LLB11006SLLB11006S Tranceiver Module

ACLARA RF SYSTEMS Former HEXAGRAM, Inc. 30400 Solon Road. Solon, OH 44139 440-528-7200 Dec 6th, 2011 Users Manual FCC ID: LLB11006S The LLB11006S has no user adjustment or controls and are installed by factories trained personnel at the manufacturing facility .Aclara RF Systems formally Hexagram LLB11006S devices are shipped to the customer in the sealed LLB11006S enclosures. Thus, NO operational access can be made in the field, without breaking the factory sealed enclosure. The FCC wants you to know..... This equipment has been tested and complies with Part 15 and Part 90 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy, and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, 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 interference to radio or television reception, try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures: • Reorient or relocate the equipment. • Increase the separation distance between the affected equipment and receiver. • Consult Hexagram, Inc. for help. Any changes or modifications to this equipment not expressly approved by the Hexagram, Inc. could void the authorization to operate the equipment. FCC RF Exposure Guidelines Hexagram’s low power RF devices and their antennas must be fixed- mounted on indoor or outdoor permanent structure(s) providing a separation distance of at least 20 cm from all persons during normal operation. This device is not designed (and it has no external connection) to operate in conjunction with any other antennas or transmitters. No other operating instructions for satisfying RF exposure compliance are needed. This unit has no user or installer serviceable parts, and requires no field adjustment or calibration. Units are sealed at the factory, and disruption of this seal could void the authorization to operate the equipment. Sincerely, Siva Jambulingam Principal Engineer 440-528-7200 [email protected]

ACLARA RF SYSTEMS Formally HEXAGRAM, Inc. 30400 Solon Road . Solon, OH 44139 440-528-7200 Dec 6 th 2011 FCC ID: LLB11006S PREVIOUS TYPE ACCEPTANCE The radio transceiver submitted (LLB11006S) herein is used as a telemetry device for the reading of utility meters. An operationally identical device (LLB6082) was previously submitted for Type Acceptance and received a Grant of Type Acceptance on March 4 th 1998.This earlier version has been in field service since the grant was issued. The block diagram and basic circuit configuration of the new product is identical to that of the original LLB6082. As detailed in “Description of Operation, the block diagram of the LLB11006S is similar to LLB6082 device with difference that new device is design to accommodate new application requirements, such: • 2-way communication. • Time synchronization within a complete AMR cell. • Complete AMR cell self testing and control. • To comply with newest regulations for electrical and gas utilities. Also, attached is a “Statement Concerning Compliance with Section 90.203 (j) (3)”. The identical statement was submitted with the application for Type Acceptance of the earlier LLB9975J device. STATEMENT CONCERNING COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 90.203(J)(3) Introduction Section 90.203 (j)(3) of the Commission’s Rules on transmitters provides, in pertinent part: If the equipment [in the 150-174 and 421-512 MHz bands] is capable of transmitting data and has an overall bandwidth of 6,25 kHz or more, the equipment must be capable of supporting a minimum data rate of 4800 bits per second per 6.25 kHz of bandwidth. 1. Three parties interested in remote utility metering sought reconsideration of this provision to allow alternative showings of spectrum efficiency for low power frequency reuse systems. 2. 2The commission replied: [W]e will provide manufacturers with additional flexibility to design spectrally efficient transmitters. The commission’s Equipment Authorization Division may, on a case by case basis, grant type acceptance to equipment with slower bit rates than specified in Section 90.203(j)(3) and 90-203(j)(5) of our rules, provided that an acceptable technical analysis is submitted with the application, which demonstrate that the slower data rate will provide spectral efficiency than the standard data rate. 3. The present application is for automatic remote meter equipment, and falls squarely within the scope of this exception. When considered as part of a system, the device in question provides spectrum efficiency and channel utilization far excess of 4800 bits/sec per 6.25 kHz. Technical Analysis The device submitted for type acceptance is a Meter Transmitter Unit (MTU). When the system is implemented, an MTU is attached to each utility meter. The MTU periodically transmits meter readings Omni-directionally in transmissions lasting under one-tenth second each. Transmissions from different MTU are independent and uncorrelated. Data-collector Units (DCU) are mounted on a nominal 1 mile grid. A DCU receives and stores the transmissions from all the MTUs in its range. Once, daily, each DCU transfers the accumulated data to a central computer at the utility office via a cell phone mounted on the DCU. MTU bandwidth is 12.5 kHz, so a strict application of section 90.203(j)(3) would require the equipment to support a data rate of 9600 bits/sec. In fact, to minimize component cost and bit error rate, an individual MTU transmits at rate of 7200 bits/sec. The system achieves spectrum (emphasis added) efficiency not through a high bit rate in each individual MTU, but through a high level of frequency re-use achieved by deploying a large number of low-power short range transmitters. As detailed in the Appendix, a typical large installation of MTUs on a single 12.5 kHz channel can support data rates exceeding 100,000 bits/sec. This performance represents spectrum efficiency far in excess of that required under Section 90.203(j)(3). Where a typical commercial user of private land mobile radio spectrum, such as a delivery service, requires a pair of channels to provide two-way communication with dozens of trucks at most, the MTU is a part of a system that uses a single channel to service millions of users and to carry data representing billions of dollars in annual revenue. This is an extremely efficient use of the spectrum, and is consistent with the Commission’s purposes underlying Section 90.203(j)(3). An operationally identical MTU (LLB6082) received a grant of Type Acceptance on March 4, 1998. Automatic Meter Reading Systems incorporating this technology have been in service since March 4, 1998 and have incorporated tens of thousands of transmitters. The MTU described in this application for Certification represents an improved product. An earlier product (LLB5155) operating under the Commission rules then in effect has been in service at hundreds of locations since May of 1996. Public Interest Considerations. Public interest considerations support the development of Automatic Meter reading equipment, such as the device in question. Automatic Meter Reading equipment directly helps to keep consumer rates down in the time of rapidly increasing labor cost. The alternative, traditional door- to-door meter reading, is not only much more expensive, but dangerous for the meter readers, and necessarily exposes consumers to potential security risk in their homes. Equally important in a pro-competitive regulatory environment, Automatic Meter Reading equipment makes possible time –of-use billing, under which a customer’s utility rate varies with time of day or day of the week. Electric time-of-use billing, for example, typically requires a meter read every 15 minutes, which is not feasible without Automatic Meter Reading equipment. Frequent meter-reading is an important component of utility deregulation, because it enables new competitors to tailor service and rates to particular niche markets, profiles of demand, and competitive situatio…

Text truncated - open the document above for the full version.

.75 .25 1/2 DJG D C B A A B C D SCALE: SIZE CAD FILE: B DWG. NO. 1 SHEET 1 REV. DATE APPROVALS DRAWN CHECKEDRESP ENG MFG ENGQUAL ENG UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED DIMENSIONS ARE IN INCHES TOLERANCES ARE: FRACTIONS DECIMALS ANGLES MATERIAL FINISH DO NOT SCALE DRAWING APPLICATION USED ON NEXT ASSY 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 REVISIONS REV. DATE OF THE WRITTEN PERMISSION OF ACLARA RF SYSTEMS INC . IS PROHIBITED. ACLARA RF SYSTEMS INC. ANY REPRODUCTION IN PART OR WHOLE WITHOUT THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS DRAWING IS THE SOLE PROPERTY OF SEE NOTES .010 .XX= .XXX= .005 .0005 .XXXX= 11/21/11 091-LLB11006S ECO 11010 - INITIAL RELEASE 1/64 091-LLB11006S APPROVED 4:1 A 11/21/11 DESCRIPTION A BY DJG N/A 11/21/11 DJG 11/21/11 DJG LABEL, FCC ID, LLB11006S DJG (C) 2011 ACLARA RF SYSTEMS INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. PROPRIETARY AND CONFIDENTIAL. NOTES:1) MATERIAL: 4 MIL PRINTABLE POLYESTER/HIGH STRENGTH ACRYLIC SOLVENT ADHESIVE(AVERY) FASSON SPEC #72828 OR EQUIVALENT 2) BACKGROUND COLOR TO BE PANTONE 429 GRAY3) TEXT TO BE MINIMUM OF 0.125" HIGH4) TEXT COLOR TO BE BLACK

ACLARA RF SYSTEMS Former HEXAGRAM Inc. 30400 Solon Road . Solon, OH 44139 440-528-7200 Dec 6th, 2011 LLB11006S RF Exposure calculations Based on FCC 1.1307 & 2.1091, FCC OET Bulletin 65. (1) Categorically Exclusion from RF exposure Evaluation: According to FCC regulations, RF exposure evaluation is Categorically Excluded if transmitter’s operation frequency is less than 1.5 GHz and ERP is less than 1.5 watt. (2) Absolute Maximum specifications of LLB11006S transmitter • Operational frequency band 450 MHz to 470 MHz. • The LLB11006S transmitter is measured for Max RF Power = 0.355 W. • Absolute Maximum transmission time (duration) for any Hexagram transmitters does not exceed 100 mS (0.10second). • Transmission period – Absolute maximum is 4 transmissions per hour. • All Hexagram Transmitters utilize FSK modulation. (3) Average RF Power Calculation: FCC regulations on permissible RF exposure are not based on peak envelope power (PEP), but on average power (P_ave) over a 30-minute time period for uncontrolled environments. As mentioned in (2), during any 30 minute Hexagram MTU can transmit only two times. Duration = 0.10 second. With maximum RF radiation equal to .355 W, the Average RF Power over 30 minutes is: P_ave (worst case) at 30 minute = .355 W*2* [0.10sec/((30*60)sec)] = 0.039mW (4) Maximum Radiated Power Density prediction (S): To predict power density (S) at distance R=20 cm from transmitter with P_ave = .039mW, next formula is used: S = P_ave/(4*(PI)*R^2) For the worst of the worst worst-case prediction of power density at or near a transmitter surface let’s use: S = P_ave/((PI)*R^2) = 0.039mW/(4*3.14*20cm*20cm) = 7.75 uW/cm^2. This is the worst case of the near field power density of LLB11006S transmitter. (5) Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE) from LLB11006S: AS FCC require, the maximum permissible exposure for general public in “uncontrolled situation” at 20 cm is: MPE = 460MHz/1500 = 10.440 mW/cm^2. By comparing results in (4) and (5), S=7.5 uW/cm^2 < MPE=0.440 mW/cm^2. We see that LLB11006S fully complies with RF safety at a distance of 20 cm. Sincerely, Siva Jambulingam Principal Engineer 440-528-7200 [email protected]

James R. Pollock HEXAGRAM INC. An ESCO Technologies Company 30400 Solon Road Solon OH 44139 (440) 528-7200 ENGINEERING TEST REPORT RADIO-FREQUENCY EMISSIONS TEST REPORT FOR HIGH READ-RATE GAS METER TRANSMITTING UNIT Model 2011-006S, Rev. C FCC ID: LLB11006S December 5, 2011 Report Prepared by Agency Certification Control Technician 2 TEST REPORT INTRODUCTION The Hexagram Model 2011-006S transceiver is a “Meter Transmitting Unit” (MTU) designed to provide remote meter reading capability for a gas meter. The transceiver is self- powered and mounts directly on a gas meter. On board batteries provide power. The transmitter provides a very short, intermittent radio frequency transmission to send a remote reading of the meter to a data collector unit. A microprocessor provides timing, control and data processing functions. The internal antenna is inaccessible to the user and no external antenna is provided. Two identical units were used as a test subjects for this report. The unit used for each test is identified under the test procedure. This report presents the data obtained in support of an application for Certification under Part 90 of the FCC rules. MEASUREMENTS PERFORMED Low Frequency Emissions Page 3 Power Output and Spurious Emissions Page 4 with test set up photographs Occupied Bandwidth Page 11 Frequency Stability vs. Temperature Page 13 Frequency Stability vs. Supply Voltage Page 14 Transient Stability Page 16 3 LOW FREQUENCY EMISSIONS Low frequency emissions from the 2011-006S were examined from 9 kHz to 330 MHz using a vertical monopole antenna and a biconical antenna. Non-harmonic emissions above 330 MHz to 1000 MHz were determined with tuned dipoles. All emissions observed between 9 kHz and 1 GHz, other than the harmonics of the transmitter were determined to be more than 30 dB below the limit levels of Part 90.210. TEST EQUIPMENT USED Spectrum Analyzer Hewlett-Packard Model 8593EM Spectrum Analyzer SN: 3536A00147 Cal Due: 8/24/2012 Antennas AH Systems Model SAS-200/550-1 Vertical Monopole SN::402 Frequency Range 6 kHz – 50 MHz Cal Date: 6/9/2011 Cal Due: 6/9/2012 AH Systems Model FCC-4 Tuned Dipole SN: 592A Frequency Range 325 – 1000 MHz Cal Date: 8/19/2011 Cal Due: 8/19/2012 AH Systems Model SAS-540 Biconical SN: 705 Frequency Range 20 MHz – 330 MHz Cal Date: 9/23/2011 Cal Due: 9/23/2012 Tests Performed: November 30, 2011 Unit Tested: 2011-006S Rev. C SN: 80003491 4 POWER OUTPUT AND SPURIOUS EMISSIONS Within the tuning range of 450 – 470 MHz, the transmitter portion of the Model 2011- 006S (EUT) was examined at three fundamental frequencies and their harmonics. Measurements below 1 GHz were made at a 3-meter distance on the Smith Electronics open area test site located at 8200 Snowville Road, Brecksville, OH. Data pertinent to this site is on file with the FCC (Reg. #90938). The harmonic measurements above 1 GHz were made at a distance of 1 meter over a suitable ground plane. The measurements were made using the substitution method described in TIA/EIA-603-C. Tuned dipoles were used for measurements below 1000 MHz and a wave-guide antenna was used above 1000 MHz. A spectrum analyzer was used as a receiver. The transmitter was placed on a remotely rotatable, non-conducting test stand. This general set up is shown in Pictorial 1. Because of the intermittent nature of the normally operating transmitter, the transmitter was forced to transmit continuously with a 30 seconds on and 30 seconds off cycle for these measurements. Power to the meter necessary to sustain the transmission was provided by an external 6 V battery. With the transmitter powered and the test receiver tuned to the unmodulated signal, the transmitter under test was rotated to the position of maximum signal. The receiving antenna was then varied between 1 and 4 meters in height to again maximize the signal. Measurements were made with the antennas positioned both vertically and horizontally and the maximum signals recorded. Peak detection was used for the signals below 1000 MHz and average detection above 1000 MHz. After the maximum received meter readings were obtained for each frequency and polarity, the transmitter under test was removed from the area and replaced by a signal generator and transmitting antenna. With the transmit antenna placed as close as possible to the position of the test unit, the signal generator was activated at a test frequency. With the signal detected, the receiving antenna was positioned for maximum reception. The signal generator output was then adjusted until the received signal was equal to the previously received signal from the unit under test. These measurements were repeated for each frequency and antenna orientation and the maximum values obtained are noted in Tables 1a – 1c. In order to convert the signal generator output value to equivalent radiated power from a dipole, the following equation is used: P d = P g – cable loss(dB) + antenna gain(dB d ) where: P d is the dipole equivalent power in dBm, P g is the generator output into the substitution antenna, also in dBm, and “antenna gain” is the dB gain of the substitution antenna with respect to a theoretical dipole. According to 90.210(d)(3) all emissions greater than 12.5 kHz from the center of the authorized band shall be attenuated below the unmodulated carrier by 50 + 10log(P). The determined power outputs, the required harmonic attenuation as well as the attenuation for each harmonic are found in Tables 1a – 1c. 5 PICTORIAL 1 HEXAGRAM MODEL 2011-006S MTU OUTPUT POWER AND SPURIOUS EMISSIONS TYPICAL TEST SETUP EUT 2011-006S 6 PICTORIAL 2 HEXAGRAM MODEL 2011-006S MTU OUTPUT POWER AND SPURIOUS EMISSIONS TYPICAL TEST SETUP EUT 2011-006S EUT 2011-006S 7 TABLE 1a HEXAGRAM MODEL 2011-006S TRANSMITTER SUBSTITUTION METHOD 450 MHz Horizontal 3 meter measurement using tuned dipole antenna Freq. (MHz) Gen. Output (dB) Coax Loss (dB) Ant. Gain (dBd) Dipole Eq. Power (dBm) Difference (dB) 450 15.9 2.1 -1.0 12.8 900 -45.1 3.2 -0.7 -49…

Text truncated - open the document above for the full version.