Int egr at or ’s Gui de RIM 902M OEM Radio Modem
RIM 902M OEM Radio Modem Integrator’s Guide Last Updated: October 21, 1999 Model No. R902M-2-O © 1999, RESEARCH IN MOTION LIMITED Research In Motion and RIM are registered trademarks of Research In Motion Ltd. Mobitex is a trademark of the Swedish Telecommunications Administration. MS-DOS is a registered trademark, and Windows is a trademark, of Microsoft Corp. Warning: This document is for the use of licensed users only.
FCC Compliance Statement (USA) FCC Class B Part 15 This device complies with Part 15 of FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1. This device may not cause harmful interference, and 2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. Warning Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.
Industry Canada Certification This device complies with Industry Canada RSS 119, under certification number 2503195550A. IC Class B compliance This device complies with the Class B limits for radio noise emissions as set out in the interference-causing equipment standard entitled “Digital Apparatus,” ICES-003 of Industry Canada.
Contents FCC Compliance Statement (USA) ........................................ i Industry Canada Certification ............................................... ii About this guide.................................................................... v 1. Introduction............................................................... 1 Radio performance...................................................................... 1 Mobitex network technology....................................................... 4 2.
Antenna design considerations...................................................53 Shielding ...................................................................................55 FCC radio frequency exposure rules...........................................56 Specifications ...................................................................... 61 Glossary of terms ................................................................
About this guide This guide will assist you in integrating the RIM 902M OEM radio modem into a variety of devices such as laptop computers, handhelds, vending machines, point-of-sale terminals, vehicle-based mobile terminals, and alarm system.
1 1. Introduction With the introduction of the RIM 902M, Research In Motion (RIM) has set a new standard for radio modem performance. The RIM 902M is unrivaled in the key areas of receiver sensitivity, ouput efficiency, noise immunity, and power consumption. Its small size and weight make it suitable for virtually any wireless data application, including handheld devices and mobile terminals.
2 Introduction – Radio performance Receiver sensitivity Receiver sensitivity is a measure of how well a radio modem can “hear” a network base station. This figure is important when a device will be used in areas where signal strength is weak, such as inside buildings and in locations that are not close to a base station. A radio modem with good receiver sensitivity can be used in more places than a radio modem with poor sensitivity. The RIM 902M has a receiver sensitivity of –116 dBm at 0.01 BER.
Introduction – Radio performance 3 nearing depletion. This also maximizes the radio coverage area throughout the life of the battery. Low power requirements If you are planning to integrate the RIM 902M into a handheld or portable device, battery life is a critical issue: your customers will insist on long lasting devices without heavy battery packs. The RIM 902M sets a new power consumption standard for Mobitex radio modems. This ensures efficiency and maximizes battery life. Transmitting data: 1.
4 Introduction – Mobitex network technology Small size Using a single board design, the RIM 902M is very thin, and much smaller than a business card, at only 42.0 by 67.5 mm. This tiny size allows the RIM 902M to meet tight space requirements within most applications. Its single-board design is more reliable than multi-board designs, particularly in high-vibration environments (such as vehicles) or in devices that can be dropped (such as handheld PCs).
Introduction – Mobitex network technology 5 cell is served by an intelligent base station. Because intelligence is distributed throughout the network, data is only forwarded to the lowest network node common to the sender and the receiver. For example, one base station is able to handle all traffic in its coverage area. The network constantly monitors the location of the mobile users.
2 2. Getting started RIM is committed to facilitating the integration of the RIM 902M OEM radio modem. We provide the necessary resources to evaluate the feasibility of implementing a wireless communication solution, and work closely with our partners to develop an application in the shortest time possible. Years of intense R&D have spawned several tools that have been used internally to help streamline our own development process. We have included many of these tools with the RIM 902M OEM Developer’s Kit.
8 Getting started – Test board overview Test board overview The RIM test board provides a standard RS-232 serial interface between a PC and the radio modem. It is designed to help you quickly interface the RIM 902M to a standard PC (through a COM port) or a terminal device with an RS-232 serial port. The test board also provides access points to the radio’s communication port, which allows you to monitor activity with a logic probe, multimeter, or oscilloscope.
Getting started – How to connect the test board 9 operate the radio. The voltage is converted into the necessary levels by the power supply section on the test board. LED indicators The test board includes several LED indicators designed to indicate the flow of data to and from the host (in real time), the radio power status, power to the test board, and more.
10 Getting started – The MENU diagnostics tool 3. Power adapter (test board to AC outlet) Plug the 5VDC, 2.4A, center-pin-positive power adapter into the wall outlet. Connect the other end to the power jack of the test board. 4. Antenna cable (radio to magmount antenna) Your developer’s kit includes a high-performance, 6dB-gain magmount antenna. This antenna is terminated with a screw-on SMA plug. The RIM 902M radio modem includes a snap-on MMCX jack.
Getting started – The MENU diagnostics tool 11 The RIM 902M contains a diagnostic utility called MENU. With this utility, you can set the current network, “ping” your radio modem, or view radio and network status values. Setup The following instructions assume that your RIM 902M is connected to a PC running a terminal program, such as Windows HyperTerminal. The MENU utility is based in the RIM 902M’s firmware, so HyperTerminal is the only software required to use it.
12 Getting started – The MENU diagnostics tool RIM 902M Firmware Version 1.0.0 (c) 1999 Research In Motion Limited Radio Setup Radio Serial Number = 031/11/066300 Command Key ----------Q Description ----------Quit and reset the radio. N P Set the current network. Ping: Send a Status MPAK to yourself. Networks Available: ------------------1. RMDUS (B433/B433) 2.
Getting started – The MENU diagnostics tool 13 Mode shows whether the radio is in powersave mode or express mode. The default operating mode is powersave, which reduces power consumption by the radio but introduces latency when receiving packets from the network. This mode may be changed through software. Tx is an indicator to let you know whether the radio’s transmitter is enabled or disabled. The transmitter may be enabled or disabled through software, and is normally enabled.
14 Getting started – The MENU diagnostics tool example, status value B403 would simultaneously describe states A000, 1000, 0400, 0001, and 0002, as described below. Please note: if status bits are set, it does not necessarily indicate that there is a fault with the radio. These bits are useful only for troubleshooting a known problem, and should not be read or interpreted by any application. For example, it is possible for the status bits to read 0040 yet the radio is able to transmit.
Getting started – The MENU diagnostics tool 15 How to change to a different network The RIM 902M radio may be used on different Mobitex networks operating on different channels in the 900 MHz range. Up to 16 network channel lists may be programmed by RIM into each radio. If the network shown is not the correct one, you can choose another from the list of networks available. Press N and the MENU utility will present an additional prompt for selecting the network, as shown below.
16 Getting started – The MENU diagnostics tool RIM 902M Firmware Version 1.0.0 (c) 1999 Research In Motion Limited Radio Setup Radio Serial Number = 031/11/066300 Command Key ----------Q Description ----------Quit and reset the radio. N P Set the current network. Ping: Send a Status MPAK to yourself. Networks Available: ------------------1. RMDUS (B433/B433) 2.
Getting started – The MENU diagnostics tool 17 RIM 902M Firmware Version 1.0.0 (c) 1999 Research In Motion Limited Radio Setup Radio Serial Number = 031/11/066383 Command Key ----------Q Description ----------Quit and reset the radio. N P Set the current network. Ping: Send a Status MPAK to yourself. Networks Available: ------------------1. RMDUS (B433/B433) 2.
3 3. Mechanical integration This chapter provides information about the RIM 902M that will be useful in determining the physical positioning of the radio modem within an application. Environmental properties and testing, physical properties, mounting methods, and connector information are provided. Environmental properties During environmental testing, RIM takes samples of its radio modems and subjects them to a variety of harsh conditions.
20 Mechanical integration – Physical properties Storage temperature The RIM 902M OEM radio modem may be stored at a temperature from -40°C to +85°C (-40°F to +185°F). Operating temperature The RIM 902M is designed to operate between -30°C to +70°C (-22°F to +158°F). The end user should be careful not to exceed the upper temperature limit, as performance degradation or damage to the power amplifier may occur past this point, especially while transmitting.
Mechanical integration – Physical properties 21 RIM 902M OEM Radio Modem – Integrator’s Guide DRAFT VERSION
22 Mechanical integration – Mounting methods Mounting methods The RIM 902M OEM radio modem may be securely fastened using a variety of methods. The operating environment must be carefully considered when choosing a mounting option. For example, extreme temperature, heavy vibration, or high electromagnetic interference areas may require a special mounting solution. It is important to ensure that the RIM 902M remains securely attached in the environment where it will be used.
Mechanical integration – Mounting methods 23 Tie wraps Tie wraps can be used as a secure but non-permanent means of attaching the RIM 902M to a surface.
24 Mechanical integration – Mounting methods into the surface of your board, on either side of the RIM 902M. This allows the radio to be attached to a shell, a PCB, or some other mounting surface. If using tie wraps, ensure that the surface beneath the RIM 902M is flat. Otherwise, the mounting surface could push up on the bottom surface of the radio case while tightening the tie wraps pushes down on the edge of the radio case.
Mechanical integration – Cables and connectors 25 Cables and connectors There are two connectors on the RIM 902M radio modem. One connector is used to interface the radio modem to a serial computing device and a power supply, and a second connector is used to connect an antenna to the radio. Interface cable and connector Serial communication data, control signals, and power are carried on a flat 22conductor 0.30 mm (0.012”) thick flexible printed circuit (FPC) cable with 1.
26 Mechanical integration – Cables and connectors This cable can plug into a matching 22-position 1.0 [0.039] horizontal FPC connector. A variety of connectors are manufactured by Molex. More information about each connector, including mechanical drawings, is available from the manufacturer’s web site (www.molex.com), or you can contact RIM (rim902m@rim.net) for help with selecting an appropriate connector for your application.
Mechanical integration – Cables and connectors 11MMCX-50-2-1C/111 16MMCX-50-2-1C/111 25SMA-50-2-25/111 EZ Flex 405 133REEZ4-12-S2/1216 133REEZ4-12-S2/1699 27 Straight MMCX connector Right-angle MMCX connector SMA connector Low-loss matching (50 Ω) cable 8” cable, straight MMCX to SMA 8” cable, right-angle MMCX to SMA The following cable is included with the RIM 902M Developer’s Kit: Contact: Huber & Suhner Essex Junction, VT, USA tel: (802) 878-0555 fax: (802) 878-9880 www.hubersuhnerinc.
4 4. Power requirements The RIM 902M radio modem must be provided with a clean power source capable of delivering bursts of high current. This can be provided by a plug-in power supply unit, a rechargeable battery pack, or single-use batteries. RIM has conducted extensive research to develop guidelines for integrators who follow design the power supply system for the RIM 902M.
30 Power requirements – Load specifications Radio load profile (at 4.5V) Transmitter − transmitting 2.0 W to antenna… − worst-case peak instantaneous (due to extreme temperature, poorly matched antenna, etc.)… 1.7 A 2.2 A Receiver 54 mA Regular Standby 5.5 mA Low-power Standby < 0.2 mA Transmit duration – minimum… − maximum… 32 ms 960 ms Off current consumption ≤ 20 µA Overall power consumption (assume heavy usage) − based on 0.05% transmit, 5.00% receive, and 94.
Power requirements – Calculating overall power consumption 31 2.2 A supply current at all temperatures, and its resistance must be low enough to guarantee minimum voltage of 4.1 V to the RIM 902M at 2.2 A. Calculating overall power consumption The instantaneous power consumption varies between 0.2 mA and 1.7 A, a range of four orders of magnitude. At any given point in time, the power consumption depends on what the radio is doing.
32 Power requirements – Calculating overall power consumption Receiver power usage The radio receiver draws 54 mA when it is turned on. However, in Powersave Mode, the receiver is nearly always turned off, and is turned on only once every ten seconds. The base station will wait until the radio’s receiver is turned on before attempting to send data to the radio. The radio will leave the receiver on for just 0.2 seconds; if no data is waiting at the base station, the radio will turn the receiver off for 9.
Power requirements – Batteries Traffic in 8 hours Received packets Transmit packets Length of packets Number of roams Load profile Receiver on Transmitter on Low-power standby Average current 33 No data 0 0 0 0 Light 5 5 80 10 Medium 30 10 300 15 Heavy 80 25 300 20 Extreme 150 50 512 bytes 40 2.200 0.000 97.800 2.726 0.006 97.268 3.838 0.026 96.136 6.138 0.062 93.800 9.735 % 0.190 % 90.076 % 1.38 1.76 2.70 4.56 8.
34 Power requirements – Plug-in supplies Rechargeable alkaline batteries are another option. These cells are typically rated for about 25 discharge cycles, far fewer than NiCads, but they provide longer life than NiCads. For the first five to ten cycles, you will get about 70 to 80 percent of the battery life you would expect from a single-use alkaline cell. After 25 discharges, this number may drop to 50 percent. Some precautions must be taken with this type of battery.
Power requirements – Automotive supplies 35 supply must be designed to ensure that voltage spikes, lightning, and other power fluctuations cannot damage the radio modem. Transient voltage protection zener diodes, or other spike arrestor circuits, may be added to keep the inputs within the limits given in the RIM 902M load specifications. These should have a value of 20 volts and be placed on the supply side of the regulator circuit. RIM recommends a supply capable of providing 4.1 V and rated for 2.
5 5. Interface specification The asynchronous serial interface on the RIM 902M operates at 3.0V, making it compatible with many existing system designs. The RIM 902M can be controlled by a wide variety of microcontrollers and microprocessors, such as the Intel 8051 or 80386, or Motorola 68000. In most cases, the RIM 902M can be connected directly to a micro-controller, or through a Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter (UART) to a microprocessor data bus.
38 Interface specification – MASC and RAP link-layer protocols application for the RIM 902M, you will need to choose whether to use MASC or RAP as your link-layer protocol. MASC assumes a high-noise environment where bit errors are likely to occur on the serial link between the radio modem and the computing device. MASC is designed to be extremely robust and redundant, and should be used when the serial link is unreliable or when the serial cable to the RIM 902M is very long.
Interface specification – Software Developer’s Kit Cost Free, open specification, or pay for third-party APIs 39 Free, open specification, sample source code is free There is no “best” protocol. The MASC or RAP protocol is used strictly for the link between the radio modem and the computing device, and does not have any influence on the speed or reliability of communication between the radio and the Mobitex network. The RIM engineering development team (rim902m@rim.
40 Interface specification – Pin descriptions Pin descriptions All input and output lines are 3.0 volt logic; however, they will also be able to drive 3.3 volt systems. Input lines 13, 16, 19, and 20 are 5.0 volt input tolerant. Output lines will be capable of driving 5.0 volt systems provided the VIH of these pins is less than 2.5 volts. All outputs will source a short circuit current of 3 mA. Inputs will have a current leakage of 1 µA.
Interface specification – Pin descriptions Pin 6 COV 41 Coverage This is an output from the radio. The active state of this line is high, and indicates that the radio is in network coverage, as determined by the presence of a signal from the network base station. When the radio does not have contact with the wireless network, this line is low. Pins 7,8 POWER Power supply These pins supply power to the radio.
42 Interface specification – Pin descriptions ready to receive data, but if CTS is low and ONI is low, then the radio is not ready to receive data because it is off. When ONI is low, all inputs to the radio should be held low or disconnected. Otherwise, power will be consumed and wasted. Pin 12 TRI Transmit Indicate The active (radio transmitting) state of this line is high. This output from the radio that is asserted while the RIM 902M is transmitting a packet to the network base station.
Interface specification – Pin descriptions Pin 15 ~CTS 43 ~Clear To Send This is an output from the RIM 902M to the computing device. The active (clear to send) state of this line is low. When asserted low by the RIM 902M, this line indicates that the radio is ready to receive data from the computing device. When this line is high, any data sent from the computing device to the RIM 902M may be lost.
44 Interface specification – Pin descriptions Pin 18 GND Ground This line should be tied to the system ground of the host unit to ensure proper operation. Pin 9 should also be connected to ground. Pin 19 ~DTR ~Data Terminal Ready This line is an input to the radio. The active (data terminal ready) state of this line is low, and indicates that the computing device is ready to receive data from the RIM 902M.
Interface specification – How to turn the radio on and off Pin 21 RX 45 Receive This is an output from the radio. Its idle (no serial receive activity) state is high. This line is an asynchronous serial output from the radio unit, and should be connected to the host terminal’s Receive Data input. This line carries data at 9600 bits per second. MASC parameters are 7 bits, Even parity, 1 stop bit. RAP parameters are 8 bits, No parity, 1 stop bit.
46 Interface specification – Loading firmware (optional) operations, and the ONI pin will remain active until all shutdown operations are complete. Shutdown will normally require several seconds to complete, and the radio should not be disturbed while it is shutting down. Attempting to communicate with the radio during shutdown may extend the time taken to perform shutdown operations. The ONI signal will be de-asserted (low) when the radio has shut down.
Interface specification – Loading firmware (optional) 47 computer. Other lines that are required during reprogramming are DTR (must be asserted low), TURNON (must be high), and GND.
6 6. Antenna selection The antenna is one of the most important components of a wireless communication system. The right antenna will maximize the coverage area of the RIM 902M. The antenna that you choose should complement the needs of your specific project. There are many different antenna types and options that will meet your engineering and user requirements while remaining within budget constraints.
50 Antenna selection – Selecting an antenna effectively doubles the length of the antenna by creating a virtual “mirror image” of the antenna beneath the plane. Antenna requirements The following are the minimum requirements of the antenna system used with the RIM 902M. Impedance: 50 Ω Center frequency: 913.5 MHz, ±5 MHz (λ=32.8 cm, ±0.
Antenna selection – Introduction to antenna terminology 51 Centurion International, Inc. Lincoln, NE, USA tel: (800) 228-4563 / (402) 467-4491 fax: (800) 826-3774 / (402) 467-4528 www.centurion.com Andrew Corporation Orland Park, IL, USA tel: (708) 349-3300 fax: (708) 349-5444 www.andrew.com Introduction to antenna terminology This section introduces some of the terminology that is used to describe antennas, and expands on the summary of antenna requirements, above.
52 Antenna selection – Introduction to antenna terminology Impedance matching, return loss, and VSWR The antenna, cables, and connectors in a radio frequency system must all possess the same impedance. The impedance required by the RIM 902M is 50 Ω, which is a widely-available industry standard. Any deviation from this value may result in impedance mismatch. Impedance mismatch can be caused by cable connections, cable lengths, and imperfections in the cables and connectors.
Antenna selection – Antenna design considerations 53 VSWR < 2.0 or RL < −10 dB. For best performance, the recommended antenna match at these frequencies is VSWR < 1.5 or RL < −14 dB. Antenna size The optimal antenna radiation efficiency is produced by an antenna measuring one wavelength, λ. The value of λ for the RIM 902M is 32.8 cm, and is calculated by dividing the speed of light c = 3 x 108 m/s by the center frequency f = 913.5 MHz.
54 Antenna selection – Antenna design considerations transmit performance of the radio modem when the computing device is held or positioned in certain orientations. However, the judicious use of metal in the construction of a ground plane for an antenna can significantly improve the antenna gain and the coverage area of the system. If the computing device is designed to sit on a surface, then the antenna should be as far from the bottom of the device as possible.
Antenna selection – Shielding 55 “Custom antenna solutions may be worthy of consideration for some projects. In some applications, custom designed antennas have shown performance increases of up to 2 dB when compared to quality off-the-shelf solutions. The cost of a custom design and resulting production can be as cost efficient as an off-the-shelf solution for projects requiring quantities as low as 20,000 antennas.
56 Antenna selection – FCC radio frequency exposure rules FCC radio frequency exposure rules Based on FCC rules 2.1091 and 2.1093 and FCC Guidelines for Human Exposure to Radio Frequency Electromagnetic Fields, OET Bulletin 65 and its Supplement C, all integrations of the RIM 902M OEM unit are subject to routine environmental evaluation for radio-frequency (RF) exposure prior to equipment authorization or use.
Antenna selection – FCC radio frequency exposure rules 57 If the RIM 902M radio modem is integrated in a vehicle, and if one of these three antennas is used, the MPE limits will not be exceeded provided that the antennas are installed at least 23 cm (Larsen) or 20 cm (Austin, Eclipse) from any edge of the vehicle rooftop.
58 Antenna selection – FCC radio frequency exposure rules During the SAR/MPE testing, the RIM testing software resides on an external PC that requires the ability to communicate with the radio directly. This means that the device you submit for testing must have an external connector that can be used to connect the radio to a PC. If your device can run DOS programs, RIM can provide a DOS-based utility that joins two COM ports.
Antenna selection – FCC radio frequency exposure rules 59 manual for proper antenna mounting and position, when applicable, to ensure a safe exposure distance to the operator and nearby persons. For handheld, body-worn, and portable devices, separate FCC approval is required to be in compliance with FCC RF exposure guidelines with respect to the SAR limits.
60 Antenna selection – FCC radio frequency exposure rules Further information concerning the bulletin can be obtained by contacting the RF Safety Group: Telephone: (202) 418-2464 Email: rfsafety@fcc.gov Web: www.fcc.gov/oet/rfsafety Inquiries can also be directed to the FCC’s Call Centre. The toll-free number is: 1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322) You may contact Research In Motion’s engineering development team at: Email: rim902m@rim.
Specifications The following is a summary of the RIM 902M OEM radio modem specifications. Power supply & typical current usage • • • • • • • Single power supply; operating range: 4.1 to 4.75V DC Single 3.0V logic line to turn on/off Maximum off current consumption: 20 µA Battery save stand-by mode: 0.2 mA (at 4.5V) Receive / express stand-by mode: 54 mA (at 4.5V) Transmit mode: up to 1.7 A (at 4.5V, output 2.0W) Average current draw (heavy usage: 5% receive, 0.05% transmit, 94.95% standby) 3.7 mA (at 4.
62 Specifications – FCC radio frequency exposure rules Other features • “MENU” is a simple-to-use firmware utility displays serial number, MAN, RSSI level, battery strength, and network parameters. It can also select different Mobitex networks or "ping" the network to test the radio modem.
Glossary of terms Term: Meaning: C The speed of light. DB decibel. A measure of power, based on a logarithmic scale. FPC Flexible Printed Circuit. The interface cable on the RIM 902M is made using this type of flat multi-conductor wiring. Also known as FFC (Flat Flex Cable). Gain In this document, refers to increase/decrease in radiated power. MAN Mobitex Access Number. Each Mobitex radio modem has one unique MAN. A MAN is a 24-bit number.
64 – FCC radio frequency exposure rules Term: Meaning: OEM Original Equipment Manufacturer. Usually implies that the “OEM product” is carried another manufacturer’s name. The RIM 902M is designed to be embedded in OEM terminals, PCs, and data gathering equipment. OSI The Open Systems Interconnection model allows different systems, following the applicable standards, to communicate openly with each another. Polarity Direction of current flow. Connecting some cables with the wrong polarity (i.e.
