Skywire® LTE CAT 1 M14A2A
Embedded Cellular Modem
Datasheet
NimbeLink Corp
Updated: December 2017
PN 30264 rev 9
© NimbeLink Corp. 2017. All rights reserved.
1
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
2
Introduction
Orderable Part Numbers
Additional Resources
Product Overview
Block Diagram
4
4
4
4
5
Technical Specifications
Electrical Specifications
Absolute Maximum Ratings
Recommended Ratings & Module Pin out
Connectors J1 and J2
Connectors J3, X1, X2
Typical Power Consumption
Mechanical Specifications
Mechanical Characteristics
Mating Connectors
Device Placement
Environmental Specifications
6
6
6
6
6
7
8
9
9
9
9
9
Important Design Considerations
PWR_ON Signal
Power Supply Requirements
Serial Communications
LED
GPIO Control
WAKE Pins
10
10
10
10
10
10
11
Mounting Guidelines
Board to Board connectors approach
Solder to Board connection approach
12
12
13
Antenna Considerations
Supported Frequencies
Conducted TX Power
Conducted RX Sensitivity
Primary Antenna Requirements
Diversity Antenna Requirements
14
14
14
14
15
15
PN 30264 rev 9
© NimbeLink Corp. 2017. All rights reserved.
2
Recommended Antennas
15
Certifications
Carrier Specific
Geography Specific
16
16
16
Federal Regulatory Licensing
16
End Product Labeling Requirements
16
PN 30264 rev 9
© NimbeLink Corp. 2017. All rights reserved.
3
1. Introduction
1.1 Orderable Part Numbers
Orderable Device
Firmware Revision
Operating Temperature
Bands
Fallback
Network Type
NL-SW-LTE-WM14
NL-SIM-ATT
NL-SIM-TMO
NL-SIM-VOD
v11.50.164451
NA
NA
NA
-25 to +75˚C
-25 to +85˚C
-25 to +85˚C
-25 to +85˚C
B2, B4, B12
None
LTE
AT&T
T-Mobile
Vodafone
1.2 Additional Resources
The following documents or documentation resources are referenced within this document.
● WNC's M14A2A Hardware Design Guidelines
● WNC's M14A2A AT Command Manual
1.3 Product Overview
Add robust cellular connectivity to your M2M devices with scalable radio technology with Skywire
line of modems including M14A2A-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
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 30264 rev 9
© NimbeLink Corp. 2017. All rights reserved.
4
1.4 Block Diagram
PN 30264 rev 9
© NimbeLink Corp. 2017. All rights reserved.
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2. Technical Specifications
2.1 Electrical Specifications
2.1.1 Absolute Maximum Ratings
Parameter
Signal
Maximum Rating
Main Power Supply
I/O Voltage Reference
VCC
VREF
5.5V
5.5V
2.1.2 Recommended Ratings & Module Pin out
2.1.2.1
Connectors J1 and J2
Pin
Name
Directi
on
Description
Min
Typical
1
VCC
Input
Main Power supply
3.0V
3.9V
UART data out, I/O level tied to VREF
VOL:
GND to
0.55V
Input
UART data in, I/O level tied to VREF
VIL:
GND to
0.15V
Input
Ground Pin
2
DOUT
Output
3
DIN
4
GND
Max
If not used
5.5V
Must be implemented
VOH:
VREF x
0.67 to
VREF
VIH:
VREF-0.4
V
to VREF
0
Must be implemented
if USB not used,
No connection
Must be implemented
if USB not used,
No connection
Must be implemented
5
RESET_nIN
Input
Controls RESET input on WNC M14A2A,
tie low for a minimum of 100msec and
released to activate. Internally pulled
up to WNC VREF pin. Drive with open
collector output. Assert only in an
emergency as the module will not
gracefully exit the cellular network
when asserted.
6
VUSB
Input
Supply for USB interface
7
USB_D+
I/O
USB differential Data + signal
No connection
8
USB_D-
I/O
No connection
9
nWAKE_IN
Input
10
GND
Input
USB differential Data - signal
Controls the M14A2A's WAKEUP_IN
input. HIGH means the host does not
need the MODEM (allowing it to sleep).
LOW means the host needs the Skywire
or acknowledges it is ready following a
wakeup from the Skywire. See WAKE
Pins section for more information.
Ground Pin
11
GND
Input
Ground Pin
12
CTS
Output
Modem Clear to Send hardware flow
control output
PN 30264 rev 9
VREF
4.4V
5V
0
No connection
5V
5.5V
No connection
Pulled LOW
0
Must be implemented
0
Must be implemented
VOL:
GND to
0.55V
© NimbeLink Corp. 2017. All rights reserved.
VOH:
No connection
6
VREF x
0.67 to
VREF
13
nWAKE_OUT
Output
Connects to the M14A2A's
WAKEUP_OUT output. HIGH means the
Skywire does not need the host
(allowing the host to sleep or not attend
to the modem).LOW means the Skywire
needs the host or acknowledges it is
ready following a wakeup from the host.
See WAKE Pins section for more
information.
0
1.65V
14
VREF
Input
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 M14A2A modem module.
15
GND
Input
Ground Pin
16
RTS
Input
17
GPIO2
I/O
18
GPIO3
I/O
19
ADC1
Input
20
ON_OFF
Input
1.8V or
3.3V
VREF
No connection
5.5V
Must be implemented
0
Must be implemented
VIL:
GND to
0.15V
VIH:
VREF-0.4
V
to VREF
0
1.8V
No connection
0
1.8V
No connection
ADC input on M14A2A module (10-bit
resolution)
0
1.8V
No connection
Modem POWER_ON signal. Modem is
ON when ON_OFF is tied to GND.
0
1.8V
Must be implemented.
Modem Request to Send hardware flow
control input
Programmable GPIO02 on M14A2A
module. See GPIO section for further
details
Programmable GPIO03 on M14A2A
module. See GPIO section for further
details
2.1.2.2
Connector
Designator
J3
Tie to GND
Connectors J3, X1, X2
Description
Connector Location
Micro SIM Connector
Bottom Side of Module
X1
Primary Antenna Connection
Topside of Module
X2
Diversity Antenna Connection
Topside of Module
PN 30264 rev 9
© NimbeLink Corp. 2017. All rights reserved.
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2.1.2.3
Measurement
Attenuation
(dB)
Typical Power Consumption
AT+CSQ
Min
Current
(mA)
Average
Current (mA)
Peak Current
(mA)
Average
Charge
(μAh)
Socket Dial
0
22
-
152.08
562.9
239.73
Socket Dial
20
10
-
159.02
729.56
251.0
Socket Dial
40
7
-
188.46
729.57
351.57
Off
0
-
-
288.8 (μA)
5.05
72.23
Idle
0
22
-
74.59
341.79
18655.76
Idle - Lower
Power
0
PN 30264 rev 9
22
-
7.6
339.18
1857.28
© NimbeLink Corp. 2017. All rights reserved.
Notes
Tested at 3.8V
Time elapsed: 5.682s
Test:
Opening socket, making
HTTP POST, reading HTTP
response, closing socket.
Tested at 3.8V
Time elapsed: 5.6616s
Test:
Opening socket, making
HTTP POST, reading HTTP
response, closing socket.
Tested at 3.8V
Time elapsed: 5.724s
Test:
Opening socket, making
HTTP POST, reading HTTP
response, closing socket.
Tested at 3.8V
Connected to power, not
turned on. 15 minute
sample.
Tested at 3.8V
Registered on network, 15
minute sample period.
Skywire nWAKE_IN pin tied
to GND.
Tested at 3.8V
Registered on network, 15
minute sample period.
Skywire nWAKE_IN pin tied
to IO HIGH.
8
2.2 Mechanical Specifications
2.2.1 Mechanical Characteristics
Parameter
Dimensions (excluding pin height, for solder to board applications)
Dimensions (including pin height, for board to board connector applications)
Weight
Connector Insertion/Removal
Typical
Unit
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
Manufacturer
J1, J2
3M
J3
Molex
Hirose
X1, X2
Populated on
Module
951110-2530AR-PR
Recommended Mate
Mate Manufacturer
950510-6102-AR
Acceptable alternate:
NPPN101BFCN-RC
3M
Sullins Connector
Solutions
786463001
Micro SIM Card
Micro SIM Card
U.FL-R-SMT(1
0)
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
Note
Operating Temperature
Operating Humidity
-25
20
25
+75
90
˚C
%
Non-condensing
PN 30264 rev 9
© NimbeLink Corp. 2017. All rights reserved.
9
3. Important Design Considerations
3.1 PWR_ON Signal
In order to power on the M14A2A, ON_OFF must be tied to GND. This is different
than some Skywire models that only require a pulsed low on the PWR_ON
Signal.
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
100uF 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.
3.3 Serial Communications
The M14A2A can communicate over UART and/or USB. Design should
implement one or both serial interfaces to be able to send commands to the
modem.
3.4 LED
The Skywire has an on board LED D1 connected to M14A2A's WWAN_STATE
pin. The LED will turn on when the M14A2A is registered on the network, and will
turn off indicating no cellular connection.
3.5 GPIO Control
Modem interface Pins 17 and 18 can be used as a GPIO input or output via AT
Commands. Please consult the WNC M14A2A AT Command Manual for more
examples and command specifics:
Configure M14A2A GPIO02 as GPIO pin:
AT@GPIOREQ=1,2
OK
Set GPIO02 as output driving high (1.8V):
AT@GPIOCFG=2,1,1
OK
Get GPIO02's state:
AT@GPIOGET=2
PN 30264 rev 9
© NimbeLink Corp. 2017. All rights reserved.
10
@GPIOGET:1
OK
Drive GPIO02's state low (0V):
AT@GPIOSET=2,0
OK
GET GPIO02's state:
AT@GPIOGET=2
@GPIOGET:0
3.6 WAKE Pins
The M14A2A has the capability to enter low power states, and awakened when
needed via the WAKE_IN and WAKE_OUT pins. This allows an external host
controller to wake the M14A2A when needed, as well as allows the M14A2A to
wake a host controller when needed.
Below is a brief description of the WAKE pin's functions. Please consult the WNC
M14A2A Hardware Design Guidelines document for specific information.
Note: Due to the inverters placed on the Skywire NL-SW-LTE-WM14
modem, the functionality listed in the WNC M14A2A Hardware Design
Guidelines document is inverted from the below information and from the
functionality of the Skywire.
WAKEUP_IN Pin (Host: Output, Modem: Input):
-
LOW: Host needs the Skywire or acknowledges it is ready following a
wakeup request from the Skywire.
HIGH: Host does not need the Skywire (allowing it to sleep).
WAKEUP_OUT Pin (Host: Input, Modem: Output):
-
LOW: Skywire needs the Host or acknowledges it is ready following a
wakeup request from the host.
HIGH: Skywire does not need the Host (allowing it to sleep).
PN 30264 rev 9
© NimbeLink Corp. 2017. All rights reserved.
11
4. Mounting Guidelines
The Skywire embedded cellular modem supports multiple connection methods,
the two primary methods are board to board connectors and soldering directly to
the baseboard.
4.1 Board to Board connectors approach
The Skywire interface calls for two, 10 pin, 2mm pitch female receptacles.
There are many connector manufacturers that can be used; below is one readily
available product:
Manufacturer: 3M
Alternate: Sullins Connector Solutions
Part Number: 950510-6102-AR
Alternate P/N: NPPN101BFCN-RC
Typical part drawing and footprint information:
PN 30264 rev 9
© NimbeLink Corp. 2017. All rights reserved.
12
4.2 Solder to Board connection approach
The module can be soldered directly to a PCB. The PCB should be designed
with two rows of ten, 0.8mm plated thru holes spaced 2mm apart. The two rows
should be 22mm apart. See drawing for recommended footprint. Measurements
are in millimeters. U.FL locations are marked with circles, X1 and X2 on top side
of board, J3 is Micro SIM card slot on bottom side of board.
PN 30264 rev 9
© NimbeLink Corp. 2017. All rights reserved.
13
5. Antenna Considerations
5.1 Supported Frequencies
Designers should review latest M14A2A Hardware Design Guidelines to ensure
the information is up to date.
Band
LTE Band 2
Uplink (MHz)
Downlink (MHz)
1850 - 1910
1930 - 1990
LTE Band 4
1710 - 1755
2110 - 2155
LTE Band 12
699 - 716
729 - 746
Bandwidth
Band
LTE Band 2
1.4 MHz
3 MHz
5 MHz
10 MHz
15 MHz
20 MHz
X
X
X
X
X
X
LTE Band 4
X
X
X
X
X
X
LTE Band 12
X
X
X
X
5.2 Conducted TX Power
Designers should review latest M14A2A Hardware Design Guidelines to ensure
the information is up to date.
Band
LTE Band 2
Items
Parameter
Unit
Min.
Typ.
Max.
Max TX Power
10 MHz 12RBs/QPSK
dBm
20.3
23
25.7
LTE Band 4
Max TX Power
10 MHz 12RBs/QPSK
dBm
20.3
23
25.7
LTE Band 12
Max TX Power
10 MHz 12RBs/QPSK
dBm
20.3
23
25.7
5.3 Conducted RX Sensitivity
Designers should review latest M14A2A Hardware Design Guidelines to ensure
the information is up to date.
Band
LTE Band 2
Items
Parameter
Unit
Receive Sensitivity
10 MHz with 50 RBs
LTE Band 4
Receive Sensitivity
LTE Band 12
Receive Sensitivity
PN 30264 rev 9
Typ.
Max.
dBm
-96.3
-94.3
10 MHz with 50 RBs
dBm
-98.3
-96.3
10 MHz with 50 RBs
dBm
-95.3
-93.3
© NimbeLink Corp. 2017. All rights reserved.
Min.
14
5.4 Primary Antenna Requirements
Designers should review latest M14A2A Hardware Design Guidelines to ensure
the information is up to date.
PRIMARY ANTENNA REQUIREMENTS
Frequency Range
Bandwidth
Impedance
Input Power
Depending on the frequency bands provided by the network
operator, the customer shall use the most suitable antenna for those
bands
LTE B2(1900): 62MHz
LTE B4(1700): 45MHz
LTE B12(700a): 17MHz
50 ohm
>24 dBm
5.5 Diversity Antenna Requirements
Designers should review latest M14A2A Hardware Design Guidelines to ensure
the information is up to date.
RX DIVERSITY ANTENNA REQUIREMENTS
Frequency Range
Bandwidth
Impedance
Depending on the frequency bands provided by the network
operator, the customer shall use the most suitable antenna for those
bands
LTE B2(1900): 62MHz
LTE B4(1700): 45MHz
LTE B12(700c): 17MHz
50 ohm
5.6 Recommended Antennas
Type
Manufacturer
Primary & Diversity
1
Taoglas
Part Number
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:
LTE Band
Max Gain (dBi)
LTE B2(1900)
9.5 dBi
LTE B4(1700)
6.5 dBi
LTE B12(700)
10.1 dBi
PN 30264 rev 9
© NimbeLink Corp. 2017. All rights reserved.
15
6. Certifications
6.1 Carrier Specific
AT&T MBA
NL-SW-LTE-WM14
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.
NL-SW-LTE-WM14 (and 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-WM14
Contains FCC ID: NKRM14A2A and IC ID: Altair 1160.
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 30264 rev 9
© NimbeLink Corp. 2017. All rights reserved.
16