Ublox PAM-7Q Hardware Integration Manual
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Ublox PAM-7Q Hardware Integration Manual

7 gps antenna module
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PAM-7Q
u-blox 7 GPS Antenna Module
Hardware Integration Manual
Abstract
This document provides the necessary information to successfully
design in and configure the PAM-7Q u-blox 7 GPS antenna module
featuring the u-blox 7 positioning engine. This module has the
exceptional performance of the u-blox 7 receiver and delivers high
sensitivity and minimal acquisition times.
Incorporating the PAM‑7Q into customer designs is simple and
straightforward, thanks to the embedded antenna, low power
consumption, simple interface, and sophisticated interference
suppression that ensures maximum performance even in GPS-hostile
environments.
www.u-blox.com
UBX-13003143 - R06

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Summary of Contents for Ublox PAM-7Q

  • Page 1 Abstract This document provides the necessary information to successfully design in and configure the PAM-7Q u-blox 7 GPS antenna module featuring the u-blox 7 positioning engine. This module has the exceptional performance of the u-blox 7 receiver and delivers high sensitivity and minimal acquisition times.
  • Page 2 Document contains the final product specification. European Union regulatory compliance PAM-7Q complies with all relevant requirements for RED 2014/53/EU. The PAM-7Q Declaration of Conformity (DoC) is available at www.u-blox.com within Support > Product resources > Conformity Declaration. This document applies to the following products:...

  • Page 3: Preface

    Contact details are at the end of the document. Helpful Information when Contacting Technical Support When 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 ...

  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    Minimal design ..........................11 Layout ..............................12 3.3.1 PCB mounting ..........................12 3.3.2 Placement ........................... 14 Migration to PAM-7Q module ................... 15 Hardware migration..........................15 Software migration ..........................15 Product handling ......................16 Packaging, shipping and storage ......................16 Soldering ............................16 5.2.1...
  • Page 5 PAM-7Q - Hardware Integration Manual 5.2.2 Optical inspection ........................16 5.2.3 Cleaning ............................16 5.2.4 Rework ............................16 5.2.5 Conformal coating ........................16 5.2.6 Casting ............................17 5.2.7 Grounding metal covers ......................17 5.2.8 Use of ultrasonic processes ......................17 EOS/ESD/EMI precautions ........................

  • Page 6: Quick Reference

    (www.u-blox.com). 2.2 Architecture PAM-7Q module consists 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 the oscillator, while the digital block contains the u-blox 7 GNSS engine, the RTC crystal and additional elements such as the optional FLASH Memory for enhanced programmability and flexibility.

  • Page 7: Power Save Mode

    (see datasheet for specification) for a short time. PAM-7Q module integrates a DC/DC converter. This allows reduced power consumption, especially when using a main supply voltage above 2.5 V.

  • Page 8: V_Bckp: Backup Supply Voltage

    As long as the PAM-7Q module is supplied to VCC, the backup battery is disconnected from the RTC and the BBR to avoid unnecessary battery drain (see Figure 2). In this case, VCC supplies power to the RTC and BBR.

  • Page 9: I/O Pins

    2.7 I/O pins 2.7.1 TIMEPULSE A configurable time pulse signal is available with the PAM-7Q module. By default, the time pulse signal is configured to 1 pulse per second. For more information see the u-blox 7 Receiver Description including Protocol...

  • Page 10: Design

    3.1 Design checklist Designing-in a PAM-7Q module is easy, especially when based on a u-blox reference design. This section lists the most important items for a simple design check. The design checklist can also help to avoid an unnecessary PCB respin and achieve the best possible performance.

  • Page 11: Layout Checklist

    Make sure the antenna is not placed close to noisy parts of the circuitry. (E.g. micro-controller, display, etc.) 3.2 Design considerations for minimal designs For a minimal design with a PAM-7Q GPS module, the following functions and pins need consideration:  Connect the Power supply to VCC.

  • Page 12: Layout

    GNSS signals at the surface of the Earth are about 15 dB below the thermal noise floor. When defining a GNSS receiver layout, the placement of the PAM-7Q, as well as grounding, shielding and jamming from other digital devices, are crucial issues requiring careful consideration.
  • Page 13 PAM-7Q module.  Design a solid VDD source for the PAM-7Q module (VDD supply voltage ripple should be <50 mVp-p).  If there is no need for the PPS and DDC signal, a 4-pin header (for example Samtec TLW-104-06-G-S) can be used to contact pins #1 through #4.

  • Page 14: Placement

    A very important factor in achieving maximum performance is the placement of the receiver on the PCB. Make sure that the PAM-7Q is separated from any other digital circuits on the system board. To achieve this, position the module’s digital part towards the digital section on the system PCB. Exercise care if placing the receiver in proximity to heat-emitting circuitry.

  • Page 15: Migration To Pam-7Q Module

    Table 3: Pins for UP501 to PAM-7Q migration 4.2 Software migration Fastrax UP501 is based on MTK chipset, while PAM-7Q has u-blox 7 GNSS engine. For functionality aspects, protocol porting, and software interface considerations when migrating from the Fastrax UP501 to the u-blox PAM-7Q, see the NMEA manual for Fastrax IT500 Series GPS/GNSS receivers [6] and the u-blox 7 Receiver Description including Protocol Specification [2].

  • Page 16: Product Handling

    5.2.4 Rework The PAM-7Q module can be unsoldered from the baseboard using a hot air gun or a soldering iron. Use a wide iron tip to unsolder all the pins at the same time. In general, we do not recommend using a hot air gun because this is an uncontrolled process and might damage the module.

  • Page 17: Casting

    Conformal Coating of the module will void the warranty. 5.2.6 Casting Casting is not allowed. The OEM is strongly advised to qualify such processes in combination with the PAM-7Q module before implementing this in the production. Antenna element of PAM-7Q must have free space at least 1mm for any plastic case or radome.

  • Page 18: Esd Protection Measures

    PAM-7Q - Hardware Integration Manual  Unless there is a galvanic coupling between the local GND (i.e. the work table) and the PCB GND, then the first point of contact when handling the PCB must always be between the local GND and PCB GND.

  • Page 19: Applications With Cellular Modules

    PAM-7Q - Hardware Integration Manual Example of EMI protection measures on the RX/TX line using a ferrite bead: >10mm BLM15HD102SN1 Figure 7: EMI Precautions VCC can be protected using a feed thru capacitor. Intended use In order to mitigate any performance degradation of a radio equipment under EMC disturbance, system integration shall adopt appropriate EMC design practice and not contain cables over three meters on signal and supply ports.
  • Page 20 PAM-7Q - Hardware Integration Manual Figure 9: In-band jamming sources Measures against in-band jamming include:  Maintaining a good grounding concept in the design  Shielding  Layout optimization  Filtering  Placement of the GPS antenna 5.3.5.4 Out-band jamming Out-band jamming is caused by signal frequencies that are different from the GPS carrier (see Figure 10).

  • Page 21: Product Testing

    PAM-7Q - Hardware Integration Manual 6 Product testing 6.1 u-blox in-series production test u-blox focuses on high quality for its products. To achieve a high standard it is our philosophy to supply fully tested units. Therefore, at the end of the production process, every unit is tested. Defective units are analyzed in detail to improve the production quality.

  • Page 22: System Sensitivity Test

    3. Power up the DUT (Device Under Test) and allow enough time for the acquisition 4. Read the C/No value from the NMEA GSV or the UBX-NAV-SVINFO message (e.g. with u-center) 5. Compare the results to a “Golden Device” or a PAM-7Q Evaluation Kit. 6.3.2 ‘Go/No go’ tests for integrated devices The best test is to bring the device to an outdoor position with excellent sky view (HDOP <...

  • Page 23: Appendix

    PAM-7Q - Hardware Integration Manual Appendix A Abbreviations Abbreviation Definition ANSI American National Standards Institute CDMA Code Division Multiple Access Electromagnetic compatibility Electromagnetic interference Electrical Overstress Electrostatic Protective Area Electrostatic discharge GLONASS Russian satellite system Ground GNSS Global Navigation Satellite System (general term for any system, GPS, GLONASS, etc.)

  • Page 24: Design-In Recommendations In Combination With Cellular Operation

    PAM-7Q - Hardware Integration Manual A.1 Design-in recommendations in combination with cellular operation Cellular and GNSS Product Receiver Chain Simultaneous operation Passive GNSS Active GNSS Antenna Antenna MAX-6 • •    NEO-6 • •    LEA-6 •...

  • Page 25: Related Documents

    PAM-7Q - Hardware Integration Manual Related documents PAM-7Q Data Sheet, Docu. No UBX-13002455 u-blox 7 Receiver Description including Protocol Specification, Docu. No GPS.G7-SW-12001 u-blox 7 Firmware Version 1.0 Release Note, Docu. No GPS.G7-SW-12003 GPS Compendium, Doc No GPS-X-02007 GPS Implementation and Aiding Features in u-blox wireless modules, Doc No GSM.G1-CS-09007 NMEA manual for Fastrax IT500 Series GPS/GNSS receivers, Docu.

  • Page 26: Contact

    PAM-7Q - Hardware 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: +1 703 483 3180...

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