LLB9975TRANSCEIVER FOR METER READING

October 4, 2006 HEXAGRAM, Inc. 23905 Mercantile Rd. Cleveland, OH 44122 216-464-1057 Federal Communications Commission Office of Engineering and Technology Equipment Approval Services RE : Application for obtaining a transmitter approval Attached Application Form 731 FCC ID: LLB9975 Dear Sir or Madam: Hexagram Inc. wishes to obtain an approval for a telemetry transceiver with the FCC ID LLB9975. The specifics of this transceiver: the LLB9975 transceiver is installed within a data collection unit [DCU]. Previously, identically transmitters of Hexagram are approved by FCC. The differences in a current application are: • Transceiver is the 2-way communication device, which includes a Transmitter and a Receiver. • The transmitter section has no principal difference compare to previous one. Much efficient power amplifier is used to prolong product life and enhance product quality. • A new microcontroller is applied to increase accuracy of meter reading and perform 2-way communication. • Consequently, the DCU is modified and imbedded software are redesigned to fit new RF circuitry. Complete information about LLB9975 device is documented in the attached circuit schematics and photographs. The LLB9975 transmitter was tested for conformance to the technical requirements of 90.201 Subpart I-General Technical Standards. Results of tests are attached to this application. The LLB9975 was found to be in conformance with all technical requirements of 90.201. Sincerely, Lazar Feldman Principal Engineer RF & Microwave Technology Hexagram Inc. 216-896-8536 [email protected]

October 4, 2006 HEXAGRAM, Inc. 23905 Mercantile Rd. Cleveland, OH 44122 216-896-8536 Federal Communications Commission Office of Engineering and Technology Equipment Approval Services RE : Request for Confidentiality Attached Form 731 – Application FCC ID: LLB9975 Dear Sir or Madam: Hexagram Inc. does not wish to publicly disclose certain technical information which is enclosed with this application. This material contains critical trade secrets and we request that the Commission withhold this information from public inspection pursuant to the provisions of Section 0.457(d) and 0.459 of the Commissions Rules, and Section 552(b)(4) of the Freedom of Information Act. MATERIAL TO BE HELD CONFIDENTIAL: File Name Description Pages LLB9975-Internal photos.pdf Internal Circuit Board Photos Sixteen page LLB9975-Schematic.pdf Circuit Schematics Sixteen Pages LLB9975-Operation Desc.pdf Description of Operation Two Pages LLB9975-Installation.pdf Installation manual Thirty Five Pages LLB9975-BlockDiagram.pdf Block Diagram of the device One page LLB9975 Bill of materials.pdf bill of components and materials Sixteen pages LLB9975 Tune Up.pdf Field calibration and tune up One page The LLB9975 electronic assembly is permanently sealed inside of DCU which cannot be opened without destruction of the seal. The above listed material is confidential and is not available to the public or end user. Sincerely, Lazar Feldman Principal Engineer RF and microwave systems 216-896-8536 [email protected]

1 October 11, 2006 Dear Gretchen Torres, Dear Bruno Clavier, REFERENCE: JOB 2818UC6 SUBJECT: HEXAGRAM INC. - FCC ID: LLB9975 Thanks for your review of our LLB9975 application. The following are the answers to your questions [email dated at 10-09-06]. Additional Six [6] files are attached to this letter. 1. FCC Label for fore the project is: LLB9975. The correct pdf file of the label is attached. 2. The photo with the FCC label location is attached. The FCC label is located on the front panel of the unit 3. The DCU-II is not a composite device. 4. Cell Phone is an optional interface module, and it is not a part of this application. 5. Because the Cell Phone is not a part of this application, there is no need to address this question. 6. The LLB9975 does not operate the Optional Interface Module simultaneously with part 90 transmitter. Such conditions are excluded by design. 7. RF exposure for Transmitter DCU as attached in a pdf File. 8. LLB9975 has no possibility for frequency adjustment by operator. As we stated in LLB9975 Tune Up.pdf file, the “Hexagram’s low power RF devices are shipped to the customer in the sealed enclosures. Thus, no adjustments or tuning can be made in the field, without breaking the factory sealed enclosure.” This is also true to frequency changing of the transmitter. 9. Voltage and current applied to Final RF power amplifier [PA] are shown in attached modified block diagram. The PA driver is using 2.7 Volts, and the final RF Power Amplifier is using 7.2 Volts DC at 770mA [maximum]. The VCO stages are operating from 5Vdc. 10. As you advice, the application 731 item 14 is modified regarding the operating frequencies [450MHz to 454MHz and 456MHz to 470MHz].. Sincerely, Lazar Feldman Principal Engineer

Page 1 of 5 October 4, 2006 Hexagram, Inc 23905 Mercantile Rd. Cleveland, OH 44122 216-896-8536 FCC ID: LLB9975 PREVIOUS TYPE ACCEPTANCE The radio transceiver submitted (LLB9975 ) herein is used as a telemetry device for the reading of utility meters. An operationally identical device (LLB10152) was previously submitted for Type Acceptance and received a Grant of Type Acceptance on May 19, 2006. This earlier version has been in field service since the grant was issued. Later, identical Hexagram transmitter (LLB9845) received a Grant of Type Acceptance. The product described in this application (LLB9975) has similar operation as LLB10152. The block diagram and basic circuit configuration of the new product is identical to that of the original LLB6082 (and LLB6372). As detailed in “Description of Operation, the block diagram of the LLB9975 is similar to LLB10152 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 LLB6082 device. Page 2 of 5 STATENET 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 remove utility metering sought reconsideration of this provision to allow alternative showings of spectrum efficiency for low power frequency reuse systems. 2 The 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 MTUa 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 1200 bits/sec. The system achieves spectrum 1 47 C.F.R. para 90.203(j)(3). This provision governs Part 90 type acceptance applications filed from August 1, 1996, through December 31, 2004. 2 Replacement of Prt 90 by Part 88 to revise the private Land Mobil Radio Services, 11 FCC Rcd 17676, 17686 (1996). 3 Id., 11 FCC Rcd at 17687 (emphasis added). Page 3 of 5 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 po…

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

LLB9975 External Pictures General observation of the roof-mounted LLB9975 Hexagram’s DCU-II Transceiver Antenna 450 to 470 MHz Receive only Antenna 450 to 470 MHz Cell Phone Antenna Solar Cell DCU-II Front view. Side view. Back view and solar panel attached.

1 LLB9975 October 10, 2006 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 LLB9975 transmitter • Operational frequency band 450 MHz to 470 MHz. • The LLB9975 transmitter is measured for Max RF Power = 2.82 W. • Absolute Maximum transmission time (duration) for any Hexagram transmitters does not exceed 150 mS (0.15second). • Transmission period – Absolute maximum is 4 transmission 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 = 0.15 second. With maximum RF radiation equal to 2.82 W, the Average RF Power over 30 minutes is: P_ave (worst case) at 30 minute= = 2820mW*2* [0.15sec/((30*60)sec)]=2820*2*0.000083=0.47mW 2 (4) Maximum Radiated Power Density prediction (S): To predict power density (S) at distance R=20 cm from transmitter with P_ave = 0.00007W, 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) = 0.47mW/(4*3.14*20cm*20cm) = = 93.5 uW/cm^2 This is the worst Case of the near field power density of LLB9975 transmitter. (5) Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE) from LLB9975: AS FCC require, the maximum permissible exposure for general public in “uncontrolled situation” at 20 cm is: MPE = frequency[MHz]/1500 == 460MHz/1500 = 0.307 mW/cm^2. Compare results in (4) and (5), S=93.5 uW/cm^2 <<< MPE=0.307 mW/cm^2 We see that LLB9975 fully complies with RF safety at a distance of 20 cm. Lazar Feldman Hexagram 216-896-8536

1 SMITH ELECTRONICS, INC. ELECTROMAGNETIC COMPATIBILITY LABORATORIES RADIO-FREQUENCY EMISSIONS TEST REPORT FOR HEXAGRAM, INC. DCU II DATA COLLECTOR UNIT RECEIVER Model 9975 FCC ID: LLB9975 September 20, 2006 Prepared by: Prepared for:Hexagram, Inc. 23905 Mercantile Road Cleveland, OH 44122 Smith Electronics, Inc. 8200 Snowville Road Brecksville, OH 44141 Phone: (440) 526-4386 Fax: (440) 526-9205 James R. Pollock 2 TEST REPORT OBJECTIVE Measurements were performed between July 26 and September 15, 2006, to determine if the Hexagram DCU II, Model 9975 was in compliance with the FCC emissions requirements of 15.107, 15.109 and 15.111 for a digital device and receiver. SUMMARY The Hexagram DCU II Model 9975 was found to be in compliance with the radiated radio frequency emissions requirement of the FCC for a digital device and a receiver when installed in its weatherproof metal enclosure. The DCU II would be considered a Class A digital device but is required to meet the more stringent Class B requirements which are the same requirements as for the receiver. GENERAL INFORMATION MANUFACTURERHexagram, Inc. 23905 Mercantile Road Cleveland, OH 44122 TEST DATESJuly 26 – September 15, 2006 EQUIPMENT UNDER TESTDCU II Hexagram Model 9975 Data Collection Unit Receiver/Digital Device TEST SPECIFICATIONFCC Part 15 15.107 (a), 15.109(a), and 15.111(a) 3 MEASUREMENT EQUIPMENT Spectrum AnalyzerHewlett Packard Type 8568B with 85680A RF Spectrum Analyzer section SN: 2216A02120 85662A display section SN: 2152A03683 Calibrated: 11/05 Quasi-Peak AdapterHewlett Packard Model: 85650A SN: 2043A00350 Calibrated: 11/05 Spectrum AnalyzerHewlett-Packard Type 8593EM SN: 3536A00147 Calibrated: 7/06 PreamplifierHewlett Packard Type 8447D SN: 1937A03103 Gain: 26 dB Vector PlotterHewlett Packard Type 7407A SN: 2308A39494 LISN’s50 uH LISN’s per ANSI C63.4-1992 Biconical AntennaEMCO Model: 3104 Frequency Range: 30-200 MHz Log Periodic AntennaEMCO Model: 3146 Frequency Range: 200-1000 MHz Ridged Wave-Guide AntennaEMCO Model 3115 Frequency Range: 1 – 18 GHZ Coaxial CableType RG-214/U 1 m length 2 m length 4 INTRODUCTION The Hexagram DCU II, Data Collector Unit contains two Data Radio Model 3473-2W transceiver modules. One, (RX-2), is used as a transceiver and the other, (RX-1), is used only as a receiver. The DCU II is a battery powered system with a 120 VAC powered charger. The system is intended to be centrally located in an area with a distribution of Hexagram Meter Transmitting Units (MTUs). The MTUs periodically transmit utility meter data which is received and stored by the DCU II. The transmitter in the DCU II can be used to provide time synchronization or to transmit information such as rate changes to the CPU of individual MTUs. At predetermined intervals, the DCU transmits the collected data to a central location using a cellular telephone installed within the DCU II enclosure. The transceiver modules are contained in a copper housing. The DCU II electronics, including the transceiver and cell phone modules, are installed within a plastic housing, which is, in turn, mounted in a stainless steel, weatherproof enclosure. The two antennas for the transceivers and the cell phone antenna are mounted externally to the outer enclosure. The DCU II also contains the digital hardware and software necessary for operation and data storage, and could thus be considered a Class A digital device as well as a receiver. The receivers and transmitter are to tune within the 450 MHz – 470 MHz band. The receivers are super-heterodyne receivers with an IF frequency of 86.85 MHz. The local oscillator (LO) of the system operates 86.85 MHz above the tuned frequency. The receiver input not associated with the transmitter, (RX-1), contains a sharp band-pass filter at the tuned frequency that reduces any off-frequency input signal and also contains the LO frequency and its harmonics within the system. This report describes the tests performed on the receivers in support of an application for certification. MEASUREMENTS PERFORMED Antenna Power ConductionPage 5 Radiated Receiver/Digital EmissionPage 14 AC Line Conducted EmissionsPage 27 .The receivers and microprocessor portions of the DCU II were examined for radiated emissions per Part 15, and have been determined to comply with the appropriate sections of that part (15.107, 15.109 & 15.111). The data used for determining compliance is presented in this report. 5 ANTENNA POWER CONDUCTION EMISSIONS Emissions from the antenna port of a receiver are required to be 2 nW or less. Two nanowatts is equivalent to –57 dBm. The antenna ports of the DCU II receivers was, in turn, attached to the spectrum analyzer input port with a 0.6 meter length of RG-214/U. The loss in this length of cable ranges from less than 0.1 dB at 100 MHz to less than 0.6 dB at 5 GHz. The emissions over the frequency range of 0 to 5 GHz were measured in two analyzer scans, 0 – 2.921 GHZ and 2.679 – 5 GHz. The –57 dB level is shown on each scan. The measured values were not closer than 3 dB below the limit level. The closest level observed was at about 2.73 GHz when tuned to 460 MHz. At this frequency the cable loss is about 0.4 dB giving a clearance of 3.2 dB to the limit. The highest levels are shown in Table 1, and all emissions are seen in Figs. 1 – 6. Table 1 RX-2 Antenna Terminal Receiver Emission Tuned Freq.Emiss. Freq.Signal LevelCoax LossLeveldB under –57 460 MHz2.73 GHz-60.6 dBm0.4 dB-60.2 dBm3.2 450 MHz1.08 GHz-62.5 dBm0.2 dB-62.3 dBm5.3 460 MHz3.28 GHz-62.9 dBm0.4 dB-62.5 dBm5.5 450 MHz3.22 GHz-63.1 dBm0.4 dB-62.7 dBm5.7 460 MHz0.546 GHz-63.0 dBm0.2 dB-62.8 dBm5.8 RADIATED EMISSIONS The radiated emissions from the DCU II system were examined in the shielded room and on the open-field test site. The room measurements were made at a distance of 1 meter, with others at 3 m. The receiver and cell-phone antennas were installed and set up as can be seen in Pictorial 1. The receiver/digital device portions of the DCU II wer…

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

SMITH ELECTRONICS, INC. ELECTROMAGNETIC COMPATIBILITY LABORATORIES RADIO-FREQUENCY EMISSIONS TEST REPORT FOR HEXAGRAM, INC. DCU II (TRANSMITTER) Model 9975 FCC ID: LLB9975 September 13, 2006 Prepared by: Prepared for:Hexagram, Inc. 23905 Mercantile Road Cleveland, OH 44122 Smith Electronics, Inc. 8200 Snowville Road Brecksville, OH 44141 Phone: (440) 526-4386 Fax: (440) 526-9205 James R. Pollock FCC ID: LLB9975Page 2 of 20 TEST REPORT INTRODUCTION The Hexagram DCU II is a data collection unit and communication point between a utility control center and individual Meter Transmitting Units (MTUs) connected to individual meters. The transmitter is part of a transceiver module (DataRadio/3473-2W) that can contact MTUs individually for purposes of time synchronization and rate change information. This report contains the results of tests performed to meet the requirements for certification of the transmitter portion under FCC Parts 2 and 90. The DCU II also contains digital circuitry and a second transceiver which is only used as a receiver. The test data for certification and verification requirements for these parts is covered in other reports. The transmitter contained in the DCU is a battery-powered transmitter housed in a coated copper enclosure. This enclosure and the other electronics are placed within a plastic housing and the entire system is within a weather-proof stainless-steel enclosure. The transmitter is connected to an external antenna. When requested, the transmitter provides a very short, intermittent radio frequency transmission to communicate with a particular meter. A microprocessor provides timing, control and data processing functions. The external antenna supplied with the transmitter will be determined by the transmission requirements, but will not exceed the ERP limits of 90.267(d)(2). AC power is provided to maintain battery voltage. One transmitter was tested and this report presents the worst case data obtained in support of an application for certification. MEASUREMENTS PERFORMED Power Output and Spurious EmissionsPage 3 Field Strength of Spurious EmissionsPage 5 Occupied BandwidthPage 11 Frequency Stability vs. TemperaturePage 13 Frequency Stability vs. Supply VoltagePage 14 Transient StabilityPage 16 The microprocessor portion of the transmitter was also examined for radiated emissions per Part 15, and has been verified to comply with the appropriate sections of that part. The data used for verification of the microprocessor portion is presented in a separate report. FCC ID: LLB9975Page 3 of 20 POWER OUTPUT AND SPURIOUS EMISSIONS Measurements of the RF power output and spurious emissions were made at the antenna terminal per 2.1046 and 2.1051. The output of the transmitter was connected to the spectrum analyzer through a 30 dB attenuator and 3 ft. of RG-214U coaxial cable. The transmitter was activated using a computer controller. The fundamental and harmonic emissions were observed and the signal strengths recorded for three frequencies covering the tuning range of the transmitter. No spurious signals other than harmonics were noted. 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 signal level of all harmonics greater than the third were more than 20 dB below the required suppression level and are not tabulated The determined power outputs, the required harmonic attenuation as well as the attenuation for each harmonic are found in Table 1. FCC ID: LLB9975Page 4 of 20 TABLE 1 HEXAGRAM MODEL DCU II TRANSMITTER OUTPUT POWER AND SPURIOUS DIRECT MEASUREMENT Frequency (MHz) Measured Signal (dBm) Coax Loss (dB) Attenuation (dB) Output. Power (dBm) Difference (dB) 4503.90.230.034.1-54.1 Req. 900-65.10.330.0-34.8-68.9 1350-71.00.330.0-40.7-91.5 4604.30.230.034.5-54.5 Req. 920-65.90.330.0-35.6-70.1 1380-74.60.330.0-44.3-78.8 4704.20.230.034.4 -54.4 Req. 940-66.90.330.0-36.6-71.0 1410-75.60.330.0-45.3-79.7 All other harmonics to the tenth were at least 85 dB below the fundamental. These are not required to be reported as they are more than 20 dB below the required values. 34.1 dBm = 2.57 W Required attenuation for harmonics is 50 + log (2.57) = 54.1dB 34.5 dBm = 2.82 W Required attenuation for harmonics is 50 + log (2.82) = 54.5dB 34.4 dBm = 2.75 W Required attenuation for harmonics is 50 + log (2.75) = 54.4dB FCC ID: LLB9975Page 5 of 20 Field Strength of Spurious Emissions Using the power measurements of the fundamental described in the previous section as the reference, measurement of the harmonic emissions was made using the substitution method of TIA/EIA 603. These measurements were made with a 50 Ohm dummy load connected to the transmitter output. All measurements below 1 GHz were made 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 and Industry Canada. The harmonic measurements above 1 GHz were made above a ground plane at a distance of 1 meter. Measurements below 1000 MHz were made at a three-meter test distance with frequencies above 1000 MHz being measured at one meter. A tuned dipole was used for receiving 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 and very short transmission times of the normally operating transmitter, the transmitter was forced to transmit continually for the measurements. With 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 sign…

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