Easy -to-use U-blox M8 GNSS Antenna Module

SAM-M8QEasy-to-use u-blox M8 GNSS antenna moduleData SheetAbstractTechnical data sheet describing the SAM-M8Q, module which provides concurrent reception of upto three GNSS (GPS, Galileo, GLONASS). Its easy design-in requires no RF expertise and allowsconsistently strong performance regardless of installation. The surface-mount device with a tinyform factor (15.5 x 15.5 x 6.3 mm) enables simple and automated manufacturing.www.u-blox.comUBX-16012619 - R05

SAM-M8Q - Data SheetDocument InformationTitleSAM-M8QSubtitleEasy-to-use u-blox M8 GNSS antenna moduleDocument typeData SheetDocument numberUBX-16012619Revision and dateR05Document statusProduction Information27-Feb-2019Product statusCorresponding content statusIn Development /PrototypeObjective SpecificationTarget values. Revised and supplementary data will be published later.Engineering SampleAdvance InformationData based on early testing. Revised and supplementary data will be published later.Initial ProductionEarly Production InformationData from product verification. Revised and supplementary data may be published later.Mass Production /End of LifeProduction InformationDocument contains the final product specification.This document applies to the following products:Product nameType numberROM/FLASH versionPCN referenceSAM-M8QSAM-M8Q-0-10ROM SPG 3.01N/Au-blox or third parties may hold intellectual property rights in the products, names, logos and designs included in thisdocument. Copying, reproduction, modification or disclosure to third parties of this document or any part thereof is onlypermitted with the express written permission of u-blox.The information contained herein is provided “as is” and u-blox assumes no liability for its use. No warranty, either express orimplied, is given, including but not limited to, with respect to the accuracy, correctness, reliability and fitness for a particularpurpose of the information. This document may be revised by u-blox at any time without notice. For the most recentdocuments, visit www.u-blox.com.Copyright u-blox AG.UBX-16012619 - R05Production InformationDocument InformationPage 2 of 26

SAM-M8Q - Data SheetContentsDocument Information . 2Contents . 31Functional description . 51.1 Overview . 51.2 Product features . 61.3 Performance. 61.4 Block diagram . 71.5 Supported GNSS constellations . 71.5.1GPS . 71.5.2GLONASS . 81.5.3Galileo . 81.6 Assisted GNSS (A-GNSS) . 81.6.1AssistNowTM Online . 81.6.2AssistNowTM Offline . 81.6.3AssistNowTM Autonomous . 91.7 Augmentation systems . 91.7.1Satellite-Based Augmentation System (SBAS) . 91.7.2QZSS . 91.7.3IMES . 91.7.4Differential GPS (D-GPS) .101.8 Broadcast navigation data and satellite signal measurements .101.9 Odometer .101.10 Geofencing.101.11 Message Integrity Protection .101.12 Spoofing Detection .111.13 EXTINT: External interrupt.111.13.1 Pin control .111.13.2 Aiding .111.14 TIMEPULSE .111.15 Protocols and interfaces .121.16 Interfaces .121.16.1 UART .121.16.2 Display Data Channel (DDC) .121.17 Clock generation.121.17.1 Oscillators .121.17.2 Real-Time Clock (RTC) .121.18 Power management .131.18.1 DC-DC converter .131.18.2 Power Mode Setup.131.18.3 Continuous Mode .13UBX-16012619 - R05Production InformationContentsPage 3 of 26

SAM-M8Q - Data Sheet1.18.4 Power Save Mode .131.19 Embedded antenna .141.19.1 Embedded antenna operation .142Pin definition . 152.1 Pin assignment .153Configuration management . 164Electrical specification . 164.1 Absolute maximum rating.164.2 Operating conditions .164.3 Indicative current requirements .175Mechanical specifications . 186Reliability tests and approvals . 196.1 Reliability tests .196.2 Approvals .197Product handling & soldering. 207.1 Packaging .207.1.1Reels .207.1.2Tapes .207.2 Shipment, storage and handling .207.2.1Moisture Sensitivity Levels .217.2.2Reflow soldering .217.2.3Antenna ageing .217.2.4ESD handling precautions .218Default messages . 229Labeling and ordering information . 239.1 Product labeling.239.2 Explanation of codes .239.3 Ordering codes.23Appendix . 24AGlossary . 24Related documents . 25Revision history . 25Contact . 26UBX-16012619 - R05Production InformationContentsPage 4 of 26

SAM-M8Q - Data Sheet1 Functional description1.1 OverviewThe u-blox concurrent SAM-M8Q GNSS patch antenna module benefits from the exceptionalperformance of the u-blox M8 multi-GNSS engine. The SAM-M8Q module offers high sensitivity andminimal acquisition times in an ultra-compact form factor.The SAM-M8Q module utilizes concurrent reception of up to three GNSS systems (GPS, Galileo andGLONASS), recognizes multiple constellations simultaneously and provides outstanding positioningaccuracy in scenarios where urban canyon or weak signals are involved. For even better and fasterpositioning improvement, SAM-M8Q supports augmentation of QZSS, GAGAN and IMES togetherwith WAAS, EGNOS, and MSAS. SAM-M8Q also supports message integrity protection, geofencing,and spoofing detection with configurable interface settings to easily fit to customer applications.Incorporating the SAM-M8Q module into customer designs is simple and straightforward, thanks tothe embedded GNSS patch antenna, low power consumption, a small footprint of 15.5 x 15.5 x 6.3mm, simple interface, and sophisticated interference suppression that ensures maximumperformance even in GNSS-hostile environments.The 15 x 15 mm patch antenna provides the best compromise between the performance of a RightHand Circular Polarized (RHCP) antenna and a small size to be integrated in any design. The omnidirectional radiation pattern increases flexibility for device installation. The simple SMD design andeasy interfacing keeps design and manufacturing costs to a minimum. The SAM-M8Q features anadditional front-end LNA for optimized performance and a front-end SAW filter for increasedjamming immunity. The SAM‑M8Q targets industrial and consumer applications that require small,cost efficient, and ready-to-use GNSS solutions.The SAM-M8Q module uses AEC-Q100 qualified GNSS chips and is fully tested at the system level.Qualification is done according to the ISO 16750 standard.The u-blox SAM-M8Q module can also benefit from the u-blox AssistNow assistance service.The Online service provides GNSS broadcast parameters, e.g. ephemeris, almanac plus time or roughposition to reduce the receiver’s time to first fix significantly and improve acquisition sensitivity. Theextended validity of AssistNow Offline data (up to 35 days) and AssistNow Autonomous data (up to 3days) provide faster acquisition after a long off time. See section 1.6 for more information concerning the SAM-M8Q related AssistNow Assistance.UBX-16012619 - R05Production InformationFunctional descriptionPage 5 of 26

SAM-M8Q - Data Sheet1.2 Product features T1AutomotiveProfessionalStandardBuilt-in antenna supplyand supervisorTimepulseBuilt-in antennaOscillatorRTC crystalGradeAdditional LNAAdditional SAWData loggingProgrammable (flash) FeaturesDDC (I2C compliant) SPI3 USBUARTBeiDouGalileoGLONASSSupply Interfaces2.7 V – 3.6 V GPS / QZSSTimingDead ReckoningGNSSNumber of concurrentGNSSSAM-M8QHigh Precision GNSSCategoryStandard Precision GNSSModel C Crystal / T TCXO1.3 PerformanceParameterSpecificationReceiver type72-channel u-blox M8 engineGPS L1C/A, SBAS L1C/A, QZSS L1C/A, QZSS L1 SAIF, GLONASS L1OF, Galileo E1B/CAccuracy of time pulse signalRMS99%30 ns60 nsFrequency of time pulse signalOperational limits 1Velocity accuracy2Heading accuracy20.25 Hz 10 MHz(configurable)Dynamics 4gAltitude50,000 mVelocity500 m/s0.05 m/s0.3 degreesGNSSHorizontal position accuracyMax navigation update rateTime-To-First-Fix 6GPS & GLONASSGPSGLONASSGalileo2.5 m2.5 m8.0 mTBC10 Hz18 Hz18 Hz18 Hz26 s29 s30 sTBC 41s1s1sTBC 42s2s3sTBC 4Tracking &Navigation–165 dBm–164 dBm–164 dBm–157 dBmReacquisition–158 dBm–158 dBm–154 dBm–151 dBmCold start–146 dBm–146 dBm–143 dBm–136 dBmHot start–155 dBm–155 dBm–154 dBm–149 dBm35Cold startHot startAided startsSensitivity874Table 1: SAM-M8Q (on 50 mm x 50 mm GND plane) performance in different GNSS modes (default: concurrent reception ofGPS and GLONASS incl. QZSS, SBAS)12345678Assuming Airborne 4 g platform50% @ 30 m/sCEP, 50%, 24 hours static, good sky viewTo be confirmed when Galileo reaches full operational capabilityRates with SBAS and QZSS enabled for 98% fix report rate under typical conditionsGood sky viewDependent on aiding data connection speed and latencyDemonstrated at the antenna feed pointUBX-16012619 - R05Production InformationFunctional descriptionPage 6 of 26

SAM-M8Q - Data Sheet1.4 Block diagramFigure 1: SAM-M8Q block diagram1.5 Supported GNSS constellationsThe SAM-M8Q GNSS module is a concurrent GNSS receiver which can receive and track multipleGNSS systems: GPS, Galileo and GLONASS. Owing to the dual-frequency RF front-end architecture,GLONASS can be processed concurrently with GPS and Galileo signals, thus providing reception ofthree GNSS systems. By default, the M8 receivers are configured for concurrent GPS and GLONASS,including SBAS and QZSS reception. If power consumption is a key factor, then the receiver should beconfigured for a single GNSS operation using GPS, Galileo or GLONASS and disabling QZSS and SBAS.The module can also be configured to receive any single GNSS constellation.GPSGalileoGLONASS – – ––– – ––– Table 2: Permissible GNSS combinations ( enabled) The augmentation systems: SBAS and QZSS can be enabled only if GPS operation is alsoconfigured. Galileo is not enabled as the default configuration. BeiDou reception is not supported by SAM-M8Q module.1.5.1GPSThe SAM-M8Q GNSS patch antenna module is designed to receive and track the L1C/A signalsprovided at 1575.42 MHz by the Global Positioning System (GPS).UBX-16012619 - R05Production InformationFunctional descriptionPage 7 of 26

SAM-M8Q - Data Sheet1.5.2GLONASSThe SAM-M8Q GNSS patch antenna module can receive and process the GLONASS satellite systemas an alternative to the US-based Global Positioning System (GPS). The SAM-M8Q is designed toreceive and track the L1OF signals which GLONASS provides at 1602 MHz k*562.5 kHz, where k isthe satellite’s frequency channel number (k –7,., 5, 6). The ability to receive and track GLONASSL1OF satellite signals allows for the design of GLONASS receivers where required by regulations.To take advantage of GPS and GLONASS, dedicated hardware preparation must be made during thedesign-in phase. See the SAM-M8Q Hardware Integration Manual [1] for u-blox designrecommendations.1.5.3GalileoThe SAM-M8Q GNSS patch antenna module can receive and track the E1-B/C signals centered on theGPS L1 frequency band. GPS and Galileo signals can be processed concurren

The u-blox SAM-M8Q module can also benefit from the u-blox AssistNow assistance service. The Online service provides GNSS broadcast parameters, e.g. ephemeris, almanac plus time or rough position to reduce the receiver’s time to fir