EM35x Mini Modules
Page 6
This document is subject to change without notice
Document No: 0011-00-07-01-000 (Issue H)
TRANSCEIVER IC
CEL’s MeshConnect EM35x Mini Modules use the Ember EM35x transceiver (EM357 or EM358x) IC. The IC
incorporates a RF transceiver with baseband modem, a hardwired MAC and an embedded ARM® Cortex™-M3
microcontroller, offering an excellent low cost, high performance solution for all IEEE 802.15.4/ZigBee/Thread
applications. For more information about the EM35x IC, visit www.silabs.com.
ANTENNA
CEL’s MeshConnect EM35x Mini Modules include an integrated Printed Circuit Board (PCB) trace antenna.
An optional conguration which uses a castellation pin on the module allows the user to connect an external
antenna. The ZICM35xSP0 has been certied with the PCB trace antenna and two external antennas (E-2820-
CA, LSR 001-0100). The ZICM35xSP2 has been certied with the PCB trace antenna and a Nearson half-wave
dipole antenna (part number: S181AH-2450S) on a 4 inch cable using the castellation pin of the module. Please
refer to the document Mini Module External Antenna Implementation for details describing the requirements that
must be followed to take advantage of the CEL certication. See Ordering Information on Page 3.
The PCB antenna employs a topology that is compact and highly efcient. To maximize range, an adequate ground
plane must be provided on the host PCB. Correctly positioned, the ground plane on the host PCB will contribute
signicantly to the antenna performance (it should not be directly under the module PCB Antenna). The position of
the module on the host board and overall design of the product enclosure contribute to antenna performance. Poor
design affects radiation patterns and can result in reection, diffraction and/or scattering of the transmitted signal.
For optimum antenna performance, the MeshConnect Modules should be mounted with the PCB trace antenna
overhanging the edge of the host board. To further improve performance, a ground plane may be placed on the
host board under the module, up to the antenna (a minimum of 1.5" x 1.5" is recommended). The installation of
an uninterrupted ground plane on a layer directly beneath the module will also allow you to run traces under this
layer. CEL can provide assistance with your PCB layout.
The following are some design guidelines to help ensure antenna performance:
• Never place the ground plane or route copper traces directly underneath the antenna portion of the module
• Never place the antenna close to metallic objects
• In the overall design, ensure that wiring and other components are not placed near the antenna
• Do not place the antenna in a metallic or metalized plastic enclosure
• Keep plastic enclosures 1cm or more away from the antenna in any direction
This radio transmitter IC: 8254A-ZICM357SP0 & IC: 8254A-ZICM357SP2 has been approved by IC Canada
to operate with the antenna types listed above with the maximum permissible gain of 2dBi. Antenna types not
included in this list, having a gain greater than the maximum gain indicated for that type, are strictly prohibited
for use with this device.
Cet émetteur radio IC: 8254A-ZICM357SP0 & IC: 8254A-ZICM357SP2 a été approuvé par IC Canada pour
fonctionner avec les types d'antenne énumérés ci-dessus avec le gain maximal admissible de 2dBi. Types
d'antennes non inclus dans cette liste, ayant un gain supérieur au gain maximum indiqué pour ce type, sont
strictement interdits pour une utilisation avec cet appareil.
POWER AMPLIFIER
CEL’s MeshConnect EM35x High Power Mini Module (ZICM35xSP2) includes a Power Amplier (PA). This PA
delivers high efciency, high gain and high output power (Pout = +20.0dBm typical) to provide an extended range
and reliable transmission for fewer nodes in a network. For the ZICM35xSP2, Power Mode 2 with Power Setting
-2 is the maximum setting allowed for FCC Compliance. Operating in Power Mode 3 at higher power settings
may damage the PA.