NL-SW-LTE-S7618RD

Skywire​®​ LTE CAT 1 S7618RD Embedded Cellular Modem Datasheet NimbeLink Corp Updated: April 2020 PN ​1001721​ rev 4 © NimbeLink Corp. 2020. All rights reserved. 1 Table of Contents Table of Contents 2 Introduction 3 Orderable Part Numbers 3 Additional Resources 4 Product Overview 4 Block Diagram 5 Technical Specifications 6 Electrical Specifications 6 Absolute Maximum Ratings 6 Recommended Ratings & Module Pin out 6 Connectors J1 and J2 6 Connectors J3, X1, X2 8 Typical Power Consumption 8 Mechanical Specifications 9 Mechanical Characteristics 9 Mating Connectors 9 Device Placement 9 Environmental Specifications 9 Important Design Considerations 10 PWR_ON Signal 10 Power Supply Requirements 10 Serial Communications 10 Mounting Guidelines 11 Board-to-Board Connector Approach 12 Solder-to-Board Connection Approach 13 Antenna Considerations 14 Primary Antenna Requirement 14 Diversity Antenna Requirements 15 Recommended Antennas 15 Certifications 16 Carrier Specific 16 Geography Specific 16 Federal Regulatory Licensing 16 End Product Labeling Requirements 16 PN 1001721 rev 4 © NimbeLink Corp. 2020. All rights reserved. 2 1. Introduction 1.1 Orderable Part Numbers Orderable Device NL-SW-LTE-S7618RD Firmware Revision V1.10 Operating Temperature -40 to +85˚C Bands Carrier Network Type B4, B13 Verizon LTE *May require World Wide SIM from Verizon 1.2 Additional Resources The following documents or documentation resources are referenced within this document. ● ● ● ● ● Sending SMS Configuring linux 'pppd' Sending and Receiving Data Using Socket Dials Sierra’s HL7681RD Product Technical Resources Sierra's HL76xx AT Command Manua​l 1.3 Product Overview Add robust cellular connectivity to your M2M devices with scalable radio technology with the Skywire line of modems including HL7618RD based LTE solutions. Extensive experience in designing and building embedded product solutions makes the NimbeLink Skywire® embedded cellular modem the smallest on the market. It uses the popular Skywire interface and supports multiple LTE bands and fallback capability minimizing costs of hardware and network access. The module is designed for volume production and is intended for OEMs to embed into end equipment designs. PN 1001721 rev 4 © NimbeLink Corp. 2020. All rights reserved. 3 1.4 Block Diagram PN 1001721 rev 4 © NimbeLink Corp. 2020. All rights reserved. 4 2. Technical Specifications 2.1 Electrical Specifications 2.1.1 Absolute Maximum Ratings Parameter Main Power Supply Signal VCC Maximum Rating 5.5V I/O Voltage Reference VREF 5.5V 2.1.2 Recommended Ratings & Module Pin out 2.1.2.1 Connectors J1 and J2 Pin Name Direction Description Min Typical Max If not used 1 VCC Input Main Power supply 3.0V 3.9V 5.5V Must be implemented VOL: GND to 0.55V VIL: GND to 0.15V 2 DOUT Output UART data out, I/O level tied to VREF 3 DIN Input UART data in, I/O level tied to VREF 4 GND Input 5 RESET_nIN Input 6 VUSB Input 7 USB_D+ I/O 8 USB_D- I/O 9 DTR Input Modem Data Terminal Ready input 10 GND Input Ground Pin PN 1001721 rev 4 Ground Pin Controls RESET input on Sierra HL7681RD, tie low for a minimum of 20mS and released to activate. Internally pulled up to 1.8V. Drive with open collector output. Assert only in an emergency as the module will not gracefully exit the cellular network when asserted. Supply for USB interface USB differential Data + signal USB differential Data signal VOH: VREF x 0.67 to VREF VIH: VREF-0.4V to VREF 0 0V 3.2V 5V Must be implemented if USB not used, No connection Must be implemented if USB not used, No connection Must be implemented 1.8V No connection 5.5V No connection No connection No connection VIL: GND to 0.15V VIH: VREF-0.4V to VREF 0 © NimbeLink Corp. 2020. All rights reserved. Tie to GND Must be implemented 5 11 GND Input Ground Pin Pin Name Direction Description Min Output Modem Clear to Send hardware flow control output 12 CTS 13 VGPIO Output 14 VREF Input 15 GND Input 16 RTS Input 17 DIO5 I/O 18 DIO7 I/O 19 ADC1 Input 20 PWR_ON Input PN 1001721 rev 4 Signal drives high indicating the modem is on and ready for commands. (It can be idle, or in sleep mode) May also be used to power external level shifters to interface to DIO5 or DIO7. See HL7681RD manual for additional information. Voltage reference for off board I/O signals. This signal drives the input voltage side of an onboard buffer which converts all external I/O voltage from VREF range to 1.8V range to drive the onboard HL7681RD modem module. Ground Pin Modem Request to Send hardware flow control input Programmable GPIO_05 on HL7681RD module Programmable GPIO_07 on HL7681RD module ADC1 input on HL7681RD module (10-bit resolution) Modem PWR_ON signal. Assert low for at least 25 msec and then release to activate start sequence. Drive with open collector output. Internally pulled up to internal I/O rail with resistor. Do not use any external pull ups. power down the modem. 0 Max If not used VOL: GND to 0.55V VOH: VREF x 0.67 to VREF No connection 0 1.8V No connection 5.5V Must be implemented 1.65V Typical Must be implemented 1.8V or 3.3V 0 Must be implemented VIL: GND to 0.15V VIH: VREF-0.4V to VREF Tie to GND 0 1.8V No connection 0 1.8V No connection 0 1.2V No connection 0 1.8V Must be implemented. © NimbeLink Corp. 2020. All rights reserved. 6 2.1.2.2 Connectors J3, X1, X2 Connector Designator J3 Description Connector Location Micro SIM Connector Bottom Side of Module X1 Primary Antenna Connection Topside of Module X2 Diversity Antenna Connection Topside of Module 2.1.2.3 Typical Power Consumption Attenuation (dB) Mode RSRQ (dB) RSRP (dBm) Average Current (mA) Peak Current (mA) Average Charge (µAh) Active Socket Dial 0 -10 -69 176.355 301.601 44.285 Active Socket Dial 20 -12 -91 182.808 454.347 49.859 Active Socket Dial 40 -10.5 -110 240.428 701.573 78.031 Off 0 -10 -69 135.415 (μA) 6.464 3.417 Idle 0 -10 -69 54.389 747.101 1.384 (mAh) Idle, Low Power Mode 0 -10 -69 24.346 196.510 1.22 (mAh) PN 1001721 rev 4 © NimbeLink Corp. 2020. All rights reserved. Measurement Notes Tested at:​ 3.8V Time elapsed:​ 1.82s Open socket, HTTP POST, read HTTP response Tested at: ​3.8V Time elapsed:​ 1.95s Open socket, HTTP POST, read HTTP response Tested at:​ 3.8V Time elapsed:​ 2.324s Open socket, HTTP POST, read HTTP response Tested at:​ 3.8V Time elapsed:​ 180s Modem powered off Tested at:​ 3.8V Time elapsed:​ 180s Idle whilst powered on and registered on the network Tested at:​ 3.8V Time Elapsed:​ 180s Registered on the network, DTR tied HIGH, AT+KSLEEP=0 7 2.2 Mechanical Specifications 2.2.1 Mechanical Characteristics Parameter Typical Unit Dimensions (excluding pin height, for solder to board applications) Dimensions (including pin height, for board to board connector applications) Weight Connector Insertion/Removal 29.0 x 33.60 x 6.63 29.0 x 33.60 x 10.73 0.4 hundreds mm mm oz Cycles 2.2.2 Mating Connectors Connector Designator Manufacture J1, J2 3M Populated on Module Pinrex 222-96-10GBE1 Recommended Mate Mate Manufacture NPPN101BFCN-RC Sullins Connector Solutions Acceptable Alternative: 950510-6102-AR 3M J3 Molex 786463001 NL-SIM-COM Nimbelink X1, X2 Hirose U.FL-R-SMT(10) CAB.011 Taoglas 2.2.3 Device Placement ⚠​ Make sure the Skywire is installed in the correct orientation; failure to do so will damage the device and void the warranty. 2.3 Environmental Specifications Parameter Min Typical Max Unit Operating Temperature -40 25 +85 ˚C Storage Temperature -40 25 +85 ˚C Operating Humidity 20 90 % PN 1001721 rev 4 © NimbeLink Corp. 2020. All rights reserved. Notes Non-condensing 8 3. Important Design Considerations 3.1 PWR_ON Signal To conserve power, the HL7681RD does not automatically startup when power is applied. The baseboard design must supply a means to assert the PWR_ON signal for the specified time (at least 25 msec) and then released to startup the module. After asserting the PWR_ON signal, software must wait for VGPIO to assert before attempting to communicate with the HL7681RD. To power down the modem, issue AT+CPWROFF to the modem via an AT command interface. 3.2 Power Supply Requirements The module will regularly consume high amounts of current on the main power supply (VCC) - up to 1.5A during active transmits and receives. The baseboard power supply should be designed to support peak currents up to 2 Amps. A 100 μF capacitor should be placed near the VCC pin on the module to ensure ample energy is available, with a low inductance path to the VCC pin. For example power supply designs, there are multiple references available. See the NimbeLink Skywire Development Kit schematic for a switching regulator example: https://nimbelink.com/Documentation/Development_Kits/NL-SWDK/20002_NL-SWDK_ Schematic.pdf 3.3 Serial Communications The NL-SW-LTE_S7618RD can communicate over UART and/or USB. An ideal design must implement one or both serial interfaces in order to properly communicate with the modem. 3.4 LED The Skywire has an on-board LED, D1, connected to the HL7681RD on GPIO10. The state of the LED can be asserted by issuing the following AT command: AT+KGPIO=10,1 //Turn on LED AT+KGPIO=10,0 //Turn off LED PN 1001721 rev 4 © NimbeLink Corp. 2020. All rights reserved. 9 3.5 FOTA LTE networks are constantly being updated, improved, and enhanced with new features. Therefore, carriers tend to make frequent network changes. Most of these changes will not negatively affect network connected devices, but occasionally an update will prevent an unprepared device from re-connecting to the network permanently. To account for these future changes, FOTA (Firmware over the Air) capability is being added to all cellular modules by manufacturers. Accordingly, NimbeLink supports this functionality in the entire Skywire family of embedded modems. However, it is often required that designers implement support for FOTA in their device’s firmware. All Skywire users must ensure that their device firmware can accommodate FOTA updates after deployment. Failure to do so may result in network connectivity interruptions in the event of a network change. Should a device be rendered unable to connect to the cellular network after an update, it is impossible to resolve the issue using FOTA. In this case, the only way to fix the connectivity issue would be to physically update the device over a serial connection. FOTA Instructions are available by contacting NimbeLink's product support team at product.support@nimbelink.com​. 4. Mounting Guidelines Skywire embedded cellular modems support two connection methods: board-to-board connectors and the solder-to-board method. 4.1 Board-to-Board Connector Approach The Skywire interface utilizes two, 10 pin, 2mm pitch female receptacles. Many connector manufacturers can be used; two readily available products are listed below: Manufacturer​: Sullins Connector Solution, ​Part Number​: NPPN101BFCN-RC Manufacturer​: 3M, ​Part Number: ​950510-6102-AR Please refer to the figures on the next page for diagrams of typical board-to-board connectors. PN 1001721 rev 4 © NimbeLink Corp. 2020. All rights reserved. 10 4.2 Solder-to-Board Connection Approach The second method of connection is soldering the module directly to the main board. The PCB should be designed with two rows of ten, 0.8 mm plated through-holes spaced 2mm apart, with each row spaced 22mm. See the drawing below for a recommended footprint. Note: ​U.FL locations are marked with circles, X1 and X2 are located on the top side of board, J3 is the micro SIM card slot on bottom side of board, and all measurements are in millimeters. PN 1001721 rev 4 © NimbeLink Corp. 2020. All rights reserved. 11 5. Antenna Considerations Designers should review the latest HL7681RD Hardware User Guide to ensure the following information is up to date: https://source.sierrawireless.com/resources/airprime/hardware_specs_user_guides/airp rime_hl7618rd_product_technical_specification/ 5.1 Primary Antenna Requirement Primary Antenna Requirements Frequency Range Depending on the frequency bands provided by the network operator, the customer shall use the most suitable antenna for those bands LTE B4(1700): Transmit: 1710 to 1755 MHz Receive: 2110 to 2155 MHz Bandwidth LTE B13(700c): Transmit: 777 to 787 MHz Receive: 746 to 756 MHz Impedance 50 ohm Input Power >24dB VSWR Max 1.5:1 PN 1001721 rev 4 © NimbeLink Corp. 2020. All rights reserved. 12 5.2 Diversity Antenna Requirements RX Diversity Antenna Requirements Frequency Range Depending on the frequency bands provided by the network operator, the customer shall use the most suitable antenna for those bands LTE B4: Transmit: 1710 to 1755 MHz Receive: 2110 to 2155 MHz Bandwidth LTE B13: Transmit: 777 to 787 MHz Receive: 746 to 756 MHz Impedance 50 ohm VSWR Max 1.5:1 5.3 Recommended Antennas Type Manufacturer Part Number Primary & Diversity Taoglas​1 TG.30.8113 Note 1​: U.FL to SMA adapter required. For applications not using the recommended antennas, developers must ensure that the selected antenna(s) meet certain requirements. In order to maintain FCC and carrier specific certifications the antennas cannot exceed the maximum gain levels listed here: PN 1001721 rev 4 Frequency Band (MHz) Max Gain (dBi) LTE Band 4 5.00 LTE Band 13 9.00 © NimbeLink Corp. 2020. All rights reserved. 13 6. Certifications 6.1 Carrier Specific NL-SW-LTE-S7618RD​: Verizon ODI Certified 6.2 Geography Specific Federal Communications Commission (FCC47) part 22, 24 Complies with FCC47 Part 15 Class B Radiated and Conducted Emissions 7. Federal Regulatory Licensing 7.1 Export Control Classification Number (ECCN) ECCNs are five character alpha-numeric designations used on the Commerce Control List (CCL) to identify dual-use items for export control purposes. An ECCN categorizes items based on the nature of the product, i.e. type of commodity, software, or technology and its respective technical parameters. All Skywire Modems:​ 5A992.c 7.2 Harmonized Tariff Schedule Code HTS Code:​ 8517.62.0010 8. End Product Labeling Requirements Device Uses Approved Radio:​ NL-SW-LTE-S7618RD Contains FCC ID:​ N7NHL7618RD This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interferences, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. PN 1001721 rev 4 © NimbeLink Corp. 2020. All rights reserved. 14