HARDWARE DESIGN GUIDE FOR ARTAFLEX WIRELESS MODULES For Models: AWP24S AWS24S AWP24U AWAC24U AWA24S AW24MCHL-SM AW24MCHL-H2 AW24MUFL-SM Document: AN-121-0001 Written By: Kashif Ahmed Date: Sept 18,2009 Artaflex Inc. 215 Konrad Crescent Markham, Ontario, Canada L3R8T9 (905) 479-0148 File: AN-121-0001-R2 Page 1 of 23 http://www.artaflexmodules.com Contents 1.0 Introduction ....................................................................................................................... 3 2.0 Main Features ................................................................................................................... 3 3.0 Module Types.................................................................................................................... 4 4.0 Mechanical Dimensions..................................................................................................... 5 5.0 Design Guidelines 5.1 PCB Design ................................................................................................................ 5 5.2 Module Placement Strategy...................................................................................... 15 5.3 External Antenna Applications.................................................................................. 20 6.0 SMT Assembly Guidelines for AW24MCHL-SM .............................................................. 21 Artaflex Inc. 215 Konrad Crescent Markham, Ontario, Canada L3R8T9 (905) 479-0148 File: AN-121-0001-R2 Page 2 of 23 http://www.artaflexmodules.com 1. Introduction This document provides information on designing Artaflex wireless modules into products that require 2.4 GHz ISM band wireless data transmission. A brief description is provided for all the modules to aid in assisting the designer on selecting the right model for the design. For more detailed information, please refer to engineering datasheets or contact Artaflex technical sales/support. To ensure optimal RF performance, suggested design guidelines are provided for placement on PCB. Information on mating connectors on host board, solder reflow temperature profiles for assembly and reworking information are also provided. manufacturing are also provided. Artaflex wireless modules operate in the 2.4 GHZ ISM band. The Falcon series modules are based on Cypress Semiconductor CyFi chipset and offer seamless compliance to the CyFi protocol. The modules are low power with transmitting data rates up to 1Mb/s and operating range from 50 meters for embedded antenna devices to 1 kilometer for devices equipped with a power amplifier. All modules are FCC/EU/ETS/Industry Canada agency certified. 2. Main Features • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Low operating current Transmit power from 4dBm up to +21 dBm Receive sensitivity up to –97 dBm Sleep current <1-10 µA Operating range from 10m to 1km or more depending on model and conditions DSSS data rates up to 250 kbps, GFSK data rate of 1 Mbps Auto Transaction Sequencer (ATS) - no micro controller intervention Framing, Length, CRC16, and Auto ACK Fast startup and fast channel changes Separate 16-byte transmit and receive FIFOs AutoRate™ - dynamic data rate reception Receive Signal Strength Indication (RSSI) 4-MHz SPI microcontroller interface No proprietary software required Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) control while in sleep mode Operating voltage from 2.4 to 3.6 volts Operating temperature from 0 to 70°C Size: as small as 15mm(L) x 13.5(W) x 1.8mm(H) Artaflex Inc. 215 Konrad Crescent Markham, Ontario, Canada L3R8T9 (905) 479-0148 File: AN-121-0001-R2 Page 3 of 23 http://www.artaflexmodules.com • • Weight: 5 - 27 grams FCC Modular Approval Grant to meet FCC Part 15, EN 300 328-1, EN 301 489-1, EN 301 489-7 and Industry Canada RSS-210 standards 3. Module Types There are many packaging options available. The following is a list of available modules with a brief description. 1) AWP24S has an integrated PCB print antenna. It is a first generation module. 2) AWS24S has a co-axial U.FL connector for attaching an external antenna. It is a first generation module. 3) AWP24U is a USB dongle version allowing it to plug into computers. 4) AWA24S has a power amplifier for longest operating range 5) AWAC24U is a USB dongle with a power amplifier that offers longest range and a computer interface 6) AW24MCHL-H2 has a chip antenna and header connector. It is a second generation module that offers high performance in the smallest available package. 7) AW24MCHL-HR is the same as AW24MCHL-H2 but has a right angle connector allowing the module to be mounted perpendicular to host PCB. 8) AW24MCHL-SM is a surface mount version that has the lowest profile since there is no header connector. 9) AW24MUFL has a header connector and has a U.FL connector for connecting an external antenna. Artaflex Inc. 215 Konrad Crescent Markham, Ontario, Canada L3R8T9 (905) 479-0148 File: AN-121-0001-R2 Page 4 of 23 http://www.artaflexmodules.com 4. Mechanical Dimensions a. AWP24S - Integrated PCB Antenna Module Size: 38.1 mm x 25.4 mm (1.5” x 1.0”) AWP24S Connector Pin Information Pin Name Type Default Description 1 GND Power GND Ground 2 VCC Power VCC Main Supply 2.4 to 3.6 volts 3 IRQ I/O - 4 RST Input Input Module Reset. Internal on Chip 10k-ohm pull-down resistor. Active HIGH 5 MOSI I/O Input SPI data input, or SDAT Interrupt output (configurable active high or low), or GPIO 6 SS Input Pull Up 7 SCK Input Input SPI Clock 8 MISO I/O Hi Z SPI data output pin or GPIO in 3-pin SPI mode. 9 GND Power GND Ground 10 PACTL I/O NC No Connect – Leave Open Circuit[8] 11 TXPA I/O NC No Connect – Leave Open Circuit[8] 12 RXPA I/O NC No Connect – Leave Open Circuit[8] Artaflex Inc. 215 Konrad Crescent Markham, Ontario, Canada L3R8T9 (905) 479-0148 SPI Interface enable, Active LOW File: AN-121-0001-R2 Page 5 of 23 http://www.artaflexmodules.com b. AWS24S - Co-axial External Antenna Module Size: 38.1 mm x 25.4 mm (1.5” x 1.0”) AWS24S Connector Pin Information Pin Name Type Default 1 GND Power GND Ground 2 VCC Power VCC Main Supply 2.4 to 3.6 volts 3 IRQ I/O - 4 RST Input Input Module Reset. Internal on Chip 10k-ohm pull-down resistor. Active HIGH 5 MOSI I/O Input SPI data input, or SDAT 6 SS Input Pull Up 7 SCK Input Input 8 MISO I/O Hi Z SPI data output pin or GPIO in 3-pin SPI mode. 9 GND Power GND Ground Artaflex Inc. 215 Konrad Crescent Markham, Ontario, Canada L3R8T9 (905) 479-0148 Description Interrupt output (configurable active high or low), or GPIO SPI Interface enable, Active LOW SPI Clock File: AN-121-0001-R2 Page 6 of 23 http://www.artaflexmodules.com 10 PACTL I/O NC No Connect – Leave Open Circuit[8] 11 TXPA I/O NC No Connect – Leave Open Circuit[8] 12 RXPA I/O NC No Connect – Leave Open Circuit[8] c. AWA24S - Power Amplifier Module Size: 25.4 mm x 20.32 mm AWA24S Connector Pin Information Pin Name Type Default 1 GND Power GND Ground 2 VCC Power VCC Main Supply 2.4 to 3.6 volts 3 IRQ I/O - 4 RST Input Input Module Reset. Internal on Chip 10k-ohm pull-down resistor. Active HIGH 5 MOSI I/O Input SPI data input, or SDAT 6 SS Input Pull Up 7 SCK Input Input SPI Clock 8 MISO I/O Hi Z SPI data output pin or GPIO in 3-pin SPI mode. 9 GND Power GND Ground 10 *PACTL Power VCC Power Control – max power at 3.3V - Shut down “0V” 11 TXPA Input Input Active High to set Module into a Transmit mode (RXPA = Low) 12 RXPA Input Input Active High to set the Module into a Receive mode (TXPA = Low) Artaflex Inc. 215 Konrad Crescent Markham, Ontario, Canada L3R8T9 (905) 479-0148 Description Interrupt output (configurable active high or low), or GPIO SPI Interface enable, Active LOW File: AN-121-0001-R2 Page 7 of 23 http://www.artaflexmodules.com d. AWP24U - Wireless USB Dongle Size: Artaflex Inc. 215 Konrad Crescent Markham, Ontario, Canada L3R8T9 (905) 479-0148 45.7 mm x 20.3 mm File: AN-121-0001-R2 Page 8 of 23 http://www.artaflexmodules.com e. AWAC24U – Wireless USB Dongle with PA No Drawing Available. Mechanical Specifications Pending Release. Artaflex Inc. 215 Konrad Crescent Markham, Ontario, Canada L3R8T9 (905) 479-0148 File: AN-121-0001-R2 Page 9 of 23 http://www.artaflexmodules.com f. AW24MCHL-H2 - Micro Module with Chip Antenna Size: 16 mm x 13.5 mm g. AW24MCHL-HR - Micro Module with Chip Antenna and RA Connector Artaflex Inc. 215 Konrad Crescent Markham, Ontario, Canada L3R8T9 (905) 479-0148 File: AN-121-0001-R2 Page 10 of 23 http://www.artaflexmodules.com AW24MCHL-H2 / HR Connector Pin Information Header Name Type Pin No Default Description 1 GND Power GND Ground 2 VCC Power VCC Main Supply 2.4 to 3.6 volts 3 IRQ I/O - 4 RST Input Input Module Reset. Internal on Chip 10k-ohm pulldown resistor. Active HIGH 5 MOSI I/O Input SPI data input, or SDAT 6 SS Input Pull Up 7 SCK Input Input SPI Clock 8 MISO I/O Hi Z SPI data output pin or GPIO in 3-pin SPI mode. 9 GND Power GND Ground 10 L/D Power GND Connect to GND. Artaflex Inc. 215 Konrad Crescent Markham, Ontario, Canada L3R8T9 (905) 479-0148 Interrupt output (configurable active high or low), or GPIO SPI Interface enable, Active LOW File: AN-121-0001-R2 Page 11 of 23 http://www.artaflexmodules.com 11 TXPA I/O O Can be used as GPIO 12 RXPA I/O O Can be used as GPIO h. AW24MUFL-H2 - Micro Module with UFL connector Size: Artaflex Inc. 215 Konrad Crescent Markham, Ontario, Canada L3R8T9 (905) 479-0148 16 mm x 13.5 mm File: AN-121-0001-R2 Page 12 of 23 http://www.artaflexmodules.com AW24MUFL-H2 Connector Pin Information Header Name Type Pin No Default Description 1 GND Power GND Ground 2 VCC Power VCC Main Supply 2.4 to 3.6 volts 3 IRQ I/O - 4 RST Input Input Module Reset. Internal on Chip 10k-ohm pulldown resistor. Active HIGH 5 MOSI I/O Input SPI data input, or SDAT Interrupt output (configurable active high or low), or GPIO 6 SS Input Pull Up 7 SCK Input Input SPI Interface enable, Active LOW SPI Clock 8 MISO I/O Hi Z SPI data output pin or GPIO in 3-pin SPI mode. 9 GND Power GND Ground 10 L/D Power GND Connect to GND. 11 TXPA I/O O Can be used as GPIO 12 RXPA I/O O Can be used as GPIO Artaflex Inc. 215 Konrad Crescent Markham, Ontario, Canada L3R8T9 (905) 479-0148 File: AN-121-0001-R2 Page 13 of 23 http://www.artaflexmodules.com i. AW24MCHL-SM - Micro Module with Surface Mount Connections Size: 15 mm x 13.5 mm AW24MCHL-SM Connector Pin out Information SMT Pin No Name Type Default Description 12 GND Power GND Ground 11 VCC Power VCC Main Supply 2.4 to 3.6 volts 5 IRQ I/O - 9 RST Input Input Module Reset. Internal on Chip 10k-ohm pulldown resistor. Active HIGH 3 MOSI I/O Input SPI data input, or SDAT 4 SS Input Pull Up 2 SCK Input Input Interrupt output (configurable active high or low), or GPIO SPI Interface enable, Active LOW SPI Clock 6 MISO I/O Hi Z SPI data output pin or GPIO in 3-pin SPI mode. 13 GND Power GND Ground 10 L/D Power GND 7 XOUT I/O O 8 PACTL I/O O 1,14,15,16 Artaflex Inc. 215 Konrad Crescent Markham, Ontario, Canada L3R8T9 (905) 479-0148 Connect to GND. Buffered 0.75, 1.5, 3, 6, or 12 MHz clock, PACTL, or GPIO. Tri-states in sleep mode (configure as GPIO drive LOW). Control signal for external PA, T/R switch, or GPIO. No Connect – Leave Open Circuit[8] File: AN-121-0001-R2 Page 14 of 23 http://www.artaflexmodules.com 5.0 Design Guidelines 5.1 PCB Design All Falcon wireless modules except the surface mount version require a mating receptacle connector on the host PCB. The following are recommended connectors manufactured by FCI that will mate to the modules. Equivalents from other manufacturers can also be used. These are available as surface mount versions or through-hole: FCI part number 55508-112TRLF (12 pin dual row 2mm vertical SM receptacle) http://portal.fciconnect.com/portal/page/portal/FcicntPublic/ComergentConnect?appname=catDi splayStyle$domProductQueryName=55508-112TRLF*$OP=search FCI part number 63453-112LF (12 pin dual row 2mm vertical through hole receptacle) http://portal.fciconnect.com/portal/page/portal/FcicntPublic/ComergentConnect?appname=catDi splayStyle$domProductQueryName=63453-112lf*$OP=search Artaflex Inc. 215 Konrad Crescent Markham, Ontario, Canada L3R8T9 (905) 479-0148 File: AN-121-0001-R2 Page 15 of 23 http://www.artaflexmodules.com For Artaflex wireless module AW24MCHL-SM, there is no mating connector required since it is mounted directly onto the host PCB. See below for recommended land pattern. Artaflex Inc. 215 Konrad Crescent Markham, Ontario, Canada L3R8T9 (905) 479-0148 File: AN-121-0001-R2 Page 16 of 23 http://www.artaflexmodules.com 5.2 Module Placement Strategy Artaflex wireless modules are RF devices that require proper placement on PCB to ensure optimal performance. The antenna on the PCB has an omnidirectional radiation pattern. To maximize antenna efficiency, an adequate grounding plane must be provided under the module. However, the areas underneath and surrounding the antenna area must be free of copper. The position of the module on the host board and overall design of the product enclosure contribute to antenna performance. Poor design effects radiation patterns and can result in reflection, diffraction, and/or scattering of the transmitted signal thus limiting the range. Measured radiation patterns of these modules are available from Artaflex and can be used to benchmark design performance. In summary: i. Never place the ground plane or route copper traces directly underneath the antenna portion of the module. ii. Never place the antenna close to metallic objects. iii. Keep wiring, components and objects away from antenna. iv. Do not place the antenna in a metallic or metalized plastic enclosure. v. Enclosure walls should be 1cm or more away from the antenna in all directions. vi. If possible, mount antenna overhanging the edge of the host board. Add an uninterrupted ground plane on host board, directly underneath the module, up to the PCB edge. Adding a ground plane will allow traces to be run on the on the bottom side of the host board if required. See diagram following. vii. If antenna cannot be mounted in overhanging position, then provisions must be made to keep area clear of copper as recommended in diagram. viii. For designs that require external antenna and U.FL connector, use recommended antenna. The rules for placement on edge are not required. However, a ground plane is necessary underneath the module. Artaflex Inc. 215 Konrad Crescent Markham, Ontario, Canada L3R8T9 (905) 479-0148 File: AN-121-0001-R2 Page 17 of 23 http://www.artaflexmodules.com If required, please contact Artaflex for assistance for PCB layout and RF design. Artaflex Inc. 215 Konrad Crescent Markham, Ontario, Canada L3R8T9 (905) 479-0148 File: AN-121-0001-R2 Page 18 of 23 http://www.artaflexmodules.com Artaflex Inc. 215 Konrad Crescent Markham, Ontario, Canada L3R8T9 (905) 479-0148 File: AN-121-0001-R2 Page 19 of 23 http://www.artaflexmodules.com 5.3 External Antenna Applications Artaflex recommends using Centurion antenna WRR2400-IP04-B for modules that require an external antenna. This antenna has been qualified and approved for use by regulatory agencies in the US, Canada and European Union under the Modular Approval certification. It is compatible with the RF impedance and frequency range of all Artaflex models that have an external antenna with U.FL connector. The use of any antenna that does not meet the same parameters as the antenna recommended voids the Modular Approval grant. Follow the recommended rules for optimal performance: i. ii. iii. Artaflex Inc. 215 Konrad Crescent Markham, Ontario, Canada L3R8T9 (905) 479-0148 Place antenna vertically for longest range and best communication Allow 75-130 mm clearance from antenna to any metallic objects File: AN-121-0001-R2 Page 20 of 23 http://www.artaflexmodules.com 6. SMT Assembly Guidelines for AW24MCHL-SM j. Solder Reflow Profiles Package Reflow Parameters J-STD-020 Convention 220 +/- Reflow Profile Average ramp-up rate (183ْ C to peak) Preheat temperature 125ْ C (+/- 25ْ C) Temperature maintained above 183ْْ C Time within 5ْْ C of actual peak temperature Peak temperature range Ramp-down rate Time 25ْ C to peak temperature 3ْْ C/second max 120 seconds max 60~150 seconds 10~20 seconds 220 +5/-0ْ C 6ْ C/second max 6 minutes max Package Reflow Parameters J-STD-020 Convention 235 +5/-0ْ C Reflow Profile Average ramp-up rate (183ْ C to peak) Preheat temperature 125ْ C (+/- 25ْ C) Temperature maintained above 183ْْ C Time within 5ْْ C of actual peak temperature Peak temperature range Ramp-down rate Time 25ْ C to peak temperature 3ْْ C/second max 120 seconds max 60 ~150 seconds 10 ~ 20 seconds 235 +5/-0ْ C 6ْ C/second max 6 minutes max Package Reflow Parameters NEMI Recommended Convection or IR 260ْ C Reflow Profile Ramp-up rate (217ْ C to peak) Preheat temperature 125ْ C (+/- 25ْ C) Time 50ْْ C to peak temperature Temperature maintained above 217ْ C Time within 5ْ C of actual peak temperature Peak temperature range Ramp-down rate Artaflex Inc. 215 Konrad Crescent Markham, Ontario, Canada L3R8T9 (905) 479-0148 3ْْ C/second max 60 to 120 seconds max 3.5 minutes, 6 minutes max 60 to 150 seconds 10 ~ 20 seconds 260ْ C -5/+0ْ C 6ْ C/second max File: AN-121-0001-R2 Page 21 of 23 http://www.artaflexmodules.com k. Pb-Free Soldering Paste Use of “No Clean” soldering paste is strongly recommended, as it does not require cleaning after the soldering process. Note: The quality of the solder joints on the castellations (‘half vias’) where they contact the host board should meet the appropriate IPC specification. See IPCA-610-D Acceptability of Electronic Assemblies, section 8.2.4 Castellated Terminations. l. Cleaning In general, cleaning the populated modules is strongly discouraged. Residuals under the module cannot be easily removed with any cleaning process. Cleaning with water can lead to capillary effects where water is absorbed into the gap between the host board and the module. The combination of soldering flux residuals and encapsulated water could lead to short circuits between neighboring pads. Water could also damage any stickers or labels. Cleaning with alcohol or a similar organic solvent will likely flood soldering flux residuals into the two housings, which is not accessible for post-washing inspection. The solvent could also damage any stickers or labels. Ultrasonic cleaning could damage the module permanently. The best approach is to consider using a “no clean” soldering paste and eliminate the post-soldering cleaning step. m. Optical Inspection After soldering the Module to the host board, consider optical inspection to check the following: Proper alignment and centering of the module over the pads. Proper solder joints on all pads. Excessive solder or contacts to neighboring pads, or vias. Artaflex Inc. 215 Konrad Crescent Markham, Ontario, Canada L3R8T9 (905) 479-0148 File: AN-121-0001-R2 Page 22 of 23 http://www.artaflexmodules.com n. Repeating Reflow Soldering Only a single reflow soldering process is encouraged for host boards. o. Wave Soldering If a wave soldering process is required on the host boards due to the presence of leaded components, only a single wave soldering process should be used. p. Hand Soldering Hand soldering is possible. Use a soldering iron temperature setting equivalent to 350°C, follow IPC recommendations/reference document IPC-7711. q. Rework The SMT Module can be unsoldered from the host board. Use of a hot air rework tool and hot plate for pre-heating from underneath is recommended. Avoid overheating. Warning! Never attempt a rework on the module itself, e.g. replacing individual components. Such actions will void warranty coverage. The information contained herein is subject to change without notice and may be found to contain errors of omission or changes in parameters. For feedback or technical support regarding Artaflex CyFi Radio Modem products please contact Artaflex at www.artaflex.com. Artaflex Inc. assumes no responsibility for the use of any circuitry other than circuitry embodied in an Artaflex product. Nor does it convey or imply any license under patent or other rights. Artaflex products are not warranted nor intended to be used for medical, life support, life saving, critical control or safety applications, unless pursuant to an express written agreement with Artaflex Inc. Furthermore, Artaflex does not authorize its products for use as critical components in life-support systems where a malfunction or failure may reasonably be expected to result in significant injury to the user. The inclusion of Artaflex products in life-support systems application implies that the manufacturer assumes all risk of such use and in doing so indemnifies Artaflex Inc. against all charges. CyFi and AutoRate are trademarks™ of Cypress Semiconductor. All products and company names mentioned in this document are the trademarks of their respective holders. Artaflex Inc. 215 Konrad Crescent Markham, Ontario, Canada L3R8T9 (905) 479-0148 File: AN-121-0001-R2 Page 23 of 23 http://www.artaflexmodules.com