Feb 05

Latin American carriers migrating from CDMA to GSM

According to report from Wireless Intelligence, LatAm carriers are slowly phasing out CDMA networks and switching to WCDMA-based 3G networks. CDMA networks account for 2% of total regional connections in Americas compared to 6% two years ago. Carriers shutting dwon CDMA networks includes Telefonica in Ecuador and Vivo in Brazil.

Feb 04

GPRS Modem in Smart Meter Deployment

Cuculus GmbH, a smart meter and home control solutions developer has been selected by Eandis and Infrax’s for their roll-out of 61,000 meters in Belgium. Eandis installation is based on its patented Power Line Communication concept which is used along with GPRS communication network.

Feb 04

LightSquared has until March to get FCC approval

According to Dow Jones Newswires, Sprint has granted a new extension to LighSquared to get FCC approval for its proposed 4G LTE network. Back in July of 2011, Sprint and LightSquared signed a 15-year deal in which LightSquared will pay Sprint $9 billion in cash and an estimated $4.5 billion in credits for LTE and satellite equipment. Sprint, in exchange, will host LightSquared’s spectrum and provide network services and Sprint will also provide roaming access to its 3G network.

Feb 04

Dish network’s LTE plans

In August of 2011, Dish Network announced plans to launch 4G LTE network. The idea was similar to LightSquared proposal where Dish Network would deploy a number of terretial base stations. Unlike LightSquare, Dish Network plans to use S-band MSS spectrum which would eliminate any GPS signal interference issue. FCC has yet to weigh in on Dish Network;s grant request.

Jan 31

A Primer to GPRS Modem

GPRS Modem benefits: GPRS Modems  enable wireless communication to variety of M2M devices.

  • GPRS modems are lowest in cost compared to 3G & 4G modems.
  • GPRS networks are ubiquitous, so GPRS modems works on most carrier networks through out the world.
  • Carrier networks are switching to 3G & 4G networks, so many of them are phasing out support for GPRS modems.

 GPRS Modem Standards: GPRS modem standard is managed by 3GPP standards body. GPRS was originally standardized by European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI). The throughput and latency of GPRS netwroks depend on number of concurrent users that are on the network. GPRS is integrated into GSM Release 97.

GPRS Modem classes: GPRS modems are divided in to 3 classes,

  • Class A: Can be connected to GPRS service and GSM service (voice, SMS), using both at the same time.
  • Class B:Can be connected to GPRS service and GSM service (voice, SMS), but using only one or the other at a given time.
  • Class C:Are connected to either GPRS service or GSM service (voice, SMS). Must be switched manually between one or the other service.

GPRS Modem Speed: Data rates of GPRS modems depends on the network conditions and performance of the device.  

Technology Download Upload
GPRS 80 Kbps 20 kbps( Class 8 & 10)
GPRS 60 Kbps 40 Kpbps (Class 10)
EGPRS 236.8 Kbps 59.2 Kbps (Class 8,10)
EGPRS 117.6 Kbps 118.4 Kbps 9Class 10)

GPRS Frequency Bands: GPRS modems can operate on following bands. The band configurations of the modules are dependent on the carrier network.

GPRS Modem Form Factors: GPRS modems are predominantly used in M2M applications. So the form factors have been proprietary to the vendors. However 2 common types of forms factors are connectorized module and surface mount module (LGA or BGA).

GPRS Modem Interfaces: Interfaces are capabilities supported by the modules through hardware and/or software. Some of the common interfaces supported on GPRS modems are,

  • Power : Power interface is mandatory for all modules and the supply ranges from 3.0V – 4.5V.
  • USB (Universal Serial Bus): USB is usually the primary data interface used on 3G modules since it supports higher data rates.
  • UICC (Universal Integrated Circuit Card): GSM-based GPRS modules will have UICC interface which is based on IS0 7816-3.
  • Antenna: Antenna connectors are generally availble on-board the GPRS modems. To improve receiver performance, a diversity antenna connector is also sometimes avaialble on the modules.
  • GPS (Global Positioning System): Many of the GPRS modems have integrated GPS solution.GPS antenna port may be on a separate port or shared with the diversity antenna port.
  • PCM (Pulse Code Modulation): PCM interface in GPRS modem is used for digital audio transfer.
  • Analog Audio Interface: For devices that require voice support, GPRS moedms will provide analog audio interfaces.

GPRS Modem Certification

Before the GPRS modem can be commercially used with in a device, it has go  through several certification process.

  • Global certification Forum (GCF) : GCF enables certification of any mobile device based on 3GPP technologies. GCF certification is supported by leading operators from every region of the world. GCF approval requires both conformance lab testing and field trials.
  • PTCRB : PTCRB is the North American operators certification body.It provides a framework within which device certification can take place for members of teh PTCRB.3G modules are tested at PTCRB accredited labs which manage the certification process.
  • FCC : In order to obtain a modular approval teh FCC has identified requirements that must be addressed in the application for equipment authorization. These requrirments are specified in this FCC document.
  • Network Operator Certification: In addition to PTCRB/GCF & FCC, the module should also be certified by the network operator. In fact, the network operators might have industry certifications as a pre-condition for lab entry.

 

 

Jan 25

A primer on 4G LTE Modules

4G LTE Benefit: 4G LTE modules offers more benefits interms of speed and performance compared to the 3G modules.

  •  Compared to 3G modules, 4G LTE  modules offer higher downlink and uplink data rates. See data rate information below.
  • 4G LTE modules will work with very low latencies – less than 5 ms for u-plane and less than 100  ms for c-plane
  • 4G LTE modules supports packet-switched traffic only, so communication is all IP-based.
  • For network operators, LTE networks offers high spectral efficiency.

 4G LTE Standards: LTE standard is controlled by the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP). LTE provides an evolutionary path for both CDMA and GSM networks and it overlays upon existing 3G networks. LTE standard is based on orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) solution. Wider bandwidth solution boots data capacity in high0demand dense urban areas.

LTE evolution

 

4G LTE Speed: Data rates of 4G LTE modules depends on the network conditions and performance of the device. The actual LTE speeds are around 6-10 Mpbps (Downlink) and 5-8 Mbps (Uplink).

LTE Speed

LTE Downlink Speed Peak Uplink Speed Peak
Cat 1 10 Mbps 5 Mbps
Cat 2 50 Mbps 25 Mbps
Cat 3 100 Mbps 50 Mbps
Cat 4 150 Mbps 50 Mbps
Cat 5 300 Mbps 75 Mbps

4G LTE Frequency Bands: 4G LTE modules can operate on following bands. The band configurations of the modules are dependent on teh carrier network.

LTE FDD Frequency Bands

LTE Band Number Uplink (MHz) Downlink (MHz)
1 1920 - 1980 2110 - 2170
2 1850 - 1910 1930 - 1990
3 1710 - 1785 1805 -1880
4 1710 - 1755 2110 - 2155
5 824 - 849 869 - 894
6 830 - 840 875 - 885
7 2500 - 2570 2620 - 2690
8 880 - 915 925 - 960
9 1749.9 - 1784.9 1844.9 - 1879.9
10 1710 - 1770 2110 - 2170
11 1427.9 - 1452.9 1475.9 - 1500.9
12 698 - 716 728 - 746
13 777 - 787 746 - 756
14 788 - 798 758 - 768
15 1900 - 1920 2600 - 2620
16 2010 - 2025 2585 - 2600
17 704 - 716 734 - 746
18 815 - 830 860 - 875
19 830 - 845 875 - 890
20 832 - 862 791 - 821
21 1447.9 - 1462.9 1495.5 - 1510.9
22 3410 - 3500 3510 - 3600
23 2000 - 2020 2180 - 2200
24 1625.5 - 1660.5 1525 - 1559
25 1850 - 1915 1930 - 1995

LTE TDD Frequency Bands

LTE Band Number Frequency (MHz)
33 1900 - 1920
34 2010 - 2025
35 1850 - 1910
36 1930 - 1990
37 1910 - 1930
38 2570 - 2620
39 1880 - 1920
40 2300 - 2400
41 2496 - 2690
42 3400 - 3600
43 3600 - 3800

4G LTE Module Form Factors: Since carriers are rolling out 4G LTE networks slowly, 4G LTE modules are primarily used within laptops and tablet devices. For laptops, PCIe is the most common LTE module form factor. For tablet LGA form factor is one option, but many tablet vendors are directly integrating 4G LTE chips on their designs. The adoption of 4G LTE mdoules in the M2M segment will happen over time as LTE networks offers higher bandwidth and lower latencies.

4G LTE Module Interfaces: Interfaces are capabilities supported by the modules through hardware and/or software. Some of the common interfaces supported on 4G LTE modules are,

  • Power : Power interface is mandatory for all modules and the supply ranges from 3.0V – 4.5V.
  • USB (Universal Serial Bus): USB is usually the primary data interface used on 3G modules since it supports higher data rates.
  • UICC (Universal Integrated Circuit Card): GSM-based 4G LTE modules will have UICC interface which is based on IS0 7816-3.
  • Antenna: Antenna connectors are generally availble on-board the 4G LTE modules. To improve receiver performance, a diversity antenna connector is also sometimes avaialble on the modules.
  • GPS (Global Positioning System): Many of the 4G LTE modules have integrated GPS solution.GPS antenna port may be on a separate port or shared with the diversity antenna port.
  • PCM (Pulse Code Modulation): PCM interface in 3G modules is used for digital audio transfer.
  • Analog Audio Interface: For devices that require voice support, 3G modules will provide analog audio interfaces.

4G LTE Module Certification

Before the 4G LTE module can be commercially used with in a device, it has go  through several certification process.

  • Global certification Forum (GCF) : GCF enables certification of any mobile device based on 3GPP technologies. GCF certification is supported by leading operators from every region of the world. GCF approval requires both conformance lab testing and field trials.
  • PTCRB : PTCRB is the North American operators certification body.It provides a framework within which device certification can take place for members of teh PTCRB.3G modules are tested at PTCRB accredited labs which manage the certification process.
  • FCC : In order to obtain a modular approval teh FCC has identified requirements that must be addressed in the application for equipment authorization. These requrirments are specified in this FCC document.
  • Network Operator Certification: In addition to PTCRB/GCF & FCC, the module should also be certified by the network operator. In fact, the network operators might have industry certifications as a pre-condition for lab entry.

 

 

Jan 23

A Primer on 3G Modules

3G Benefit: 3G modules offers more benefits interms of speed and performance compared to the 2G modules.

  •  Compared to GPRS and EDGE modules, 3G modules offer higher downlink and uplink data rates. See speed comparision below.
  • Latenties on 3G network is considerably better than 2G networks – WCDMA (150 ms), HSPA (100 ms), HSPA+ (5ms).
  • For network operators, 3G networks provides better use of wireless spectrum compared to the 2G networks.

 3G Standards: The air interface standards for GSM-based 3G modules are developed by 3rd Generation partnership Project (3GPP) which is a collaboration between groups of telecommunication associations. For CDMA-based 3G modules, the standards are developed through 3GPP2 group.

 3G Speed: The speed of 3G modules depends on the network conditions and the performance of the device. The actual speeds are usually lower than the theoritical speeds shown below,

  Downlink (Theoritical Max Speed) Downlink (Typical Average Speed) Uplink (Theoritical Max Speed) Uplink (Typical Average Speed)
UMTS 384 Kbps 220-320 Kbps 384 Kbps 220-320 kbps
HSDPA 1.8 Mbps 500-800 Kbps 384 Kbps 200-300 Kbps
EVDO Rev A 3.1 Mbps 450-850 Kbps 1.8 Mbps 300-400Kbps

3G Frequency Bands: 3G Modules operate at varierty of frequency bands depending on the carrier network. Typically a module SKU will be configured to support certain frequency bands to operate on a certian geographic region or a certain carrier.

Operating Band Frequency band (MHz) Uplink Frequency (MHz) Downlink Frequency (MHz)
1 2100 1920-1980 2110-2170
2 1900 1850-1910 1930-1990
3 1800 1710-1785 1805-1880
4 1700 1710-1755 2110-2155
5 850 824 - 849 869 - 894
6 800 830 - 840 875 - 885
7 2600 2500-2570 2620-2690
8 900 880 - 915 925 - 960
9 1700 1749.9 - 1784.9 1844.9 - 1879.9
10 1700 1710-1770 2110-2170
11 1500 1427.9 - 1447.9 1475.9 - 1495.9
12 700 698 - 716 728 - 746
13 700 777 - 787 746 - 756
14 700 788 - 798 758 - 768
15 800 832.4 - 842.6 877.4 - 887.6

3G Module Form Factors: PCIe is the most common form factor avaialble through many module vendors. However for devices that have size constraints, modules incorporating surface mount technologies such as Land Grid Array (LGA) or Ball Grid array (BGA) offer smaller sizes. Modules with propreitery form factor are also offered by vendors. Lack of M2M module standards is one of the barriers for adoption and there are efforts underway by the indutry to address this issue.

3G Module Interfaces: Interfaces are capabilities supported by the modules through hardware and/or software. Some of the common interfaces supported on 3G modules are,

  • Power : Power interface is mandatory for all modules and the supply ranges from 3.0V – 4.5V.
  • UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter):  Some host devices might use UART, though mostly it is used for debugging purpose. UART rates vary from 1200bps to 115200bps.
  • USB (Universal Serial Bus): USB is usually the primary data interface used on 3G modules since it supports higher data rates.
  • UICC (Universal Integrated Circuit Card): GSM-based 3G modules will have UICC interface which is based on IS0 7816-3.
  • Antenna: Antenna connectors are generally availble on-board the 3G modules. To improve receiver performance, a diversity antenna connector is also sometimes avaialble on the modules.
  • GPS (Global Positioning System): Many of the 3G modules have integrated GPS solution.GPS antenna port may be on a separate port or shared with the diversity antenna port.
  • SPI(Serial Peripheral Interface) :SPI interface is genrally used to connect to the external display devices.
  • I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit Bus): I2C interface is used to communicate with external display device or storage device.
  • SDIO (Secure Digitial Input/Output): SDIO interface is used for interfacing with external SD card.
  • PCM (Pulse Code Modulation): PCM interface in 3G modules is used for digital audio transfer.
  • Analog Audio Interface: For devices that require voice support, 3G modules will provide analog audio interfaces.

3G Module Certification

Before the 3G module can be commercially used with in a device, it has go  through several certification process.

  • Global certification Forum (GCF) : GCF enables certification of any mobile device based on 3GPP technologies. GCF certification is supported by leading operators from every region of the world. GCF approval requires both conformance lab testing and field trials.
  • PTCRB : PTCRB is the North American operators certification body.It provides a framework within which device certification can take place for members of teh PTCRB.3G modules are tested at PTCRB accredited labs which manage the certification process.
  • FCC : In order to obtain a modular approval teh FCC has identified requirements that must be addressed in the application for equipment authorization. These requrirments are specified in this FCC document.
  • Network Operator Certification: In addition to PTCRB/GCF & FCC, the module should also be certified by the network operator. In fact, the network operators might have industry certifications as a pre-condition for lab entry.