Radiometrix BIM1-151.300-10 Vhf narrow band fm transceiver Datasheet

W
E
N
Radiometrix
Hartcran House, 231 Kenton Lane, Harrow, HA3 8RP, England
Issue 3, 14 September 2007
Tel: +44 (0) 20 8909 9595, Fax: +44 (0) 20 8909 2233
BiM1, TX1H
VHF Narrow Band FM transceiver
The BiM1 transceiver modules offer a
100mW RF output VHF data link in
Radiometrix transceiver standard
pin-out and footprint. This makes the
BiM1 ideally suited to those low
power applications where existing
wideband
transceivers
provide
insufficient range.
Features
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Figure 1: BiM1-151.300-10
Conforms to EN 300 220-3 and EN 301 489-3 (10mW version only)
Standard frequency 151.300MHz
Other frequencies from 120MHz to 180MHz
Available separately as BiM1T transmitter and BiM1R receiver
TX1H is a BiM1T in TX1 pin-out
Data rates up to 10kbps for standard module
Usable range over 10km
Fully screened
Feature-rich interface (RSSI, analogue and digital baseband
Low power requirements
The BiM1 is a half duplex radio transceiver module for use in long range bi-directional data transfer
applications at ranges up to 10kilometres. The module operates on the UK licence exempt frequency of
173.225/173.250MHz with 10mW RF output and Australian frequency of 151.300MHz with 100mW RF
output. The small footprint of 23 x 33mm and low profile of 10mm together with low power
requirements of <80mA (for 100mW) at 3.8V enables convenient PCB installation. BiM1 is also
available as separate BiM1T transmitter and BiM1R receiver which can be used as dual-in-line
equivalents of TX1 transmitter and RX1 receiver respectively.
Applications
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
EPOS equipment, barcode scanners
Data loggers
Industrial telemetry and telecommand
In-building environmental monitoring and control
High-end security and fire alarms
DGPS systems
Vehicle data up/download
Technical Summary
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Size: 33 x 23 x 10mm
Operating frequency: 151.300MHz
Supply range: 100mW Transmitter 3.8V - 15V, Receiver: 3.0V-15V
Supply range: 10mW Transmitter 3.0V - 15V, Receiver: 3.0V-15V
Current consumption: 80mA transmit @ 100mW, 8mA receive
Data bit rate: 10kbps max. (standard module)
RSSI output with >60dBm range
10kbps, -120dBm sensitivity (for 12 dB SINAD)
Radiometrix Ltd.,
BiM1 transceiver, TX1H high power transmitter data sheet
Page 1
Figure 3: TX1H block diagram
Figure 2: BiM1-151.300-10
BiM1 transceiver contains BiM1T transmitter circuit and BiM1R receiver circuit with their
RF output and input connected to a common RF pin via an internal RF switch.
TX1H transmitter circuit is the BiM1T transmitter circuit in the TX1 pin-out with slightly
enlarged dimension to accommodate extra Power Amplifier circuit to produce 100mW RF
output.
Radiometrix Ltd.,
BiM1 transceiver, TX1H high power transmitter data sheet
Page 2
Functional description
The transmit section of the BiM1 consists of a frequency modulated Voltage Controlled Crystal
Oscillator (VCXO) feeding a frequency doubler with two stage amplifier and RF filter. Final Power
Amplifier stage is factory pre-set to appropriate band power level. Operation is controlled by a Tx Select
line, the transmitter achieving full RF output typically within 5ms of this line being pulled low. The RF
output is filtered to ensure compliance with the appropriate radio regulations and fed via a fast Tx/Rx
changeover switch to the 50Ω antenna pin.
The receive section is a double conversion FM superhet with IF at 21.4MHz and 455kHz fed by a Low
Noise Amplifier (LNA) on the RF front-end. The receiver is controlled by RX Select line and will power
up typically <2ms. Quadrature detector output is available as Audio Frequency (AF) output and
transmitted digital data is regenerated from AF using adaptive data slicer. A Received Signal Strength
Indicator (RSSI) output with some 60dB of range is provided.
User interface
side view (through can)
side view (with can)
10 mm
top view (without can)
RF GND 1
Antenna 2
RF GND 3
4
5
No pin
6
7
8
0 Volt
9
18
17
16
15
14
13
12
11
10
0 Volt
Vcc
RX select
TX select
TXD
AF
RXD
RSSI
0 Volt
23 mm
recommended PCB hole size: 1.2 mm
module footprint size: 25 x 32 mm
pin pitch: 2.54 mm
pins 4, 5, 6, 7 & 8 are not fitted
30.48 mm
33 mm
Figure 4: BiM1 pin-out and dimension
43mm
5mm
TX1H
14.5mm
pin spacing:
2.54 mm
15.24 mm
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
7 holes of 0.7 mm dia.
pin spacing 2.54 mm
1 = RF gnd
2 = RF out
3 = RF gnd
4 = En
5 = Vcc
6 = 0V
7 = TXD
Figure 5: TX1H pin-out and dimension
Weight: 11g (BiM1), 5g (TX1H)
Radiometrix Ltd.,
BiM1 transceiver, TX1H high power transmitter data sheet
Page 3
BiM1 Pin
1, 3, 9, 10, 18
17
16
15
TX1H pin
1, 3, 6
5
14
13
12
7
-
Name
0V
VCC
RX
TX
EN
TXD
AF
RXD
11
-
RSSI
4
Function
Ground
3.8 – 15V DC power supply
Pull low to enable Receiver
Pull low to enable Transmitter
Pull high to enable Transmitter
DC coupled input for 3V CMOS logic. Rin = 100kΩ
500mV pk-pk audio. DC coupled, approx 0.8V bias
Received Data output from the internal data slicer. Output will have
a rail to rail output swing (i.e. 0 -Vcc depending on the supply
voltage). Suitable for Biphase codes
DC level between 0.5V and 2V. 60dB dynamic range
NOTES:
1. RX and TX have internal (10kΩ approx.) pull-up to Vcc
2. EN pin should not be left floating
3. For Vcc greater than 9V, transmit duty cycle must be limited to 25% or less
4. Avoid RX and TX both low: undefined module operation (but damage will not result)
5. A 10mW UK version is available on 173.225MHz. (3-16V operation, 10mA TX)
6. Pin out is as BiM2. On RF connector end only pins 1, 2, 3, 9 are present.
Absolute maximum ratings
Exceeding the values given below may cause permanent damage to the module.
Operating temperature
Storage temperature
RF in (pin 1)
All other pins
-10°C to +60°C
-30°C to +70°C
±50V @ <10MHz, +13dBm @ >10MHz
-0.3V to +16.0V
Performance specifications:
(Vcc = 3.8V / temperature = 20°C unless stated)
General
DC supply
Supply voltage (100mW BiM1T)
Supply voltage (10mW BiM1T, BiM1R)
TX Supply current (100mW)
TX Supply current (10mW)
RX Supply current
Antenna pin impedance
RF centre frequency (100mW)
RF centre frequency (10mW)
Channel spacing
Number of channels
Transmitter
RF
RF power output (100mW)
RF power output (100mW)
Spurious emissions (100mW)
Spurious emissions (10mW)
Adjacent channel TX power (100mW)
Adjacent channel TX power (10mW)
Frequency accuracy
FM deviation (peak)
Baseband
Modulation bandwidth @ -3dB
TXD input level (logic low)
TXD input level (logic high)
Dynamic timing
TX select to full RF
Radiometrix Ltd.,
pin
min.
typ.
max.
units
17
17
17
17
17
2
3.8
3.0
80
25
8
50
151.300
173.225
25
1
15
16
V
V
mA
mA
mA
Ω
MHz
MHz
kHz
2
2
2
2
+19
+9
+20
+10
-40
EN 300 220-3
-37
TBD
0
±3.0
+21
+11
dBm
dBm
dBm
dBm
dBm
-2.5
±2.5
1
1
2
+2.5
±3.5
kHz
kHz
2
3
4
5
0
3.0
kHz
V
V
5
5
5
ms
0
14
14
notes
BiM1 transceiver, TX1H high power transmitter data sheet
Page 4
General
Receiver
RF/IF
RF sensitivity @ 12dB SINAD
RF sensitivity @ 1ppm BER
RSSI threshold
RSSI range
IF bandwidth
Blocking
Image rejection
Adjacent channel rejection
Spurious response rejection
LO leakage, conducted
LO leakage, radiated
pin
min.
typ.
max.
units
2, 13
2, 12
2, 11
2, 11
-120
-115
-127
60
2
2
2
2
85
60
70
65
-70
-60
dBm
dBm
dBm
dB
kHz
dB
dB
dB
dB
dBm
dBm
Baseband
Baseband bandwidth @ -3dB
AF level
DC offset on AF out
Distortion on recovered AF
Load capacitance, AF / RXD
13
13
13
12
12,13
5
400
0.8
TBD
TBD
kHz
mVP-P
V
%
pF
Dynamic timing
Power up with signal present
Power up to valid RSSI
Power up to stable AF output
Power up to stable RXD output
16, 11
16, 13
16, 12
TBD
2
10
ms
Signal applied with supply on
Signal to valid AF
Signal to stable data
2, 11
2, 12
TBD
TBD
ms
ms
Time between data transitions
Mark : space ratio
12
12
20
50
notes
2
3
3
7
ms
0.1
80
ms
%
8
8
Notes:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Measured into 50Ω resistive load.
Exceeds EN/EMC requirements at all frequencies.
Total over full supply and temperature range.
With 0V – 3.0V modulation input.
To achieve specified FM deviation.
See applications information for further details.
For received signal with ±3kHz FM deviation.
For 50:50 mark to space ratio (i.e. squarewave).
Radiometrix Ltd.,
BiM1 transceiver, TX1H high power transmitter data sheet
Page 5
Applications information
Power supply requirements
The BiM1 have built-in regulators which deliver a constant 3.5V to the transmitter (100mW) and 2.8V
to the receiver circuitry when the external supply voltage is 3.8V or greater. This ensures constant
performance up to the maximum permitted rail, and removes the need for external supply decoupling
except in cases where the supply rail is extremely poor (ripple/noise content >0.1Vp-p).
TX modulation requirements
The module is factory-set to produce the specified FM deviation with a TXD input to pin 14 of 3V
amplitude, i.e. 0V “low”, 3V “high
If the data input level is greater than 3V, a resistor must be added in series with the TXD input to limit
the modulating input voltage to a maximum of 3V on pin 7. TXD input resistance is 100kΩ to ground,
giving typical required resistor values as follows:
Vcc
≤3V
3.3V
5V
9V
Series resistor
10 kΩ
68kΩ
220kΩ
Reducing the output power of the BiM1
If the BiM1 is to be used for applications for which the regulatory Effective Radiated Power (ERP) limit
is lower than 100mW its output power can be reduced to comply with relevant regulatory requirements.
This is done by inserting a 10dB attenuator network between the module and the antenna or feed, as
follows:
To antenna
1
2
3
RF Ground
Antenna
RF Ground
18
100R
50 ohm microstrip lines
to antenna
100R
68R
10
9
from TX1
100R
68R
ground foil/
vias to ground plane
Resistors are SMD (0603/0805)
schematic diagram
physical arrangement
Figure 6: 10dB attenuator for BiM1 transceiver, BiM1T transmitter
Keep all tracking around the attenuator network as short as possible, particularly ground paths, and
use matched 50Ω microstrip lines for input and output connections (track width of 2.5mm if using
1.6mm thick FR4 PCB).
However, this 10dB attenuator will also reduce the sensitivity of the BiM1 transceiver by 10dB.
RF output can also be factory set from +5dBm (3mW) to +20dBm (100mW) depending on minimum
order quantity.
Radiometrix Ltd.,
BiM1 transceiver, TX1H high power transmitter data sheet
Page 6
RX Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI)
The BiM1 wide range RSSI which measures the strength of an incoming signal over a range of 60dB or
more. This allows assessment of link quality and available margin and is useful when performing range
tests.
The output on pin 11 of the module has a standing DC bias of up to 0.5V with no signal, rising to 2.4V
at maximum indication. ∆Vmin-max is typically 1V and is largely independent of standing bias variations.
Output impedance is 56kΩ. Pin 11 can drive a 100µA meter directly, for simple monitoring.
Typical RSSI characteristic is as shown below:
-140
-135
-130
-125
-120
-115
-110
-105
-100
-95
-90
-85
-80
-75
-70
-65
-60
-55
-50
-45
-40
-35
-30
-25
-20
-15
-10
-5
0
5
10
RSSI (V)
2.4
2.2
2
1.8
1.6
1.4
1.2
1
0.8
0.6
0.4
0.2
0
RF Level (dBm)
Figure 7: RSSI level with respect to received RF level at BiM1 antenna pin
Radiometrix Ltd.,
BiM1 transceiver, TX1H high power transmitter data sheet
Page 7
Packet data
In general, data to be sent via a radio link is formed into a serial "packet" of the form :Preamble - Control - Address - Data - CRC
Where: Preamble:
This is mandatory for the adaptive data slicer in the receiver in the BiM1 to
stabilise. The BiM1 will be stable after 10ms. Additional preamble time may be
desired for decoder bit synchronisation, firmware carrier detection or receiver
wake up.
Control:
The minimum requirement is a single bit or unique bit pattern to
indicate the start of message (frame sync.). Additionally, decoder
information is often placed here such as: packet count, byte count, flow
control bits (e.g. ACK, repeat count), repeater control, scrambler
information etc.
Address:
This information is used for identification purposes and would at least
contain a 16/24 bit source address, additionally - destination address,
site / system code , unit number and repeater address's may be placed
here.
Data:
User data , generally limited to 256 bytes or less (very long packets
should be avoided to minimise repeat overheads on CRC failure and
channel hogging).
CRC:
16/24 Bit CRC or Checksum of control-address-data fields used by the
decoder to verify the integrity of the packet.
The exact makeup of the packet depends upon the system requirements and may involve some complex
air-traffic density statistics to optimise through-put in large networked systems.
Networks
BiM1’s may be used in many different configurations from simple pair's to multi-node random access
networks. The BiM1 is a single frequency device thus in a multi node system the signalling protocol
must use Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA). In a TDMA network only one transmitter may be on
at a time, ‘clash’ occurs when two or more transmitters are on at the same time and will often cause
data loss at the receivers. TDMA networks may be configured in several ways - Synchronous (time
slots), Polling (master-slave) or Random access (async packet switching e.g. X25). Networked BiM1's
allow several techniques for range / reliability enhancement:
Store and forward Repeaters: If the operating protocol of the network is designed to
allow data path control then data may be routed via
intermediate nodes. The inclusion of a repeating
function in the network protocol either via dedicated
repeater/router nodes or simply utilising existing
nodes allows limitless network expansion.
Spatial Diversity:
Radiometrix Ltd.,
In buildings multi-path signals create null spots in the
coverage pattern as a result of signal cancellation. In
master-slave networks it is cost effective to provide 2
BiM1's with separate antenna at the master station.
The null spot patterns will be different for the two
BiM1's . This technique ‘fills in’ the null spots, i.e. a
handshake failure on the first BiM1 due to a signal null
is likely to succeed on the 2nd BiM1.
BiM1 transceiver, TX1H high power transmitter data sheet
Page 8
"RS232" Serial data
It is possible to transmit "RS232" serial data directly at 600 to 9600bps baud between a pair of BiM1
transceivers in half duplex mode. The data must be "packetised" with no gaps between bytes. i.e. The
data must be preceded by >10ms of preamble (55h or AAh) to allow the data slicer in the BiM1 to settle,
followed by one 00h and one FFh bytes to allow the receive UART to lock, followed by a unique start of
message byte, (01h), then the data bytes and finally terminated by a CRC or check sum. The receiver
data slicer provides the best bit error rate performance on codes with a 50:50 mark:space average over a
5ms period, a string of FFh or 00h is a very asymmetric code and will give poor error rates where
reception is marginal. Only 50:50 codes may be used at data rates above 1kbps.
We recommend 3 methods of improving mark:space ratio of serial codes, all 3 coding methods are
suitable for transmission at 10kbps:•
Method 1 - Bit coding
Bit rate , Max 10kbps , Min 250bps
Redundancy (per bit) 100% (Bi-phase)
Each bit to be sent is divided in half, the first half is the bit to be sent and the second
half, it's compliment. Thus each bit has a guaranteed transition in the centre and a
mark:space of 50:50 . This is Bi-phase or Manchester coding and gives good results,
however the 100% redundancy will give a true throughput of 5kbps.
Another variation of this code is to encode a ‘1’ as a long bit with one transition and ‘0’
as a short bit with two transition or vice versa. Each encoded bit starts with a
guaranteed transition to reverse the voltage level even if stream of 00h/FFh is encoded.
This is called Differential Manchester Encoding. This encoding method is easier to
decode as the decoder has to sample encoded bit several times and if the sample value is
more than 75% of a long bit period, then it is decoded as ‘1’ and if there was transition
then it is decoded as ‘0’ or vice versa.
•
Method 2 - FEC coding
Bit rate , Max 10kbps, Min 2.4kbps
Redundancy (per byte) 100%
Each byte is sent twice; true then it's logical compliment. e.g. even bytes are true and
odd bytes are inverted. This preserves a 50:50 balance.
A refinement of this simple balancing method is to increase the stagger between the
true and the inverted data streams and add parity to each byte. Thus the decoder may
determine the integrity of each even byte received and on a parity failure select the
subsequent inverted odd byte. The greater the stagger the higher the immunity to
isolated burst errors.
Digitised analogue data
Linear operation of BiM1 transceivers will allow direct transfer of analogue data, however in many
applications the distortion and low frequency roll off are too high (e.g. bio-medical data such as ECG).
The use of delta modulation is an excellent solution for analogue data in the range 1Hz up to 4kHz with
less than 1% distortion. A number of propitiatory IC's
such as Motorola's MC3517/8 provide CVSD Delta mod/demod on a single chip.
Where the signal bandwidth extends down to DC , such as strain gauges, level sensing, load cells etc.
then Voltage to Frequency / Frequency to Voltage chips (such as Nat Semi LM331) provide a simple
means of digitising.
Radiometrix Ltd.,
BiM1 transceiver, TX1H high power transmitter data sheet
Page 9
Expected range
Predicting the range obtainable in any given situation is notoriously difficult since there are many
factors involved. The main ones to consider are as follows:
•
•
•
•
•
Type and location of antennas in use
Type of terrain and degree of obstruction of the link path
Sources of interference affecting the receiver
“Dead” spots caused by signal reflections from nearby conductive objects
Data rate and degree of filtering employed
The following are typical examples – but range tests should always be performed before assuming that
a particular range can be achieved in a given situation:
Data rate
1.2kbps
10kbps
10kbps
10kbps
Note:
Tx antenna
half-wave
half-wave
helical
helical
Rx antenna
half-wave
half-wave
half-wave
helical
Environment
rural/open
rural/open
urban/obstructed
in-building
Range
10-15km
3-4km
500m-1km
100-200m
The figure for 1.2kbps assumes that the receiver bandwidth has been suitably reduced by
utilising an outboard sallen-key active audio filter and data slicer or similar arrangement.
The BiM1 TXD input is normally driven directly by logic levels but will also accept analogue drive (e.g.
2-tone signalling). In this case it is recommended that TXD (pin 14) be DC-biased to 1.2V approx. with
the modulation ac-coupled and limited to a maximum of 2Vp-p to minimise distortion over the link. The
varactor modulator in the BiM1 introduces some 2nd harmonic distortion which may be reduced if
necessary by predistortion of the analogue waveform. At the other end of the link the BiM1 RXD output
is used to drive an external decoder directly.
Although the modulation bandwidth of the BiM1 extends down to DC it is not advisable to use data
containing a DC component. This is because frequency errors and drifts between the transmitter and
receiver occur in normal operation, resulting in DC offset errors on the BiM1 audio output.
The BiM1 in standard form incorporates a low pass filter with a 5kHz nominal bandwidth. This is
suitable for transmission of data at raw bit rates up to 10kbps.
In applications such as long range fixed links where data speed is not of prime concern, a considerable
increase in range can be obtained by using the slowest possible data rate together with filtering to
reduce the receiver bandwidth to the minimum necessary.
Antennas
The choice and positioning of transmitter and receiver antennas is of the utmost importance and is the
single most significant factor in determining system range. The following notes are intended to assist
the user in choosing the most effective antenna type for any given application.
Integral antennas
These are relatively inefficient compared to the larger externally-mounted types and hence tend to be
effective only over limited ranges. They do however result in physically compact equipment and for this
reason are often preferred for portable applications. Particular care is required with this type of
antenna to achieve optimum results and the following should be taken into account:
1. Nearby conducting objects such as a PCB or battery can cause detuning or screening of the antenna
which severely reduces efficiency. Ideally the antenna should stick out from the top of the product
and be entirely in the clear, however this is often not desirable for practical/ergonomic reasons and
a compromise may need to be reached. If an internal antenna must be used try to keep it away from
other metal components and pay particular attention to the “hot” end (i.e. the far end) as this is
generally the most susceptible to detuning. The space around the antenna is as important as the
antenna itself.
Radiometrix Ltd.,
BiM1 transceiver, TX1H high power transmitter data sheet
Page 10
2. Microprocessors and microcontrollers tend to radiate significant amounts of radio frequency hash
which can cause desensitisation of the receiver if its antenna is in close proximity. The problem
becomes worse as logic speeds increase, because fast logic edges generate harmonics across the VHF
range which are then radiated effectively by the PCB tracking. In extreme cases system range may
be reduced by a factor of 5 or more. To minimise any adverse effects situate antenna and module as
far as possible from any such circuitry and keep PCB track lengths to the minimum possible. A
ground plane can be highly effective in cutting radiated interference and its use is strongly
recommended.
A simple test for interference is to monitor the receiver RSSI output voltage, which should be the same
regardless of whether the microcontroller or other logic circuitry is running or in reset.
The following types of integral antenna are in common use:
Quarter-wave whip. This consists simply of a piece of wire or rod connected to the module at one end.
At 151MHz the total length should be 471mm from module pin to antenna tip including any
interconnecting wire or tracking. Because of the length of this antenna it is almost always external to
the product casing.
Helical. This is a more compact but slightly less effective antenna formed from a coil of wire. It is very
efficient for its size, but because of its high Q it suffers badly from detuning caused by proximity to
nearby conductive objects and needs to be carefully trimmed for best performance in a given situation.
The size shown is about the maximum commonly used at 151MHz and appropriate scaling of length,
diameter and number of turns can make individual designs much smaller.
Loop. A loop of PCB track having an inside area as large as possible (minimum about 5cm2), tuned and
matched with 2 capacitors. Loops are relatively inefficient but have good immunity to proximity
detuning, so may be preferred in shorter range applications where high component packing density is
necessary.
Integral antenna summary:
Ultimate performance
Ease of design set-up
Size
Immunity to proximity effects
whip
***
***
*
**
helical
**
**
***
*
loop
*
*
**
***
471mm @ 151MHz
RF
Whip antenna
RF
Helical antenna
RF
Ctune
C match
wire, rod, PCB track
or a combination of these
length(mm) = 71250 / freq(MHz)
35-40 turns wire spring
length 120mm, dia 10mm
trim wire length or expand coil
for best results
track width = 1mm
2
min. area 500mm
capacitors may be variable or fixed
(values depend on loop dimensions)
RF GND
Loop antenna
Figure 8: integral antenna configurations
Radiometrix Ltd.,
BiM1 transceiver, TX1H high power transmitter data sheet
Page 11
External antennas
These have several advantages if portability is not an issue, and are essential for long range links.
External antennas can be optimised for individual circumstances and may be mounted in relatively
good RF locations away from sources of interference, being connected to the equipment by coax feeder.
Helical. Of similar dimensions and performance to the integral type mentioned above, commerciallyavailable helical antennas normally have the coil element protected by a plastic moulding or sleeve and
incorporate a coax connector at one end (usually a straight or right-angle BNC type). These are compact
and simple to use as they come pre-tuned for a given application, but are relatively inefficient and are
best suited to shorter ranges.
Quarter-wave whip. Again similar to the integral type, the element usually consists of a stainless
steel rod or a wire contained within a semi-flexible moulded plastic jacket. Various mounting options
are available, from a simple BNC connector to wall brackets, through-panel fixings and magnetic
mounts for temporary attachment to steel surfaces.
A significant improvement in performance is obtainable if the whip is used in conjunction with a metal
ground plane. For best results this should extend all round the base of the whip out to a radius of
300mm or more (under these conditions performance approaches that of a half-wave dipole) but even
relatively small metal areas will produce a worthwhile improvement over the whip alone. The ground
plane should be electrically connected to the coax outer at the base of the whip. Magnetic mounts are
slightly different in that they rely on capacitance between the mount and the metal surface to achieve
the same result.
Metal ground plane
1/4-wave whip
1/ (3-4
4w , eq
av u
e all
ra y
di s p
al
a
el ce
em d)
en
ts
1/4-wave
whip
(471mm long @ 151MHz)
A ground plane can also be simulated by using 3 or 4 quarter-wave radials equally spaced around the
base of the whip, connected at their inner ends to the outer of the coax feed. A better match to a 50Ω
coax feed can be achieved if the elements are angled downwards at approximately 30-40° to the
horizontal.
50 Ω coax feed
30
-40
de
g.
50 Ω coax feed
Fig.9: Quarter wave antenna / ground plane configurations
Half-wave. There are two main variants of this antenna, both of which are very effective and are
recommended where long range and all-round coverage are required:
1. The half-wave dipole consists of two quarter-wave whips mounted in line vertically and fed in the
centre with coaxial cable. The bottom whip takes the place of the ground plane described previously.
A variant is available using a helical instead of a whip for the lower element, giving similar
performance with reduced overall length. This antenna is suitable for mounting on walls etc. but for
best results should be kept well clear of surrounding conductive objects and structures (ideally >1m
separation).
2. The end-fed half wave is the same length as the dipole but consists of a single rod or whip fed at the
bottom via a matching network. Mounting options are similar to those for the quarter-wave whip. A
ground plane is sometimes used but is not essential. The end-fed arrangement is often preferred
over the centre-fed dipole because it is easier to mount in the clear and above surrounding
obstructions.
Radiometrix Ltd.,
BiM1 transceiver, TX1H high power transmitter data sheet
Page 12
Yagi. This antenna consists of two or more elements mounted parallel to each other on a central boom.
It is directional and exhibits gain but tends to be large and unwieldy – for these reasons the yagi is the
ideal choice for links over fixed paths where maximum range is desired.
Please note: Using a Yagi or other gain antenna with the BiM1 will exceed the maximum radiated
power permitted by UK type approval regulations. It can be used in the UK only in conjunction with the
BiM1R receiver.
For best range in UK fixed link applications use a half-wave antenna on BiM1T transmitter and a halfwave or Yagi on BiM1R receiver, both mounted as high as possible and clear of obstructions.
Module mounting considerations
Good RF layout practice should be observed. If the connection between module and antenna is more
than about 20mm long use 50Ω microstrip line or coax or a combination of both. It is desirable (but not
essential) to fill all unused PCB area around the module with ground plane.
Variants and ordering information
The BiM1 transceiver is manufactured in the following variants as standard:
For Australian general applications on 151.300MHz
TX1H-151.300-10
Transmitter
BiM1T-151.300-10
Transmitter
BiM1R-151.300-10
Receiver
BiM1-151.300-10
Transceiver
For UK alarm applications on 173.225MHz:
BiM1-173.225-10
Transmitter
BiM1-173.225-10
Receiver
BiM1-173.225-10
Transceiver
For UK general applications on 173.250MHz:
BiM1-173.250-10
Transmitter
BiM1-173.250-10
Receiver
BiM1-173.250-10
Transceiver
Other variants can be supplied to individual customer requirements at frequencies from 151.300MHz to 173.250MHz
and/or optimised for specific data speeds and formats. However these are subject to minimum order quantity (MOQ)
and long lead time. Please consult the Sales Department for further information.
Some of the non-standard frequencies readily available. i.e. no MOQ or long lead time, are as follows:
Part number: BiM1-xxx.xxx-10 (where xxx.xxx is the operating frequency)
Frequency (MHz)
138.125
149.170
151.275
151.300
151.775
152.175
152.500
152.575
152.650
152.850
153.8125
153.9125
153.925
154.463
155.475
155.715
Radiometrix Ltd.,
Type approval
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Note
1, 2, 3
1, 2, 3
1, 2, 3
1, 2
1, 2
1, 2
1, 2
1, 2
1, 2
1, 2
1, 2
1, 2
1, 2
1, 2
1, 2
1, 2
Frequency (MHz)
157.420
159.685
159.6875
161.975
162.025
162.975
163.000
164.525
167.420
169.435
169.41875
172.420
173.075
173.175
173.200
173.960
Type approval
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
BiM1 transceiver, TX1H high power transmitter data sheet
Note
1, 2
1, 2
1, 2
1, 2
1, 2
1, 2
1, 2
1, 2
1, 2
1, 2
1, 2
1, 2
1, 2
1, 2
1, 2
1, 2, 3
Page 13
155.725
Note
Yes
1, 2
180.175
-
1, 2, 3
1: Complies with the ETSI standards but NOT approved
2: For specialised application, NOT for general purpose
e.g: 121.500MHz is an international distress frequency
3: NOT a European Harmonised frequency. Consult local radio regulatory authority.
Type approval
The BiM1-173 module is meets European harmonised standard ETSI EN 300 220-3 for UK use within
the following categories:
(a) General applications in the band 173.2-173.35MHz but excluding 173.225MHz.
(b) Industrial/commercial applications at the same frequencies as category (a).
(c) Fixed/in-building alarm applications at 173.225MHz.
(d) Medical/biological applications (including airborne use for the tracking of birds) in the band 173.7174.0MHz.
REQUIREMENTS FOR CONFORMANCE TO ETSI EN 300 220-3:
1. Transmitted ERP (effective radiated power) must not exceed the limit of 1mW (0dBm) for category
(a) or 10mW (+10dBm) for categories (b), (c) and (d). Equipment in category (a) must include a 10dB
attenuator between the RF output pin and the antenna or feed, as specified on page 6 of this leaflet.
2. Any type of antenna system may be employed provided that the applicable ERP limit is not exceeded
- i.e. transmitting antenna structures which exhibit ERP gain (such as yagis) are not permitted. See
pages 10-13 of this leaflet for details of suitable antennas.
3. The module must not be modified or used outside its specification limits.
4. The module may only be used to transmit digital or digitised data. Speech and/or music are not
permitted.
Breaching any of these conditions will invalidate type approval.
Radiometrix Ltd.,
BiM1 transceiver, TX1H high power transmitter data sheet
Page 14
Radiometrix Ltd
Hartcran House
231 Kenton Lane
Harrow, Middlesex
HA3 8RP
ENGLAND
Tel: +44 (0) 20 8909 9595
Fax: +44 (0) 20 8909 2233
[email protected]
www.radiometrix.com
Copyright notice
This product data sheet is the original work and copyrighted property of Radiometrix Ltd. Reproduction in whole or in
part must give clear acknowledgement to the copyright owner.
Limitation of liability
The information furnished by Radiometrix Ltd is believed to be accurate and reliable. Radiometrix Ltd reserves the
right to make changes or improvements in the design, specification or manufacture of its subassembly products without
notice. Radiometrix Ltd does not assume any liability arising from the application or use of any product or circuit
described herein, nor for any infringements of patents or other rights of third parties which may result from the use of
its products. This data sheet neither states nor implies warranty of any kind, including fitness for any particular
application. These radio devices may be subject to radio interference and may not function as intended if interference is
present. We do NOT recommend their use for life critical applications.
The Intrastat commodity code for all our modules is: 8542 6000
R&TTE Directive
After 7 April 2001 the manufacturer can only place finished product on the market under the provisions of the R&TTE
Directive. Equipment within the scope of the R&TTE Directive may demonstrate compliance to the essential
requirements specified in Article 3 of the Directive, as appropriate to the particular equipment.
Further details are available on The Office of Communications (Ofcom) web site:
http://www.ofcom.org.uk/radiocomms/ifi/
Information Requests
Ofcom
Riverside House
2a Southwark Bridge Road
London SE1 9HA
Tel: +44 (0)845 456 3000 or 020 7981 3040
Fax: +44 (0)20 7783 4033
[email protected]
European Radiocommunications Office (ERO)
Peblingehus
Nansensgade 19
DK 1366 Copenhagen
Tel. +45 33896300
Fax +45 33896330
[email protected]
www.ero.dk