U-blox 7 GPS Antenna Module

PAM-7Qu-blox 7 GPS Antenna ModuleHardware Integration ManualAbstractThis document provides the necessary information to successfullydesign in and configure the PAM-7Q u-blox 7 GPS antenna modulefeaturing the u-blox 7 positioning engine. This module has theexceptional performance of the u-blox 7 receiver and delivers highsensitivity and minimal acquisition times.Incorporating the PAM‑7Q into customer designs is simple andstraightforward, thanks to the embedded antenna, low powerconsumption, simple interface, and sophisticated interferencesuppression that ensures maximum performance even in GPS-hostileenvironments.www.u-blox.comUBX-13003143 - R03

PAM-7Q - Hardware Integration ManualDocument InformationTitlePAM-7QSubtitleu-blox 7 GPS Antenna ModuleDocument typeHardware Integration ManualDocument numberUBX-13003143Revision, dateR03Document statusEarly Production Information05-Mar-2014Document status explanationObjective SpecificationDocument contains target values. Revised and supplementary data will be published later.Advance InformationDocument contains data based on early testing. Revised and supplementary data will be published later.Early Production InformationDocument contains data from product verification. Revised and supplementary data may be published later.Production InformationDocument contains the final product specification.This document applies to the following products:NameType numberROM/FLASH versionPCN referencePAM-7QPAM-7Q-0-000ROM1.00N/Au-blox reserves all rights to this document and the information contained herein. Products, names, logos and designs described hereinmay in whole or in part be subject to intellectual property rights. Reproduction, use, modification or disclosure to third parties of thisdocument or any part thereof without the express permission of u-blox is strictly prohibited.The information contained herein is provided “as is” and u-blox assumes no liability for the use of the information. No warranty, eitherexpress or implied, is given, including but not limited, 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. For most recent documents, visit www.u-blox.com.Copyright 2014, u-blox AG.u-blox is a registered trademark of u-blox Holding AG in the EU and other countries. ARM is the registered trademark of ARM Limitedin the EU and other countries.UBX-13003143 - R03Page 2 of 26

PAM-7Q - Hardware Integration ManualPrefaceu-blox Technical DocumentationAs part of our commitment to customer support, u-blox maintains an extensive volume of technicaldocumentation for our products. In addition to our product-specific technical data sheets, the following manualsare available to assist u-blox customers in product design and development. GPS Compendium: This document, also known as the GPS book, provides a wealth of informationregarding generic questions about GPS system functionalities and technology. Receiver Description including Protocol Specification: This document describes messages, configurationand functionalities of the u-blox 7 software releases and receivers. Hardware Integration Manuals: These manuals provide hardware design instructions and information onhow to set up production and final product tests. Application Notes: These documents provide general design instructions and information that applies to allu-blox GNSS positioning modules.How to use this ManualThis manual has a modular structure. It is not necessary to read it from the beginning to the end.The following symbols are used to highlight important information within the manual:An index finger points out key information pertaining to module integration and performance.A warning symbol indicates actions that could negatively influence or damage the module.QuestionsIf you have any questions about PAM-7Q Hardware Integration, please: Read this manual carefully. Contact our information service on the homepage http://www.u-blox.com Read the questions and answers on our FAQ database on the homepage http://www.u-blox.comTechnical SupportWorldwide WebOur website (www.u-blox.com) is a rich pool of information. Product information, technical documents andhelpful FAQ can be accessed 24h a day.By E-mailIf you have technical problems or cannot find the required information in the provided documents, contact theclosest Technical Support office. To ensure that we process your request as soon as possible, use our service poolemail addresses rather than personal staff email addresses. Contact details are at the end of the document.Helpful Information when Contacting Technical SupportWhen contacting Technical Support please have the following information ready: Receiver type (e.g. PAM-7Q-0-000), Datacode (e.g. 172100.0100.000) and firmware version (e.g. ROM1.00) Receiver configuration Clear description of your question or the problem together with a u-center logfile A short description of the application Your complete contact detailsUBX-13003143 - R03Advance InformationPrefacePage 3 of 26

PAM-7Q - Hardware Integration ManualContentsPreface . 3Contents. 41Quick reference . 62Hardware description . 62.1Overview . 62.2Architecture . 62.3Operating modes . 62.3.1Continuous Mode . 62.3.2Power Save Mode . 72.4Configuration . 72.4.1Electrical Programmable Fuse (eFuse) . 72.5Connecting power . 72.5.12.5.22.6Interfaces. 82.6.12.6.22.7UART . 8Display Data Channel (DDC) . 8I/O pins . 92.7.13VCC: Main Supply Voltage . 7V BCKP: Backup Supply Voltage . 8TIMEPULSE . 9Design . 103.1Design checklist . 103.1.13.1.2Schematic checklist . 10Layout checklist . 113.1.3Antenna checklist . 113.2Design considerations for minimal designs . 113.2.1Minimal design . 113.345Layout . 133.3.13.3.2PCB mounting . 13Placement . 143.3.3Ground plane design . 143.3.4General design recommendations: . 15Migration to PAM-7Q modules . 164.1Hardware migration. 164.2Software migration . 16Product handling . 175.1Packaging, shipping, storage and moisture preconditioning . 17UBX-13003143 - R03Advance InformationContentsPage 4 of 26

PAM-7Q - Hardware Integration Manual5.2Soldering . 175.2.1Hand soldering . 175.2.2Optical inspection . 175.2.35.2.4Cleaning. 17Wave soldering. 175.2.5Rework. 175.2.65.2.7Conformal coating . 18Casting. 185.2.8Grounding metal covers . 185.2.9Use of ultrasonic processes . 185.3EOS/ESD/EMI precautions . 1865.3.1Electrostatic discharge (ESD) . 185.3.25.3.3ESD handling precautions . 18ESD protection measures . 195.3.4Electromagnetic interference (EMI) . 195.3.5Applications with cellular modules LEON / LISA . 20Product testing . 226.1u-blox in-series production test . 226.26.3Test parameters for OEM manufacturer . 22System sensitivity test . 236.3.1Guidelines for sensitivity tests . 236.3.2‘Go/No go’ tests for integrated devices . 23Appendix . 24A Abbreviations . 24Related documents. 25Revision history . 25Contact . 26UBX-13003143 - R03Advance InformationContentsPage 5 of 26

PAM-7Q - Hardware Integration Manual1 Quick referenceWhen using this manual for a design, make sure you also have the corresponding data sheet for the specificpositioning module (see the Related documents section).2 Hardware description2.1 OverviewPAM-7Q modules are standalone GPS positioning modules featuring the high performance u-blox 7 positioningengine. They are easy to integrate and combine exceptional positioning performance with highly flexible power,design, and connectivity options.For product features see the PAM-7Q Data Sheet [2].To determine which u-blox product best meets your needs, see the product selector tables on the u-bloxwebsite (www.u-blox.com).2.2 ArchitecturePAM-7Q modules consist of two functional parts - the RF block and the digital block (see Figure 1).The RF block includes the input matching elements, the SAW band pass filter, the integrated LNA and theoscillator, while the digital block contains the u-blox 7 GNSS engine, the RTC crystal and additional elementssuch as the optional FLASH Memory for enhanced programmability and flexibility.Figure 1: PAM-7Q block diagram2.3 Operating modesu-blox receivers support different power modes. These modes represent strategies of how to control theacquisition and tracking engines in order to achieve either the best possible performance or good performancewith reduced power consumption.2.3.1 Continuous ModeDuring a cold start, a receiver in Continuous Mode continuously deploys the acquisition engine to search for allsatellites. Once the receiver can calculate a position and track a sufficient number of satellites, the acquisitionengine powers off, resulting in significant power savings. The tracking engine continuously tracks acquiredUBX-13003143 - R03Advance InformationQuick referencePage 6 of 26

PAM-7Q - Hardware Integration Manualsatellites and acquires other available or emerging satellites. Whenever the receiver can no longer calculate aposition or the number of satellites tracked is below the sufficient number, the acquisition engine powers onagain to guarantee a quick reacquisition. Even if the acquisition engine powers off, the tracking enginecontinues to acquire satellites.For best performance, use continuous mode.2.3.2 Power Save ModeTwo Power Save Mode (PSM) operations called ON/OFF and Cyclic tracking are available. These use differentways to reduce the average current consumption in order to match the needs of the specific application. PSMoperations are set and configured using serial commands. For more information, see the u-blox 7 ReceiverDescription Including Protocol Specification [3].2.4 ConfigurationThe configuration settings can be modified using UBX protocol configuration messages. The modified settingsremain effective until power-down or reset. If these settings have been stored in BBR (Battery Backed RAM), thenthe modified configuration will be retained, as long as the backup battery supply is not interrupted.Configuration can be saved permanently in SQI flash.2.4.1 Electrical Programmable Fuse (eFuse)PAM-7Q includes an integrated eFuse memory for permanently saving configuration settings.The eFuse memory can also be used to store the configuration. The customer can program the eFuse.eFuse is One-Time-Programmable; it cannot be changed if it has been programmed once.String to change the default Baud rate:Baud RateStringUART Baud Rate 1200B5 62 06 41 09 00 01 01 30 81 00 00 00 00 FE 01 22UART Baud Rate 2400B5 62 06 41 09 00 01 01 30 81 00 00 00 00 FD 00 21UART Baud Rate 4800B5 62 06 41 09 00 01 01 30 81 00 00 00 00 FC FF 20UART Baud Rate 19200B5 62 06 41 09 00 01 01 30 81 00 00 00 00 FB FE 1FUART Baud Rate 38400B5 62 06 41 09 00 01 01 30 81 00 00 00 00 FA FD 1EUART Baud Rate 57600B5 62 06 41 09 00 01 01 30 81 00 00 00 00 F9 FC 1DUART Baud Rate 115200B5 62 06 41 09 00 01 01 30 81 00 00 00 00 F8 FB 1CTable 1: Strings to change baud rate2.5 Connecting powerThe PAM-7Q positioning module has two power supply pins: VCC and V BCKP.2.5.1 VCC: Main Supply VoltageThe VCC pin provides the main supply voltage. During operation, the current drawn by the module can vary bysome orders of magnitude, especially if enabling low-power operation modes. For this reason, it is importantthat the supply circuitry be able to support the peak power (see datasheet for specification) for a short time.PAM-7Q modules integrate a DC/DC converter. This allows reduced power consumption, especially when usinga main supply voltage above 2.5 V.UBX-13003143 - R03Advance InformationHardware descriptionPage 7 of 26