
EM357 Mini Modules
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This document is subject to change without notice
Document No: 0011-00-07-00-000 (Issue H)
TRANSCEIVER IC
CEL’s MeshConnect EM357 Mini Modules use the Ember EM357 transceiver IC. This IC incorporates the RF
transceiver with the baseband modem, a hardwired MAC, and an embedded ARM® Cortex™-M3 microcontroller,
offering an excellent low cost high performance solution for all IEEE 802.15.4 / ZigBee applications. For more
information about the EM357 IC, visit www.silabs.com.
ANTENNA
CEL’s MeshConnect EM357 Mini Modules include an integrated Printed Circuit Board (PCB) trace antenna. An
optional conguration which uses a castellation pin on the module allows the user to connect an external antenna. The
ZICM357SP0 has been certied with the PCB trace antenna only while the ZICM357SP2 has been certied with the
PCB trace antenna and a Nearson half-wave dipole antenna (part number: S181AH-2450S) on a 4 inch cable using
the castellation pin of the module. Please refer to the document ZICM357SP2-1C External Antenna Implementation
for details describing the requirements that must be followed to take advantage of the CEL certication.
The PCB antenna employs a topology that is compact and highly efcient. To maximize range, an adequate
ground plane must be provided on the host PCB. Correctly positioned, the ground plane on the host PCB will
contribute signicantly to the antenna performance (it should not be directly under the module PCB Antenna).
The position of the module on the host board and overall design of the product enclosure contribute to antenna
performance. Poor design affects radiation patterns and can result in reection, diffraction and/or scattering of
the transmitted signal.
For optimum antenna performance, the MeshConnect Modules should be mounted with the PCB trace antenna
overhanging the edge of the host board. To further improve performance, a ground plane should be placed on
the host board under the module, up to the antenna (a minimum of 1.5" x 1.5" is recommended). The installation
of an uninterrupted ground plane on a layer directly beneath the module will also allow you to run traces under
this layer. CEL can provide assistance with your PCB layout.
The following are some design guidelines to help ensure antenna performance:
• Never place the ground plane or route copper traces directly underneath the antenna portion of the module
• Never place the antenna close to metallic objects
• In the overall design, ensure that wiring and other components are not placed near the antenna
• Do not place the antenna in a metallic or metalized plastic enclosure
• Keep plastic enclosures 1cm or more away from the antenna in any direction
Under Industry Canada regulations, this radio transmitter may only operate using an antenna of a type and
maximum (or lesser) gain approved for the transmitter by Industry Canada. To reduce potential radio interference
to other users, the antenna type and its gain should be so chosen that the equivalent isotropically radiated power
(e.i.r.p.) is not more than that necessary for successful communication.
Conformément à la réglementation d'Industrie Canada, le présent émetteur radio peut fonctionner avec une
antenne d'un type et d'un gain maximal (ou inférieur) approuvé pour l'émetteur par Industrie Canada. Dans
le but de réduire les risques de brouillage radioélectrique à l'intention des autres utilisateurs, il faut choisir le
type d'antenne et son gain de sorte que la puissance isotrope rayonnée équivalente (p.i.r.e.) ne dépasse pas
l'intensité nécessaire à l'établissement d'une communication satisfaisante.
POWER AMPLIFIER
CEL’s MeshConnect EM357 High Power Module (ZICM357SP2) includes a Power Amplier (PA). This PA
delivers high efciency, high gain, and high output power (Pout = +20.0dBm TYP) to provide an extended range
and reliable transmission for fewer nodes in a network. For the ZICM357SP2, Power Mode 2 with Power Setting
-2 is the maximum setting allowed for FCC compliance. Operating in Power Mode 3 at higher power settings may
damage the PA.