Microsoft word - lithium-user_manual_07112009.doc

Astronautical Development, LLC
Li-1 Radio
www.astrodev.com
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Overview
Applications:
The Lithium radio product line provides a CubeSat • CubeSat Kit systems
compatible communication system for extreme • High altitude balloon missions
environment applications. Lithium radios feature • Rovers or other remotely operated
on-the-fly selectable frequency selection and output vehicles
power. They are compatible with standard amateur • Remote embedded systems
radio ground stations capable of communication at 9600 bps, or higher bit rates using GMSK modulation. Features:
The Lithium series radios (Li-1) are half-duplex radios • FSK/GMSK transceiver
with adjustable communications parameters. Custom • Frequencies:
frequencies and deviations are available per customer o 130 – 450MHz
• Input voltages:
The Lithium series radios are available as an SMT o Digital 3.3V
module that can be placed on a half size PC104 board o Radio power supply (5-9V)
or can be integrated into larger more complex systems • Output transmit power: 250 mW – 4 W
without incurring RF complexity in host products. • Power usage:
A digital command and data interface is provided to the o Receive < 200 mW
radios. Through this interface the radio is configured, o Transmit: < 10 W 1
data is received, and data is sent for transmission. The • Data rate: 9.6 kbps 2
interface protocol is serial UART and configurable up to • Protocol support: AX.25
115.2 kbps. A packet protocol with checksums is • Serial interface: 3.3V UART
implemented between the host and radio for robust
• Form factor:
o SMT module (32 mm x 62 mm)
• Operating Temperature: -30 to +70 °C
The radios communicate using a subset of the AX.25 packet protocol (custom protocols can be ordered). The Options:
AX.25 packet source and destination call signs are configurable. • AES 128 or 256 Encryption 3
Connector options RA SMA, MCX
For more information, contact:
Li-1 emits RF radiation that may
interfere with the use of other
devices. Users must maintain
proper licenses during operation.
Li-1 is static sensitive, take the
necessary precautions
Figure 1--Picture of the Li-1 Radio.
Li-1 requires proper termination of
transmitter in 50 Ohm load during
operation.
1 Transmission power is configurable by the user. Maximum is noted. 2 Higher data rates require special licensing, 38.4kpbs, 76.8kbps.
3 Encryption not AX.25 compliant.
Astronautical Development, LLC
www.astrodev.com

TABLE OF CONTENTS
ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM RATINGS . 3
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS . 3
INTERFACE PIN DESCRIPTION. 3
LITHIUM MODULE SCHEMATIC DESCRIPTION. 4
PROGRAMMING PORT PIN DESCRIPTION . 4
LITHIUM MODULE PROGRAMMING PORT SCHEMATIC DESCRIPTION . 4
COMMUNICATING WITH THE LITHIUM RADIO. 5
RADIO CONFIGURATION PROGRAM . 5
DIMENSIONS AND FORM FACTOR. 6
RECOMMENDED FOOTPRINT . 6
PROTECTING AGAINST ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE . 7
TRADEMARKS. 7
DISCLAIMER. 7
NOTES . 7
Astronautical Development, LLC
Li-1 User Manual
Revision 0.4 – 9/1/2009
ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM RATINGS

Interface Parameter
Input and Output Pins
RF Interface

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Physical Parameter

Please refer to IGS file information at www.astrodev.com for physical characteristics.
INTERFACE PIN DESCRIPTION

Interface Pin Name
Bottom pad for thermal dissipation, connect to RF_GND Astronautical Development, LLC
Li-1 User Manual
Revision 0.4 – 9/1/2009
LITHIUM MODULE SCHEMATIC DESCRIPTION

Figure 2 Lithium PCB Mount Module Schematic Diagram

PROGRAMMING PORT PIN DESCRIPTION

Program Pin Name

LITHIUM MODULE PROGRAMMING PORT SCHEMATIC DESCRIPTION

Figure 3 Programming Port Schematic Diagram
The programming adapter provided with the radio converts the 1.27mm connector to a standard 0.1” JTAG header. The JTAG adapter plugs inline with the radio with the majority of the adapter pointed away from the Li-1 radio. In the following figure demonstrates the proper mating of the JTAG adapter. Astronautical Development, LLC
Li-1 User Manual
Revision 0.4 – 9/1/2009
Figure 4 JTAG Adapter Plug Demonstrations

COMMUNICATING WITH THE LITHIUM RADIO

Refer to AstroDev radio interface application note for detailed instructions.
RADIO CONFIGURATION PROGRAM

Refer to radio configuration program application note for detailed instructions.
Astronautical Development, LLC
Li-1 User Manual
Revision 0.4 – 9/1/2009
DIMENSIONS AND FORM FACTOR

For detailed dimension information please refer to IGS model on www.astrodev.com
Figure 5 – Li-1 Radio (All dimensions in mm)
RECOMMENDED FOOTPRINT
Figure 6 Recommended PCB Footprint (All dimensions in mm)
Please refer to www.astrodev.com for footprints in PCB layout programs. Astronautical Development, LLC
Li-1 User Manual
Revision 0.4 – 9/1/2009

Mounting of the Li-1 module using hand soldering is recommended. An iron temperature of 350°C should be
used with IPC recommendations / reference documents IPC7711. Place the module precisely on the pads.
Start with a cross-diagonal fixture soldering (e.g. pins 14 and 9), and then continue from left to right. Thermal
compound should be applied to the thermal conduction area under the module. The thermal conduction area
should include through hole vias that connect to a ground plane to promote thermal dissipation. Proper
analysis is required to ensure that the module is able to properly dissipate heat within its application
environment.
Reflow or wave soldering of the Li-1 module is not recommended. Thermal dissipation through the module
heatsink occurs in high temperature environments resulting in inconsistent soldering joints.
Conformal coating or casting of the module is permitable as long as thermal analysis is performed to realize
the new thermal environment. The module should be operated at as low temperature as possible toward a
nominal 20 °C to increase overall efficiency and precise operation.
PROTECTING AGAINST ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE

CAUTION: Disconnect the Li-1 radio from power source before removing from operating environment.
Electrostatic discharge (ESD) events can harm electronic components inside the Li-1. Under certain
conditions, ESD may build up on your body or an object, such as an antenna, and then discharge into another
object, such as the Li-1. To prevent ESD damage, you should discharge static electricity from your body
before you interact with any electronic components.
You can protect against ESD and discharge static electricity from your body by touching a metal grounded
object (such as an unpainted metal surface such as your antistatic surface) before you interact with anything
electronic devices. When connecting an antenna or power plug to the Li-1, you should always ground both
yourself and the CubeSat structure before connecting it.
You can also take the following steps to prevent damage from electrostatic discharge:
• When unpacking the Li-1 from its shipping carton, do not remove the radio from the antistatic packing
material until you are ready to install the component. Just before unwrapping the antistatic package, be sure to
discharge static electricity from your body by wearing an antistatic wrist strap.
• When transporting the Li-1, first place it in an antistatic container or packaging.
• Handle the Li-1 in a static-safe area. If possible, use antistatic floor pads and work bench pads.
TRADEMARKS
In progress.
DISCLAIMER
All information in this document is subject to change at anytime. Look for continued updates at:
http://www.astrodev.com/
Lithium radios are sold as test devices and require users to gain experimental license from the FCC for use in
terrestrial and CubeSat satellite missions.
NOTES

Astronautical Development, LLC
Li-1 User Manual
Revision 0.4 – 9/1/2009

Source: http://www.astrodev.com/public_html2/downloads/datasheet/LithiumUserManual.pdf