademarks of Sierra Wireless S.A. in France and/or

®

and Windows Vista® are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

®

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

®

are registered trademarks of Sierra Wireless. Sierra Wireless™, AirPrime™,

, ,

®

, inSIM®, WAVECOM®, WISMO®, Wireless Microprocessor®,

Contact Information

Phone: [phone]

Sales Desk:

Post:

Web:

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

E-mail:

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

Fax: [phone]

www.sierrawireless.com

[e-mail]

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

WA_DEV_Q2698_HWIG Rev 1.0 JuneJune 18, 2011 3

Hardware Integration Guide

Document History

Version Date Updates

001 June 18, 2012 Creation

WA_DEV_Q2698_HWIG Rev 1.0 JuneJune 18, 2011 4

Contents

1. INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................. 7

1.1. Hardware Development Components ............................................................................... 7

2. POWER INTERFACE ........................................................................................... 8

2.1. Power Supply .................................................................................................................... 8

2.2. Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) ........................................................................................... 8

2.3. Power States ..................................................................................................................... 9

3. RF INTEGRATION ............................................................................................. 10

3.1. Supported RF Bands ....................................................................................................... 10

3.1.1. Ground Connection Guidelines ................................................................................ 11

3.1.2. Shielding Guidelines ................................................................................................ 11

3.2. Antenna Guidelines ......................................................................................................... 11

3.2.1. Choosing the Correct Antenna and Cabling ............................................................ 11

3.2.2. Determining the Antenna’s Location ........................................................................ 11

3.3. RF Desense Sources ...................................................................................................... 12

4. AUDIO INTERFACE ........................................................................................... 13

5. REGULATORY INFORMATION ......................................................................... 14

5.1. Important Notice .............................................................................................................. 14

5.2. Safety and Hazards ......................................................................................................... 14

5.3. Important Compliance Information for North American Users ........................................ 15

6. REFERENCES ................................................................................................... 17

6.1. Reference Documents ..................................................................................................... 17

6.2. List of Abbreviations ........................................................................................................ 17

WA_DEV_Q2698_HWIG Rev 001 June 18, 2011 5

List of Tables

Table 1. Power Supply Requirements ............................................................................................. 8

Table 2. ESD Specifications ............................................................................................................ 8 

Table 3. Supported Q2698 Power States ........................................................................................ 9

Table 4. Supported Frequency Ranges ........................................................................................ 10

Table 5. PCM Audio Interface Features ........................................................................................ 13

Table 6. Audio Pin Description ...................................................................................................... 13

WA_DEV_Q2698_HWIG Rev 001 June 18, 2011 6

1. Introduction

The Sierra Wireless AirPrime Q2698 soldered-down module forms the radio component for the
products in which it is embedded.

Module-specific performance and physical characteristics are described in the corresponding product
specification document.

Note: An understanding of network technology, and experience in integrating hardware components into

electronic equipment is assumed.

1.1. Hardware Development Components

Sierra Wireless manufactures two hardware development components to facilitate the hardware
integration process:

 AirPrime Delelopment kit for Q26 on which an Q2698 module is embedded. This board may

be used as a stand-alone platform for basic hardware development.

 AirPrime Q26 Development Kit – Hardware development board on which an Q26 module is

plugged.. The development kit provides access to all of the interfaces supported by the Q26
module.

For instructions on using theQ26 Development Kit, see document [1] Universal Development Kit User
Guide for AirPrime Q26 Series.

WA_DEV_Q2698_HWIG Rev 001 June 18, 2011 7

2. Power Interface

2.1. Power Supply

The host device must provide power to the AirPrime soldered-down module over pins 1, 2, 3 and 4
(VCC_3V6) as detailed in the following table.

Table 1. Power Supply Requirements

Requirement Type Value

Power Supply 3.8V (nominal)

Voltage Range (V

Current (instantaneous (5ms)) 3A

Current (continuous) 700mA

Note: The host must provide safe and continuous power to the module; the module does NOT have

– V

MIN

protection circuits to guard against electrical overstress.

) 3.4V – 4.2V

MAX

2.2. Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)

The host device must provide adequate ESD protection on digital circuits and antenna ports as
detailed in the following table.

Note: The level of protection required depends on the application.

Table 2. ESD Specifications

Category Connection Specification

Operational RF ports

Non-operational Host connector interface Unless otherwise specified:

Signals USIM connector

Other host signals

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

 JESD22-A114 +/- 2kV Human Body Model

 JESD22-A115 +/- 200V Machine Model

 JESD22-C101C +/- 500V Charged Device Model

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.

WA_DEV_Q2698_HWIG Rev 001 June 18, 2011 8

Hardware Integration Guide Power Interface

2.3. Power States

The Q2698 module has five power states as detailed in the following table.

Table 3. Supported Q2698 Power States

State Description

 Capable of placing / receiving calls or

establishing data connections on
network

 USB interface is fully active

Normal
(Default state)

Airplane
Mode (RF off)

Sleep (Idle
Mode)

 Current consumption in a call or data

connection is affected by:

 Radio band in use
 Tx power
 Receive gain settings
 Data rate
 Number of active Tx time slots

 ‘Airplane’ mode — Rx / Tx are disabled;

USB interface is active

 State entered automatically when

critical voltage / temperature thresholds
are exceeded. Host should consider
powering off module to prevent damage
to unit.

 Normal state of module between calls

or data connections.

 Module cycles between wake (polling

the network) and sleep, at network
provider-determined interval.

Host
Powered

   

   

   

Module
Powered

USB
Interface
Acti ve

RF
Enabled

Off

Disconnected

 Host power is connected

 Module is powered down (drawing

minimal current from host power
supply)

 Host power is disconnected from

module

 All module-related voltages are at 0V

   

   

WA_DEV_Q2698_HWIG Rev 1.0 JuneJune 18, 2011 9

3. RF Integration

3.1. Supported RF Bands

Table 4. Supported Frequency Ranges

Band Frequencies (MHz) Q2698

GSM Bands

GSM 850

EGSM 900

DCS 1800

PCS 1900

WCDMA Bands

Band I
WCDMA 2100

Band II
WCDMA 1900

Band V
WCDMA 850

Band VI
WCDMA 800

Band VIII
WCDMA 900

WCDMA Bands RX Diversity

Band I
WCDMA 2100

Band II
WCDMA 1900

Band V
WCDMA 850

Band VI
WCDMA 800

Band VIII
WCDMA 900

 GPS

Transmit: 824 – 849
Receive: 869 – 894

Transmit: 880 – 915
Receive: 925 – 960

Transmit: 1710 – 1785
Receive: 1805 – 1880

Transmit: 1850 – 1910
Receive: 1930 – 1990

Transmit: 1920 – 1980
Receive: 2110 – 2170

Transmit: 1850 – 1910
Receive: 1930 – 1990

Transmit: 824 – 849
Receive: 869 – 894

Transmit: 830 – 840
Receive: 875 – 885

Transmit: 880 – 915
Receive: 925 – 960

Transmit: 1920 – 1980
Receive: 2110 – 2170

Transmit: 1850 – 1910
Receive: 1930 – 1990

Transmit: 824 – 849
Receive: 869 – 894

Transmit: 830 – 840
Receive: 875 – 885

Transmit: 880 – 915
Receive: 925 – 960





























GPS 1575.42



WA_DEV_Q2698_HWIG Rev 001 June 18, 2011 10

Hardware Integration Guide RF Integration

3.1.1. Ground Connection Guidelines

When connecting the module to system ground:

 Prevent noise leakage by establishing a very good ground connection to the module through

the host connector.

 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.

3.1.2. Shielding Guidelines

The module is fully shielded to protect against EMI and to ensure compliance with FCC Part 15 ­“Radio Frequency Devices” (or equivalent regulations in other jurisdictions).

Note: This shielding must NOT be removed.

3.2. Antenna Guidelines

3.2.1. Choosing the Correct Antenna and Cabling

Consider the following points for appropriate antenna selection:

 The antenna (and associated circuitry) should have a nominal impedance of 50Ω 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.

3.2.2. Determining the Antenna’s Location

Consider the following points when deciding where to place the antenna:

 Antenna location may affect RF performance. Although the module is shielded to prevent

interference in most applications, the placement of the antenna is still very important—if the
host device is insufficiently shielded, high levels of broadband or spurious noise can degrade
the module’s performance.

 Connecting cables between the module and the antenna must have 50Ω 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.

WA_DEV_Q2698_HWIG Rev 1.0 JuneJune 18, 2011 11

Hardware Integration Guide RF Integration

3.3. RF Desense Sources

Common sources of interference that may affect the module’s RF performance (RF desense) include

 Power supply noise

 Can lead to noise in the RF signal
 Module power supply ripple limit <= 100 mV

 Interference from other embedded wireless devices

 Any harmonics, sub-harmonics, or cross-products of signals that fall in the module’s Rx

range may cause spurious response, resulting in decreased Rx performance.

 Tx power and corresponding broadband noise may overload or increase the noise floor of

the module’s receiver, resulting in RF desense.

 Severity of interference depends on proximity of other antennas to the module’s antennas.

 Host electronic device-generated RF

 Proximity of host electronics to the module’s antenna can contribute to decreased Rx

performance.

 Some devices include microprocessor and memory, display panel and display drivers,

and switching mode power supplies.

Note: In practice, there are usually numerous interfering frequencies and harmonics. The net effect can

be a series of desensitized receive channels.

p-p 1 Hz–100 kHz

WA_DEV_Q2698_HWIG Rev 1.0 JuneJune 18, 2011 12

4. Audio Interface

The AirPrime Q2698 embedded module only supports digital audio interface (PCM) as summarized in
the following tables. Refer to document [2] AirPrime Q2698Product Technical Specification and
Customer Design Guidelines for detailed information about the digital audio interface.

Table 5. PCM Audio Interface Features

Feature Details

Implementation Primary PCM supported to interface with external codec

Power 1.8 V (use VREF_1V8 as logic reference)

Features

 IOM-2 compatible device on physical level

 Master mode only with 16 slots by frame (user only on slot 0)

 Bit rate single clock mode at 2.048 MHz

 16 bits data word MSB first only

 Linear Law only (no compression law)

 Long Frame Synchronization only

 Push-pull configuration on PCM-OUT and PCM-IN

Table 6. Audio Pin Description

Pin # Signal Name Description Notes

64 PCM_SYNC PCM synchronization bit 8 kHz

65 PCM_DOUT PCM output

66 PCM_DIN PCM input

67 PCM_CLK PCM clock 2.048 MHz for primary PCM mode

WA_DEV_Q2698_HWIG Rev 001 June 18, 2011 13

5. Regulatory Information

5.1. 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 the Sierra Wireless modem, or for failure of the Sierra Wireless
modem to transmit or receive such data.

5.2. Safety and Hazards

Do not operate your AirPrime Q2698 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 Q2698 modem MUST BE POWERED OFF. Otherwise, the Q2698 modem can
transmit signals that could interfere with this equipment. In an aircraft, the Q2698 modem MUST BE
POWERED OFF. Otherwise, the Q2698 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 Q2698 modem may be used normally at this time.

WA_DEV_Q2698_HWIG Rev 001 June 18, 2011 14

Hardware Integration Guide Regulatory Information

5.3. Important Compliance Information for North
American Users

The Q2698 modem has been granted modular approval for mobile applications. Integrators may use
the Q2698 modem 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 20 cm 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 7.5 dBi in the cellular band and 3.5 dBi in the PCS band
for the Q2698.

3. The Q2698 modem and its antenna must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with
any other transmitter or antenna 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

).

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 as
shown in the figure below.

WA_DEV_Q2698_HWIG Rev 001 June 18, 2011 15

Hardware Integration Guide Regulatory Information

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 (micro-controllers, 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 Q2698 modem is
incorporated, with a statement similar to the following for Q2698:

This device contains FCC ID: N7NQ2698
This equipment contains equipment certified under IC: 2417C-Q2698

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/IC RF exposure
guidelines.

The end product with an embedded Q2698 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 and IC RSS-102.

WA_DEV_Q2698_HWIG Rev 001 June 18, 2011 16

6. References

6.1. Reference Documents

[1] Universal Development Kit User Guide for AirPrime Q26 Series

Reference: User Guide for AirPrime Q26 Series Development Kit-Rev8.0

[2] AirPrime Q2698Product Technical Specification and Customer Design Guidelines

Reference: Product Technical Specification and Customer Design Guidelines for AirPrime

Q2698-Rev2.0

6.2. List of Abbreviations

Acronym or Term Definition

AGC Automatic Gain Control

BER Bit Error Rate - a measure of receive sensitivity

BLER Block Error Rate

Call Box Base Station Simulator - Agilent E8285A or 8960, Rohde & Schwarz CMU200

CDMA Code Division Multiple Access

dB Decibel = 10 x log10 (P1/P2)

P1 is calculated power; P2 is reference power

Decibel = 20 x log

V1 is calculated voltage, V2 is reference voltage

dBm Decibels, relative to 1 mW - Decibel(mW) = 10 x log10 (Pwr (mW)/1mW)

DUT Device Under Test

EDGE Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution

EM Embedded Module

ESD ElectroStatic Discharge

FER Frame Error Rate - a measure of receive sensitivity

GPRS General Packet Radio Services

GPS Global Positioning System

GSM Global System for Mobile communications

Hz Hertz = 1 cycle/second

inrush current Peak current drawn when a device is connected or powered on

IS-2000 3G radio standards for voice and data (CDMA only)

IS-95 2G radio standards targeted for voice (cdmaONE)

LDO Low Drop Out - refers to linear regulator

MHz MegaHertz = 10E6 Hertz (Hertz = 1 cycle/second)

MIO Module Input/Output

MPE

OTA Over-The-Air or Radiated through the antenna

PCS Personal Communication System - PCS spans the 1.9 GHz radio spectrum

Maximum Permissible Exposure—the level of radiation to which a person may be
exposed without hazardous effect or adverse biological changes

10 (V1/V2)

WA_DEV_Q2698_HWIG Rev 001 June 18, 2011 17

Hardware Integration Guide References

Acronym or Term Definition

RF Radio Frequency

RMS Root Mean Square

SA Selective Availability

Sensitivity (Audio) Measure of lowest power signal that the receiver can measure

Sensitivity (RF)

SIM Subscriber Identity Module

Q2698 Sierra Wireless AirPrime soldered-down module used on GSM/UMTS networks

SNR Signal to Noise Ratio

SOF Start of Frame - a USB function

UART Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter

UMTS Universal Mobile Telecommunications System

USB Universal Serial Bus

USIM Universal Subscriber Identity Module

VCC Supply voltage

WCDMA

XIM

Measure of lowest power signal at the receiver input that can provide a prescribed
BER/BLER/SNR value at the receiver output.

Wideband Code Division Multiple Access—In this document, the term “UMTS” is
used instead of “WCDMA”.

In this document, XIM is used as part of the contact identifiers for the USIM interface
(XIM_VCC, XIM_CLK, etc.).

WA_DEV_Q2698_HWIG Rev 001 June 18, 2011 18