Rf Interface; Rf Connector Type; Antenna Characteristics; Rf Interface Specifications - Iridium 9523 Product Developer Manual

Iridium Communications, Inc.
Iridium 9523 Product Developer's Guide
Revision 7.0

4 RF Interface

This section describes the physical characteristics of the RF connector and specifications of the RF
Interface.

4.1 RF Connector Type

The RF connector on the Iridium 9523 is an I-PEX part number 20314-001E-01, from their MHF product
range. When mating to the Iridium 9523 RF connector, use a suitable plug from the MHF (20308) or
MHFII (20312) ranges.
Additional information can be found at:
Note that the RF connector on the Iridium 9523 is not mounted directly to the FA board along with the
user interface connector. It must be attached to the FA board through a coaxial cable.
Note that for safety reasons, the RF connector on the Iridium 9523 should not be directly connected to an
external antenna cable or cable distribution system. Paragraph 7.3 of EN60950-1:2006 safety standard
requires that users are protected against high voltages that might appear on these cables. This can be
achieved either by inserting a high-voltage isolating capacitor in series with the signal or by grounding the
shield of the coaxial cable. The I-PEX connector has limited voltage capacity; therefore protection needs
to be provided on the FA board. Developers are encouraged to review the EN60950-1:2006 standard for
additional details.
4.1.1

Antenna Characteristics

The Iridium 9523 should be connected to a certified Iridium-band antenna with the following antenna
connector characteristics as described in Table 11.
VSWR (maximum operational)
Existing qualified Iridium antennas may be used. (i.e. antennas designed and certified for the 9601, 9602,
9522, 9522A and 9522B) in conjunction with suitable protection circuitry.

4.2 RF Interface Specifications

The RF interface requirements for the Iridium 9523 are summarized in Table 12 below.
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Table 11: Antenna Characteristics
Parameter
Impedance
Gain (maximum)
Polarization
Table 12: General RF Parameters
Parameter
Frequency Range
Duplexing Method
Input/Output Impedance
Multiplexing Method
Page 25 of 27
Information Contained in this Guide
is Subject to Change Without Notice
Value
50 Ohms nominal
3 dBi
RHCP
1.5 : 1
Value
1616 MHz to 1626.5 MHz
TDD (Time Domain Duplex)
50Ω
TDMA/FDMA
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