Sierra Wireless SL8080 User Manual

AirPrime SL8080

Hardware Integration Guide

2400058

Rev 0.1 (Draft A)

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 0.1 (Draft A) Sep.10 Proprietary and Confidential 3

AirPrime SL8080 Series Hardware Integration Guide

Patents This product includes technology licensed from QUALCOMM

Manufactured or sold by Sierra Wireless or its licensees under one or more
patents licensed from InterDigital Group.

Copyright ©2010 Sierra Wireless. All rights reserved.

Trademarks AirCard

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

Windows
Corporation.

Macintosh
the U.S. and other countries.

QUALCOMM
under license.

Other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

®

and Watcher® are registered trademarks of Sierra Wireless. Sierra

®

and Windows Vista® are registered trademarks of Microsoft

®

and Mac OS® are registered trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in

®

is a registered trademark of QUALCOMM Incorporated. Used

Contact Information

Sales Desk: Phone: [phone]

Hours: 8:00

E-mail: [e-mail]

Post: Sierra Wireless

13811 Wireless Way
Richmond, BC
Canada V6V 3A4

AM to 5:00 PM Pacific Time

®

3G.

Fax: [phone]

Web: www.sierrawireless.com

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

www.sierrawireless.com

Revision History

Revision
number

0.1 September 2010 • Initial creation

4 Proprietary and Confidential 2400058

Release date Changes

Contents

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

Hardware development components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Power Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

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

Electrostatic discharge (ESD) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Power states. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

RF Integration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Supported RF bands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Ground connection guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Shielding guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Antenna guidelines. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Choosing the correct antenna and cabling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Determining the antenna’s location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

RF desense sources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Audio Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Audio function codec responsibilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Regulatory Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

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

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

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

Acronyms and Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

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AirPrime SL8080 Series Hardware Integration Guide

6 Proprietary and Confidential 2400058

1: Introduction

The Sierra Wireless AirPrime SL8080 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.

Hardware development components

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

• AirPrime SL Socket-Up Board—Adapter board into which an SL
module is embedded. This board may be used as a stand-alone
platform for basic hardware development.

• AirPrime SL Development Kit—Hardware development platform
that integrates with the socket-up board. The development kit
provides access to all of the interfaces supported by the SL
module.

For instructions on using the SL Development Kit, see the SL
Development Kit Quick Start Guide.

1

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AirPrime SL8080 Series Hardware Integration Guide

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2: Power Interface

Power supply

The host device must provide power to the AirPrime soldered-down
module over pins 42 and 44 (VCC_3V6) as detailed in Ta bl e 2- 1 .

Table 2-1: Power supply requirements

Requirement type Value

Power supply 3.6 V (nominal)

2

Voltage range (V

Current (instantaneous (≤5ms) 3A

Current (continuous) 700 mA

Note: The host must provide safe and continuous power to the module; the
module does NOT have protection circuits to guard against electrical
overstress.

min–Vmax

) 3.3–4.3 V

Electrostatic discharge (ESD)

The host device must provide adequate ESD protection on digital
circuits and antenna ports as detailed in Ta bl e 2- 2.

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

Table 2-2: ESD specifications

Category Connection Specification

Operational RF port (antenna launch

and RF connector)

• IEC-61000-4-2—Level (Electrostatic

Discharge Immunity Test)

Non-operational Host connector interface Unless otherwise specified:

• JESD22-A114-B +/- 2kV Human Body Model

• JESD22-C101 +/- 300V Charged Device

Model

Signals USIM connector ESD protection is highly recommended at the

Other host signals

Rev 0.1 (Draft A) Sep.10 Proprietary and Confidential 9

point where the USIM contacts are exposed, and
for any other signals that would be subjected to
ESD by the user.

AirPrime SL8080 Series Hardware Integration Guide

Power states

The SL8080 module has five power states as detailed in Tab l e 2 -3 .

Table 2-3: Supported SL808X power states

State Description

• Capable of placing/ receiving calls or establishing data

connections on network

• USB interface is fully active

Normal
(Default

state)

• 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

Low power

• 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.

Sleep

• Module cycles between wake (polling the network) and

sleep, at network provider-determined interval.

• Host power is connected

Off

• Module is powered down (drawing minimal current from

host power supply)

Host

powered

   

   

   

   

Modem

powered

USB

interface

active

RF

enabled

Disconnected

• Host power is disconnected from module

• All module-related voltages are at 0 V.

   

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3: RF Integration

Supported RF bands

Technology Band

Table 3-1: RF bands

Frequencies

(MHz)

Tx Rx

GSM 850 824–849 869–894 

3

Supported

GSM

WCDMA

a. WCDMA channel spacing is 5 MHz, but this can be adjusted to optimize

performance in a particular deployment scenario.

EGSM 900 880–915 925–960 

DCS 1800 1710–1785 1805–1880 

PCS 1900 1850–1910 1930–1990 

Band I (WCDMA 2100) 1920–1980 2110–2170 -

Band II (WCDMA 1900) 1850–1910 1930–1990 

a

Band V (WCDMA 850) 824–849 869–894 

Band VIII (WCDMA 900) 880–915 925–960 -

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.

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.

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AirPrime SL8080 Series Hardware Integration Guide

Antenna guidelines

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
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.

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 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.

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 performanc.

· 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 antenna.s

• 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

dispaly drivers, and switching mode power supplies.

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1 Hz–100 kHz

p-p

Note: In practice, there are usually numerous interfering frequencies and harmonics. The
net effect can be a series of desensitized receive channels.

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AirPrime SL8080 Series Hardware Integration Guide

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4: Audio Interface

The module supports analog and PCM audio as summarized in

Ta bl e 4 - 1 and Ta bl e 4 -2 . Refer to the product specification document

for detailed information about the audio interfaces.

Table 4-1: Audio interface features

Audio type Feature Details

• Supports analog audio processing

• Does not provide on-board filtering (except for blocking

Analog Implementation

capacitors on microphone lines)

• Host must provide bias and signal filters

• Host should terminate unused audio lines with pull-down

resistors

4

Digital
(PCM)

Audio type Name Pin Description Notes

Analog

Digital (PCM)

Implementation • Primary PCM supported to interface with external codec

Power • 1.8V (use VREG_MSME_1V8 as logic reference)

Table 4-2: Audio pins

MIC_P 53

MIC_N 54 Microphone negative terminal • In series with 0.1 μF DC

SPK_N 56 Speaker negative terminal

SPK_P 57 Speaker positive terminal

PCM_SYNC 64 PCM synchronization bit • 8KHz

PCM_DOUT 65 PCM output

PCM_DIN 66 PCM input

PCM_CLK 67 PCM clock • 2 MHz for primary PCM

Microphone positive terminal

• In series with 0.1 μF DC

blocking capacitor

blocking capacitor

mode

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AirPrime SL8080 Series Hardware Integration Guide

Audio function codec responsibilities

The responsibilities of the module codec and host codec for special functions are
detailed in Ta bl e 4 - 3 on page 16.

Table 4-3: Codecs responsible for special functions

Function

FIR filtering Tx and Rx paths  -

Noise
suppression

Echo
cancellation

High pass
filtering/slope
filtering functions

AGC (Automatic
Gain Control)

DTMF tones Generation and detection of DTMF tones is required in both directions of the phone

Comfort noise Low level noise injected into Rx path for user ‘connection’ experience  -

Simple ringers Digital and analog tones, melody ringers, MIDI with limited memory storage  -

Voice memo Performed by host if significant memory storage is required - 

Polyphonic
ringtones

Path switching Turn on audio path depending on user interface selection, or headset detection - 

Required due to high sensitivity and gain in Tx path  -

Different for each audio path and environment (handset, headset, car kit,
speakerphone)

Required per phone acoustic requirements  -

Normalizes audio volumes in varying acoustic environments  -

interface

Host ovten supports WAV, MIDI formats with significant memory storage - 

Responsible codec

Module Host

 -

 -

Path mixing Required for voice memo recording and playback via multiple audio paths - 

Transducer
interfaces

Adjustable gain/
volume settings

DTMF/ringer
tone generation

Host provides acoustic drivers.
Must occur outside of path switching and mixing

Based on user interface selections  

- 

 

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A: Regulatory Information

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 SL8080 modem:

• In areas where blasting is in progress

• Where explosive atmospheres may be present including

refuelling points, fuel depots, and chemical plants

• Near medical equipment, life support equipment, or any
equipment which may be susceptible to any form of radio inter­ference. In such areas, the SL8080 modem MUST BE
POWERED OFF. Otherwise, the SL8080 modem can transmit
signals that could interfere with this equipment.

A

In an aircraft, the SL8080 modem MUST BE POWERED OFF.
Otherwise, the SL8080 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 SL8080 modem may be
used normally at this time.

Rev 0.1 (Draft A) Sep.10 Proprietary and Confidential 17

AirPrime SL8080 Series Hardware Integration Guide

Important compliance information for North American users

The SL8080 modem has been granted modular approval for mobile applications.
Integrators may use the SL8080 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 6 dBi in the
cellular band and 3.5 dBi in the PCS band.

3. The SL8080 modem and its antenna must not be co-located or operating in
conjunction with any other transmitter or antenna within a host device.

4. A label must be affixed to the outside of the end product into which the
SL8080 modem is incorporated, with a statement similar to the following:

· For SL8080:

This device contains FCC ID: N7NSL8080
This equipment contains equipment certified under IC: 2417C-SL8080

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 / IC RF exposure guidelines.

The end product with an embedded SL8080 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.

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B: Acronyms and Definitions

.

Table B-1: Acronyms and definitions

Acronym or term Definition

AGC Automatic Gain Control

BER Bit Error Rate - a measure of receive sensitivity

BLER Block Error Rate

B

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

CDMA Code Division Multiple Access

dB Decibel = 10 x log10 (P1/P2)

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

CMU200

P1 is calculated power; P2 is reference power

Decibel = 20 x log

V1 is calculated voltage, V2 is reference voltage

(V1/V2)

10

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 Maximum Permissible Exposure—the level of radiation to which a person

may be exposed without hazardous effect or adverse biological changes

OTA Over-The-Air or Radiated through the antenna

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AirPrime SL8080 Series Hardware Integration Guide

Table B-1: Acronyms and definitions

Acronym or term Definition

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

RF Radio Frequency

RMS Root Mean Square

SA Selective Availability

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

Sensitivity (RF) Measure of lowest power signal at the receiver input that can provide a

SIM Subscriber Identity Module

SL8080 Sierra Wireless AirPrime soldered-down module used on GSM / UMTS

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 Wideband Code Division Multiple Access—In this document, the term

XIM In this document, XIM is used as part of the contact identifiers for the USIM

prescribed BER/BLER/SNR value at the receiver output.

networks

“UMTS” is used instead of “WCDMA”.

interface (XIM_VCC, XIM_CLK, etc.).

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