WIRELESS MADE SIMPLE
®
APPLICATIONS INCLUDE
Wireless Networks / Data Transfer
Wireless Analog / Audio
Home / Industrial Automation
Remote Access / Control
Remote Monitoring / Telemetry
Long-Range RFID
MIDI Links
Voice / Music / Intercom Links
HP3 SERIES RECEIVER MODULE DATA GUIDE
Revised 1/28/08
DESCRIPTION
The HP3 RF receiver module offers complete
compatibility and numerous enhancements
over previous generations. The HP3 is
designed for the cost-effective, high-
performance wireless transfer of analog or
digital information in the popular 902-928MHz
band. All HP3 Series modules feature eight
parallel selectable channels, but versions are
also available which add serial selection of 100
channels. To ensure reliable performance, the
receiver employs FM / FSK demodulation and
an advanced dual-conversion microprocessor-
controlled synthesized architecture. The
receiver is pin- and footprint-compatible with all
previous generations, but its overall physical size has been reduced. Both SMD and
pinned packages are available. When paired with an HP3 transmitter, a reliable link
is created for transferring analog and digital information up to 1,000 feet. (under
optimal conditions). As with all Linx modules, the HP3 requires no tuning or additional
RF components (except an antenna), making integration straightforward even for
engineers without prior RF experience.
LOT 10000
RXM-900-HP3-SP*
HP SERIES RF RECEIVER
Pin Spacing: 0.1"
0.236"
0.780"
1.940"
0.190"
0.750"
LOT 10000
RXM-900-HP3-SP*
HP SERIES RF RECEIVER
1.950"
SMD Style
SIP Style
Figure 1: Package Dimensions
FEATURES
8 parallel / 100 serial (PS Versions)
user-selectable channels
FM / FSK demodulation for outstanding
performance and noise immunity
Exceptional sensitivity (-100dBm typical)
Wide-range analog capability including
audio (50Hz to 28kHz)
RSSI and Power-down lines
Precision frequency
synthesized architecture
No external RF
components required
Compatible with previous
HP Series modules
High data rate
(up to 56kbps)
Wide supply range
(2.8 to 13.0VDC)
Direct serial interface
Pinned and SMD packages
Wide temperature range
(-30°C to +85°C)
PART # DESCRIPTION
RXM-900-HP3-PPO HP3 Receiver (SIP 8 CH only)
RXM-900-HP3-PPS HP3 Receiver (SIP 8p / 100s CH)
RXM-900-HP3-SPO HP3 Receiver (SMD 8 CH only)
RXM-900-HP3-SPS HP3 Receiver (SMD 8p / 100s CH)
MDEV-900-HP3-PPS-USB HP3 Development Kit (Pinned Pkg.)
MDEV-900-HP3-PPS-RS232 HP3 Development Kit (Pinned Pkg.)
MDEV-900-HP3-SPS-USB HP3 Development Kit (SMD Pkg.)
MDEV-900-HP3-SPS-RS232 HP3 Development Kit (SMD Pkg.)
Receivers are supplied in tubes of 10 pcs.
ORDERING INFORMATION
HIGH-PERFORMANCE
RF MODULE
RXM-900-HP3-xxx
Page 3
-110 -100 -90 -80 -70 -60 -50 -40
1.0
1.5
2.0
2.5
3.0
RF INPUT (dBm)
RSSI VOLTAGE (V)
Figure 5: Worst Case RSSI Response Time
Figure 3: RX Enabled to Valid Data
Figure 6: BER vs. Input Power (typical)
CH1 500mV
1Delta 4.080mS1mS
RX OFF
RX ON >-35dBm
10-6
10-5
10-4
10-3
-92 -93 -94 -95 -96 -97 -98 -99 -100 -101 -102
BER
PIN (dBm)
Figure 4: Receiver RSSI
TYPICAL PERFORMANCE GRAPHS
Page 2
CH1 1.00V CH2 2.00V 500uS
1
2
PDN
RX DATA
Delta 1.920mS
ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM RATINGS
Supply Voltage VCC -0.3 to +18.0 VDC
Any Input or Output Pin -0.3 to VCC VDC
Operating Temperature -30 to +85 °C
Storage Temperature -45 to +85 °C
Soldering Temperature +260°C for 10 seconds
*NOTE* Exceeding any of the limits of this section may lead to permanent
damage to the device. Furthermore, extended operation at these maximum
ratings may reduce the life of this device.
ELECTRICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Parameter Designation Min. Typical Max. Units Notes
POWER SUPPLY
Operating Voltage VCC 2.8 3.0 13.0 VDC
Supply Current ICC 16.0 19.0 21.0 mA 1
Power-Down Current IPDN 5.6 10.0 µA 2
RECEIVE SECTION
Receive Frequency Range FC902.62 927.62 MHz 3
Center Frequency Accuracy -50 +50 kHz
Channel Spacing 250 kHz 3
First IF Frequency 34.7 MHz 4
Second IF Frequency 10.7 MHz 4
Noise Bandwidth N3DB 280 kHz
Data Rate 100 56,000 bps
Analog / Audio Bandwidth 50 28,000 Hz 4
Analog / Audio Output Level 0.8 1.1 2.0 VAC 5
Data Output:
Logic Low 0.0 0.5 VDC 6
Logic High VCC-0.3 VCC VDC 6
Output Impedance 17 kohms
Data Output Source Current 230
µ
A7
Receiver Sensitivity -94 -100 -107 dBm 8,9
RSSI:
Dynamic Range 60 70 80 dB 4
Gain 24 mV/dB 4
Voltage With No Carrier 1.6 V 4
Spurious Emissions -57 dBm 4
Interference Rejection:
FC±1MHz 54 dB 4
FC±5MHz –57dB4
ANTENNA PORT
RF Input Impedance ROUT –50Ω4
TIMING
Receiver Turn-On Time:
via VCC T4 7.0 mSec 4
via PDN T3 3.0 mSec 4
Channel Change Time T2 1.5 mSec 4
Max time between transitions T1 20 mSec 4
ENVIRONMENTAL
Operating Temperature Range -30 +85 °C4
1. Over the entire operating voltage range.
2. With the PDN pin low.
3. Serial mode.
4. Characterized, but not tested.
5. With 1kHz sine wave @ 115kHz transmitter deviation
6. No load.
7. With 1V output drop.
8. For 10-5 @ 9,600bps.
9. At specified center frequency.
Notes
Table 1: HP3 Series Receiver Specifications
PERFORMANCE DATA
These performance parameters
are based on module operation at
25°C from a 3.0VDC supply unless
otherwise noted. Figure 2
illustrates the connections
necessary for testing and
operation. It is recommended all
ground pins be connected to the
ground plane. The pins marked NC
have no electrical connection.
Figure 2: Test / Basic Application Circuit
ANT
GND
GND NC
NC
NC
NC
NC
NC
GND
GND
GND
GND
GND
NC
NC
NC
CS0
CS1 / SS CLOCK NC
NC
NC
NC
CS2 / SS DATA
PDN
RSSI
NC
NC
MODE
VCC
AUDIO NC
NC
DATA
NC
NC
5VDC
PC
PC
PC
PC
Page 4 Page 5
50-ohm RF Input
Analog Ground
No Connection
ANT
GND
Channel Select 0CS0
Channel Select 1 /
Serial Select Clock
CS1 /
SS CLOCK
Channel Select 2 /
Serial Select Data
Received Signal
Strength Indicator
Mode Select
Voltage Input 2.8-13V
1VP-P Analog Output
Digital Data Output
NC
Power Down
(Active Low)
CS2 /
SS DATA
PDN
RSSI
MODE
VCC
AUDIO
DATA
SMD Only No Connection
NC
PDN
470k
VCC
4.7k
RSSI
VCC
RF In
50Ω
CS2
25k
µ
25k
µ
CS1
25k
µ
CS0
25k
µ
1
2-8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19-36
Pin # Name Equivalent Circuit Description
PIN DESCRIPTIONS
Figure 8: Pin Functions and Equivalent Circuits
PIN ASSIGNMENTS
ANT
GND
GND
GND
GND
GND
GND
GND
N/C
CS0
CS1 / SS CLOCK
CS2 / SS DATA
PDN
RSSI
MODE
VCC
AUDIO
DATA
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
ANT
GND
GND NC
NC
NC
NC
NC
NC
GND
GND
GND
GND
GND
NC
NC
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
829
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
NC
CS0
CS1 / SS CLOCK NC
NC
NC
NC
CS2 / SS DATA
PDN
RSSI
NC
NC
9
10
11
12
13
14
23
24
25
26
27
28
MODE
VCC
AUDIO NC
NC
DATA
NC
NC
15
16
17
18 19
20
21
22
Figure 7: HP3 Series Receiver Pinout
Pin # Name Description
1ANT 50-ohm RF Input
2-8 GND Analog Ground
9NC No Connection
10 CS0 Channel Select 0
11 CS1 / SS
CLOCK
Channel Select 1 / Serial Select Clock. Channel Select 1
when in parallel channel selection mode, clock input for
serial channel selection mode.
12 CS2 / SS
DATA
Channel Select 1 / Serial Select Data. Channel Select 2
when in parallel channel selection mode, data input for
serial channel selection mode.
13 PDN
Power Down. Pulling this line low will place the receiver
into a low-current state. The module will not be able to
receive a signal in this state.
14 RSSI
Received Signal Strength Indicator. This line will supply an
analog voltage that is proportional to the strength of the
received signal.
15 MODE Mode Select. GND for parallel channel selection, VCC for
serial channel selection
16 VCC Supply Voltage
17 AUDIO Recovered Analog Output
18 DATA Digital Data Output. This line will output the demodulated
digital data.
19-36 NC No Connection (SMD only)
Surface-Mount ReceiverPinned Receiver
THEORY OF OPERATION
The HP3 is a high-performance multi-channel, dual-conversion superhet
receiver capable of recovering both analog (FM) and digital (FSK) information
from a matching HP Series transmitter. FM / FSK modulation offers significant
advantages over AM or OOK modulation methods, including increased noise
immunity and the receiver’s ability to capture in the presence of multiple signals.
This is especially helpful in crowded bands, like that in which the HP3 operates.
The single-ended RF port is matched to 50-ohms to support commonly available
antennas, such as those manufactured by Linx. The RF signal coming in from
the antenna is filtered by a Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) filter to attenuate
unwanted RF energy. A SAW filter provides significantly higher performance
than other filter types, such as an LC bandpass filter.
Once filtered, the signal is amplified by a Low Noise Amplifier (LNA) to increase
the receiver sensitivity and lower the overall noise figure of the receiver. After the
LNA, the signal is mixed with a synthesized local oscillator operating 34.7MHz
below the incoming transmission frequency to produce the first Intermediate
Frequency (IF).
The second conversion and FM demodulation is achieved by a high-
performance IF strip that mixes the 34.7MHz first conversion frequency with
24.0MHz from a precision crystal oscillator. The resulting second IF of 10.7MHz
is then highly amplified in preparation for demodulation.
A quadrature demodulator is used to recover the baseband signal from the
carrier. The demodulated waveform is filtered, after which it closely resembles
the original signal. The signal is routed to the analog output pin and the data
slicer stage, which provides squared digital output via the data output pin. A key
feature of the HP3 is the transparency of its digital output, which does not impose
balancing or duty-cycle requirements within a range of 100bps to 56kbps.
An on-board microcontroller manages receiver functions and greatly simplifies
user interface. The microcontroller reads the channel selection lines and
programs the on-board synthesizer. This frees the designer from complex
programming requirements and allows for manual or software channel selection.
The microcontroller also monitors incoming signal strength and squelches the
data output when the signal is not strong enough for accurate data detection.
Page 7Page 6
Channel
Select
SAW BPF
VCO
PLL
{
4MHz
Int. Osc.
MODE
CS0
CS1
CS2
LNA
34.7M
BPF
10.7MHz
BPF
24MHz
Crystal
IF
Amp
10.7M
BPF
10.7M
Discriminator
Quad
RSSI
Digital
Data
Analog
Data
Limiter
Figure 9: HP3 Series Receiver Block Diagram
POWER-UP SEQUENCE
As previously mentioned, the HP3 is controlled
by an on-board microprocessor. When power
is applied, the microprocessor executes the
receiver start-up sequence, after which the
receiver is ready to receive valid data.
The adjacent figure shows the start-up
sequence. This sequence is executed when
power is applied to the VCC line or when the
PDN line is taken high.
On power-up, the microprocessor reads the
external channel selection lines and sets the
frequency synthesizer to the appropriate
channel. Once the frequency synthesizer has
stabilized, the receiver is ready to accept data.
POWER SUPPLY
The HP3 incorporates a precision, low-dropout
regulator on-board, which allows operation over an
input voltage range of 2.8 to 13 volts DC. Despite this
regulator, it is still important to provide a supply that
is free of noise. Power supply noise can significantly
affect the receiver sensitivity; therefore, providing a
clean power supply for the module should be a high
priority during design.
A 10Ωresistor in series with the supply followed by a
10µF tantalum capacitor from VCC to ground will help in cases where the quality
of supply power is poor. This filter should be placed close to the module’s supply
lines. These values may need to be adjusted depending on the noise present on
the supply line.
USING THE PDN PIN
The Power Down (PDN) line can be used to power down the receiver without the
need for an external switch. This line has an internal pull-up, so when it is held
high or simply left floating, the module will be active.
When the PDN line is pulled to ground, the receiver will enter into a low-current
(<10µA) power-down mode. During this time the receiver is off and cannot
perform any function. It may be useful to note that the startup time coming out
of power-down will be slightly less than when applying VCC.
The PDN line allows easy control of the receiver state from external
components, like a microcontroller. By periodically activating the receiver,
checking for data, then powering down, the receiver’s average current
consumption can be greatly reduced, saving power in battery-operated
applications.
POWER ON
Squelch Data
Output Pin
Determine Mode
Program Freq. Synth
To Default CH. 50
Read Channel
Selection Inputs
Crystal Oscillator
Begins to Operate
Program Frequency
Synthesizer
Ready for
Serial Data Input
Crystal Oscillator
Begins to Work
Determine Squelch
State Data Output Pin
Cycle Here Until More
Data Input
or Mode Change
Determine Squelch
State Data Output Pin
Cycle Here Until
Channel
or Mode Change
Serial ModeParallel Mode
Figure 10: Start-Up Sequence
+
10Ω
10μF
Vcc IN
Vcc TO
MODULE
Figure 11: Supply Filter
Page 9Page 8
THE DATA OUTPUT
The DATA line outputs recovered digital data. It is an open collector output with
an internal 4.7kΩpull-up. When an RF transmission is not present, or when the
received signal strength is too low to ensure proper demodulation, the data
output is squelched continuous high. This feature supports direct operation with
UARTs, which require their input to be continuously high. An HP3 transmitter and
receiver can be directly connected between two UARTs without the need for
buffering or logical inversion. It should be noted that the squelch level is set just
over the receiver’s internal noise threshold. Any external RF activity above that
threshold will “break squelch” and produce hashing on the line. While the DATA
line will be reliably squelched in low-noise environments, the designer should
always plan for the potential of hashing.
AUDIO OUTPUT
The HP3 Series is optimized for the transmission of serial data; however, it can
also be used very effectively to send a variety of analog signals, including audio.
The ability of the HP3 to send combinations of audio and data opens new areas
of opportunity for creative design.
The analog output of the AUDIO line is valid from 50 Hz to 28 kHz, providing an
AC signal of about 1V peak-to-peak. This is a high impedance output and not
suitable for directly driving low-impedance loads, such as a speaker. In
applications where a low impedance load is to be driven, a buffer circuit should
always be used. For example, in the case of a speaker, a simple op-amp circuit
such as the one shown below can be used to act as an impedance converter.
The transmitter’s modulation voltage is critical, since it determines the carrier
deviation and distortion. The transmitter input level should be adjusted to
achieve the optimum results for your application in your circuit. Please refer to
the transmitter data guide for full details.
When used for audio, the analog output of the receiver should be filtered and
buffered to obtain maximum sound quality. For voice, a 3-4kHz low-pass filter is
often employed. For broader-range sources, such as music, a 12-17kHz cutoff
may be more appropriate. In applications that require high-quality audio, a
compandor may be used to further improve SNR. The HP3 is capable of
providing audio quality comparable to a radio or intercom. For applications where
true high fidelity audio is required, the HP3 will probably not be the best choice,
and a device optimized for audio should be utilized.
HP Analog Out
10k
6
2
3+
4LM386
5
0.05uF
1uF
250uF
10 ohm
VCC
Figure 12: Audio Buffer Amplifier
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
There are four major timing considerations to be aware of when designing with
the HP3 Series receiver. These are shown in the table below.
T1 is the maximum amount of time that can elapse without a data transition. Data
must always be considered in both the analog and the digital domain. Because
the data stream is asynchronous and no particular format is imposed, it is
possible for the data to meet the receiver’s data rate requirement yet violate the
analog frequency requirements. For example, if a 255 (0FF hex) were sent
continuously, the receiver would view the data as a DC level. It would hold that
level until a transition was required to meet the minimum frequency specification.
If no transition occurred, data integrity could not be guaranteed. While no
particular structure or balancing requirement is imposed, the designer must
ensure that both analog and digital signals meet the transition specification.
T2 is the worst-case time needed for a powered-up module to switch between
channels after a valid channel selection. This time does not include external
overhead for loading a desired channel in the serial channel-selection mode.
T3 is the time to receiver readiness from the PDN line going high. Receiver
readiness is determined by valid data on the DATA line. This assumes an
incoming data stream and the presence of stable supply on VCC.
T4 is the time to receiver readiness from the application of VCC. Receiver
readiness is determined by valid data on the DATA line. This assumes an
incoming data stream and the PDN line is high or open.
RECEIVING DATA
Once an RF link has been established, the challenge becomes how to effectively
transfer data across it. While a properly designed RF link provides reliable data
transfer under most conditions, there are still distinct differences from a wired link
that must be addressed. Since the modules do not incorporate internal encoding
or decoding, the user has tremendous flexibility in how data is handled.
It is important to separate the types of transmissions that are technically possible
from those that are legally allowed in the country of operation. Application Notes
AN-00126, AN-00140 and Part 15, Section 249 of the FCC rules should be
reviewed for details on acceptable transmission content in the U.S.
If you want to transfer simple control or status signals (such as button presses)
and your product does not have a microprocessor or you wish to avoid protocol
development, consider using an encoder / decoder IC set. These chips are
available from several manufacturers, including Linx. They take care of all
encoding and decoding functions and provide a number of data lines to which
switches can be directly connected. Address bits are usually provided for
security and to allow the addressing of multiple receivers independently. These
ICs are an excellent way to bring basic remote control products to market quickly
and inexpensively. It is also a simple task to interface with inexpensive
microprocessors or one of many IR, remote control, DTMF, or modem ICs.
Parameter Description Max.
T1 Time between DATA output transitions 20.0mS
T2 Channel change time (time to valid data) 1.5mS
T3 Receiver turn-on time via PDN 3.0mS
T4 Receiver turn-on time via VCC 7.0mS
Page 11Page 10
*See NOTE on previous page.
SERIAL CHANNEL SELECTION TABLE
CHANNEL TX FREQUENCY RX LO CHANNEL TX FREQUENCY RX LO
0 902.62 867.92 51 915.37 880.67
1 902.87 868.17 52 915.62 880.92
2 903.12 868.42 53 915.87 881.17
3 903.37 868.67 54 916.12 881.42
4 903.62 868.92 55 916.37 881.67
5 903.87 869.17 56 916.62 881.92
6 904.12 869.42 57 916.87 882.17
7 904.37 869.67 58 917.12 882.42
8 904.62 869.92 59 917.37 882.67
9 904.87 870.17 60 917.62 882.92
10 905.12 870.42 61 917.87 883.17
11 905.37 870.67 62 918.12 883.42
12 905.62 870.92 63 918.37 883.67
13 905.87 871.17 64 918.62 883.92
14 906.12 871.42 65 918.87 884.17
15 906.37 871.67 66 919.12 884.42
16 906.62 871.92 67 919.37 884.67
17 906.87 872.17 68 919.62 884.92
18 907.12 872.42 69 919.87 885.17
19 907.37 872.67 70 920.12 885.42
20 907.62 872.92 71 920.37 885.67
21 907.87 873.17 72 920.62 885.92
22 908.12 873.42 73 920.87 886.17
23 908.37 873.67 74 921.12 886.42
24 908.62 873.92 75 921.37 886.67
25 908.87 874.17 76 921.62 886.92
26 909.12 874.42 77 921.87 887.17
27 909.37 874.67 78 922.12 887.42
28 909.62 874.92 79 922.37 887.67
29 909.87 875.17 80 922.62 887.92
30 910.12 875.42 81 922.87 888.17
31 910.37 875.67 82 923.12 888.42
32 910.62 875.92 83 923.37 888.67
33 910.87 876.17 84 923.62 888.92
34 911.12 876.42 85 923.87 889.17
35 911.37 876.67 86 924.12 889.42
36 911.62 876.92 87 924.37 889.67
37 911.87 877.17 88 924.62 889.92
38 912.12 877.42 89 924.87 890.17
39 912.37 877.67 90 925.12 890.42
40 912.62 877.92 91 925.37 890.67
41 912.87 878.17 92 925.62 890.92
42 913.12 878.42 93 925.87 891.17
43 913.37 878.67 94 926.12 891.42
44 913.62 878.92 95 926.37 891.67
45 913.87 879.17 96 926.62 891.92
46 914.12 879.42 97 926.87 892.17
47 914.37 879.67 98 927.12 892.42
48 914.62 879.92 99 927.37 892.67
49 914.87 880.17 100 927.62 892.92
50* 915.12 880.42 = Also available in Parallel Mode
CHANNEL SELECTION
Parallel Selection
All HP3 receiver models feature eight
parallel selectable channels. Parallel
Mode is selected by grounding the
MODE line. In this mode, channel
selection is determined by the logic
states of pins CS0, CS1, and CS2, as
shown in the adjacent table. A ‘0’
represents ground and a ‘1’ the positive supply. The on-board microprocessor
performs all PLL loading functions, eliminating external programming and
allowing channel selection via DIP switches or a product’s processor.
Serial Selection
In addition to the Parallel Mode, PS versions of the HP3 also feature 100 serially
selectable channels. The Serial Mode is entered when the MODE line is left open
or held high. In this condition, CS1 and CS2 become a synchronous serial port,
with CS1 serving as the clock line and CS2 as the data line. The module is easily
programmed by sending and latching the binary number (0 to 100) of the desired
channel (see the adjacent Serial Channel Selection Table). With no additional
effort, the module’s microprocessor handles the complex PLL loading functions.
The Serial Mode is
straightforward; however,
minimum timings and bit
order must be followed.
Loading is initiated by
taking the clock line high
and the data line low as
shown. The eight-bit
channel number is then
clocked-in one bit at a
time, with the LSB first.
There is no maximum time for this process, only the minimum times that must be
observed. After the eighth bit, both the clock and data lines should be taken high
to trigger the automatic data latch. A typical software routine can complete the
loading sequence in under 200uS. Sample code is available on the Linx website.
NOTE: When the module is powered up in the Serial Mode, it will default to channel 50 until changed
by user software. This allows testing apart from external programming and prevents out-of-band
operation. When programmed properly, the dwell time on this default channel can be less than 200uS.
Channel 50 is not counted as a usable channel since data errors may occur as transmitters also default
to channel 50 on startup. If a loading error occurs, such as a channel number >100 or a timing problem,
the receiver will default to serial channel 0. This is useful for debugging as it verifies serial port activity.
Table 2: Parallel Channel Selection Table
Variable Data
Note 3
Note 2
Note 1
12345678
T1
25µs
T2
5µs
T3
8µs T4
5µs
Data
Clock
T0
1ms
(T0) Time between packets or prior to data startup ................................1mS min.
(T1) Data-LO / Clock-HI to Data-LO / Clock-LO .......................................25
µ
S min.
(T2) Clock-LO to Clock-HI ...........................................................................5
µ
S min.
(T3) Clock-HI to Clock-LO ...........................................................................8
µ
S min.
(T4) Data-HI / Clock-HI .................................................................................5
µ
S min.
Total Packet Time ......................................................................................157
µ
S min.
1) Loading begins when clock line is high and data line is taken low
2) Ensure that edge is fully risen prior to high-clock transition
3) Both lines high triggers automatic latch
Figure 13: PLL Serial Data Timing
CS2 CS1 CS0 Channel Frequency
0 0 0 0 903.37
0 0 1 1 906.37
0 1 0 2 907.87
0 1 1 3 909.37
1 0 0 4 912.37
1 0 1 5 915.37
1 1 0 6 919.87
1 1 1 7 921.37
Page 13Page 12
TYPICAL APPLICATIONS
The figure below shows a typical RS-232 circuit using the HP3 Series receiver
and a Maxim MAX232. The receiver outputs a serial data stream and the
MAX232 converts that to RS-232 compliant signals. The MODE line is grounded
so the channels are selected by the DIP switches.
The figure below shows a circuit using the QS Series USB module. The QS
converts the data from the receiver into USB compliant signals to be sent to a
PC. The MODE line is high, so the module is in Serial Channel Select mode. The
RTS and DTR lines are used to load the channels. Application Note AN-00155
shows sample source code that can be adapted to use on a PC. The QS Series
Data Guide and Application Note AN-00200 discuss the hardware and software
set-up required for QS Series modules.
The receiver can also be connected to a microcontroller, which will interpret the
data and take specific actions. A UART may be employed or an I / O line may be
used to continuously monitor the DATA line for a valid packet. The receiver may
be connected directly to the microcontroller without the need for buffering or
amplification.
Figure 14: HP3 Receiver and MAX232 IC
C3
C4
C5
C1
4.7
uF
4.7
uF
4.7
uF
MAX2
32
4.7
uF
DB-
9
4.7
uF
C
1
+
V+
C
1
-
C
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+
C
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-
V-
T2
O
U
T
R2IN
R2
OUT
T2IN
T1IN
R1
OUT
R1IN
T1
OUT
G
N
D
V
CC
V
CC
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CC
ANT
GND
GND NC
NC
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GND
GND
GND
GND
GND
NC
NC
1
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7
829
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NC
CS0
CS1 / SS CLOCK NC
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CS2 / SS DATA
PDN
RSSI
NC
NC
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MODE
VCC
AUDIO NC
NC
DATA
NC
NC
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18 19
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G
N
D
US
B-
B
GND
5V
DAT -
G
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D
GS
HD
GS
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GND NC
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VCC
AUDIO NC
NC
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G
N
D
SDM-USB-QS
USBDP
USBDM
GND D
SR
DATA
_
I
N
DATA
_
OU
T
RT
S
C
T
S
DTR
TX_IND
VCC
SUSP_IND
RX_IND
485_TX
RI
DC
D
1
2
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9
1
0
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12
1
3
1
5
1
6
Figure 15: HP3 Receiver and Linx QS Series USB Module
PROTOCOL GUIDELINES
While many RF solutions impose data formatting and balancing requirements,
Linx RF modules do not encode or packetize the signal content in any manner.
The received signal will be affected by such factors as noise, edge jitter, and
interference, but it is not purposefully manipulated or altered by the modules.
This gives the designer tremendous flexibility for protocol design and interface.
Despite this transparency and ease of use, it must be recognized that there are
distinct differences between a wired and a wireless environment. Issues such as
interference and contention must be understood and allowed for in the design
process. To learn more about protocol considerations, we suggest you read Linx
Application Note AN-00160.
Errors from interference or changing signal conditions can cause corruption of
the data packet, so it is generally wise to structure the data being sent into small
packets. This allows errors to be managed without affecting large amounts of
data. A simple checksum or CRC could be used for basic error detection. Once
an error is detected, the protocol designer may wish to simply discard the corrupt
data or implement a more sophisticated scheme to correct it.
INTERFERENCE CONSIDERATIONS
The RF spectrum is crowded and the potential for conflict with other unwanted
sources of RF is very real. While all RF products are at risk from interference, its
effects can be minimized by better understanding its characteristics.
Interference may come from internal or external sources. The first step is to
eliminate interference from noise sources on the board. This means paying
careful attention to layout, grounding, filtering, and bypassing in order to
eliminate all radiated and conducted interference paths. For many products, this
is straightforward; however, products containing components such as switching
power supplies, motors, crystals, and other potential sources of noise must be
approached with care. Comparing your own design with a Linx evaluation board
can help to determine if and at what level design-specific interference is present.
External interference can manifest itself in a variety of ways. Low-level
interference will produce noise and hashing on the output and reduce the link’s
overall range.
High-level interference is caused by nearby products sharing the same
frequency or from near-band high-power devices. It can even come from your
own products if more than one transmitter is active in the same area. It is
important to remember that only one transmitter at a time can occupy a
frequency, regardless of the coding of the transmitted signal. This type of
interference is less common than those mentioned previously, but in severe
cases it can prevent all useful function of the affected device.
Although technically it is not interference, multipath is also a factor to be
understood. Multipath is a term used to refer to the signal cancellation effects
that occur when RF waves arrive at the receiver in different phase relationships.
This effect is a particularly significant factor in interior environments where
objects provide many different signal reflection paths. Multipath cancellation
results in lowered signal levels at the receiver and, thus, shorter useful distances
for the link.
BOARD LAYOUT GUIDELINES
If you are at all familiar with RF devices, you may be concerned about
specialized board layout requirements. Fortunately, because of the care taken by
Linx in designing the modules, integrating them is very straightforward. Despite
this ease of application, it is still necessary to maintain respect for the RF stage
and exercise appropriate care in layout and application in order to maximize
performance and ensure reliable operation. The antenna can also be influenced
by layout choices. Please review this data guide in its entirety prior to beginning
your design. By adhering to good layout principles and observing some basic
design rules, you will be on the path to RF success.
The adjacent figure shows the suggested
PCB footprint for the module. The actual pad
dimensions are shown in the Pad Layout
section of this manual. A ground plane (as
large as possible) should be placed on a
lower layer of your PC board opposite the
module. This ground plane can also be critical
to the performance of your antenna, which will
be discussed later. There should not be any
ground or traces under the module on the
same layer as the module, just bare PCB.
During prototyping, the module should be soldered to a properly laid-out circuit
board. The use of prototyping or “perf” boards will result in horrible performance
and is strongly discouraged.
No conductive items should be placed within 0.15in of the module’s top or sides.
Do not route PCB traces directly under the module. The underside of the module
has numerous signal-bearing traces and vias that could short or couple to traces
on the product’s circuit board.
The module’s ground lines should each have their own via to the ground plane
and be as short as possible.
AM / OOK receivers are particularly subject to noise. The module should, as
much as reasonably possible, be isolated from other components on your PCB,
especially high-frequency circuitry such as crystal oscillators, switching power
supplies, and high-speed bus lines. Make sure internal wiring is routed away
from the module and antenna, and is secured to prevent displacement.
The power supply filter should be placed close to the module’s VCC line.
In some instances, a designer may wish to encapsulate or “pot” the product.
Many Linx customers have done this successfully; however, there are a wide
variety of potting compounds with varying dielectric properties. Since such
compounds can considerably impact RF performance, it is the responsibility of
the designer to carefully evaluate and qualify the impact and suitability of such
materials.
The trace from the module to the antenna should be kept as short as possible.
A simple trace is suitable for runs up to 1/8-inch for antennas with wide
bandwidth characteristics. For longer runs or to avoid detuning narrow bandwidth
antennas, such as a helical, use a 50-ohm coax or 50-ohm microstrip
transmission line as described in the following section.
Page 15Page 14
GROUND PLANE
GROUND PLANE
ON LOWER LAYER
ON LOWER LAYER
GROUND PLANE
ON LOWER LAYER
Figure 16: Suggested PCB Layout
Dielectric Constant Width/Height (W/d) Effective Dielectric
Constant
Characteristic
Impedance
4.80 1.8 3.59 50.0
4.00 2.0 3.07 51.0
2.55 3.0 2.12 48.0
Trace
Board
Ground plane
Figure 17: Microstrip Formulas
MICROSTRIP DETAILS
A transmission line is a medium whereby RF energy is transferred from one
place to another with minimal loss. This is a critical factor, especially in high-
frequency products like Linx RF modules, because the trace leading to the
module’s antenna can effectively contribute to the length of the antenna,
changing its resonant bandwidth. In order to minimize loss and detuning, some
form of transmission line between the antenna and the module should be used,
unless the antenna can be placed very close (<1/8in.) to the module. One
common form of transmission line is a coax cable, another is the microstrip. This
term refers to a PCB trace running over a ground plane that is designed to serve
as a transmission line between the module and the antenna. The width is based
on the desired characteristic impedance of the line, the thickness of the PCB,
and the dielectric constant of the board material. For standard 0.062in thick FR-
4 board material, the trace width would be 111 mils. The correct trace width can
be calculated for other widths and materials using the information below. Handy
software for calculating microstrip lines is also available on the Linx website,
www.linxtechnologies.com.
PAD LAYOUT
The following pad layout diagram is designed to facilitate both hand and
automated assembly.
PRODUCTION GUIDELINES
The modules are housed in a hybrid SMD package that supports hand or
automated assembly techniques. Since the modules contain discrete
components internally, the assembly procedures are critical to ensuring the
reliable function of the modules. The following procedures should be reviewed
with and practiced by all assembly personnel.
HAND ASSEMBLY
Pads located on the bottom of the
module are the primary mounting
surface. Since these pads are
inaccessible during mounting,
castellations that run up the side of
the module have been provided to
facilitate solder wicking to the
module’s underside. This allows for
very quick hand soldering for
prototyping and small volume
production.
If the recommended pad guidelines have been followed, the pads will protrude
slightly past the edge of the module. Use a fine soldering tip to heat the board
pad and the castellation, then introduce solder to the pad at the module’s edge.
The solder will wick underneath the module, providing reliable attachment. Tack
one module corner first and then work around the device, taking care not to
exceed the times listed below.
Castellations
PCB Pads
Soldering Iron
Tip
Solder
Absolute Maximum Solder Times
Hand-Solder Temp. TX +225°C for 10 Seconds
Hand-Solder Temp. RX +225°C for 10 Seconds
Recommended Solder Melting Point +180°C
Reflow Oven: +220°C Max. (See adjoining diagram)
Figure 19: Soldering Technique
Page 17Page 16 Page 17
Figure 18: Recommended PCB Layout
0.750
0.090
0.100
0.065
0.030 Dia. Finished
0.100
0.060
0.060
Surface-Mount ReceiverPinned Receiver
AUTOMATED ASSEMBLY
For high-volume assembly, most users will want to auto-place the modules. The
modules have been designed to maintain compatibility with reflow processing
techniques; however, due to the their hybrid nature, certain aspects of the
assembly process are far more critical than for other component types.
Following are brief discussions of the three primary areas where caution must be
observed.
Reflow Temperature Profile
The single most critical stage in the automated assembly process is the reflow
stage. The reflow profile below should not be exceeded, since excessive
temperatures or transport times during reflow will irreparably damage the
modules. Assembly personnel will need to pay careful attention to the oven’s
profile to ensure that it meets the requirements necessary to successfully reflow
all components while still remaining within the limits mandated by the modules.
The figure below shows the recommended reflow oven profile for the modules.
Shock During Reflow Transport
Since some internal module components may reflow along with the components
placed on the board being assembled, it is imperative that the modules not be
subjected to shock or vibration during the time solder is liquid. Should a shock
be applied, some internal components could be lifted from their pads, causing
the module to not function properly.
Washability
The modules are wash resistant, but are not hermetically sealed. Linx
recommends wash-free manufacturing; however, the modules can be subjected
to a wash cycle provided that a drying time is allowed prior to applying electrical
power to the modules. The drying time should be sufficient to allow any moisture
that may have migrated into the module to evaporate, thus eliminating the
potential for shorting damage during power-up or testing. If the wash contains
contaminants, the performance may be adversely affected, even after drying.
125°C
185°C
217°C
255°C
235°C
60 12030 150 180 210 240 270 300 330 360090
50
100
150
200
250
300
Recommended RoHS Profile
Max RoHS Profile
Recommended Non-RoHS Profile
180°C
Temperature (oC)
Time (Seconds)
Figure 20: Maximum Reflow Profile
Page 19Page 18
ANTENNA CONSIDERATIONS
The choice of antennas is a critical
and often overlooked design
consideration. The range,
performance, and legality of an RF link
are critically dependent upon the
antenna. While adequate antenna
performance can often be obtained by
trial and error methods, antenna
design and matching is a complex
task. A professionally designed
antenna, such as those from Linx, will
help ensure maximum performance and FCC compliance.
Linx transmitter modules typically have an output power that is slightly higher
than the legal limits. This allows the designer to use an inefficient antenna, such
as a loop trace or helical, to meet size, cost, or cosmetic requirements and still
achieve full legal output power for maximum range. If an efficient antenna is
used, then some attenuation of the output power will likely be needed. This can
easily be accomplished by using the LADJ line or a T-pad attenuator. For more
details on T-pad attenuator design, please see Application Note AN-00150.
A receiver antenna should be optimized for the frequency or band in which the
receiver operates and to minimize the reception of off-frequency signals. The
efficiency of the receiver’s antenna is critical to maximizing range performance.
Unlike the transmitter antenna, where legal operation may mandate attenuation
or a reduction in antenna efficiency, the receiver’s antenna should be optimized
as much as is practical.
It is usually best to utilize a basic quarter-wave whip until your prototype product
is operating satisfactorily. Other antennas can then be evaluated based on the
cost, size, and cosmetic requirements of the product. You may wish to review
Application Note AN-00500 “Antennas: Design, Application, Performance”
ANTENNA SHARING
In cases where a transmitter and receiver
module are combined to form a transceiver,
it is often advantageous to share a single
antenna. To accomplish this, an antenna
switch must be used to provide isolation
between the modules so that the full
transmitter output power is not put on the
sensitive front end of the receiver. There
are a wide variety of antenna switches that
are cost-effective and easy to use. Among
the most popular are switches from Macom and NEC. Look for an antenna
switch that has high isolation and low loss at the desired frequency of operation.
Generally, the Tx or Rx status of a switch will be controlled by a product’s
microprocessor, but the user may also make the selection manually. In some
cases, where the characteristics of the Tx and Rx antennas need to be different
or antenna switch losses are unacceptable, it may be more appropriate to utilize
two discrete antennas.
Figure 21: Linx Antennas
Antenna
Transmitter
Module
Receiver
Module
0.1μF
0.1μF
0.1μF
0.1μF
0.1μF
GND
VDD
Select
GND
Figure 22: Typical Antenna Switch
GENERAL ANTENNA RULES
The following general rules should help in maximizing antenna performance.
1. Proximity to objects such as a user’s hand, body, or metal objects will cause an
antenna to detune. For this reason, the antenna shaft and tip should be
positioned as far away from such objects as possible.
2. Optimum performance will be obtained
from a 1/4- or 1/2-wave straight whip
mounted at a right angle to the ground
plane. In many cases, this isn’t desirable
for practical or ergonomic reasons, thus,
an alternative antenna style such as a
helical, loop, or patch may be utilized
and the corresponding sacrifice in performance accepted.
3. If an internal antenna is to be used, keep it away from other metal components,
particularly large items like transformers, batteries, PCB tracks, and ground
planes. In many cases, the space around the antenna is as important as the
antenna itself. Objects in close proximity to the antenna can cause direct
detuning, while those farther away will alter the antenna’s symmetry.
4. In many antenna designs, particularly 1/4-wave
whips, the ground plane acts as a counterpoise,
forming, in essence, a 1/2-wave dipole. For this
reason, adequate ground plane area is essential.
The ground plane can be a metal case or ground-fill
areas on a circuit board. Ideally, it should have a
surface area > the overall length of the 1/4-wave
radiating element. This is often not practical due to
size and configuration constraints. In these
instances, a designer must make the best use of the
area available to create as much ground plane as
possible in proximity to the base of the antenna. In cases where the antenna is
remotely located or the antenna is not in close proximity to a circuit board,
ground plane, or grounded metal case, a metal plate may be used to maximize
the antenna’s performance.
5. Remove the antenna as far as possible from potential interference sources. Any
frequency of sufficient amplitude to enter the receiver’s front end will reduce
system range and can even prevent reception entirely. Switching power
supplies, oscillators, or even relays can also be significant sources of potential
interference. The single best weapon against such problems is attention to
placement and layout. Filter the module’s power supply with a high-frequency
bypass capacitor. Place adequate ground plane under potential sources of noise
to shunt noise to ground and prevent it from coupling to the RF stage. Shield
noisy board areas whenever practical.
6. In some applications, it is advantageous to
place the module and antenna away from the
main equipment. This can avoid interference
problems and allows the antenna to be
oriented for optimum performance. Always use
50Ωcoax, like RG-174, for the remote feed.
NUT GROUND PLANE
(MAY BE NEEDED)
CASE
Figure 25: Remote Ground Plane
OPTIMUM
USEABLE NOT RECOMMENDED
Figure 23: Ground Plane Orientation
I
EDIPOLE
ELEMENT
GROUND
PLANE
VIRTUAL λ/4
DIPOLE
λ/4
λ/4
VERTICAL λ/4 GROUNDED
ANTENNA (MARCONI)
Figure 24: Dipole Antenna
Page 21Page 20
A whip-style antenna provides outstanding overall performance
and stability. A low-cost whip is can be easily fabricated from a
wire or rod, but most designers opt for the consistent
performance and cosmetic appeal of a professionally-made
model. To meet this need, Linx offers a wide variety of straight
and reduced-height whip-style antennas in permanent and
connectorized mounting styles.
The wavelength of the operational frequency determines an
antenna’s overall length. Since a full wavelength is often quite
long, a partial 1/2- or 1/4-wave antenna is normally employed.
Its size and natural radiation resistance make it well matched to
Linx modules. The proper length for a straight 1/4-wave can be
easily determined using the adjacent formula. It is also possible
to reduce the overall height of the antenna by using a helical
winding. This reduces the antenna’s bandwidth, but is a great
way to minimize the antenna’s physical size for compact
applications. This also means that the physical appearance is
not always an indicator of the antenna’s frequency.
Linx offers a wide variety of specialized antenna styles.
Many of these styles utilize helical elements to reduce the
overall antenna size while maintaining reasonable
performance. A helical antenna’s bandwidth is often quite
narrow and the antenna can detune in proximity to other
objects, so care must be exercised in layout and placement.
Whip Style
Loop Style
L =
234
F
MHz
Where:
L = length in feet of
quarter-wave length
F = operating frequency
in megahertz
Specialty Styles
A loop- or trace-style antenna is normally printed directly on a
product’s PCB. This makes it the most cost-effective of antenna
styles. The element can be made self-resonant or externally
resonated with discrete components, but its actual layout is
usually product specific. Despite the cost advantages, loop-style
antennas are generally inefficient and useful only for short-range
applications. They are also very sensitive to changes in layout and
PCB dielectric, which can cause consistency issues during
production. In addition, printed styles are difficult to engineer,
requiring the use of expensive equipment, including a network
analyzer. An improperly designed loop will have a high SWR at the
desired frequency, which can cause instability in the RF stage.
Linx offers low-cost planar and chip antennas that mount directly
to a product’s PCB. These tiny antennas do not require testing and
provide excellent performance in light of their small size. They
offer a preferable alternative to the often-problematic “printed”
antenna.
COMMON ANTENNA STYLES
There are literally hundreds of antenna styles and variations that can be
employed with Linx RF modules. Following is a brief discussion of the styles
most commonly utilized. Additional antenna information can be found in Linx
Application Notes AN-00100, AN-00140, and AN-00500. Linx antennas and
connectors offer outstanding performance at a low price.
ONLINE RESOURCES
• Latest News
• Data Guides
• Application Notes
• Knowledgebase
• Software Updates
If you have questions regarding any Linx product and have Internet access,
make www.linxtechnologies.com your first stop. Our website is organized in an
intuitive format to immediately give you the answers you need. Day or night, the
Linx website gives you instant access to the latest information regarding the
products and services of Linx. It’s all here: manual and software updates,
application notes, a comprehensive knowledgebase, FCC information, and much
more. Be sure to visit often!
www.antennafactor.com
The Antenna Factor division of Linx offers
a diverse array of antenna styles, many of
which are optimized for use with our RF
modules. From innovative embeddable
antennas to low-cost whips, domes to
Yagis, and even GPS, Antenna Factor
likely has an antenna for you, or can
design one to meet your requirements.
www.connectorcity.com
Through its Connector City division, Linx offers a wide
selection of high-quality RF connectors, including FCC-
compliant types such as RP-SMAs that are an ideal
match for our modules and antennas. Connector City
focuses on high-volume OEM requirements, which
allows standard and custom RF connectors to be offered
at a remarkably low cost.
®
www.linxtechnologies.com
Page 23Page 22
ACHIEVING A SUCCESSFUL RF IMPLEMENTATION
Adding an RF stage brings an exciting new
dimension to any product. It also means that
additional effort and commitment will be needed to
bring the product successfully to market. By utilizing
premade RF modules, such as the LR Series, the
design and approval process is greatly simplified. It
is still important, however, to have an objective view
of the steps necessary to ensure a successful RF
integration. Since the capabilities of each customer
vary widely, it is difficult to recommend one
particular design path, but most projects follow steps
similar to those shown at the right.
In reviewing this sample design path, you may
notice that Linx offers a variety of services (such as
antenna design and FCC prequalification) that are
unusual for a high-volume component manufacturer.
These services, along with an exceptional level of
technical support, are offered because we recognize
that RF is a complex science requiring the highest
caliber of products and support. “Wireless Made
Simple” is more than just a motto, it’s our
commitment. By choosing Linx as your RF partner
and taking advantage of the resources we offer, you
will not only survive implementing RF, you may even find the process enjoyable.
HELPFUL APPLICATION NOTES FROM LINX
It is not the intention of this manual to address in depth many of the issues that
should be considered to ensure that the modules function correctly and deliver
the maximum possible performance. As you proceed with your design, you may
wish to obtain one or more of the following application notes, which address in
depth key areas of RF design and application of Linx products. These
applications notes are available online at www.linxtechnologies.com or by
contacting the Linx literature department.
DECIDE TO UTILIZE RF
RESEARCH RF OPTIONS
CHOOSE LINX MODULE
ORDER EVALUATION KIT(S)
TEST MODULE(S) WITH
BASIC HOOKUP
INTERFACE TO CHOSEN
CIRCUIT AND DEBUG
CONSULT LINX REGARDING
ANTENNA OPTIONS AND DESIGN
LAY OUT BOARD
SEND PRODUCTION-READY
PROTOTYPE TO LINX
FOR EMC PRESCREENING
OPTIMIZE USING RF SUMMARY
GENERATED BY LINX
SEND TO PART 15
TEST FACILITY
RECEIVE FCC ID #
COMMENCE SELLING PRODUCT
Typical Steps For
Implementing RF
AN-00100 RF 101: Information for the RF Challenged
AN-00126 Considerations For Operation Within The 902-928MHz Band
AN-00130 Modulation Techniques For Low-Cost RF Data Links
AN-00140 The FCC Road: Part 15 From Concept To Approval
AN-00155 Serial Loading Techniques for the HP Series 3
AN-00160 Considerations For Sending Data Over a Wireless Link
AN-00500 Antennas: Design, Application, Performance
NOTE APPLICATION NOTE TITLE
LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS
When working with RF, a clear distinction must be made between what is technically
possible and what is legally acceptable in the country where operation is intended. Many
manufacturers have avoided incorporating RF into their products as a result of
uncertainty and even fear of the approval and certification process. Here at Linx, our
desire is not only to expedite the design process, but also to assist you in achieving a
clear idea of what is involved in obtaining the necessary approvals to legally market your
completed product.
In the United States, the approval process is actually quite straightforward. The
regulations governing RF devices and the enforcement of them are the responsibility of
the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The regulations are contained in Title
47 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). Title 47 is made up of numerous volumes;
however, all regulations applicable to this module are contained in Volume 0-19. It is
strongly recommended that a copy be obtained from the Government Printing Office in
Washington or from your local government bookstore. Excerpts of applicable sections are
included with Linx evaluation kits or may be obtained from the Linx Technologies website,
www.linxtechnologies.com. In brief, these rules require that any device that intentionally
radiates RF energy be approved, that is, tested for compliance and issued a unique
identification number. This is a relatively painless process. Linx offers full FCC pre-
screening, and final compliance testing is then performed by one of the many
independent testing laboratories across the country. Many labs can also provide other
certifications that the product may require at the same time, such as UL, Class A / B, etc.
Once your completed product has passed, you will be issued an ID number that is to be
clearly placed on each product manufactured.
Questions regarding interpretations of the Part 2 and Part 15 rules or measurement
procedures used to test intentional radiators, such as Linx RF modules, for compliance
with the technical standards of Part 15, should be addressed to:
Federal Communications Commission
Office of Engineering and Technology Laboratory Division
7435 Oakland Mills Road
Columbia, MD 21046-1609
Phone: (301) 362-3000 Fax: (301) 362-3290 E-Mail: labinfo@fcc.gov
International approvals are slightly more complex, although Linx modules are designed
to allow all international standards to be met. If you are considering the export of your
product abroad, you should contact Linx Technologies to determine the specific suitability
of the module to your application.
All Linx modules are designed with the approval process in mind and thus much of the
frustration that is typically experienced with a discrete design is eliminated. Approval is
still dependent on many factors, such as the choice of antennas, correct use of the
frequency selected, and physical packaging. While some extra cost and design effort are
required to address these issues, the additional usefulness and profitability added to a
product by RF makes the effort more than worthwhile.
NOTE: Linx RF modules are designed as component devices that require
external components to function. The modules are intended to allow for full Part
15 compliance; however, they are not approved by the FCC or any other agency
worldwide. The purchaser understands that approvals may be required prior to
the sale or operation of the device, and agrees to utilize the component in keeping
with all laws governing its use in the country of operation.
LINX TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
159 ORT LANE
MERLIN, OR 97532
PHONE: (541) 471-6256
FAX: (541) 471-6251
www.linxtechnologies.com
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WIRELESS MADE SIMPLE
®
Linx Technologies is continually striving to improve the quality and function of its products. For this reason,
we reserve the right to make changes to our products without notice. The information contained in this
Overview Guide is believed to be accurate as of the time of publication. Specifications are based on
representative lot samples. Values may vary from lot-to-lot and are not guaranteed. "Typical" parameters can
and do vary over lots and application. Linx Technologies makes no guarantee, warranty, or representation
regarding the suitability of any product for use in any specific application. It is the customer's responsibility
to verify the suitability of the part for the intended application. NO LINX PRODUCT IS INTENDED FOR USE
IN ANY APPLICATION WHERE THE SAFETY OF LIFE OR PROPERTY IS AT RISK.
Linx Technologies DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL LINX TECHNOLOGIES BE LIABLE FOR ANY OF
CUSTOMER'S INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING IN ANY WAY FROM ANY DEFECTIVE
OR NON-CONFORMING PRODUCTS OR FOR ANY OTHER BREACH OF CONTRACT BY LINX
TECHNOLOGIES. The limitations on Linx Technologies' liability are applicable to any and all claims or
theories of recovery asserted by Customer, including, without limitation, breach of contract, breach of
warranty, strict liability, or negligence. Customer assumes all liability (including, without limitation, liability
for injury to person or property, economic loss, or business interruption) for all claims, including claims
from third parties, arising from the use of the Products. The Customer will indemnify, defend, protect, and
hold harmless Linx Technologies and its officers, employees, subsidiaries, affiliates, distributors, and
representatives from and against all claims, damages, actions, suits, proceedings, demands, assessments,
adjustments, costs, and expenses incurred by Linx Technologies as a result of or arising from any Products
sold by Linx Technologies to Customer. Under no conditions will Linx Technologies be responsible for
losses arising from the use or failure of the device in any application, other than the repair, replacement, or
refund limited to the original product purchase price. Devices described in this publication may contain
proprietary, patented, or copyrighted techniques, components, or materials. Under no circumstances shall
any user be conveyed any license or right to the use or ownership of such items.
Disclaimer
© 2008 by Linx Technologies, Inc. The stylized Linx logo,
Linx, “Wireless Made Simple”, CipherLinx, and the stylized
CL logo are the trademarks of Linx Technologies, Inc.
Printed in U.S.A.