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MAX-7 / NEO-7 / LEA-7
u-blox 7 GPS/GNSS modules
Hardware Integration Manual
Abstract
This document describes the features and specifications of the cost
effective and high-performance MAX-7, NEO-7 and LEA-7
GPS/GLONASS/QZSS modules featuring the u-blox 7 positioning
engine.
These compact, easy to integrate stand-alone GPS/GNSS receiver
modules combine exceptional GPS/GNSS performance with highly
flexible power, design, and connectivity options. Their compact
form factors and SMT pads allow fully automated assembly with
standard pick & place and reflow soldering equipment for cost-
efficient, high-volume production enabling short time-to-market.
www.u-blox.com
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Table of Contents
Related Manuals for u-blox MAX-7 Series
Summary of Contents for u-blox MAX-7 Series
- Page 1 Abstract This document describes the features and specifications of the cost effective and high-performance MAX-7, NEO-7 and LEA-7 GPS/GLONASS/QZSS modules featuring the u-blox 7 positioning engine. These compact, easy to integrate stand-alone GPS/GNSS receiver modules combine exceptional GPS/GNSS performance with highly flexible power, design, and connectivity options.
- Page 2 LEA-7N-0 FLASH1.00 This document and the use of any information contained therein, is subject to the acceptance of the u-blox terms and conditions. They can be downloaded from www.u-blox.com. u-blox makes no warranties based on the accuracy or completeness of the contents of this document and reserves the right to make changes to specifications and product descriptions at any time without notice.
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Page 3: Preface
This manual has a modular structure. It is not necessary to read it from the beginning to the end. To help in finding needed information, a brief section overview is provided below 1. Hardware description: This chapter introduces the basics of function and architecture of the u-blox 7 modules. - Page 4 MAX-7 / NEO-7 / LEA-7 - Hardware Integration Manual Technical Support Worldwide Web Our website (www.u-blox.com) is a rich pool of information. Product information, technical documents and helpful FAQ can be accessed 24h a day. By E-mail If you have technical problems or cannot find the required information in the provided documents, contact the nearest of the Technical Support offices by email.
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Page 5: Table Of Contents
MAX-7 / NEO-7 / LEA-7 - Hardware Integration Manual Contents Preface ..........................3 Contents ..........................5 Quick reference ......................8 Hardware description ....................8 Overview ....................................8 Architecture ..................................... 8 Operating modes ..................................9 2.3.1 Continuous Mode ................................9 2.3.2 Power Save Mode ................................ - Page 6 Recommended GPS & GLONASS passive patch antenna ...................... 36 3.5.3 Recommended GPS & GLONASS passive chip antenna ......................36 Migration to u-blox-7 modules ................. 37 Migrating u-blox 6 designs to a u-blox 7 module ........................37 Hardware migration ................................38 4.2.1 Hardware compatibility: ..............................38 4.2.2...
- Page 7 MAX-7 / NEO-7 / LEA-7 - Hardware Integration Manual 6.3.1 Guidelines for sensitivity tests ............................. 52 6.3.2 ‘Go/No go’ tests for integrated devices ..........................52 Appendix .......................... 53 A Abbreviations ......................53 Related documents......................53 Revision history ........................ 54 Contact ..........................55 GPS.G7-HW-11006-1 Contents Page 7 of 55...
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Page 8: Quick Reference
(www.u-blox.com). 2.2 Architecture u-blox 7 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 the oscillator, while the digital block contains the u-blox 7 GPS/GNSS engine, the RTC crystal and additional elements such as the optional FLASH Memory for enhanced programmability and flexibility. -
Page 9: Operating Modes
Two Power Save Mode (PSM) operations called ON/OFF and Cyclic tracking are available. These use different ways to reduce the average current consumption in order to match the needs of the specific application. PSM operations are set and configured using serial commands. For more information, see the u-blox 7 Receiver Description Including Protocol Specification [4]. -
Page 10: Vcc_Io: Io Supply Voltage (Max-7)
If no backup supply voltage is available, connect the V_BCKP pin to VCC_IO (or to VCC if not avaiable). As long as the u-blox 7 module is supplied to VCC and VCC_IO, 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 11: V_Ant: Antenna Supply (Neo-7/Lea-7)
2.6.1 UART u-blox 7 positioning modules include a Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter (UART) serial interface RxD/TxD supporting configurable baud rates. The baud rates supported are specified in the u-blox 7 Receiver Description Including Protocol Specification [4] The signal output and input levels are 0 V to VCC for NEO-7 and LEA-7 modules, and 0 V to VCC_IO for MAX-7 modules. - Page 12 MAX-7 / NEO-7 / LEA-7 - Hardware Integration Manual Name Component Function Comments Regulates VBUS (4.4 …5.25 V) Almost no current requirement (~1 mA) if the GPS/GNSS receiver is operated as down to a voltage of 3.3 V. a USB self-powered device, but if bus-powered LDO (U1) must be able to deliver the maximum current.
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Page 13: Display Data Channel (Ddc)
The SPI interface can be enabled by connecting D_SEL to ground (NEO-7) (see section 2.7.3). For speed and clock frequency see the Data Sheet. Figure 4 shows how to connect a u-blox GPS/GNSS receiver to a host/master. The signal on the pins must meet the conditions specified in the Data Sheet. -
Page 14: D_Sel: Interface Select (Neo-7)
OCD see the u-blox 7 Receiver Description including Protocol Specification [4]. 2.7.8 TIMEPULSE A configurable time pulse signal is available with all u-blox 7 modules. 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 Specification [4] GPS.G7-HW-11006-1... -
Page 15: Design
3.1 Design checklist Designing-in a u-blox 7 module is easy, especially when based on a u-blox reference design. Nonetheless, it pays to do a quick sanity check of the design. This section lists the most important items for a simple design check. -
Page 16: Layout Checklist
For more information dealing with interference, issues see the GPS Antenna Application Note [5]. 3.2 Design considerations for minimal designs For a minimal design with a u-blox 7 GPS/GNSS module, the following functions and pins need consideration: • Connect the Power supply to VCC. -
Page 17: Minimal Design (Neo-7N)
MAX-7 / NEO-7 / LEA-7 - Hardware Integration Manual 3.2.1 Minimal design (NEO-7N) This is a minimal setup for a GPS/GNSS receiver with a NEO-7N module: Figure 5: NEO-7 passive antenna design For active antenna design, see section 3.4.2 GPS.G7-HW-11006-1 Design Page 17 of 55... - Page 18 MAX-7 / NEO-7 / LEA-7 - Hardware Integration Manual Function Description Remarks Power Supply Voltage Provide clean and stable supply. 10,12,13, Ground Assure a good GND connection to all GND pins of the module, preferably with a large ground plane. V_BCKP Backup Supply It is recommended to connect a backup supply voltage to V_BCKP...
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Page 19: Minimal Design (Max-7Q)
MAX-7 / NEO-7 / LEA-7 - Hardware Integration Manual 3.2.2 Minimal design (MAX-7Q) This is a minimal setup for a GPS/GNSS receiver with a MAX-7Q module: Figure 6: MAX-7 passive antenna design For active antenna design, see section 3.4.2 For information on increasing immunity to jammers such as GSM, see section 5.3.7. Function Description Remarks... -
Page 20: Minimal Design (Lea-7N)
MAX-7 / NEO-7 / LEA-7 - Hardware Integration Manual 3.2.3 Minimal design (LEA-7N) This is a minimal setup for a GPS/GNSS receiver with a LEA-7N module: Figure 7: LEA-7N passive antenna design For active antenna design, see section 3.4.2 Function Description Remarks Power... -
Page 21: Layout
3.3.1 Footprint and paste mask Figure 8 through Figure 13 describe the footprint and provide recommendations for the paste mask for u-blox 7 LCC modules. These are recommendations only and not specifications. Note that the Copper and Solder masks have the same size and position. -
Page 22: Placement
MAX-7 / NEO-7 / LEA-7 - Hardware Integration Manual 1.0 mm [39.3 mil] Stencil: 170 µm 12.2 mm [480.3 mil] 10.4 mm [409.5 mil] 12.2 mm [480 mil] Figure 10: NEO-7 footprint 14.6 mm [575 mil] Figure 12: NEO-7 paste mask 1.0 mm [39.3 mil] Stencil: 170 µm... -
Page 23: Antenna Connection And Ground Plane Design
3.3.3 Antenna connection and ground plane design u-blox 7 modules can be connected to passive or active antennas. The RF connection is on the PCB and connects the RF_IN pin with the antenna feed point or the signal pin of the connector, respectively. Figure 15 illustrates connection to a typical five-pin RF connector. -
Page 24: General Design Recommendations
MAX-7 / NEO-7 / LEA-7 - Hardware Integration Manual As seen in Figure 15, an isolated ground area exists around and below the RF connection. This part of the circuit MUST be kept as far from potential noise sources as possible. Make certain that no signal lines cross, and that no signal trace vias appear at the PCB surface within the area of the red rectangle. -
Page 25: Antenna Micro Strip
MAX-7 / NEO-7 / LEA-7 - Hardware Integration Manual • In order to avoid reliability hazards, the area on the PCB under the receiver should be entirely covered with solder mask. Vias should not be open. Do not route under the receiver. 3.3.5 Antenna micro strip There are many ways to design wave-guides on printed circuit boards. -
Page 26: Antenna And Antenna Supervision
MAX-7 / NEO-7 / LEA-7 - Hardware Integration Manual 3.4 Antenna and Antenna supervision 3.4.1 Antenna design with passive antenna A design using a passive antenna requires more attention to the layout of the RF section. Typically, a passive antenna is located near electronic components; therefore, care should be taken to reduce electrical ‘noise’ that may interfere with the antenna performance. -
Page 27: Active Antenna Design Not Using Antenna Supervisor (Neo-7N, Neo-7M, Max-7C, Max-7Q)
GPS system power consumption budget with additional 5 to 20 mA typically. If the supply voltage of the u-blox 7 receiver matches the supply voltage of the antenna (e.g. 3.0 V), use the filtered supply voltage VCC_RF output to supply the antenna. See section 3.4.2.1. This design is used for modules MAX-7C, MAX-7Q, NEO-7N, and NEO-7M in combination with active antenna. -
Page 28: Antenna Design With Active Antenna Using Antenna Supervisor (Lea-7N, Max-7W)
MAX-7 / NEO-7 / LEA-7 - Hardware Integration Manual 3.4.3 Antenna design with active antenna using antenna supervisor (LEA-7N, MAX- An active antenna supervisor provides the means to check the antenna for open and short circuits and to shut off the antenna supply if a short circuit is detected. The Antenna Supervisor is configured using serial port UBX binary protocol message. - Page 29 If a suitably dimensioned series resistor R_BIAS is placed in front of pin V_ANT, a short circuit can be detected in the antenna supply. This is detected inside the u-blox 7 module and the antenna supply voltage will be immediately shut down. After which, periodic attempts to re-establish antenna power are made by default.
- Page 30 The VCC_RF pin can be connected with V_ANT to supply the antenna. Note that the voltage specification of the antenna has to match the actual supply voltage of the u-blox module (e.g. 3.0 V), see Figure 25 Figure 25: Module design with active antenna, internal supply from VCC_RF (for exact pin orientation see data sheet) For recomended parts, see section 3.5.
- Page 31 Antenna open circuit detection (OCD) is not activated by default on the MAX-7 module. OCD can be mapped to PIO13 (EXTINT). To activate the antenna supervisor use the UBX-CFG-ANT message. For more information about how to implement and configure OCD, see the u-blox 7 Receiver Description including Protocol Specification [4].
- Page 32 MAX-7 / NEO-7 / LEA-7 - Hardware Integration Manual 3.4.3.4 External active antenna supervisor using customer uP (NEO-7N, MAX-7Q, MAX-7C) Figure 28: External active antenna supervisor using ANT_ON • bias Equation 2: Calculation of threshold current for open circuit detection For recomended parts, see section 3.5.
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Page 33: Design With Glonass / Gps Active Antenna
The Russian GLONASS satellite system is an alternative system to the US-based Global Positioning System (GPS). u-blox 7 modules can receive and process GLONASS signals. GLONASS and GPS satellite signals are not transmitted at the same frequency (as seen in Figure 30 . -
Page 34: Design With Glonass / Gps Passive Antenna
GLONASS signal is highly attenuated. (See Figure 31) u-blox 7 modules supporting GLONASS have a GPS & GLONASS SAW filter (see Figure 30) that lets both GPS and GLONASS signals pass. For best performance with passive antenna designs, use an external LNA. (See section 3.4.1.2). -
Page 35: Recommended Parts
MAX-7 / NEO-7 / LEA-7 - Hardware Integration Manual 3.5 Recommended parts u-blox has tested and recommends the parts listed in Table Many other untested components may also be used. Manufacturer Part ID Remarks Parameters to consider Diode ON Semiconductor ESD9R3.3ST5G... -
Page 36: Recommended Gps & Glonass Active Antenna (A1)
MAX-7 / NEO-7 / LEA-7 - Hardware Integration Manual Transistor Vishay Si1040X Table 9: Recommended parts 3.5.1 Recommended GPS & GLONASS active antenna (A1) Manufacturer Order No. Comments Taoglas (www.taoglas.com) AA.160.301111 36*36*4 mm, 3-5V 30mA Taoglas (www.taoglas.com) AA.161.301111 36*36*3 mm, 1.8 to 5.5V / 10mA at 3V Additional antenna Manufacturer: INPAQ, Hirschmann, Allis Communications, 2J, Tallysman Wireless Table 10: Recommend GPS &... -
Page 37: Migration To U-Blox-7 Modules
Utmost care has been taken to ensure no negative impact on function or performance and to make u-blox 7 modules as fully compatible as possible with u-blox 6 versions. No limitations of the standard features have resulted. -
Page 38: Hardware Migration
SDA and SCL VCC_RF, SDA and SCL Changes SPI implementation has changed: With u-blox 6, SPI uses pins 2, 14, 15, 16. With u-blox 7, SPI is available on pins 18, 19, 20, 21 when pin 2 set low. See Table 14 ... -
Page 39: Hardware Migration Neo-6 -> Neo-7
Backup Supply Check current in Data Sheet V_BCKP Voltage V_BCKP Voltage If on u-blox 6 module this was connected to GND, no problem to do the same in u-blox 7. Supply voltage Supply voltage NEO-6G: NEO-7M: See Figure 33: Migrating u-blox 6 designs to a u- 1.75 –... -
Page 40: Hardware Migration Max-6 -> Max-7
External Interrupt External Interrupt EXTINT0 EXTINT0 No difference Backup Supply Backup Supply If on u-blox 6 module this was connected to GND, Voltage Voltage no problem to do the same in u-blox 7. V_BCKP V_BCKP (MAX-7C: Higher backup current, see 2.5.3.1... -
Page 41: Hardware Migration Lea-6N -> Lea-7N
RESET_N External Reset RESET_N External Reset No difference Backup voltage Backup voltage If on u-blox 6 module this was connected to GND, V_BCKP V_BCKP supply supply no problem to do the same in u-blox 7. Reserved Do not drive low... -
Page 42: Software Migration
LEON FW 07.70 and LISA-U2 01S onwards. The MAX-6 TxD pin is mapped to PIO#5 while the MAX-7 TxD pin is mapped to PIO#6. When communicating with u-blox wireless modules, this change of pins is not recognized by LEON FW7.60.02 and previous versions. -
Page 43: Product Handling
5.1 Packaging, shipping, storage and moisture preconditioning For information pertaining to reels and tapes, Moisture Sensitivity levels (MSD), shipment and storage information, as well as drying for preconditioning see the specific u-blox 7 GPS/GNSS module data sheet. 5.2 Soldering 5.2.1 Soldering paste Use of "No Clean"... -
Page 44: Optical Inspection
MAX-7 / NEO-7 / LEA-7 - Hardware Integration Manual To avoid falling off, the u-blox 7 GPS/GNSS module should be placed on the topside of the motherboard during soldering. The final soldering temperature chosen at the factory depends on additional external factors like choice of soldering paste, size, thickness and properties of the base board, etc. -
Page 45: Wave Soldering
5.2.8 Rework The u-blox 7 module can be unsoldered from the baseboard using a hot air gun. When using a hot air gun for unsoldering the module, max one reflow cycle is allowed. In general, we do not recommend using a hot air gun because this is an uncontrolled process and might damage the module. -
Page 46: Use Of Ultrasonic Processes
MAX-7 / NEO-7 / LEA-7 - Hardware Integration Manual 5.2.12 Use of ultrasonic processes Some components on the u-blox 7 module are sensitive to Ultrasonic Waves. Use of any Ultrasonic Processes (cleaning, welding etc.) may cause damage to the GPS/GNSS Receiver. -
Page 47: Esd Protection Measures
MAX-7 / NEO-7 / LEA-7 - Hardware Integration Manual • When soldering RF connectors and patch antennas to the receiver’s RF pin, make sure to use an ESD safe soldering iron (tip). Failure to observe these precautions can result in severe damage to the GPS/GNSS module! 5.3.3 ESD protection measures GPS/GNSS positioning modules are sensitive to Electrostatic Discharge (ESD). -
Page 48: Electromagnetic Interference (Emi)
MAX-7 / NEO-7 / LEA-7 - Hardware Integration Manual Small passive antennas (<2 dBic and Passive antennas (>2 dBic or Active antennas (without internal filter which need the performance critical) performance sufficient) module antenna supervisor circuits) Bandpass Bandpass Filtler Filtler LNA with appropriate ESD rating and GPS Band pass Filter: SAW or Ceramic maximum input power... -
Page 49: Applications With Wireless Modules Leon / Lisa
MAX-7 / NEO-7 / LEA-7 - Hardware Integration Manual 5.3.7 Applications with wireless modules LEON / LISA GSM uses power levels up to 2 W (+33 dBm). Consult the Data Sheet for the absolute maximum power input at the GPS/GNSS receiver. 5.3.7.1 Isolation between GPS and GSM antenna In a handheld type design, an isolation of approximately 20 dB can be reached with careful placement of the... - Page 50 MAX-7 / NEO-7 / LEA-7 - Hardware Integration Manual 5.3.7.4 Out-band jamming Out-band jamming is caused by signal frequencies that are different from the GPS carrier (see Figure 40). The main sources are wireless communication systems such as GSM, CDMA, WCDMA, Wi-Fi, BT, etc. Pow er [dBm] 1575 1800...
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Page 51: 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 52: 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 u-blox 7 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 53: Appendix
GPS Implementation and Aiding Features in u-blox wireless modules, Doc No GSM.G1-CS-09007-A3 All these documents are available on our homepage (http://www.u-blox.com). For regular updates to u-blox documentation and to receive product change notifications please register on our homepage (http://www.u-blox.com) GPS.G7-HW-11006-1... -
Page 54: Revision History
MAX-7 / NEO-7 / LEA-7 - Hardware Integration Manual Revision history Revision Date Name Status / Comments September 4, 2012 jfur Initial draft December 20, 2012 jfur MAX-7W added, Revision Chapter 3.4 Antenna supervision DC-bloc removed from Figure 21 and Figure 22. MAX-7C: Higher backup current, new Figure 42 and 43 GPS.G7-HW-11006-1 Appendix... -
Page 55: Contact
MAX-7 / NEO-7 / LEA-7 - Hardware Integration Manual Contact For complete contact information, visit us at www.u-blox.com 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...
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