HWB3163-EVAL PRISM II 11Mbps PCMCIA
Wireless LAN Evaluation Kit User’s Guide
TM
Application Note
August 2000
AN9864.1
Author: Richard L. Abrahams
An ad hoc communications network is created quickly and
informally for a temporary time period. An infrastructure
network usually requires more planning so that wireless
stations can communicate over longer distances through
access points, and may also communicate with existing
wired LANs using portals.
Introduction
This kit allows evaluation of the Intersil
PRISM® II Direct Sequence chip set
design in a Wireless Local Area
Network (WLAN) PCMCIA Card
implementation.
The IEEE 802.11 standard describes Media Access Control
(MAC) procedures. The principal method of communication
is the Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision
Avoidance (CSMA-CA) protocol. Using this protocol, each
station senses the communications medium (RF channel),
and does not transmit until the channel is clear. This avoids
collisions and minimizes the retransmission of subsequent
packets.
Software drivers are included allowing data to be transmitted
between cards at 1, 2, 5.5 and 11Mbps transfer rates, with a
diagnostic program to display the real data throughput from
system to system.
Included in the kit are PRISM II chip set data sheets with
application notes describing the implementation of a
wireless networking card using the chip set.
Contents of Your Evaluation Kit
The standard also supports the operation of a station within
a wireless LAN that may coexist with several overlapping
wireless LANs. To accomplish this, a scheme of
Your PC Card Wireless LAN Evaluation Kit contains the
following items:
channelization and spread spectrum techniques is used.
Direct Sequence (DSSS) and Frequency Hopping (FHSS)
spread spectrum techniques are supported by the standard
and both operate in the 2.4 to 2.4835GHz frequency band
(the unlicensed ISM band). An infrared technique is also
supported for indoor applications. The standard supports a
1Mbps and 2Mbps data rate for both DSSS and FHSS and
has recently introduced a high data rate standard supporting
5.5Mbps and 11Mbps DSSS using Complementary Code
Keying (CCK) modulation.
QUANTITY
DESCRIPTION
2
1
PRISM II Wireless LAN PC Cards
HWB3163 Wireless LAN Evaluation Kit User’s
Guide, AN9864
1
1
1
PRISM II Chip Set Data Sheets
PRISM II Application Notes
Microsoft® Windows® 95/98/NT/CE/2000, LINUX®
Driver
The standard has also specified the requirements and services
that enable private and secure communications to occur.
1
1
1
1
PRISM® Test Utilities (PTU) Software
Features/Benefits Card
Wireless LAN Configurations
Product Registration Form
Notification Card
For ease of use in evaluating these cards, an ad hoc
network for peer to peer communications can be created.
An ad hoc network is usually created for a specific purpose
(such as file transfer or accessing a database). Ad hoc
networks simplify the process of creating and dissolving
networks for nontechnical users of the network facilities.
Two cards form an IEEE 802.11 Independent Basic Service
Set (IBSS), the simplest ad hoc network. The cards
communicate with each other directly and must remain
within radio range. When both cards are on, they
immediately “see” each other and the ad hoc network is
formed without user intervention.
Should you discover that your PC Card Wireless LAN
Evaluation Kit is incomplete, please contact Intersil
Corporation.
Overview of IEEE 802.11
The IEEE 802.11 specification is a standard for wireless
connectivity for fixed, portable, and moving stations within a
local area.
The IEEE 802.11 standard describes the services required
by a compliant device to operate within an “ad hoc” or
“infrastructure” network, as well as dealing with the issues
related to mobility within those networks. Spread spectrum
techniques are used to tolerate mobility and multipath
effects. They are also a requirement for compliance with
FCC, ETSI and those of other regulatory authorities when
operating within the Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM)
frequency band.
To use the cards in an infrastructure BSS (also called an
Extended Service Set) where the two cards may not be in direct
radio contact, access points are needed. The association
between a card (station) and an infrastructure BSS - where
communication occurs only between a station and an access
point and not between stations directly is dynamic.
1-888-INTERSIL or 321-724-7143 | Intersil and Design is a trademark of Intersil Corporation. | Copyright © Intersil Corporation 2000
PRISM® is a registered trademark of Intersil Corporation. PRISM logo is a trademark of Intersil Corporation.
1
Microsoft® Windows® and Windows NT® are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. LINUX® is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds.
Application Note 9864
Hardware Installation
INSTRUMENT
MANUFACTURER
MODEL
Step 1. Ensure that power to the PCMCIA slot is OFF by
noting that the PCMCIA icon does not appear in the
System Tray on the Desktop. If unsure, re-boot the
computer.
Frequency Counter Hewlett-Packard
Digital Scope
53181A (012 Option)
General-Purpose Multimeter
Step 2. Insert the wireless LAN PC card extender card into
the PCMCIA slot.
Computer with a PCMCIA Connection Slot (2 required)
3V PCMCIA
Extender Card
Swart Interconnect
EXT PCM-68-CC
NOTE: This is a 5V
Extender and must be
mechanically
Step 3. Insert the wireless LAN PC card into the end of the
extender card. Ensure that the LED and pin
headers of the extender card are on the same side.
Both the card and the extender are keyed so they
will fit correctly. The HWB3163 is a 3V only device.
Do not therefore force it in a 5V-keyed system as
permanent damage may occur.
modified for 3V
operation)
Differential Probe
Tektronix
P6247
RF Probe, 500Ω
Hewlett-Packard
54006A + 11742A
PC Card Evaluation
This chapter describes several software programs supplied
with the kit. It also details some diagnostic test points that
may be accessed on the card.
Using the PRISM Test Utility (PTU) Software
The PTU permits continuous operation of the transmitter. It
is therefore convenient for performing RF measurements
such as Transmitter Power. It also provides a handy method
of changing channels within the ISM band, Use of the
PRISM Transmitter Test Utility is basically self explanatory.
An icon was automatically created on the desktop when the
PTU installation was performed. It may be run by double-
clicking on this icon.
Using the LANEVAL Software
LANEVAL provides a convenient method of analyzing
Packet Error Rate (PER) and Receiver Sensitivity. An icon
for starting LANEVAL was automatically placed on the
desktop when the PTU installation was performed. In order
for LANEVAL to form a successful link, the same packet
parameters (e.g., Packet Length, Packet Pad Words, etc.)
most be programmed at each end of the link.
LANEVAL runs in conjunction with the NDC Driver. The
Driver permits selection of Data Rate and Channel. It is
normally run in the Pseudo IBSS mode as this provides a
simple wireless Ad Hoc link between two computers. The
NDC Driver may be easily accessed by double-clicking on its
icon (looks like a computer with an antenna on top) located
in the System Tray area on the desktop.
List of Test Instruments
The following instruments may be used for conducting tests
on the wireless LAN PC card.
INSTRUMENT
MANUFACTURER
MODEL
Spectrum Analyzer Hewlett-Packard
8595E
8541B
8648C
Power Meter
Giga-tronics
Signal Generator
Hewlett-Packard
3
HFA3861B BBP
(FILE #4816)
1
RF
DAC
HFA3683A
1
6
RF
ADC
(FILE #4634)
RF/IF CONVERTER
AGC
CTL
IF
DAC
HFA3841 MAC
(FILE #4661)
6
6
RAKE
AND
DEMOD
I ADC
WEP
ENGINE
Q ADC
RADIO
DATA
INTERFACE
HFA3983
(FILE #4635)
PA
CPU
REF_OUT
PLL
IF LO
I/O
RF LO
PLL
I/Q LO
16-BIT
HOST
INTERFACE
LOGIC
PIPELINED
CONTROL
PROCESSOR
6
6
MOD
AND
FILTER
I DAC
RADIO
CONTROL
PORTS
Q DAC
TX
ALC
7
6
TX
BUFFER
HFA3783 (FILE #4633)
IF I/Q MOD/DEMOD
DAC
TX
ADC
GP
MEMORY
SERIAL
PORTS
ACCESS
ARBITER
CONTROL
TEST I/O
VCO
VCO
V
CTRL
V
CTRL
EXTERNAL
MEMORY
44MHz
OSC
FIGURE 1. WIRELESS LAN PC CARD BLOCK DIAGRAM
Test Point Diagrams
TEST POINT L1 - RX Q- SIGNAL
TEST POINT L - RX Q+ SIGNAL
TEST POINT K1 - RX I- SIGNAL
TEST POINT K- RX I+ SIGNAL
FIGURE 2. WIRELESS LAN PC CARD TEST POINTS (TOP VIEW)
Test Point Diagrams (Continued)
TEST POINT D - TX IF SIGNAL (AFTER SAW FL)
TEST POINT C
INSTALL FOR RF CONNECTOR
C137 (150 PF)
ALSO INSTALL C141 (SEE BELOW)
TEST POINT
J- RX IF+ SIGNAL
TX IF SIGNAL (BEFORE SAW FL)
RF IN/OUT
TEST POINT E
(INSTALL J1 FOR
RF CONNECTOR)
TEST POINT A
TX I+
TEST POINT A1
TX I-
TEST POINT I
IF L.O. LOCK VOLTAGE
INSTALL FOR RF CONNECTOR
C141 (150 PF)
ALSO INSTALL C137 (SEE ABOVE)
TEST POINT G
RF L.O. LOCK VOLTAGE
TEST POINT F - RF L.O.
TEST POINT H
IF L.O.
TEST POINT B
TX Q+
REMOVE FOR RF CONNECTOR
L4 (1.5 NH)
TEST POINT B1
TX Q-
FIGURE 3. WIRELESS LAN PC CARD TEST POINTS (BOTTOM VIEW)
Application Note 9864
Test Points C and D
Explanation of Test Points
IF Transmit Signal:
All measurements were taken using the “Continuous
Transmit” or “Continuous Receive” features of the PTU
diagnostic software. Unless otherwise noted, spectrum
measurements included in this section were obtained using
a Hewlett-Packard 54006A 500Ω probe and 11742A coaxial
blocking capacitor and do not indicate the actual amplitude
of the signal owing to losses associated with the probe.
Unless noted, 11Mbps CCK modulation was employed.
Many of the signals are differential (i.e., balanced with
respect to ground). These are denoted by + (plus) and
- (minus) symbols following the signal name (e.g., RX I+ and
RX I-).
Test Points A- A1, and B-B1
Transmit I and Q:
FIGURE 5. IF TRANSMIT SIGNAL BEFORE SAW FILTER
(TEST POINT C)
FIGURE 6. IF TRANSMIT SIGNAL AFTER THE SAW FILTER
(TEST POINT D)
FIGURE 4. TRANSMIT I AND Q SIGNALS AT THE OUTPUT
OF THE HFA3861 (TEST POINTS A-A1 AND B-B1)
The intermediate frequency (IF) transmit signal is a spread
spectrum signal centered at 374MHz with a 17MHz
bandwidth.
NOTE: BPSK mode is used for the plots in this figure. Therefore, I
and Q are identical.
The I and Q are both differential signals and, as such,
consist of I+, I-, Q+, and Q- respectively. As these are
balanced signals, data is measured using a Tektronix P6247
Differential Probe. For example in the measurement of the I
signal, the probe is bridged between Test Points A (I+) and
A1 (I-).
The SAW filter is used to shape the sidelobes.
Test point C is at the input of the SAW Filter whereas D is at
the output.
Transmit In-phase and Quadrature (I+ and Q+) signals are
the spread baseband single-bit I and Q digital data that are
outputted at the programmed chip rate (N).
7
Application Note 9864
Test Point E
Test Points F and G
RF Transmit Signal:
RF local oscillator (LO):
FIGURE 7. TRANSMITTED 2.4GHz SIGNAL SPECTRUM
(TEST POINT E)
FIGURE 8. RF LOCAL OSCILLATOR OUTPUT AT CHANNEL 8
(TEST POINT F)
The optional SMA connector can be used to hook up a
Spectrum Analyzer for RF evaluation. Note that L4 (1.5nH)
must be removed and C141 (15pF) and C37 (150pF) must
be installed to activate the connector See (Figure 3).
The behavior of the RF VCO can be monitored at Test
Point F.
The VCO output should be locked at the channel frequency
minus the IF (374MHz.) This means that the VCO will have
to lock between 2038MHz and 2110MHz. The output power
at test point F is approximately -6dBm. Ideally, the tuning
voltage of the VCO, when locked, falls between 0.5V and
2.2V. The tuning voltage of the RF VCO can be observed at
Test Point G.
This is the up-converted spread spectrum output of the card.
The center frequency of this signal is 2412-2484MHz
depending on the channel of operation. The output power of
the signal is approximately +12.5dBm. The peaks of the
sidelobes of the output spectrum (i.e., the regrowth) are
normally adjusted by the ALC/AGC to be 30dB below the
peak of the spectrum per requirements of IEEE 802.11.
Test Points H and I
IF local oscillator (LO):
The following table delineates the IEEE 802.11 channels and
their corresponding center frequencies. Although information
contained in Table 1 is deemed to be accurate, local regulatory
authorities should be consulted before using such equipment.
TABLE 1. IEEE 802.11 CHANNELS
CHANNEL
NUMBER
CHANNEL
FREQUENCY
GEOGRAPHIC
USAGE
1
2
2412MHz
2417MHz
2422MHz
2427MHz
2432MHz
2437MHz
2442MHz
2447MHz
2452MHz
2457MHz
2462MHz
2467MHz
2472MHz
2484MHz
US, CA, ETSI
US, CA, ETSI
US, CA, ETSI
US, CA, ETSI
US, CA, ETSI
US, CA, ETSI
US, CA, ETSI
US, CA, ETSI
US, CA, ETSI
US, CA, ETSI, FR, SP
US, CA, ETSI, FR, SP
ETSI, FR
3
4
5
6
FIGURE 9. IF LOCAL OSCILLATOR OUTPUT (TEST POINT H)
7
8
The IF VCO is a discrete design and operates at 748MHz
(i.e., twice the IF frequency). The output frequency of this
VCO does not need to be varied; thus, minimal tuning range
is required.
9
10
11
12
13
14
The output frequency of this VCO can be observed at Test
Point H.
ETSI, FR
Japan†
Ideally, the tuning voltage of the IF VCO, when locked, falls
between 0.5V and 2.2V. The tuning voltage of the IF VCO
can be observed at Test Point I.
KEY: US = United States, CA = Canada, ETSI = ETSI countries
(except France and Spain), FR = France, SP = Spain.
†In Japan, authorization for Channels 1 through 11 is pending.
8
Application Note 9864
Test Point J
Test Point K-K1 and L-L1
IF Receive Signal:
Receive I and Q:
FIGURE 10. IF RECEIVE SIGNAL PRIOR TO SAW FILTER
(TEST POINT J)
The intermediate frequency (IF) receive signal is the down-
converted receive signal prior to the SAW bandpass filter.
The center frequency of this signal is 374MHz with a
bandwidth of 17MHz. The power of this signal is directly
dependent on the input signal power.
FIGURE 11. RECEIVE I AND Q SIGNALS (TEST POINTS K AND L)
NOTE: BPSK mode is used for the plots in this figure; as such, I and
Q are inverse of each other.
The receive In-phase and Quadrature (I and Q) signals are
the demodulated lowpass-filtered data that are coupled to
the HFA3861. The output levels of these two signals are
Note that the spurious signal visible below the DS
spectrum’s frequency is a harmonic of the 44MHz clock.
Much of this level is due to stray pickup in the 500Ω RF
probe because of the relatively low signal level present. As
such, it will have no influence on receiver performance.
approximately 500mV . As these are balanced signals,
P-P
data is taken using a Tektronix P6247 Differential Probe.
• Test point K for RXI+ signal is at the 0Ω jumper, R19.
• Test point K1 for RXI- signal is at the 0Ω jumper, R23
• Test point L for RXQ+ signal is at the 0Ω jumper, R27
• Test point L1 for RXQ- signal is at the 0Ω jumper, R29.
TOP (LED, THIS SIDE)
PIN 34
PIN 1
3V KEY
PIN 68
PIN 35
BOTTOM
VIEW, LOOKING INTO 68 PIN FEMALE CONNECTOR
FIGURE 12. EDGE VIEW, PCMCIA CARD
9
Application Note 9864
Absolute Maximum Ratings
Operating Conditions
o
o
Supply Voltage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -0.3V to 4.0V (Max)
Storage Temperature (Note 1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -20 C to 65 C
Temperature Range. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 C ≤ T ≤ 55 C
A
o
o
Supply Voltage Range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.0V to 3.6V
Caution: These are the absolute maximum ratings for the PC Card product. Exceeding these limits could cause permanent damage to the card.
NOTE:
1. All temperature references refer to ambient conditions.
Operational Characteristics
References
See the HWB3163-EVAL data sheet, Intersil File #4794, for
more detailed specifications.
For Intersil documents available on the internet, see web site
Intersil AnswerFAX (321) 724-7800.
TABLE 2. GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
[1] HWB3163-EVAL Data Sheet, Intersil Corporation,
SPECIFICATION
Targeted Standard
VALUE
AnswerFAX Doc. No. 4794.
IEEE 802.11
[2] AN9850 Application Note, Intersil Corporation,
“Complementary Code Keying Made Simple”,
AnswerFAX Doc. No. 99850.
Data Rate
1Mbps DBPSK
2Mbps DQPSK
5.5Mbps CCK
11Mbps CCK
Notices
Electronic Emission Notices
Range (11Mbps Data Rate)
120ft (37M) Indoor (Typ)
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
400ft (122M) Outdoor (Typ)
Center Frequency Range
Step Size
2412MHz - 2484MHz
1MHz
1. This device may not cause harmful interference.
2. This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired operation.
IF Frequency
374MHz
FCC Radio Frequency Interference Statement
IF Bandwidth
17MHz
The wireless LAN PC card is subject to the rules of the
Federal Communications Commission (FCC). This card is
considered an intentional radiator as per the FCC guidelines.
RX/TX Switching Speed
2µs (Typ)
Average Current without
Power Save
2% Transmit, 98% Receive
187mA (Typ)
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with
the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC
rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference in a residential installation. This
equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy
and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction
manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful
Average Current with Power
Save
2% TX, 8% RX, 90% Standby
43mA (Typ)
Current in Continuous TX
mode
300mA (Typ)
185mA (Typ)
25mA (Typ)
interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined
by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to
correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
Current in Continuous RX
mode
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna
Standby Current
Mechanical
• Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from
that to which the receiver is connected
Type II PC Card, with Antenna
Extension
• Consult the dealer or an experienced ratio/TV technician for help
Output Power
+11.5dBm (Typ)
WARNING! Any changes or modifications of equipment not expressly
approved by Intersil could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
Transmit Spectral Mask
Antenna Interface
-30dBc at First Side Lobes
SMA, 50Ω (for testing only)
Dual Diversity Printed Antenna
10
Application Note 9864
All Intersil semiconductor products are manufactured, assembled and tested under ISO9000 quality systems certification.
Intersil semiconductor products are sold by description only. Intersil Corporation reserves the right to make changes in circuit design and/or specifications at any time with-
out notice. Accordingly, the reader is cautioned to verify that data sheets are current before placing orders. Information furnished by Intersil is believed to be accurate and
reliable. However, no responsibility is assumed by Intersil or its subsidiaries for its use; nor for any infringements of patents or other rights of third parties which may result
from its use. No license is granted by implication or otherwise under any patent or patent rights of Intersil or its subsidiaries.
Sales Office Headquarters
NORTH AMERICA
EUROPE
ASIA
Intersil Corporation
Intersil SA
Intersil Ltd.
P. O. Box 883, Mail Stop 53-204
Melbourne, FL 32902
TEL: (321) 724-7000
FAX: (321) 724-7240
Mercure Center
8F-2, 96, Sec. 1, Chien-kuo North,
Taipei, Taiwan 104
Republic of China
TEL: 886-2-2515-8508
FAX: 886-2-2515-8369
100, Rue de la Fusee
1130 Brussels, Belgium
TEL: (32) 2.724.2111
FAX: (32) 2.724.22.05
11
|