WiMOD iC880A
DATASHEET
Document ID: 4100/40140/0074
IMST GmbH
Carl-Friedrich-Gauß-Str. 2-4
47475 KAMP-LINTFORT
GERMANY
WiMOD iC880A
iC880A_Datasheet.docx, Wireless Solutions, v0.50 Page i
Document Information
File name
iC880A_Datasheet.docx
Created
2015-03-03
Total pages
33
Revision History
Version
Note
0.9
Created
0.10
DC Jack polarity added
0.11
Reference antenna added, current consumption updated (Table 5-2)
0.12
PA settings updated (Table 5 5), SPI electrical characteristics added
0.13
PA settings updated (Table 5 5)
RSSI offset information added to chapter 5.4.2
0.14
Added new picture of iC880A
0.15
Please note that USB driver support for iC880A-USB isn't provided anymore on
https://github.com/Lora-net/lora_gateway from version 3.2."
0.16
Electrical IO specification update
0.17
Update chapter 6.2
0.50
chapter 5.4.1 updated , Table 5-1 updated, Annex 8.1extended, Table 2-1 removed
Aim of this Document
The aim of this document is to give a product description including interfaces, features and
performance of the concentrator module iC880A-USB/SPI.
Important Note
Caution: Operating the iC880A outside the given specification may harm the device.
Please note that USB driver support for iC880A-USB isn't provided anymore on
https://github.com/Lora-net/lora_gateway from version 3.2."
WiMOD iC880A Introduction
iC880A_Datasheet.docx, Wireless Solutions, v0.50 Page 2
Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION 4
1.1 Key Features 5
1.2 Applications 5
2. LORA MODULATION TECHNIQUE 6
2.1.1 Applicable Frequency Bands and Sub-Bands 6
3. MODULE OVERVIEW 7
3.1 SX1301 8
3.1.1 Block Diagram 9
3.1.2 IF8 LORA channel 9
3.1.3 IF9 (G) FSK channel 9
3.1.4 IF0 to IF7 LORA channels 9
3.2 Power Supply 11
3.3 USB Chip 11
3.4 RF Interface 12
3.5 External Module Connector 13
3.5.1 SPI 13
3.5.2 GPS PPS 13
3.5.3 UART 13
3.5.4 Digital IOs 13
4. LORA SYSTEMS, NETWORK APPROACH 14
4.1 Overview 14
4.2 Firmware 15
5. ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS & TIMING SPECIFICATIONS 16
5.1 Absolute Maximum Ratings 16
5.2 Global Electrical Characteristics 17
5.3 SPI Interface Characteristics 17
5.4 RF Characteristics 18
5.4.1 Transmitter RF Characteristics 18
5.4.2 Receiver RF Characteristics 21
6. MODULE PACKAGE 22
6.1 Pinout Description 23
WiMOD iC880A Introduction
iC880A_Datasheet.docx, Wireless Solutions, v0.50 Page 3
6.2 Module Dimensions 24
7. ORDERING INFORMATION 25
8. APPENDIX 26
8.1 Global_conf.json 26
8.2 List of Abbreviations 28
8.3 List of Figures 30
8.4 List of Tables 30
8.5 References 30
9. REGULATORY COMPLIANCE INFORMATION 31
10. IMPORTANT NOTICE 32
10.1 Disclaimer 32
10.2 Contact Information 32
WiMOD iC880A Introduction
iC880A_Datasheet.docx, Wireless Solutions, v0.50 Page 4
1. Introduction
The concentrator module iC880A is targeted for a huge variety of applications like Smart
Metering, IoT and M2M applications. It is a multi-channel high performance
transmitter/receiver module designed to receive several LoRa packets simultaneously using
different spreading factors on multiple channels. The concentrator module iC880A can be
integrated into a gateway as a complete RF front end of this gateway. It provides the
possibility to enable robust communication between a LoRa gateway and a huge amount
of LoRa end-nodes spread over a wide range of distance. The iC880A needs a host system
for proper operation. This host system can be a PC or MCU that will be connected to
iC880A via USB or SPI.
Figure 1-1: Picture of iC880A-USB
iC880A is able to receive up to 8 LoRa packets simultaneously sent with different
spreading factors on different channels. This unique capability allows to implement
innovative network architectures advantageous over other short range systems:
End-point nodes (e.g. sensor nodes) can change frequency with each transmission
in a random pattern. This provides vast improvement of the system robustness in
terms of interferer immunity and radio channel diversity.
End-point nodes can dynamically perform link rate adaptation based (by adapting
their spreading factors) on their link margin without adding complexity to the
protocol. There is no need to maintain a table of which end point uses which data
rate, because all data is demodulated in parallel.
The capacity of the air interface can be increased due to orthogonal spreading
factors.
Due to the high range a star topology can be used. This results in simple
implementation avoiding complex network layers, wireless routers and additional
network protocol traffic.
WiMOD iC880A Introduction
iC880A_Datasheet.docx, Wireless Solutions, v0.50 Page 5
1.1 Key Features
1.2 Applications
- Compact size 79.8 x 67.3 mm
- LoRaTM modulation technology
- Frequency band 868MHz
- Orthogonal spreading factors
- Sensitivity down to -138 dBm
- USB or SPI interface
- SX1301 base band processor
- Emulates 49 x LoRa demodulators
- 10 parallel demodulation paths
- 1 (G)FSK demodulator
- 2 x SX1257 Tx/Rx front-ends
- Supply voltage 5 V
- RF interface optimized to 50
- Output power level up to 20 dBm
- GPS receiver (optional)
- Range up to 15 km (Line of Sight)
- Range of several km in urban
environment1
- Status LEDs
- HAL is available from
https://github.com/Lora-
net/lora_gateway
- Smart Metering
- Wireless Star Networks
- Home-, Building-, Industrial automation
- Remote Control
- Wireless Sensors
- M2M, IoT
- Wireless Alarm and Security Systems
- …
Please visit our web site www.wireless-solutions.de for further information.
! Please note that USB driver support for iC880A-USB isn't provided anymore on
https://github.com/Lora-net/lora_gateway from version 3.2."
1
Depending on the environment
WiMOD iC880A LoRa Modulation Technique
iC880A_Datasheet.docx, Wireless Solutions, v0.50 Page 6
2. LoRa Modulation Technique
The iC880A uses Semtech’s LoRa spread spectrum modulation technique. This
modulation, in contrast to conventional modulation techniques, permits an increase in link
budget and increased immunity to in-band interference.
LoRa also provides significant advantages in both blocking and selectivity, solving the
traditional design compromise between range, interference immunity and energy
consumption, please refer to [6].
Semtech’s LoRa technology transceivers support several bandwidth options and spreading
factors ranging from 7 to 12. The spread spectrum LoRa modulation is performed by
representing each bit of payload information by multiple chips of information. The rate at
which the payload information is sent is referred to as the nominal symbol rate (Rs), the
ratio between the nominal symbol rate and chip rate is the spreading factor and represents
the number of modulation symbols sent per bit of information. Note that the spreading
factor must be normally known in advance on both transmit and receive sides of the radio
link as different spreading factors are orthogonal to each other. Note also the resulting
signal to noise ratio (SNR) required at the receiver input. It is the capability to receive
signals with negative SNR that increases the sensitivity, so link budget and range, of the
LoRa receiver.
For further information on LoRa please refer to [7].
2.1.1 Applicable Frequency Bands and Sub-Bands
Following table depicts the applicable frequency bands within the 868 MHz band for
“Non-Specific Short Range Devices” specified in the ERC Recommendation 70-03, [2].
For further information about frequency and RF power setting please refer to [5].
WiMOD iC880A Module Overview
iC880A_Datasheet.docx, Wireless Solutions, v0.50 Page 7
3. Module Overview
The Concentrator Module is currently available in two versions, the “iC880A-USB” and
the “iC880A-SPI”. A future version with an integrated GPS receiver is planned.
Sx1301
Status LEDs
1
2
3
4
5
6
868MHz Antenna
Connector ufl
Optional GPS
Receiver
Sx1257, radio_0, radio_1
Power
Supply
USB Interface
Figure 3-1: Component Overview iC880A-USB
WiMOD iC880A Module Overview
iC880A_Datasheet.docx, Wireless Solutions, v0.50 Page 8
3.1 SX1301
The iC880A includes Semtech’s SX1301 which is a digital baseband chip including a
massive digital signal processing engine specifically designed to offer breakthrough
gateway capabilities in the ISM bands worldwide. It integrates the LoRa concentrator IP.
FTDI
FT232H
USB
Host
(PC, MCU)
iC880A
Figure 3-2: Block Diagram of iC880A with SX1301 Base Band Processor .
The SX1301 is a smart baseband processor for long range ISM communication. In the
receiver part, it receives I and Q digitized bit stream for one or two receivers (SX1257),
demodulates these signals using several demodulators, adapting the demodulators settings
to the received signal and stores the received demodulated packets in a FIFO to be
retrieved from a host system (PC, MCU). In the transmitter part, the packets are modulated
using a programmable (G)FSK/LoRa modulator and sent to one transmitter (SX1257).
Received packets can be time-stamped using a GPS PPS input.
The SX1301 has an internal control block that receives microcode from the host system
(PC, MCU). The microcode is provided by Semtech as a binary file to load into the
SX1301 at power-on (see Semtech application support for more information).
The control of the SX1301 by the host system (PC, MCU) is made using a Hardware
Abstraction Layer (HAL). The Hardware Abstraction Layer source code is provided by
Semtech and can be adapted by the host system developers.
It is highly recommended to fully re-use the latest HAL as provided by Semtech on
https://github.com/Lora-net.
WiMOD iC880A Module Overview
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3.1.1 Block Diagram
Figure 3-3: Detailed Block Diagram of SX1301 taken from [3]
The SX1301 digital baseband chip contains 10 programmable reception paths. Those
paths have differentiated levels of programmability and allow different use cases. It is
important to understand the differences between those demodulation paths to make the
best possible use from the system.
3.1.2 IF8 LORA channel
This channel is connected to one SX1257 using any arbitrary intermediate frequency within
the allowed range. This channel is LoRa only. The demodulation bandwidth can be
configured to be 125, 250 or 500 kHz. The data rate can be configured to any of the
LoRa available data rates (SF7 to SF12) but, as opposed to IF0 to IF7, ONLY the
configured data rate will be demodulated. This channel is intended to serve as a high
speed backhaul link to other gateways or infrastructure equipment. This demodulation
path is compatible with the signal transmitted by the SX1272 (iM880A-L) and SX1276 chip
family.
3.1.3 IF9 (G) FSK channel
The IF9 channel is connected to a GFSK demodulator. The channel bandwidth and bit rate
can be adjusted. This demodulator offers a very high level of configurability, going well
beyond the scope of this document. The demodulator characteristics are essentially the
same than the GFSK demodulator implemented on the SX1232 and SX1272 (iM880A-L)
Semtech chips. This demodulation path can demodulate any legacy FSK or GFSK
formatted signal.
3.1.4 IF0 to IF7 LORA channels
WiMOD iC880A Module Overview
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Those channels are connected to one SX1257. The channel bandwidth is 125 kHz and
cannot be modified or configured. Each channel IF frequency can be individually
configured. On each of those channels any data rate can be received without prior
configuration.
Several packets using different data rates (different spreading factors) may be demodulated
simultaneously even on the same channel. Those channels are intended to be used for a
massive asynchronous star network of 10000’s of sensor nodes. Each sensor may use a
random channel (amongst IF0 to IF7) and a different data rate for any transmission.
Sensors located near the gateway will typically use the highest possible data rate in the
fixed 125 kHz channel bandwidth (e.g. 6 kbit/s) while sensors located far away will use a
lower data rate down to 300 bit/s (minimum LoRa data rate in a 125 kHz channel).
The SX1301 digital baseband chip scans the 8 channels (IF0 to IF7) for preambles of all
data rates at all times.
The chip is able to demodulate simultaneously up to 8 packets. Any combination of
spreading factor and intermediate frequency for up to 8 packets is possible (e.g. one SF7
packet on IF0, one SF12 packet on IF7 and one SF9 packet on IF1 simultaneously).
The SX1301 can detect simultaneously preambles corresponding to all data rates on all
IF0 to IF7 channels. However, it cannot demodulate more than 8 packets simultaneously.
This is because the SX1301 architecture separates the preamble detection and signal
acquisition task from the demodulation process. The number of simultaneously
demodulated packets (in this case 8) is an arbitrary system parameter and may be set to
other values for a customer specific circuit.
The unique multi data-rate multi-channel demodulation capacity SF7 to SF12 and of
channels IF0 to IF7 allows innovative network architectures to be implemented.
Figure 3-4: Possible use of radio spectrum taken from [3]
WiMOD iC880A Module Overview
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3.2 Power Supply
The iC880A-USB can be supplied with power by different ways: One possibility is via USB
connection (refer to Chapter 3.3). But it is recommended to supply the iC880A using a
more appropriate power supply source, especially if there is a need for high current
consumption of the iC880A. The concentrator board should be supplied by typ. +5 V via
the power connector or the appropriate pin of the connector on the bottom side of the
iC880A. In case of external power supply, the iC880A disconnects the main supply from
the USB connection and the main power is consumed via the external power supply.
The polarity of the fitted USB-Jack is positive, the connection diagram is given by Figure
3-1.
Figure 3-1: Polarity of the iC880A-USB DC jack
3.3 USB Chip
The iC880A features an interface to connect SX1301 SPI interface to the host. For this the
FTDI FT232H USB high speed SPI to USB single channel bridge chip is used. FTDI’s Multi-
Protocol Synchronous Serial Engine (MPSSE) provides a flexible means of interfacing
synchronous serial devices (like SPI) to a USB port. In addition to the serial data pins,
GPIO signals are also available.
The implementation of the MPSSE is part of the HAL included within the github project,
refer to chapter 4.2. For further information concerning FT232H and LibMPSSE please
refer to [4].
Furthermore it is possible to use this USB interface as power supply for the iC880A. If the
target system is able to supply the iC880A (among other parameters, the current
consumption depends on the number of used demodulation paths of the Sx1301), the
iC880A can be connected with a single USB cable to the target system only.
Note: When using an external power supply a certain order of connecting the
cables must be followed: At first the iC880A-USB has to be powered-up with an
external power supply. Next the USB cable has to be connected between the
iC880A-USB and the host.
Make sure the external power supply is turned-on and supplies 5 V before
connecting the power cable. If there is no power available and the connector is
plugged into the DC jack, the internal voltage regulators of the iC880A-USB
may get damaged!
WiMOD iC880A Module Overview
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3.4 RF Interface
The iC880A supports an RF interface for the 868 MHz frequency band. By connecting an
appropriate antenna
1
to the antenna SMA connector, the iC880A is fully ready for
communication.
1
Recommended antenna is CTA868/2/DR/SM/S2, available at CompoTEK GmbH, Germany
WiMOD iC880A Module Overview
iC880A_Datasheet.docx, Wireless Solutions, v0.50 Page 13
3.5 External Module Connector
The iC880A is primarily recommended for using the USB interface. In case of integration
of the iC880A into a target system, there can be used the headers on the module's bottom
side as well (refer to Table 6-1 for the pin description).
3.5.1 SPI
The connector on the bottom side provides an SPI connection, which allows direct access
to the Sx1301 SPI interface. This gives the target system the possibility to use existing SPI
interfaces to communicate to the iC880A.
After powering up the iC880A it is required to reset SX1301 via PIN 13, refer to Table 6-1.
If the Hal driver from Github is used this functionality is already implemented, but only for
USB interface.
3.5.2 GPS PPS
In case of available PPS signals in the target system, it is possible to connect this available
signal to the appropriate pin at the connector.
3.5.3 UART
The bottom connector provides a UART interface. This is for future use.
3.5.4 Digital IOs
There are five GPIOs of the Sx1301 available, which gives the user some possibilities to
get information about the system status. Theses pins are the same, as they are used for the
LEDs on the iC880A.
As default setting the LEDs is (refer to Figure 3-1):
1) Backhaul packet
2) TX packet
3) RX Sensor packet
4) RX FSK packet
5) RX buffer not empty
6) Power
WiMOD iC880A LoRa Systems, Network Approach
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4. LoRa Systems, Network Approach
The use of LoRa technology can be distinguished in “Public” and “Private” networks. In
both cases the usage of a concentrator module can be reasonable. Public networks are
operator (e.g. telecom) managed networks whereas private networks are individually
managed networks.
LoRa networks are typically star or multiple star networks where a gateway relays the
packets between the end-nodes and a central network server, see Figure 4-1. For private
network approaches the server can also be implemented on the gateway host.
Due to the possible high range the connection between end-nodes and the concentrator
iC880A is always a direct link. There are no repeaters or routers within a LoRa network.
Depending on the used spreading factor and signal bandwidth different data rates
1
(0.3 kbps to ~22 kbps) and sensitivities down to -137 dBm are possible. Spreading factor
and signal bandwidth are a trade-off between data rate and communication range.
4.1 Overview
The iC880A is able to receive on different frequency channels at the same time and is able
to demodulate the LoRa signal without knowledge of the used spreading factor of the
sending node.
iC880A
Host
Server
4321
higher data rate
Nodes
higher range
Internet/
Intranet
gateway
Figure 4-1: Public LoRa Network Approach
Due to the fact that the combination of spreading factors and signal bandwidths results in
different data rates the use of “Dynamic Data-Rate Adaption” becomes possible. That
means that LoRa nodes with high distances from the iC880A must use higher spreading
factors and therefore have a lower data rate. LoRa nodes which are closer to the
concentrator can use lower spreading factors and therefore can increase their data rate.
Due to the fact that spreading factors are orthogonal and iC880A supports up to 10
demodulations paths the channel capacity of a LoRa cell can be increased using iC880A
compared to conventional modulation techniques.
1
Equivalent bit rate.
WiMOD iC880A LoRa Systems, Network Approach
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4.2 Firmware
The LoRa MAC specification is currently driven by the companies Semtech, IBM and
Actility. Currently all available software, firmware and documentation can be found and
downloaded from the open source project LoRa-net hosted on https://github.com/Lora-net
This project considers all parts that are needed to run a network based on LoRa
technology. It includes the node firmware (several hardware platforms are supported), the
gateway host software (HAL driver for SX1301, packet forwarder) and a server
implementation.
It is highly recommended to fully re-use the latest HAL as provided by Semtech.
The iC880A_QuickStartGuide.pdf is available on request.
WiMOD iC880A Electrical Characteristics & Timing specifications
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5. Electrical Characteristics & Timing specifications
In the following different electrical characteristics of the iC880A are listed. Furthermore
details and other parameter ranges are available on request.
5.1 Absolute Maximum Ratings
Parameter
Condition
Min
Typ.
Max
Unit
Supply Voltage (VDD)
-0.3
5.0
5.5
V
Operating Temperature
-5
+55
°C
RF Input Power
-15
dBm
Notes:
Table 5-1: Absolute Maximum Ratings
Note: With RF output power level above +15 dBm a minimum distance to a
transmitter should be 1 m for avoiding too large input level.
Note: Stress exceeding of one or more of the limiting values listed under
“Absolute Maximum Ratings” may cause permanent damage to the radio
module.
WiMOD iC880A Electrical Characteristics & Timing specifications
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5.2 Global Electrical Characteristics
T = 25°C, VDD = 5 V (typ.) if nothing else stated
Parameter
Condition
Min
Typ.
Max
Unit
Supply Voltage (VDD)
4.5
5.0
5.5
V
Current Consumption Note 1)
medium activity
(4 active paths)
276
mA
high activity
(10 active paths, 1 receiving)
433
Notes:
For iC880A-USB (without GPS)
Table 5-2: General Characteristics
T = 25°C, VDD = 5 V (typ.) if nothing else stated
Parameter
Condition
Min
Typ.
Max
Unit
Logic low input threashold (VIL)
"0" logic input
0.4
V
Logic high input threashold
(VIH)
"1" logic input
2.9
3.3
V
Logic low ouput level (VOL)
"0" logic output, 2 mA sink
0.4
V
Logic high output level (VOH)
"1" logic output, 2 mA source
2.9
3.3
V
Notes:
Table 5-3: Electrical characteristics of IOs
5.3 SPI Interface Characteristics
T = 25°C, VDD = 5 V (typ.) if nothing else stated
Parameter
Condition
Min
Typ.
Max
Unit
SCK frequency
10
MHz
SCK high time
50
ns
SCK low time
50
ns
SCK rise time
5
ns
SCK fall time
5
ns
MOSI setup time
From MOSI change to SCK
risiing edge
10
ns
MOSI hold time
From SCK rising edge to MOSI
change
20
ns
NSS setup time
From NSS falling edge to SCK
rising edge
40
ns
NSS hold time
From SCK falling edge to NSS
rising edge, normal mode
40
ns
NSS high time between SPI
accesses
40
ns
Notes:
Table 5-4: Timing characteristics of SPI Interface
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5.4 RF Characteristics
5.4.1 Transmitter RF Characteristics
The iC880A has an excellent transmitter performance, which is generally given by Table
5-7. Generally there are a lot of possible settings for the power amplifier of the iC880A. It
is highly recommended, to use an optimized configuration for the power level
configuration, which is part of the HAL, as given by Table 5-5. The corresponding
global_conf.json file is given in Appendix 8.1.
PA
Gain
DAC
Control
MIX
Gain
DIG
Gain
Nominal RF
Power Level [dBm]
0
3
9
3
-4
0
3
10
3
-3
0
3
11
3
-1
0
3
12
3
1
0
3
13
3
2
0
3
15
3
3
2
3
8
3
9
2
3
9
3
11
2
3
10
3
13
2
3
11
3
15
2
3
12
3
17
2
3
13
3
19
2
3
14
3
20
Table 5-5: Transmitter power level configuration
The iC880A is specified for a max. RF output power of +20 dBm. Long-term operating of
the iC880A with more than +20 dBm can destroy the internal power amplifier of iC880A.
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Figure 5-1: Output power vs. temperature for recommended settings
The diagram can be used, to maximize the transmitted power level according to the needs
of the customer. PA-Gain=2 and Mix-Gain=10 need to be used not to exceed limits of
+14 dBm sub-bands of EN 300 220 in the whole temperature range
1
. In the case of
+14 dBm the RF output power level can be optimized by different power level
configuration depending on the temperature:
Temperature Range
PA Gain
Mix Gain
-5 to +20°C
2
10
+20 to +45°C
2
11
+45°C to +50 °C
2
12
Table 5-6: Optimized gain settings for different temperature ranges for 14 dBm
1
Assuming an ideal dipole antenna
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If you operate the iC880A with the github software you should ensure that the max. RF
output power of +20 dBm is not exceeded. To ensure this you can edit the
global_conf.json file according to Table 5-5 or Appendix 8.1.
T = 25°C, VDD = 5 V (typ.), 866.5 MHz if nothing else stated
Parameter
Condition
Min
Typ.
Max
Unit
Frequency Range
863
-
870
MHz
Modulation Techniques
FSK / LoRaTM
TX Frequency Variation vs.
Temperature
Power Level Setting: 20
-
-
+/- 3
kHz
TX Power Variation vs.
Frequency
-
-
+/- 2
dB
TX Power Variation (initial)
-
-
+/- 1.5
dB
TX Current Consumption
-
330
-
mA
Table 5-7: Transmitter RF Characteristics
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5.4.2 Receiver RF Characteristics
It is highly recommended, to use optimized RSSI calibration values, which is part of the
HAL v3.1. For both, Radio 1 and 2, the RSSI-Offset should be set -169.0.
The following table gives typically sensitivity level of the iC880A
1
:
Signal Bandwidth/[kHz]
Spreading Factor
Sensitivity/[dBm]
125
12
-137
125
7
-126
250
12
-136
250
7
-123
500
12
-134
500
7
-120
Table 5-8: Typically Radio Performance of iC880A
1
Valid for LoRa-gateway v1.7.0
WiMOD iC880A Module Package
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6. Module Package
In the following the iC880A module package is described. This description includes the
iC880A pinout as well as the modules dimensions.
Power
Supply
Sx1301
USB Interface
Status LEDs
1
2
3
4
5
6
868MHz Antenna
Connector
Sx1257, radio_0, radio_1
GPS PPS Input
PIN 1 PIN 20
PIN 21 PIN 24 PIN 26
PIN 23
Figure 6-1: Pinout and interfaces of iC880A-USB
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6.1 Pinout Description
The iC880A provides headers at the bottom side, which have a pitch of 2.54 mm. The
description of the pins is given by Table 6-1. An additional overview gives Figure 6-2.
PIN
PIN Name
PIN Type
Description
1
GND
Power
2
NC
NC
Reserved
3
nGPS_Reset
Input
GPS Module Reset (low active)
4
SPValid
Input
Sx1301 Radio C Sample Valid (don’t connect)
5
EN_GPS_Supply
Input
GPS Module LDO: Enable Pin
6
NC
NC
Reserved
7
GPIO0
I/O
Sx1301 GPIO 0
8
GPIO1
I/O
Sx1301 GPIO 1
9
GPIO3
I/O
Sx1301 GPIO 3
10
GPIO2
I/O
Sx1301 GPIO 2
11
GPIO4
I/O
Sx1301 GPIO 4
12
GND
Power
13
Reset
Reset
Sx1301 Reset,
for a stable start-up Reset should be at
high-level for 100 ns (min), once the supply
voltage is stable . Internally pulled-down with
100 k.
14
CLK
Input
Sx1301 SPI-Clock
15
MISO
Output
Sx1301 SPI-MISO
16
MOSI
Input
Sx1301 SPI-MOSI
17
NSS
Input
Sx1301 SPI-NSS
18
ScanMode
Input
Sx1301 ScanMode Signal
19
PPS
Input
GPS PPS Input Signal
20
GND
Power
21
VDD
Power
+5 V Supply Voltage
22
GND
Power
23
VDDB
Power
GPS backup supply voltage
24
GND
Power
25
GPS_TX
Output
GPS UART TxD
26
GPS_RX
Input
GPS UART RxD
Table 6-1: iC880A Pinout Table
WiMOD iC880A Module Package
iC880A_Datasheet.docx, Wireless Solutions, v0.50 Page 24
6.2 Module Dimensions
The outer dimensions of the iC880A are given by 79.8 x 67.3 mm ± 0.2 mm. The
iC880A provide four drills for screwing the PCB to another unit each with a drill diameter
of 3 mm.
Figure 6-2: iC880A outlines and pins of bottom connector in top view
WiMOD iC880A Ordering Information
iC880A_Datasheet.docx, Wireless Solutions, v0.50 Page 25
7. Ordering Information
Ordering Part Number
Description
Distributor
iC880A-SPI
Concentrator Module with SPI interface
Table 7-1: Ordering Information
WiMOD iC880A Appendix
iC880A_Datasheet.docx, Wireless Solutions, v0.50 Page 26
8. Appendix
8.1 Global_conf.json
Code-Snipet for global_conf.json
==================================
"tx_lut_0": {
/* TX gain table, index 0 */
"pa_gain": 0,
"mix_gain": 9,
"rf_power": -4,
"dig_gain": 3
},
"tx_lut_1": {
/* TX gain table, index 1 */
"pa_gain": 0,
"mix_gain": 10,
"rf_power": -3,
"dig_gain": 3
},
"tx_lut_2": {
/* TX gain table, index 2 */
"pa_gain": 0,
"mix_gain": 11,
"rf_power": -1,
"dig_gain": 3
},
"tx_lut_3": {
/* TX gain table, index 3 */
"pa_gain": 0,
"mix_gain": 12,
"rf_power": 1,
"dig_gain": 3
},
"tx_lut_4": {
/* TX gain table, index 4 */
"pa_gain": 0,
"mix_gain": 13,
"rf_power": 2,
"dig_gain": 3
},
"tx_lut_5": {
/* TX gain table, index 5 */
"pa_gain": 0,
"mix_gain": 15,
"rf_power": 3,
"dig_gain": 3
},
"tx_lut_6": {
/* TX gain table, index 6 */
"pa_gain": 2,
"mix_gain": 8,
"rf_power": 9,
"dig_gain": 3
},
"tx_lut_7": {
/* TX gain table, index 7 */
"pa_gain": 2,
"mix_gain": 9,
WiMOD iC880A Appendix
iC880A_Datasheet.docx, Wireless Solutions, v0.50 Page 27
"rf_power": 11,
"dig_gain": 3
},
"tx_lut_8": {
/* TX gain table, index 8 */
"pa_gain": 2,
"mix_gain": 10,
"rf_power": 13,
"dig_gain": 3
},
"tx_lut_9": {
/* TX gain table, index 9 */
"pa_gain": 2,
"mix_gain": 11,
"rf_power": 15,
"dig_gain": 3
},
"tx_lut_10": {
/* TX gain table, index 10 */
"pa_gain": 2,
"mix_gain": 12,
"rf_power": 17,
"dig_gain": 3
},
"tx_lut_11": {
/* TX gain table, index 11 */
"pa_gain": 2,
"mix_gain": 13,
"rf_power": 19,
"dig_gain": 3
},
"tx_lut_12": {
/* TX gain table, index 12 */
"pa_gain": 2,
"mix_gain": 14,
"rf_power": 20,
"dig_gain": 3
},
"tx_lut_13": {
/* TX gain table, index 13 */
"pa_gain": 2,
"mix_gain": 14,
"rf_power": 20,
"dig_gain": 3
},
"tx_lut_14": {
/* TX gain table, index 14 */
"pa_gain": 2,
"mix_gain": 14,
"rf_power": 20,
"dig_gain": 3
},
"tx_lut_15": {
/* TX gain table, index 15 */
"pa_gain": 2,
"mix_gain": 14,
"rf_power": 20,
"dig_gain": 3
}
},
WiMOD iC880A Appendix
iC880A_Datasheet.docx, Wireless Solutions, v0.50 Page 28
8.2 List of Abbreviations
AFA
Adaptive Frequency Agility
BER
Bit Error Rate
BSC
Basic Spacing between Centers
GND
Ground
GPIO
General Purpose Input/Output
GPS
Global Positioning System
HAL
Hardware Abstraction Layer
IF
Intermediate Frequency
IoT
Internet of Things
ISM
Industrial, Scientific and Medical
LBT
Listen Before Talk
M2M
Machine to Machine
MAC
Medium Access Control
MCU
Microcontroller Unit
MPSSE
Multi-Protocol Synchronous Serial Engine (FTDI)
PCB
Printed Circuit Board
PPS
Pulse Per Second
RAM
Random Access Memory
RF
Radio Frequency
SMT
Surface Mounted Technology
SNR
Signal to Noise Ratio
SPI
Serial Peripheral Interface
TRX
Transceiver
WiMOD iC880A Appendix
iC880A_Datasheet.docx, Wireless Solutions, v0.50 Page 29
USB
Universal Serial Bus
WiMOD iC880A Appendix
iC880A_Datasheet.docx, Wireless Solutions, v0.50 Page 30
8.3 List of Figures
Figure 1-1: Picture of iC880A-USB ............................................................................. 4
Figure 3-1: Component Overview iC880A-USB ........................................................... 7
Figure 3-2: Block Diagram of iC880A with SX1301 Base Band Processor . ..................... 8
Figure 3-3: Detailed Block Diagram of SX1301 taken from [3] ...................................... 9
Figure 3-4: Possible use of radio spectrum taken from [3] ........................................... 10
Figure 5-1: Output power vs. temperature for recommended settings ........................... 19
8.4 List of Tables
Table 5-1: Absolute Maximum Ratings ...................................................................... 16
Table 5-2: General Characteristics ........................................................................... 17
Table 5-3: Electrical characteristics of IOs ................................................................. 17
Table 5-4: Timing characteristics of SPI Interface ........................................................ 17
Table 5-5: Transmitter power level configuration ........................................................ 18
Table 5-6: Optimized gain settings for different temperature ranges for 14 dBm ........... 19
Table 5-7: Transmitter RF Characteristics ................................................................... 20
Table 5-8: Typically Radio Performance of iC880A .................................................... 21
Table 6-1: iC880A Pinout Table ............................................................................... 23
Table 7-1: Ordering Information .............................................................................. 25
8.5 References
[1] Semtech, SX1272 Data Sheet from www.semtech.com
[2] REC Recommendation 70-03 “Relating to the use of Short Range Devices
(SRD)”, Tromsø 1997, CEPT ECC subsequent amendments 13 October 2017
[3] Semtech, SX1301 Data Sheet from www.semtech.com
[4] FTDI, FT232H Data Sheet from http://www.ftdichip.com
[5] IMST, iM880B_AN016_RFSettings from www.wireless-solutions.de
[6] IMST, iM880B-L Data sheet from www.wireless-solutions.de
[7] Semtech, White Paper LoRa Modulation from www.semtech.com
WiMOD iC880A Regulatory Compliance Information
iC880A_Datasheet.docx, Wireless Solutions, v0.50 Page 31
9. Regulatory Compliance Information
The use of radio frequencies is limited by national regulations. This component has been
designed to comply with the European Union’s RE-Directive (Radio Equipment Directive)
2014/53/EU. As the product is a component only, the assessment is done on EMC and
ERM only. Certification process is not yet finalized. Nevertheless, restrictions in terms of
maximum allowed RF power or duty cycle may apply.
This component has been designed to be embedded into other products (referred as “final
products”). According to the RED, the declaration of compliance with essential
requirements of the RED is within the responsibility of the manufacturer of the final product.
A declaration of conformity for this component will be available from IMST GmbH on
request.
The applicable regulation requirements are subject to change. IMST GmbH does not take
any responsibility for the correctness and accuracy of the aforementioned information.
National laws and regulations, as well as their interpretation can vary with the country. In
case of uncertainty, it is recommended to contact either IMST’s accredited Test Center or
to consult the local authorities of the relevant countries.
WiMOD iC880A Important Notice
iC880A_Datasheet.docx, Wireless Solutions, v0.50 Page 32
10. Important Notice
10.1 Disclaimer
IMST GmbH points out that all information in this document is given on an “as is” basis.
No guarantee, neither explicit nor implicit is given for the correctness at the time of
publication. IMST GmbH reserves all rights to make corrections, modifications,
enhancements, and other changes to its products and services at any time and to
discontinue any product or service without prior notice. It is recommended for customers to
refer to the latest relevant information before placing orders and to verify that such
information is current and complete. All products are sold and delivered subject to
“General Terms and Conditions” of IMST GmbH, supplied at the time of order
acknowledgment.
IMST GmbH assumes no liability for the use of its products and does not grant any licenses
for its patent rights or for any other of its intellectual property rights or third-party rights. It
is the customer’s duty to bear responsibility for compliance of systems or units in which
products from IMST GmbH are integrated with applicable legal regulations. Customers
should provide adequate design and operating safeguards to minimize the risks associated
with customer products and applications. The products are not approved for use in life
supporting systems or other systems whose malfunction could result in personal injury to
the user. Customers using the products within such applications do so at their own risk.
Any reproduction of information in datasheets of IMST GmbH is permissible only if
reproduction is without alteration and is accompanied by all given associated warranties,
conditions, limitations, and notices. Any resale of IMST GmbH products or services with
statements different from or beyond the parameters stated by IMST GmbH for that
product/solution or service is not allowed and voids all express and any implied
warranties. The limitations on liability in favor of IMST GmbH shall also affect its
employees, executive personnel and bodies in the same way. IMST GmbH is not
responsible or liable for any such wrong statements.
Copyright © 2016, IMST GmbH
10.2 Contact Information
IMST GmbH
Carl-Friedrich-Gauss-Str. 2-4
47475 Kamp-Lintfort
Germany
T +49 2842 981 0
F +49 2842 981 299
E wimod@imst.de
I www.wireless-solutions.de