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AirLink
AirLink RX55
Hardware User Guide
July 2024
41114494 Rev. 3

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Summary of Contents for Semtech AirLink RX55

  • Page 1 AirLink AirLink RX55 Hardware User Guide July 2024 41114494 Rev. 3...
  • Page 2: Important Notice

    Information relating to this product and the application or design described herein is believed to be reliable, however such information is provided as a guide only and Semtech assumes no liability for any errors in this document, or for the application or design described herein.
  • Page 3: Sierra Wireless

    The device is required to be installed in a tool-secured enclosure with the appropriate type rating. Sierra Wireless Semtech Corporation purchased Sierra Wireless in January 2023. The Sierra Wireless brand is gradually being phased out. During the phase-out period, references to both “Semtech” and “Sierra Wireless” may appear in product documentation. Rev. 3 July 2024...
  • Page 4: Contact Information

    AirLink RX55 Hardware User Guide Contact Information Sales information and technical support, Web: sierrawireless.com/company/contact-us/ including warranty and returns Global toll-free number: 1-877-687-7795 6:00 am to 5:00 pm PST Corporate and product information Web: sierrawireless.com Copyright © 2024 Semtech. All rights reserved.
  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    Introduction to the AirLink RX55 ........
  • Page 6 AirLink RX55 Hardware User Guide Step 4—Connect the Data Cables ........... . . 20 USB Port .
  • Page 7 Contents Wi-Fi Performance ..............47 Wi-Fi Channels Supported.
  • Page 8: Introduction To The Airlink Rx55

    1: Introduction to the AirLink RX55 ® ® The Sierra Wireless AirLink RX55 LTE-A router is a compact, intelligent and fully-featured communications platform that provides real-time wireless capabilities for fixed and mobile applications. It is intended for use in industrial settings such as: •...
  • Page 9: Description

    Introduction to the AirLink RX55 Description Back Panel Cellular Antenna Connector Cellular Antenna Connector 9-pin RS-232 Serial Port (See (See page 18.) Connect the Antennas (See Serial Port Connect the Antennas on page 21.) page 18.) Cellular Cellular GNSS Power Connector RJ-45 Ethernet Port USB 2.0 Micro-AB Port...
  • Page 10: Router Configuration And Management

    For more information, visit www.sierrawireless.com/ALMS or contact your Sierra Wireless distributor. Power Modes The AirLink RX55 router has two power modes: • Idle Connected—The CPU and the radio are on. • Standby—The CPU and the radio are off, but can be woken by an I/O input or at a configured time.
  • Page 11: Power Saving Features

    Introduction to the AirLink RX55 Power Saving Features Table 1-2 provides a quick reference to the ways you can save power with the RX55. Table 1-2: Power Saving Features Feature Where to configure Notes in AirLink OS Processor Power Savings System >...
  • Page 12: Sample Power Consumption Scenarios

    AirLink RX55 Hardware User Guide Table 1-2: Power Saving Features (Continued) Feature Where to configure Notes in AirLink OS Standby (Time-based) System > MCU > The RX55 router is in standby mode and automatically wakes up Voltage Threshold periodically, for example hourly or daily.
  • Page 13: Dual Sim

    Dual SIM The AirLink RX55 router has two SIM card 2FF slots. You can configure which slot is the Primary SIM card—by default, the upper SIM slot is for the Primary SIM card. To configure the Primary and Secondary SIM card slots, see Hardware Interfaces >...
  • Page 14: Installation And Startup

    2: Installation and Startup This chapter shows how to connect, install and start the Sierra Wireless RX55 router. It also describes the front panel LEDs, and I/O functionality. Note: Field wiring and connections in hazardous locations must be connected as per the wiring methods requirement for Class 2 circuits mentioned in the National Electric Code and the Canadian Electric Code.
  • Page 15: Step 1-Insert The Sim Cards

    Step 1—Insert the SIM Cards The AirLink RX55 router has two mini-SIM (2FF) card slots. The upper slot is Slot 1 and the lower slot is Slot 2. AirLink OS references these slot numbers, and by default, the SIM card in Slot 1 is the Primary SIM card. If you are using only one SIM card, Sierra Wireless recommends that you install it in Slot 1.
  • Page 16: Step 2-Mounting And Grounding The Rx55 Router

    AirLink RX55 Hardware User Guide Step 2—Mounting and Grounding the RX55 Router Warning: This router is not intended for use close to the human body. Antennas should be at least 8 inches (20 cm) away from the operator. Mount the router where: •...
  • Page 17: Din Rail Mount

    Installation and Startup DIN Rail Mount If you are mounting the RX55 router on a DIN rail, order DIN rail mounting bracket kit (P/N 6000659) from Sierra Wireless. The kit contains: • L-shaped DIN Rail Mounting Bracket—Qty 1 • DIN Rail Clip (35 mm EN 50022)—Qty 1 •...
  • Page 18: Grounding The Rx55 Router Chassis

    AirLink RX55 Hardware User Guide Grounding the RX55 Router Chassis For DC installations (with a fixed “system” ground reference), you must ground the RX55 chassis to this system ground reference. To ensure a good grounding reference, either: • Attach the RX55 to a grounded metallic surface.
  • Page 19: Recommended Antenna Separation

    Installation and Startup To install the antennas: 1. Connect the cellular antenna to the SMA cellular antenna connector. Mount the cellular antenna so there is at least 20 cm between the antenna and the user or bystander. 2. Connect a second antenna to the SMA Cellular 2 antenna connector. 3.
  • Page 20: Step 4-Connect The Data Cables

    AirLink RX55 Hardware User Guide Table 2-1: Recommended Antenna Separation Service Frequency Wavelength () Best Antenna Good Antenna (MHz) (mm) Separation (mm) Separation (mm) (1/2 ) (1/4 ) 1800 2100 2600 WCDMA WCDMA WCDMA 1900 WCDMA 2100 Step 4—Connect the Data Cables The RX55 router has the following ports for connecting data cables: •...
  • Page 21: Usb Port

    Installation and Startup USB Port Warning: Do not use the USB port in a potentially explosive environment. The USB port complies with USB Version 2.0 for high speed operation and can be configured to operate in one of two modes: •...
  • Page 22 AirLink RX55 Hardware User Guide Figure 2-5: DB-9 Female Serial Connector Table 2-2: Serial Connector Pin-out (Single Port Mode) Name Description Type Data Carrier Detect Receive Data Transmit Data Data Terminal Ready Main GND. Connected internally to BOARD GND Data Set Ready...
  • Page 23: Step 5-Connect The Power

    Step 5—Connect the Power The AirLink RX55 router comes with a 3 meter (10 ft.) DC power cable. You can also purchase an optional AC adapter. Note: Electrical installations are potentially dangerous and should be performed by personnel thoroughly trained in safe electrical wiring procedures.
  • Page 24: Power Connector On The Rx55 Router

    AirLink RX55 Hardware User Guide Power Connector on the RX55 Router White Pin 3 Ignition Sense Ignition switch or external Green solar power low voltage Pin 4 disconnect device GPI/O Pin 1 Optional: Connect to Power switch, relay or external device...
  • Page 25 Installation and Startup Table 2-4: Power Connector Pin and DC Cable Wires Name DC Cable Description Type Wire Color Ignition White Sierra Wireless recommends using the Ignition Sense wire to turn the router off. Sense It should not be turned off by disconnecting the power. Note: If you do not connect pin 3 to the ignition, you MUST connect it to the positive terminal of your power supply or battery.
  • Page 26: Wiring Diagrams

    AirLink RX55 Hardware User Guide Wiring Diagrams Recommended Vehicle Installation For vehicle installations, Sierra Wireless recommends connecting the white Ignition Sense wire to the vehicle’s ignition switch, as shown in the following illustration. Vehicle fuse box 4 A fuse 1 Power...
  • Page 27: Fixed Installation

    Installation and Startup Vehicle fuse box 4 A fuse 1 Power 3 On/Off Battery RX55 4 I/O Ignition 2 Ground Engine compartment Vehicle firewall Vehicle cabin Figure 2-8: Alternate Vehicle Installation • Pin 1 (Power) —Use the red wire in the DC cable to connect Pin 1 to the power source. Include a 4.0 A fast- acting fuse in the input power line.
  • Page 28: I/O Configuration

    AirLink RX55 Hardware User Guide Fixed Installation with I/O Input Triggered by Standby Mode If you have a fixed installation where you want to use the I/O to monitor an external device such as a motion detector, remote solar panel, or a remote camera, refer to Figure 2-10.
  • Page 29: Pulse Counter

    Installation and Startup Note: During bootup, the I/O settings remain in their default state: the internal pull-up resistor is disabled, and output current sink switch is open. After bootup, any custom I/O settings are applied. This may take approximately 30 seconds after the router is restarted or powered on.
  • Page 30: Digital Input

    AirLink RX55 Hardware User Guide Digital Input You can use the green wire to connect Pin 4 to a digital input to detect the state of a switch such as a vehicle ignition, or to monitor an external device such as a motion detector, a remote solar panel, or a remote camera. Digital input can also be used with the standby timer.
  • Page 31 Installation and Startup High Side Pull-up / Dry Contact Switch Input You can use the green wire to connect Pin 4 to a dry contact switch. The dry contact switch is not available in Standby mode. RX55 Internal pull-up resistor (10K) Pin 4 (power connector) On** = 1.1 mA (Typ)
  • Page 32: Analog Input

    AirLink RX55 Hardware User Guide Analog Input You can use the green wire to connect Pin 4 to an analog sensor. As an analog input (voltage sensing pin), the router monitors voltage changes in small increments. This allows you to monitor equipment that reports status as an analog voltage.
  • Page 33 Installation and Startup Low Side Current Sink Output You can use Pin 4 as a low side current sink, for example, to drive a relay. RX55 Internal pull-up resistor Protection External solenoid/relay circuit Circuitry = 500 mA (Typ)* Sink Pin 4 (power connector) * See Table 2-9 on page 33 for more details.
  • Page 34: Step 6-Check The Router Operation

    5 mA,  5 V Step 6—Check the Router Operation 1. When power is supplied to the AirLink RX55 router, it powers up automatically, as indicated by the flashing LEDs. If it does not turn on, ensure that the: ·...
  • Page 35: Led Behavior

    Installation and Startup LED Behavior Figure 2-18: RX55 LEDs LED Patterns The RX55’s LEDs display four device statuses (see Table 2-11)—GNSS, Wi-Fi, Cellular radio, and Power using a variety of pattern types and colors: • Solid—Single color, always on • Fast flashing—One color on for 0.2 s, then off or another color for 0.2 s •...
  • Page 36 AirLink RX55 Hardware User Guide Table 2-11: LED Behavior (Continued) Wi-Fi Solid Green (pulse off with activity) Connected in Client mode (good signal) with traffic Connected in Access Point mode with traffic (Client mode not configured) Note: If access point and client are configured and have traffic at same time, LED displays the client status (i.e. displaying a connected Depot is the priority).
  • Page 37 Installation and Startup Table 2-11: LED Behavior (Continued) Cellular radio disabled Power Solid Green Router operating normally with ignition on Fast Flashing Green Router is rebooting after Reset button pressed for <5 seconds (or reset from AirLink OS) Solid Yellow •...
  • Page 38: Ethernet Leds

    AirLink RX55 Hardware User Guide Table 2-11: LED Behavior (Continued) GNSS Green LED chase Wi-Fi Cellular Power Radio module firmware update in progress Important: Do not turn off the power while the update is in progress. Ethernet LEDs The Ethernet connector has two LEDs that indicate speed and activity. When looking into the connector: •...
  • Page 39: Step 7-Startup And Software Configuration

    Installation and Startup Step 7—Startup and Software Configuration You can configure the AirLink OS software on the RX55 router using: • Web-based UI • AirLink Management Service (cloud-based application) Configuring with AirLink OS You can configure the RX55 using: • AirLink OS (the RX55’s web interface) •...
  • Page 40: Configure And Monitor Remotely With Airlink Management Service

    AirLink RX55 Hardware User Guide Configure and Monitor Remotely with AirLink Management Service AirLink Management Service (ALMS) allows remote management of all your routers from one user interface. Some of its features include: • Centralized, remote monitoring for all your AirLink routers •...
  • Page 41: Specifications At A Glance

    3: Specifications at a Glance This chapter provides the specifications for the RX55 router. Certification and Interoperability • Emissions / Immunity • ISED Canada • CE (Including EMC Test case for vehicle installation EN301489) • ACMA RCM • Safety CB Scheme •...
  • Page 42: Reliability Specifications

    AirLink RX55 Hardware User Guide Test Method Category Description MIL-STD-810G, Temperature Rugged category: -40 °C to 85 °C Test methods 2-hour soak each temp high/low 50 cycles 501.5, 502.5 ramp <= 3 °C/minute Operating mode: unpowered MIL-STD-810G, Humidity 10 × 48-hour cycles: Test method 507.5...
  • Page 43: Included Radio Module Firmware

    Specifications at a Glance Included Radio Module Firmware For carrier certification, please see the Tech Spec at sierrawireless.com. RX55 NA: • AT&T • Verizon • T-Mobile • Generic RX55 EMEA/APAC: • Telstra (planned) • Generic Host Interfaces • Antenna Base model: connectors ·...
  • Page 44: Sim Card Interface

    AirLink RX55 Hardware User Guide • Ethernet 10/100/1000Base-T RJ-45 Ethernet • IEEE 802.3 Ethernet specification for 1000 Mbps speed (Gigabit Ethernet) with fallback to 100 or 10 Mbps (Cat 5e or Cat 6 cable is required for Gigabit Ethernet) •...
  • Page 45: Operating Voltage

    Specifications at a Glance Operating Voltage By default, the router is configured to enter Standby mode at 9 V. If you want to operate the router at less than 9 volts, power it on using at least 9 V, log in to AirLink OS, go to System > MCU > Voltage Threshold and adjust the Standby mode settings.
  • Page 46: Gnss Bands Supported

    AirLink RX55 Hardware User Guide Table 3-3: GNSS Specifications (Continued) Parameter/feature Description Tracking : -160 dBm Sensitivity Acquisition (Assisted): -158 dBm Acquisition (Standalone): -145 dBm Altitude <18288 m (60,000 ft), or Velocity <1852 km/h (1000 knots) Operational limits (Either limit may be exceeded, but not both.) Preliminary values, pending validation b.
  • Page 47: Protocols

    Specifications at a Glance Protocols • Network: TCP/IP, UDP/IP, DNS • Routing: NAT, Host Port Routing, DHCP • Applications: SMS, NTP • Serial: TCP/UDP PAD mode • GNSS: NMEA 0183 V3.0, TAIP Wi-Fi Performance Technology Frequency MIMO 20 MHz 40 MHz 80 MHz 802.11n 2.4 GHz...
  • Page 48: Wi-Fi Antenna Gain

     Wi-Fi Antenna Gain The AirLink RX55 is compliant with the RF exposure requirements at 20 cm separation distance specified in EN 62311:2008 and 1999/519/EC for mobile exposure conditions, provided the maximum antenna gain does not exceed the limits given in the table below.
  • Page 49: Radio Frequency Bands

    Specifications at a Glance Radio Frequency Bands Use the following table as a guide to the radio frequencies and transmit power supported by the RX55 radio modules. To determine which radio module your router has, refer to the label on the bottom of the router Table 3-7: EM7411 LTE-A Frequency Bands Band Frequency (Tx)
  • Page 50 AirLink RX55 Hardware User Guide Note: Values in the following table are preliminary, pending transceiver matching/testing. Table 3-9: EM7411 Conducted Tx (Transmit) Power Tolerances Bands Conducted Tx power Notes  LTE bands 2, 4, 25, 26, 66 22.5 dBm 1 dB ...
  • Page 51: Carrier Aggregation Combinations

    Specifications at a Glance Table 3-11: EM7421 WCDMA Frequency Bands Support Band Frequency (Tx) Frequency (Rx) Band 1 1920–1980 MHz 2110–2170 MHz Band 5 824–849 MHz 869–894 MHz Band 8 880–915 MHz 925–960 MHz Table 3-12: EM7421 Conducted Tx (Transmit) Power Tolerances Bands Conducted Tx power Notes...
  • Page 52 AirLink RX55 Hardware User Guide Table 3-13: EM7411 Carrier Aggregation Downlink Combinations (Continued) 1 Band / 2CC 2 Bands / 2CC CA_4A-4A CA_4A-5A CA_4A-7A CA_4A-12A CA_4A-13A CA_4A-71A CA_5B CA_5A-66A CA_7A-7A CA_7A-12A CA_7B CA_7C CA_12B CA_12A-66A CA_13A-66A CA_14A-66A CA_25A-25A CA_25A-26A CA_26A-41A...
  • Page 53 Specifications at a Glance Table 3-14: EM7421 Carrier Aggregation Downlink Combinations (Continued) 1 Band / 2CC 2 Bands / 2CC CA_3A-3A CA_3A-7A CA_3C CA_3A-8A CA_3A-20A CA_3A-28A CA_7A-7A CA_7A-8A CA_7B CA_7A-20A CA_7C CA_7A-28A CA_20A-32A CA_38C CA_40A-40A CA_40C CA_41A-41A CA_41C CA_42A-42A CA_42C CA_43C Rev.
  • Page 54: Mechanical Specifications

    AirLink RX55 Hardware User Guide Mechanical Specifications • Housing—The RX55 router is made of ruggedized powder-coated aluminum. • RoHS—The RX55 router complies with the Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive (RoHS). This directive restricts the use of six hazardous materials in the manufacture of various types of electronic and electrical equipment.
  • Page 55: Screw Torque Settings

    Specifications at a Glance Screw Torque Settings • DIN rail mount screws: 1.1 N-m (10 in-lb) • Antennas: Finger tight (5–7 in-lb) is sufficient. The max torque should not go beyond 1.1 N-m (10 in-lb). Rev. 3 July 2024 41114494...
  • Page 56: Regulatory Information

    Regulatory Information Important Information for North American Users Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment.
  • Page 57 5150 5850 transmitters Bluetooth 2400 2500 Sierra Wireless hereby declares the AirLink RX55 devices are in compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of Directive 2014/53/EU. The RX55 devices display the CE mark. Rev. 3 July 2024 41114494...
  • Page 58: Declaration Of Conformity

    AirLink RX55 Hardware User Guide Warning: Changes or modifications to this device not expressly approved by Sierra Wireless could void the user's authority to operate this equipment. Warning: This product is only to be installed by qualified personnel. Declaration of Conformity The Declaration of Conformity made under Directive 2014/53/EU is available for viewing at: source.sierrawireless.com/resources/airlink/certification_and_type_approval/...
  • Page 59: Weee Notice

    Regulatory Information WEEE Notice If you purchased your AirLink RX55 device in Europe, please return it to your dealer or supplier at the end of its life. WEEE products may be recognized by their wheeled bin label on the product label.
  • Page 60: Accessories

    A: Accessories DC Power Cable (Black Connector) Table A-1: DC Power Cable DC Power Cable Part Number 2000522 Product Release 2016 Components: 1 UL2464 20 AWG × 4 core cable  4 Molex female crimp terminals /AWG 20-24, 250 V, 4 A Max, phosphor bronze ...
  • Page 61: Ac Power Adapter (Black Connector)

    Accessories AC Power Adapter (Black Connector) Note: Please note that the AC power adapter is not available for sale in New Zealand (as of June 1, 2018). AC Power Adapter Part Number 2000579 Product Release Date 2016 AC Power Adapter Input Table A-2: Input Specifications Minimum Typical...
  • Page 62: Ac Power Adapter Environmental Specifications

    AirLink RX55 Hardware User Guide AC Power Adapter Environmental Specifications Table A-4: AC Power Adapter Environmental Specifications Operating Operating Temperature 0°C ~ 40°C (operates normally) Relative Humidity 10% ~ 90% Altitude Sea level to 2,000 meters Vibration 1.0 mm, 10–55 Hz, 15 minutes per cycle for each axis...
  • Page 63: Ac Power Adapter Emc Standards

    Accessories AC Power Adapter EMC Standards The power supply meets the radiated and conducted emission requirements for EN55022, FCC Part 15, Class B, GB9254. AC Power Adapter Hazardous Substances • EU Directive 2011/65/EU “RoHS” • EU Directive 2012/19/EU “WEEE” • REACH AC Power Adapter Energy Efficiency The AC adapter complies with International Efficiency Levels, as shown in...
  • Page 64: Dual Serial Port Adapter Cable

    AirLink RX55 Hardware User Guide Dual Serial Port Adapter Cable Note: This cable is compatible with non-Wi-Fi models only. Dual Serial Port Adapter Cable Part Number 6001238 Product Release 2019 Pin 1 Port 1 Pin 1 Port 3 Pin 1...
  • Page 65: Serial Can Y-Cable

    Accessories Serial CAN Y-Cable The Serial CAN Y-Cable allows you to connect the RX55 to another serial-based system and/or to a vehicle bus interface cable. Note: This cable is compatible with Wi-Fi models only. Serial CAN Y-Cable Part Number 6001479 Product Release 2022 DB9 Female—Accepts...
  • Page 66: Index

    Index Accessories, 13 Host Interfaces, 43 accuracy (GNSS), 45 ACEmanager, 10 acquisition time (GNSS), 45 AirLink Management Service, 10 I / O Configuration, 28 Analog input, 32 Input Antenna Analog, 32 Connecting, 18 Dry contact switch, 31 Recommended separation, 20 Ignition switch, 30 Safe...
  • Page 67 Index power tolerances, conducted Tx, 50, 51 Protocols, 47 Pull-up resistor, 31 Pulse counter, 29 Rebooting, 40 Regulatory information, 56 Regulatory specifications, 63 Reliability, 42 Reset to factory default settings, 40 RF bands supported LTE, 49, 50, 51 specifications, 18 Screw Torque, 55 Serial connector...

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