Ublox SARA-R5 Series System Integration Manual
  1. Manuals
  2. Brands
  3. Ublox Manuals
  4. Control Unit
  5. SARA-R5 Series
  6. System integration manual

Ublox SARA-R5 Series System Integration Manual

Lte-m / nb-iot modules with secure cloud
Hide thumbs Also See for SARA-R5 Series:
Table of Contents

Advertisement

Quick Links

Download this manual
SARA-R5 series
LTE-M / NB-IoT modules with secure cloud
System integration manual
Abstract
This document describes the features and the integration of the size-optimized SARA-R5 series
cellular modules, based on the u-blox UBX-R5 cellular chipset. The modules are specifically designed
for IoT, integrating an in-house developed cellular modem, end-to-end trusted domain security and
u-blox's leading GNSS technology. The modules deliver high performance satellite positioning
alongside data connectivity in the very small and compact SARA form factor.
UBX-19041356 - R04
C1-Public
www.u-blox.com

Advertisement

Table of Contents
loading
Need help?

Need help?

Do you have a question about the SARA-R5 Series and is the answer not in the manual?

Questions and answers

Related Manuals for Ublox SARA-R5 Series

Summary of Contents for Ublox SARA-R5 Series

  • Page 1 System integration manual Abstract This document describes the features and the integration of the size-optimized SARA-R5 series cellular modules, based on the u-blox UBX-R5 cellular chipset. The modules are specifically designed for IoT, integrating an in-house developed cellular modem, end-to-end trusted domain security and u-blox’s leading GNSS technology.

  • Page 2: Document Information

    SARA-R5 series - System integration manual Document information Title SARA-R5 series Subtitle LTE-M / NB-IoT modules with secure cloud Document type System integration manual Document number UBX-19041356 Revision and date 12-Oct-2020 Disclosure restriction C1-Public Product status Corresponding content status Functional sample Draft For functional testing.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    SARA-R5 series - System integration manual Contents Document information ..........................2 Contents ................................3 System description ..........................6 Overview ................................ 6 1.2 Architecture ..............................8 1.3 Pin-out ................................11 1.4 Operating modes ............................15 1.5 Supply interfaces ............................16 1.5.1 Module supply input (VCC) ......................
  • Page 4 2.9 Reserved pin (RSVD) ..........................93 2.10 Module placement ............................ 93 2.11 Module footprint and paste mask ......................94 2.12 Schematic for SARA-R5 series module integration ................95 2.13 Design-in checklist ............................ 96 2.13.1 Schematic checklist ......................... 96 2.13.2 Layout checklist ..........................97 2.13.3 Antennas checklist ...........................
  • Page 5 SARA-R5 series - System integration manual Approvals ..............................103 4.1 Product certification approval overview ..................... 103 4.2 US Federal Communications Commission notice ................104 4.2.1 Safety warnings review the structure ..................104 4.2.2 Declaration of Conformity ......................105 4.2.3 Modifications ........................... 105 4.3 Innovation, Science, Economic Development Canada notice ............

  • Page 6: System Description

    System description Overview The SARA-R5 series LTE Cat M1 / NB2 modules are ideal solutions for IoT, in the miniature SARA LGA form factor (26.0 x 16.0 mm, 96-pin). They allow an easy integration into compact designs and a seamless drop-in migration from other u-blox cellular module families.
  • Page 7 Galileo E1B/C Table 2: SARA-R5 series modules cellular and GNSS characteristics summary ☞ The “00” products version of the SARA-R5 series modules do not support LTE category NB2. ☞ Table 46 for the detailed list of RATs and bands included in each certification approval of the SARA-R5 series modules product versions.

  • Page 8: Architecture

    SARA-R5 series - System integration manual Architecture Figure Figure 2 Figure 3 summarize the internal architecture of the SARA-R500S modules, SARA-R510S modules, and SARA-R510M8S modules, respectively. UBX-R5 Cellular chipset Filter Switch TCXO RF transceiver Filter 26 MHz UART DDC (I2C)
  • Page 9 32 kHz Figure 3: SARA-R510M8S block diagram ☞ The “00” product version of the SARA-R5 series modules do not support the following interfaces, which should be left unconnected and should not be driven by external devices: SPI interface SDIO interface...
  • Page 10 SARA-R5 series - System integration manual Base-Band and Power Management section The Base-Band and Power Management section, based on the u-blox UBX-R5 cellular chipset, is composed of the following main elements: • On-chip modem processor, vector signal processor, with dedicated hardware assistance for signal processing and system timing •...

  • Page 11: Pin-Out

    SARA-R5 series - System integration manual Pin-out Table 3 lists the pin-out of the SARA-R5 series modules, with pins grouped by function. Function Pin name Pin no. Description Remarks Power 51, 52, 53 I Module supply input VCC supply circuit affects the RF performance and compliance of the device integrating the module with applicable required certification schemes.
  • Page 12 SARA-R5 series - System integration manual Function Pin name Pin no. Description Remarks UART UART data output USIO variants 0 / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4: Primary UART circuit 104 (RxD) in ITU-T V.24, for AT, data, Mux, FOAT, FW update via u-blox EasyFlash tool.
  • Page 13 SARA-R5 series - System integration manual Function Pin name Pin no. Description Remarks VUSB_DET USB detect input VBUS USB supply generated by the host must be connected to this input pin to enable the USB interface. See section 1.9.2 for functional description.
  • Page 14 See section for external circuit design-in. Reserved RSVD N/A Reserved pin Leave unconnected. See sections 1.12 and 2.9. Table 3: SARA-R5 series modules pin definition, grouped by function UBX-19041356 - R04 System description Page 14 of 118 C1-Public...

  • Page 15: Operating Modes

    Idle Figure 5: SARA-R5 series modules operating modes transitions The initial operating mode of SARA-R5 series modules is the one with VCC supply not present or below the operating range: the modules are switched off in not-powered mode. Once a valid VCC supply is applied to the SARA-R500S and the SARA-R510M8S modules, this event triggers the switch-on routine of the modules that subsequently enter the active mode.

  • Page 16: Supply Interfaces

    It is important that the supply source is able to withstand the average current consumption occurring during Tx / Rx call at maximum RF power level (see the SARA-R5 series data sheet [1]). The 3 VCC pins of SARA-R5 series modules are internally connected each other to both the internal Power Amplifier and the internal baseband Power Management Unit.
  • Page 17 Table 5: Summary of VCC modules supply requirements 1.5.1.2 VCC current consumption in LTE connected mode During an LTE connection, the SARA-R5 series modules transmit and receive in half duplex mode. The current consumption depends on output RF power, which is always regulated by the network (the current base station) sending power control commands to the module.
  • Page 18 The low power mode and the PSM configurations are by default disabled, but they can be enabled using the +UPSV and +CPSMS AT commands (see the SARA-R5 series AT commands manual [2]). When low power mode and PSM are enabled, whenever possible the modules automatically enter the...

  • Page 19: Generic Digital Interfaces Supply Output (V_Int)

    26 MHz reference clock frequency is used. If low power mode configuration is disabled, as it is by default (see the SARA-R5 series AT commands manual [2], +UPSV AT commands for details), the module remains in active mode. Otherwise, if low power mode configuration is enabled, the module enters low power idle mode (and deep-sleep mode power saving mode, if enabled) whenever possible.

  • Page 20: System Function Interfaces

    SARA-R5 series data sheet [1]). When the SARA-R5 series modules are in the power-off mode (i.e. switched off, but with a valid voltage present at the VCC module supply input) or in deep-sleep mode, they can be switched on or they can be woken up as following: •...
  • Page 21 USB interface due to host / device enumeration timings. • If enabled, a greeting message is sent on the RXD pin (for more details, see SARA-R5 series AT commands manual [2]). •...
  • Page 22 USB interface due to host / device enumeration timings. • If enabled, a greeting message is sent on the RXD pin (for more details, see SARA-R5 series AT commands manual [2]). •...

  • Page 23: Module Power-Off

    ☞ It is highly recommended to avoid an abrupt removal of the VCC supply during SARA-R5 series modules normal operations. An abrupt software reset, consisting in asserting the RESET_N input, must be preferred, if considered necessary (see section 1.6.3).
  • Page 24 It is highly recommended to monitor the V_INT pin to sense the end of the switch-off sequence. ☞ The duration of each phase in the SARA-R5 series modules’ switch-off routines can largely vary, depending on the application / network settings and the concurrent module activities.

  • Page 25: Module Reset

    SARA-R5 series - System integration manual 1.6.3 Module reset SARA-R5 series modules can be gracefully reset (re-booted), triggering the storage of the current parameter settings in the non-volatile memory of the module and performing a clean network detach procedure, by: •...

  • Page 26: Antenna Interfaces

    1.7.1 Cellular antenna RF interface (ANT) SARA-R5 series modules provide an RF interface for connecting the external cellular antenna. The ANT pin represents the RF input/output for transmission and reception of LTE RF signals. The ANT pin has a nominal characteristic impedance of 50  and must be connected to the Tx / Rx cellular antenna through a 50 ...

  • Page 27: Gnss Antenna Rf Interface (Ant_Gnss)

    The GNSS antenna RF interface is not supported by SARA-R500S and SARA-R510S modules. ☞ For additional information regarding the GNSS system, see the SARA-R5 series positioning implementation application note [18]. SARA-R510M8S modules provide an RF interface for connecting the external GNSS antenna. The ANT_GNSS pin represents the RF input reception of GNSS RF signals.

  • Page 28: Cellular Antenna Detection Interface (Ant_Det)

    See the SARA-R5 series AT commands manual for more details on this feature. The ANT_DET pin generates a DC current (for detailed characteristics see the SARA-R5 series data sheet [1]) and measures the resulting DC voltage, thus determining the resistance from the antenna connector provided on the application board to GND.

  • Page 29: Data Communication Interfaces

    SARA-R5 series modules include 1.8 V unbalanced asynchronous serial interfaces (UART) for communications with external host application processor. UART can be configured by dedicated AT command (see the SARA-R5 series AT commands manual [2], +USIO AT command) in the following variants: •...
  • Page 30 The default frame format is 8N1 (8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit) SARA-R5 series modules are designed to operate as cellular modems, i.e. as the data circuit-terminating equipment (DCE) according to the ITU-T V.24 recommendation [5]. A host application processor connected to the module UART interface represents the data terminal equipment (DTE).
  • Page 31 SARA-R5 series modules’ UART interface is by default configured for AT commands: the module waits for AT command instructions and interprets all the characters received as commands to execute. All the functionalities supported by SARA-R5 series modules can be in general set and configured by AT commands: •...
  • Page 32 SARA-R5 series - System integration manual The different power saving configurations that can be set by the +UPSV AT command are described in detail in the following subsections. Table 8 summarizes the UART interface communication process in the different power saving configurations, in relation with HW flow control settings and RTS and DTR input lines status.
  • Page 33 AT+UPSV=1 or AT+UPSV=4: power saving enabled When the AT+UPSV=1 command is issued by the DTE, the UART is disabled after the timeout set by the second parameter of the +UPSV AT command (for more details, see the SARA-R5 series AT commands manual [2]).
  • Page 34 SARA-R5 series - System integration manual The hardware flow control output (CTS line) indicates when the UART interface is enabled (data can be sent and received over the UART), if HW flow control is enabled, as illustrated in Figure Data input...
  • Page 35 UART is kept enabled until the DTR line is set to OFF. When the AT+UPSV=3 configuration is enabled, the DTR input line can still be used by the DTE to control the module behavior according to AT&D command configuration (see the SARA-R5 series AT commands manual [2]).
  • Page 36 SARA-R5 series - System integration manual UART DCE UART is enabled for 2000 GSM frames (~9.2 s) time input Wake up time: ~15 ms Wake up character time Not recognized by DCE Figure 19: Wake-up via data reception without further communication...

  • Page 37: Usb Interface

    1.9.1.4 UART multiplexer protocol SARA-R5 series modules include multiplexer functionality as per 3GPP TS 27.010 [8], on the UART physical link. This is a data link protocol which uses HDLC-like framing and operates between the module (DCE) and the application processor (DTE) and allows a number of simultaneous sessions over the used physical link (UART).

  • Page 38: Sdio Interface

    Communication with an external GNSS receiver is not supported by SARA-R510M8S modules. SARA-R5 series modules include a 1.8 V I2C-bus compatible DDC interface over the SDA and SCL pins, available to communicate with an external u-blox GNSS receiver and with external I2C devices as for example an audio codec: the SARA-R5 series module acts as an I2C master that can communicate with I2C slaves in accordance with the I2C bus specifications [10].

  • Page 39: General Purpose Input / Output (Gpio)

    Table 9: SARA-R5 series modules GPIO custom functions configuration 1.12 Reserved pin (RSVD) SARA-R5 series modules have a pin reserved for future use, marked as RSVD. This pin is to be left unconnected on the application board. SARA-R500S and SARA-R510S modules only.

  • Page 40: Design-In

    SARA-R5 series - System integration manual Design-in Overview For an optimal integration of the SARA-R5 series modules in the final application board, follow the design guidelines stated in this section. Every application circuit must be suitably designed to guarantee the correct functionality of the relative interface, but a number of points require particular attention during the design of the application device.

  • Page 41: Supply Interfaces

    (low impedance) connection to external ground can minimize power loss and improve RF and thermal performance. SARA-R5 series modules must be sourced through the VCC pins with a suitable DC power supply that should comply with the module VCC requirements summarized in...
  • Page 42 The selected regulator or battery must be able to support with adequate margin the highest averaged current consumption value specified in the SARA-R5 series data sheet [1]. The following sections highlight some design aspects for each of the supplies listed above providing...
  • Page 43 150 k resistor 0.1 W Generic manufacturer Step-down regulator 1 A 1 MHz TS30041 - Semtech Table 10: Components for the VCC supply circuit for SARA-R5 series modules, using a step-down regulator ☞ See the section 2.2.1.9, and in particular Figure 28...
  • Page 44 Table 11 show an example of a power supply circuit for SARA-R5 series modules, where the module VCC is supplied by an LDO linear regulator capable of delivering maximum peak / pulse current specified for LTE use-case, with suitable power handling capability.
  • Page 45 VCC pins must be capable of delivering the maximum current occurring during a transmission at maximum Tx power, as specified in SARA-R5 series data sheet [1]. The maximum discharge current is not always reported in the data sheets of batteries, but the maximum DC discharge current is typically almost equal to the battery capacity in Amp-hours divided by 1 hour.
  • Page 46 SARA-R5 series - System integration manual The battery charger IC, as linear charger, is more suitable for applications where the charging source has a relatively low nominal voltage (~5 V), so that a switching charger is suggested for applications where the charging source has a relatively high nominal voltage (e.g. ~12 V, see section 2.2.1.7...
  • Page 47 SARA-R5 series - System integration manual A power management IC should meet the following prerequisites to comply with the module VCC requirements summarized in Table • High efficiency internal step down converter, with characteristics as indicated in section 2.2.1.2 •...
  • Page 48 SARA-R5 series - System integration manual Using a battery pack with an internal NTC resistor, the MP2617H can monitor the battery temperature to protect the battery from operating under unsafe thermal conditions. Several parameters as the charging current, the charging timings, the input current limit, the input...
  • Page 49 Table 14: Components for VCC supply removal application circuit ☞ It is highly recommended to avoid an abrupt removal of the VCC supply during SARA-R5 series normal operations: the VCC supply can be removed only after V_INT goes low, indicating that the module has entered deep-sleep power saving mode or power-off mode.
  • Page 50 SARA-R5 series - System integration manual 2.2.1.9 Additional guidelines for VCC supply circuit design To reduce voltage drops, use a low impedance power source. The series resistance of the supply lines (connected to the modules’ VCC and GND pins) on the application board and battery pack should also be considered and minimized: cabling and routing must be as short as possible to minimize losses.
  • Page 51 RF signal. This is more likely to happen with switching DC-DC converters, in which case it is better to select the highest operating frequency for the switcher and add a large L-C filter before connecting to the SARA-R5 series modules in the worst case.

  • Page 52: Generic Digital Interfaces Supply Output (V_Int)

    2.2.2 Generic digital interfaces supply output (V_INT) 2.2.2.1 Guidelines for V_INT circuit design SARA-R5 series modules provide the V_INT generic digital interfaces 1.8 V supply output, which can be mainly used to: • Indicate when the module is switched on and it is not in the deep-sleep power saving mode •...

  • Page 53: System Functions Interfaces

    2.3.1.1 Guidelines for PWR_ON circuit design SARA-R5 series PWR_ON input is equipped with an internal active pull-up resistor; an external pull-up resistor is not required and should not be provided. If connecting the PWR_ON input to a push button, the pin will be externally accessible on the application device.

  • Page 54: Module Reset (Reset_N)

    2.3.2.1 Guidelines for RESET_N circuit design SARA-R5 series RESET_N is equipped with an internal active pull-up; an external pull-up resistor is not required and should not be provided. If connecting the RESET_N input to a push button, the pin will be externally accessible on the application device.

  • Page 55: Antenna Interfaces

    SARA-R5 series - System integration manual Antenna interfaces SARA-R5 series modules provide a cellular RF interface for connecting the external cellular antenna: the ANT pin represents the cellular RF input/output for cellular signals transmission and reception. SARA-R510M8S modules provide also a GNSS RF interface for connecting the external GNSS antenna: the ANT_GNSS pin represents the GNSS RF input for GNSS signals reception.
  • Page 56 SARA-R5 series - System integration manual 2.4.1.2 Guidelines for RF transmission lines design ☞ The GNSS antenna RF interface is not supported by SARA-R500S and SARA-R510S modules. Any RF transmission line, such as the ones from the ANT and ANT_GNSS pads up to the related antenna connector or up to the related internal antenna pad, must be designed so that the characteristic impedance is as close as possible to 50 .
  • Page 57 2.4.2.3 for the description of the antenna trace design implemented on the u-blox host printed circuit board used for conformity assessment of SARA-R5 series surface-mounted modules for regulatory type approvals such as FCC United States, ISED Canada, RED Europe, etc.
  • Page 58 SARA-R5 series - System integration manual 2.4.1.3 Guidelines for RF termination design ☞ The GNSS antenna RF interface is not supported by SARA-R500S and SARA-R510S modules. The RF termination must provide a characteristic impedance of 50  as well as the RF transmission line up to the RF termination, to match the characteristic impedance of ANT and ANT_GNSS ports.

  • Page 59: Cellular Antenna Rf Interface (Ant)

    SARA-R5 series modules with all the applicable required certification schemes depends on antenna’s radiating performance.
  • Page 60 SARA-R5 series - System integration manual Further to the custom PCB and product restrictions, antennas may require tuning to obtain the required performance for compliance with all the applicable required certification schemes. It is recommended to consult the antenna manufacturer for the design-in guidelines for antenna matching relative to the custom application.
  • Page 61 SARA-R5 series - System integration manual Table 19 lists some examples of possible internal off-board PCB-type cellular antennas with cable and connector. Manufacturer Part number Product name Description PulseLarsen W3929B0100 LTE FPC antenna with coax feed Antennas 617..960 MHz, 1710..2690 MHz, 3400..3900 MHz 115.8 x 30.4 mm...
  • Page 62 FCC United States, ISED Canada, RED Europe, etc. has been carried out with the SARA-R5 series modules mounted on a u-blox host printed circuit board with a 50  grounded coplanar waveguide designed on it, herein referenced as “antenna trace design”, implementing the connection of the ANT LGA pad of the module, consisting in the cellular RF input/output of the module, up to a dedicated 50 ...
  • Page 63 FR4 dielectric substrate material with 4.3 typical permittivity at 1 GHz, and 0.013 typical loss tangent at 1 GHz. The top layer layout of the u-blox host PCB designed to accommodate the ANT pad of SARA-R5 series module is described in...
  • Page 64 SARA-R5 series - System integration manual After the antenna detection circuit with the layout illustrated on the left side of Figure 39, the antenna RF trace is designed as a 50  grounded coplanar waveguide on the bottom layer of the u-blox host...

  • Page 65: Gnss Antenna Rf Interface (Ant_Gnss)

    The GNSS antenna RF interface is not supported by SARA-R500S and SARA-R510S modules. ☞ For additional information and guidelines regarding the GNSS design, see the SARA-R5 series positioning implementation application note [18]. The antenna and its placement are critical system factors for accurate GNSS reception. Use of a ground plane will minimize the effects of ground reflections and enhance the antenna efficiency.
  • Page 66 SARA-R5 series - System integration manual SARA-R510M8S ANT_GNSS Figure 43: Typical circuit for best performance and improved jamming immunity with GNSS passive antenna The external LNA can be selected to deliver the performance needed by the application in terms of: •...
  • Page 67 SARA-R5 series - System integration manual Table 23 lists examples of LNA suitable for the GNSS RF input of SARA-R510M8S modules. Manufacturer Part number Comments Maxim MAX2659ELT+ Low noise figure, up to 10 dBm RF input power JRC New Japan Radio NJG1143UA2...
  • Page 68 SARA-R5 series - System integration manual To avoid damaging the bias-T series inductor in the case of a short circuit at the antenna connector, it is recommended to implement a proper over-current protection circuit, which may consist in a series...

  • Page 69: Cellular And Gnss Rf Coexistence

    SARA-R5 series - System integration manual Table 28 lists examples of active antennas to be used with SARA-R510M8S modules. Manufacturer Part number Product name Description Tallysman TW3400 Active antenna, 2.5 - 16 V GPS / SBAS / QZSS / GLONASS...
  • Page 70 SARA-R5 series - System integration manual In-band interference signals are typically caused by harmonics from displays, switching converters, micro-controllers and bus systems. Moreover, considering for example the LTE band 13 high channel transmission frequency (787 MHz) and the GPS operating band (1575.42 MHz ± 1.023 MHz), the second harmonic of the cellular signal is exactly within the GPS operating band.
  • Page 71 Cellular frequency ranges Table 29: Examples of GNSS band-stop SAW filters As far as Tx power is concerned, SARA-R5 series modules maximum output power during LTE transmission is 23 dBm. High-power transmission occurs very infrequently: typical output power values are in the range of -3 to 0 dBm (see Figure 1 in the GSMA official document TS.09 [11]).

  • Page 72: Cellular Antenna Detection Interface (Ant_Det)

    • When antenna detection is forced by the +UANTR AT command (see the SARA-R5 series AT commands manual [1]), the ANT_DET pin generates a DC current measuring the resistance (R2) from the antenna connector (J1) provided on the application board to GND.
  • Page 73 15 k diagnostic resistor is used) indicate that the antenna is correctly connected. • Values close to the measurement range maximum limit or an open-circuit “over range” report (see the SARA-R5 series AT commands manual [2]) means that the antenna is not connected or the RF cable is broken. •...

  • Page 74: Cellular Antenna Dynamic Tuning Control Interface

    Figure 49: Suggested layout for antenna detection circuit on application board 2.4.6 Cellular antenna dynamic tuning control interface SARA-R5 series modules support a wide range of frequencies, from 600 MHz to 2200 MHz. To provide more efficient antenna designs over a wide bandwidth, I2S_TXD and I2S_WA pins can be configured...
  • Page 75 50(a), tuning the antenna impedance optimizes the power delivered into the antenna by dynamically adjusting the RF impedance seen by ANT pin of SARA-R5 series module. By creating a tuned matching network for each operating band, the total radiated power (TRP) and the total isotropic sensitivity (TIS) metrics are improved.

  • Page 76: Sim Interface

    SARA-R5 series - System integration manual SIM interface 2.5.1 Guidelines for SIM circuit design 2.5.1.1 Guidelines for SIM cards, SIM connectors and SIM chips selection The ISO/IEC 7816, the ETSI TS 102 221 and the ETSI TS 102 671 specifications define the physical,...
  • Page 77 SARA-R5 series - System integration manual 2.5.1.2 Guidelines for single SIM card connection without detection A removable SIM card placed in a SIM card holder must be connected to the SIM card interface of SARA-R5 series modules as described in...
  • Page 78 Guidelines for single SIM chip connection A Surface-Mounted SIM chip (M2M UICC form factor) must be connected to the SIM card interface of the SARA-R5 series modules as described in Figure Follow these guidelines to connect the module to a Surface-Mounted SIM chip without SIM presence detection: •...
  • Page 79 SARA-R5 series - System integration manual • Connect one pin of the normally-open mechanical switch integrated in the SIM connector (as the SW2 pin in Figure 53) to the GPIO5 input pin, providing a weak pull-down resistor (e.g. 470 k, as...

  • Page 80: Guidelines For Sim Layout Design

    The layout of the SIM card interface lines (VSIM, SIM_CLK, SIM_IO, SIM_RST) may be critical if the SIM card is placed far away from the SARA-R5 series modules or in close proximity to the cellular antenna (and/or GNSS antenna, for SARA-R510M8S modules): these two cases should be avoided or at least mitigated as described below.

  • Page 81: Data Communication Interfaces

    SARA-R5 series - System integration manual Data communication interfaces 2.6.1 UART interfaces 2.6.1.1 Guidelines for UART circuit design Providing 1 UART with the full RS-232 functionality (using the complete V.24 link) ☞ Compatible with USIO variant 1; not compatible with USIO variants 0 / 2 / 3 / 4 (see section 1.9.1.1).
  • Page 82 SARA-R5 series - System integration manual Providing 1 UART with the TXD, RXD, RTS, CTS, DTR and RI lines only ☞ Compatible with USIO variants 0/1; not compatible with USIO variants 2/3/4 (see section 1.9.1.1). If the functionality of the DSR and DCD lines is not required, or the lines are not available: •...
  • Page 83 SARA-R5 series - System integration manual ☞ Provide accessible test points directly connected to TXD and RXD pins for FW update purpose and to DCD and DTR pins for diagnostic purpose. Providing 1 UART with the TXD, RXD, RTS and CTS lines only ☞...
  • Page 84 SARA-R5 series - System integration manual Providing 2 UARTs with the TXD, RXD, RTS and CTS lines only ☞ Compatible with USIO variants 2/3/4; not compatible with USIO variants 0/1 (see section 1.9.1.1). If RS-232 compatible signal levels are needed, two Maxim MAX13234E voltage level translators can be used.
  • Page 85 SARA-R5 series - System integration manual Providing 1 UART with the TXD and RXD lines only ☞ Compatible with USIO variants 0/1/3; not compatible with USIO variants 2/4 (see section 1.9.1.1). ☞ Providing the TXD and RXD lines only is not recommended if the multiplexer functionality is used in the application: providing also at least the HW flow control (RTS and CTS lines) is recommended, and it is in particular necessary if the low power mode is enabled by +UPSV AT command.
  • Page 86 SARA-R5 series - System integration manual Providing 2 UARTs with the TXD and RXD lines only ☞ Compatible with USIO variants 2/3/4; not compatible with USIO variants 0/1 (see section 1.9.1.1). ☞ Providing the TXD and RXD lines only is not recommended if the multiplexer functionality is used in the application: providing also at least the HW flow control (RTS and CTS lines) is recommended, and it is in particular necessary if the low power mode is enabled by +UPSV AT command.
  • Page 87 SARA-R5 series - System integration manual Additional considerations If a 3.0 V application processor (DTE) is used, the voltage scaling from any 3.0 V output of the DTE to the corresponding 1.8 V input of the module (DCE) can be implemented as an alternative low-cost solution, by means of an appropriate voltage divider.

  • Page 88: Usb Interface

    Figure 2.6.3 SPI interfaces ☞ The SPI interfaces are not supported by the “00” product version of SARA-R5 series modules, except for diagnostic purpose. ☞ Accessible test points directly connected to the SDIO_D0, SDIO_D1, SDIO_D2 and SDIO_D3 pins may be provided for diagnostic purpose, alternatively to the highly recommended test points on the USB interface pins.

  • Page 89: Sdio Interface

    SARA-R5 series - System integration manual 2.6.4 SDIO interface ☞ The SDIO interface is not supported by the “00” product version of SARA-R5 series modules. ☞ Accessible test points directly connected to the SDIO_D0, SDIO_D1, SDIO_D2 and SDIO_D3 pins may be provided for diagnostic purpose, alternatively to the highly recommended test points on the USB interface pins.
  • Page 90 For additional guidelines regarding cellular and GNSS RF coexistence, see section 2.4.4. ☞ For additional guidelines regarding the design of applications with u-blox 1.8 V GNSS receivers, see the SARA-R5 series positioning implementation application note [18] and to the hardware integration manual of the u-blox GNSS receivers.

  • Page 91: Audio

    Audio ☞ Audio is not supported by the “00” product version of SARA-R5 series modules. Voltage translator providing partial power down feature, so the 3 V supply can be also ramped up before V_INT 1.8 V supply UBX-19041356 - R04...

  • Page 92: General Purpose Input / Output (Gpio)

    SARA-R5 series - System integration manual General purpose input / output (GPIO) 2.8.1 Guidelines for GPIO circuit design A typical usage of SARA-R5 series modules’ GPIOs can be the following: • Network indication provided over GPIO1 pin (see Figure 69...

  • Page 93: Guidelines For General Purpose Input/Output Layout Design

    The general purpose input / output pins are generally not critical for layout. Reserved pin (RSVD) SARA-R5 series modules have a pin reserved for future use, marked as RSVD. This pin is to be left unconnected on the application board.

  • Page 94: Module Footprint And Paste Mask

    O’’ Stencil: 150 H’ H’’ µm J’ J’’ F’ F’’ F’ F’’ Figure 70: SARA-R5 series modules suggested footprint and paste mask (application board top view) Parameter Value Parameter Value Parameter Value 26.0 mm 1.10 mm 2.75 mm 16.0 mm H’...

  • Page 95: Schematic For Sara-R5 Series Module Integration

    2.12 Schematic for SARA-R5 series module integration Figure 71 is an example of a schematic diagram where a SARA-R5 series product is integrated into an application board using most of the available interfaces and functions of the module. SARA-R5 series...

  • Page 96: Design-In Checklist

    Check UART signals direction, considering the modules’ signal names follow the ITU-T V.24 recommendation [5]. Provide accessible test points directly connected to the TXD and RXD pins of the SARA-R5 series modules for FW update purpose and to the DCD and DTR pins for diagnostic purpose, in particular providing a 0 ...

  • Page 97: Layout Checklist

    Optimize placement for minimum length of RF lines. Check the footprint and paste mask designed for SARA-R5 series module as illustrated in section 2.11. VCC line should be enough wide and as short as possible.

  • Page 98: Handling And Soldering

    The term is usually used in the electronics and other industries to describe momentary unwanted currents that may cause damage to electronic equipment. The ESD sensitivity for each pin of SARA-R5 series modules (as Human Body Model according to JESD22-A114F) is specified in the SARA-R5 series data sheet [1].

  • Page 99: Soldering

    Soldering 3.3.1 Soldering paste "No Clean" soldering paste is strongly recommended for SARA-R5 series modules, as it does not require cleaning after the soldering process has taken place. The paste listed in the example below meets these criteria. Soldering paste: OM338 SAC405 / Nr.143714 (Cookson Electronics)

  • Page 100: Optical Inspection

    SARA-R5 series - System integration manual Cooling phase A controlled cooling avoids negative metallurgical effects of the solder (solder becomes more brittle) and possible mechanical tensions in the products. Controlled cooling helps to achieve bright solder fillets with a good shape and low contact angle.

  • Page 101: Repeated Reflow Soldering

    Boards with combined through-hole technology (THT) components and surface-mount technology (SMT) devices require wave soldering to solder the THT components. No more than one wave soldering process is allowed for a board with a SARA-R5 series module already populated on it. ⚠...

  • Page 102: Grounding Metal Covers

    SARA-R5 series - System integration manual 3.3.11 Grounding metal covers Attempts to improve grounding by soldering ground cables, wick or other forms of metal strips directly onto the EMI covers is done at the customer's own risk. The numerous ground pins should be sufficient to provide optimum immunity to interference and noise.

  • Page 103: Approvals

    Verizon Wireless network operator in United States ▪ The manufacturer of the end-device that integrates a SARA-R5 series module must take care of all certification approvals required by the specific integrating device to be deployed in the market. The required certification scheme approvals and relative testing specifications applicable to the...

  • Page 104: Federal Communications Commission Notice

    The SARA-R5 series modules include the capability to configure the device by selecting the operating Mobile Network Operator Profile, Radio Access Technology, and bands. In the SARA-R5 series AT commands manual [2], see the +UMNOPROF, +URAT, and +UBANDMASK AT commands.

  • Page 105: Declaration Of Conformity

    Manufacturers of mobile or fixed devices incorporating SARA-R5 series modules are authorized to use the FCC Grants of the SARA-R5 series modules for their own final host products if, as per FCC KDB 996369, the antenna trace design implemented on the host PCB is electrically equivalent to the antenna trace design implemented on the u-blox host PCB used for regulatory type approvals of the SARA-R5 series modules, described in details in section 2.4.2.3.

  • Page 106: Innovation, Science, Economic Development Canada Notice

    ⚠ The gain of the system antenna(s) used for the SARA-R5 series modules (i.e. the combined transmission line, connector, cable losses and radiating element gain) must not exceed the value stated in the ISED Canada Grant for mobile and fixed or mobile operating configurations: 5.6 dBi in 700 MHz, i.e.

  • Page 107: Modifications

    Listing (new application) procedure followed by an ISED Class IV Permissive Change application. ⚠ If the ISED Certificates of the SARA-R5 series modules can be used for the final host product, as the conditions above are met, the ISED Label of the module shall be visible from the outside, or the host device shall bear a second label stating: "Contains IC: 8595A-UBX19KM01"...

  • Page 108: European Conformance

    European Conformance The SARA-R5 series modules have been evaluated against the essential requirements of the Radio Equipment Directive 2014/53/EU (RED). In order to satisfy the essential requirements of the RED, the modules are compliant with the following standards: •...

  • Page 109: Giteki Japan

    T D2001 45003 R 003-2001 73 The gain of the system antenna used for SARA-R5 series modules must not exceed 3 dBi to comply with Japan Technical Standard Conformity Certification (GITEKI Certification) requirements. Additionally, the antenna used in the end-device system for SARA-R5 series modules has to be listed on the technology conformity certified Antenna list of the related module.

  • Page 110: Product Testing

    SARA-R5 series - System integration manual Product testing u-blox in-series production test u-blox focuses on high quality for its products. All units produced are fully tested automatically on the production line. Stringent quality control processes have been implemented in the production line.

  • Page 111: Go / No Go" Tests For Integrated Devices

    +UTEST AT command, and then checking that some power is emitted from the antenna system using any suitable power detector, power meter or equivalent equipment. ☞ See the SARA-R5 series AT commands manual and the SARA-R5 series application development guide...

  • Page 112: Gnss Rf Functional Tests

    Signal generator Application board Figure 74: Setup with spectrum analyzer or power meter and signal generator for SARA-R5 series RF verification 5.2.3 GNSS RF functional tests The best way to test the GNSS RF functionality is with the use of a Multi-GNSS generator, as it assures reliable and constant signals at every measurement.

  • Page 113: Appendix

    SARA-R5 series - System integration manual Appendix A Migration between SARA modules Guidelines to migrate from u-blox SARA-G3, SARA-G4, SARA-U2, SARA-N2, SARA-N3, and SARA-R4 series modules to SARA-R5 series modules are available in the u-blox SARA modules migration guidelines application note [20]. B Glossary Abbreviation...
  • Page 114 SARA-R5 series - System integration manual Abbreviation Definition FOAT Firmware Over AT commands FOTA Firmware Over The Air File Transfer Protocol Firmware Galileo European satellite navigation system Global Certification Forum GLONASS GLObal NAvigation Satellite System (Russian satellite navigation system) Ground...
  • Page 115 SARA-R5 series - System integration manual Abbreviation Definition PIFA Planar Inverted-F Antenna Pulse Per Second Power Saving Mode PTCRB PCS Type Certification Review Board Pulse Width Modulation QZSS Quasi-Zenith Satellite System Radio Access Technology Radio Frequency Ring Indicator RSSI Received Signal Strength Indication...

  • Page 116: Related Documents

    [20] u-blox SARA modules migration guidelines application note, UBX-19045981 [21] u-blox SARA-R5 series firmware update application note, UBX-20033314 [22] u-blox SARA-R5 series application development guide application note, UBX-20009652 ☞ For regular updates to u-blox documentation and to receive product change notifications, register on our homepage (www.u-blox.com).

  • Page 117: Revision History

    Updated SARA-R5 series modules product status Revised certification approval info Added antenna trace design used for SARA-R5 series modules’ type approvals Revised GPIO description section Revised VCC, Antennas, GNSS, UART, USB, I2C, GPIO design-in guidelines Other minor corrections and clarifications...

  • Page 118: Contact

    SARA-R5 series - System integration manual Contact For complete contact information, visit us at www.u-blox.com. u-blox Offices North, Central and South America Headquarters Asia, Australia, Pacific Europe, Middle East, Africa u-blox America, Inc. u-blox Singapore Pte. Ltd. u-blox AG Phone:...

This manual is also suitable for:

Sara-r500sSara-r510sSara-r510m8s

Table of Contents