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Ublox LENA-R8 Series System Integration Manual

Ublox LENA-R8 Series System Integration Manual

Multi-mode lte cat 1bis modules
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LENA-R8 series
Multi-mode LTE Cat 1bis modules
System integration manual
Abstract
This document describes the features and integration guidelines for the LENA-R8 series modules.
With 14 LTE bands and four GSM/GPRS bands, these modules offer universal network connectivity
and global coverage. The integrated GNSS receiver based on the u-blox M10 platform make the
modules ideal for demanding global tracking and telematic applications, enabling simpler, smaller
devices with uncompromised GNSS performance. Connectivity and location services are supported
and offer customer simple and efficient solution for cloud-based services such as CaaS and LaaS.
UBX-22015376 - R02
C1-Public
www.u-blox.com

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  • Page 1 System integration manual Abstract This document describes the features and integration guidelines for the LENA-R8 series modules. With 14 LTE bands and four GSM/GPRS bands, these modules offer universal network connectivity and global coverage. The integrated GNSS receiver based on the u-blox M10 platform make the modules ideal for demanding global tracking and telematic applications, enabling simpler, smaller devices with uncompromised GNSS performance.

  • Page 2: Document Information

    LENA-R8 series - System integration manual Document information Title LENA-R8 series Subtitle Multi-mode LTE Cat 1bis modules Document type System integration manual Document number UBX-22015376 Revision and date 04-Oct-2022 Disclosure restriction C1-Public Product status Corresponding content status Functional sample Draft For functional testing.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    LENA-R8 series - System integration manual Contents Document information ..........................2 Contents ................................3 System description ..........................6 1.1 Overview ................................ 6 1.2 Product features ............................6 1.3 Architecture ..............................8 1.4 Pin-out ................................9 1.5 Operating modes ............................13 1.5.1 Overview ............................13...
  • Page 4 GNSS UART interface ........................90 2.12 GNSS Peripheral Input/Output .......................90 2.13 Module placement ............................91 2.14 Module footprint and paste mask ......................92 2.15 Thermal guidelines ...........................93 2.16 Schematic for LENA-R8 series module integration ................94 2.17 Design-in checklist ............................96 2.17.1 Schematic checklist ........................96 2.17.2 Layout checklist ..........................97...
  • Page 5 LENA-R8 series - System integration manual Handling and soldering ........................98 3.1 Packaging, shipping, storage, and moisture preconditioning ............98 3.2 Handling ..............................98 3.3 Soldering ..............................99 3.3.1 Soldering paste ..........................99 3.3.2 Reflow soldering ..........................99 3.3.3 Optical inspection ........................100 3.3.4 Cleaning ............................100 3.3.5...

  • Page 6: System Description

    System description 1.1 Overview LENA-R8 series modules offer simple global LTE Cat 1bis connectivity with fourteen LTE bands and four 2G bands in the small LENA LGA form-factor (30 x 27 mm, 100-pin), which is easy to integrate in compact designs, reducing logistics complexity for IoT devices that may be deployed in different regions requiring different band combinations.
  • Page 7 • AssistNow Autonomous Table 2: LENA-R8 series LTE, 2G and GNSS characteristics summary VoLTE support planned for future firmware versions GPRS multi-slot class 12 implies a maximum of 4 slots in DL (reception), 4 slots in UL (transmission) with 5 slots in total.

  • Page 8: Architecture

    Figure 2: LENA-R8001M10 modules simplified block diagram ☞ The “00C” product versions of the LENA-R8 series modules (meaning the LENA-R8001-00C and the LENA-R8001M10-00C versions) do not support the antenna tuner interface on the RFCTRL1 and RFCTRL2 pins, which are intended to be left unconnected...

  • Page 9: Pin-Out

    LENA-R8 series - System integration manual LENA-R8 series modules internally consist of the cellular modem system and the GNSS receiver system (avaialble with LENA-R8001M10 modules only), as described herein with more details than the simplified block diagrams of Figure 1...
  • Page 10 LENA-R8 series - System integration manual Function Pin name Pin no. I/O Description Remarks GNSS VCC_GNSS GNSS supply input LENA-R8001M10 only. Power GNSS supply input. See section 1.15.1 for functional description. See section 2.10.1 for external circuit design-in. Internally not connected on LENA-R8001.
  • Page 11 LENA-R8 series - System integration manual Function Pin name Pin no. I/O Description Remarks Cellular Cellular UART data 1.8 V output, UART Circuit 104 (RXD) per ITU-T V.24, UART output supporting AT and data, FOAT, Multiplexer. Test-Point and series 0  for diagnostic to be considered.
  • Page 12 LENA-R8 series - System integration manual Function Pin name Pin no. I/O Description Remarks GNSS TXD_GNSS GNSS UART data LENA-R8001M10 only. GNSS UART data output. UART output See section 1.17.1 for functional description. See section 2.11.1 for external circuit design-in.

  • Page 13: Operating Modes

    1.5 Operating modes 1.5.1 Overview LENA-R8 series modules include 2 variants: the LENA-R8001 modules, integrating a cellular system, and the LENA-R8001M10 modules, integrating the same cellular system of LENA-R8001 modules plus a GNSS system based on the ultra-low-power u-blox M10 GNSS receiver.

  • Page 14: Cellular Operating Modes

    RF Tx/Rx enabled with processor running at related operating frequency. Table 4: Module operating modes definition The initial operating mode of LENA-R8 series modules cellular system has the VCC supply not present or below the operating range: the modules are switched off in not-powered mode.
  • Page 15 LENA-R8 series - System integration manual 1.5.3.1 GNSS continuous mode The UBX-M10050-KB GNSS receiver uses dedicated signal processing engines optimized for signal acquisition and tracking. The acquisition engine actively searches for and acquires signals during cold starts or when insufficient signals are available during navigation. The tracking engine continuously tracks and downloads all the almanac data and acquires new signals as they become available during navigation.

  • Page 16: Cellular Power Management

    1.6.1 Cellular supply input (VCC) The cellular system of the LENA-R8 series modules must be supplied via the three VCC pins that represent the cellular system power supply input. The VCC pins are internally connected to the RF power amplifier and to the integrated Power...
  • Page 17 Table ⚠ VCC supply circuit affects the RF compliance of the device integrating LENA-R8 series modules with applicable required certification schemes as well as antenna circuit design. RF performance is optimized by fulfilling the requirements for the VCC supply summarized in...
  • Page 18 RF power control level (approximately 2 W or 33 dBm in the Tx slot/burst), the current consumption can reach an high peak / pulse (see LENA-R8 series data sheet [1]) for 576.9 µs (width of the transmit slot/burst) with a periodicity of 4.615 ms (width of 1 frame = 8 slots/burst), so with a 1/8 duty cycle according to GSM TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access).
  • Page 19 This is known as discontinuous reception (DRX). Figure 8 illustrates a typical example of the current consumption profile in this condition. Detailed consumption values can be found in LENA-R8 series data sheet [1]. Current [mA] Time [s] Paging period...

  • Page 20: Cellular Rtc Supply Input / Output (V_Bckp)

    Cellular generic digital interfaces supply output (V_INT) The V_INT output pin of the LENA-R8 series modules cellular system is connected to an internal 1.8 V supply with a current capability specified in the LENA-R8 series data sheet [1]. This supply is...

  • Page 21: Cellular System Power-Off

    • Force a low pulse at the PWR_ON input pin, which is normally set high by an internal pull-up, for a valid time period (see LENA-R8 series data sheet [1], PWR_ON low time for graceful switch off). ☞ The graceful switch-off procedure triggered by AT+CPWROFF command or by a low pulse at the PWR_ON input is the recommended method to switch off LENA-R8 series cellular system.
  • Page 22 V_INT supply output is switched off. ☞ The duration of each phase in the LENA-R8 series cellular system switch-off routines can largely vary depending on the application / network settings and the concurrent module activities.

  • Page 23: Cellular System Reset

    Forcing a low level at the RESET_N input pin, which is normally set high by an internal pull-up, for a valid time period (see the LENA-R8 series data sheet [1], RESET_N input line low time to trigger cellular system abrupt reset / reboot).

  • Page 24: Cellular Antenna Detection (Ant_Det)

    See the u-blox AT commands manual for more details on this feature. The ANT_DET pin generates a DC current (for detailed characteristics, see the LENA-R8 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 25: Cellular Antenna Dynamic Tuning Interface (Rfctrl1 / Rfctrl2)

    Cellular antenna dynamic tuner interface support is planned for future firmware versions. LENA-R8 series modules’ cellular system includes 2 output pins (RFCTRL1 / RFCTRL2) for real time control of an external antenna tuning IC according to the actual cellular band used by the module.

  • Page 26: Cellular Uart Interfaces

    LENA-R8 series - System integration manual 1.10.1 Cellular UART interfaces 1.10.1.1 Cellular main UART interface LENA-R8 series cellular system includes a main primary UART serial interface for communication with an application host processor, supporting: • AT / data communication •...

  • Page 27: Cellular Usb Interface

    MUX channel and data communication on another MUX channel. 1.10.2 Cellular USB interface LENA-R8 series modules include a High-Speed USB 2.0 interface with a 480 Mbit/s maximum data rate, representing the main interface for transferring high speed data with a host application processor, supporting: •...

  • Page 28: Cellular I2C Interface

    Virtual serial ports over USB for Diagnostic logs • RNDIS for Ethernet-over-USB • CDC-ECM for Ethernet-over-USB LENA-R8 series cellular system has the following VID (Vendor ID) and PID (Product ID) as USB device in the default factory-programmed normal operating mode: • VID = 0x1782 •...

  • Page 29: Cellular Audio Interface

    The AT command interface is not available on the I2C interface. The I2C device-mode operation is not supported: the LENA-R8 series module can act as the I2C host that can communicate with I2C devices in accordance with the I2C bus specifications [12].

  • Page 30: Gnss Power Management

    LENA-R8 series - System integration manual 1.15 GNSS power management ☞ LENA-R8001 modules do not include a GNSS receiver: GNSS power management is not available. 1.15.1 GNSS supply input (VCC_GNSS) The VCC_GNSS pin is the main supply input for the GNSS system integrated in LENA-R8001M10...

  • Page 31: Gnss Serial Communication Interface

    LENA-R8 series - System integration manual 1.17 GNSS serial communication interface ☞ LENA-R8001 modules do not include a GNSS receiver: GNSS UART interface is not available. 1.17.1 GNSS UART interface LENA-R8001M10 modules supports a 1.8 V UART interface consisting of the RXD_GNSS data input...

  • Page 32: Design-In

    LENA-R8 series - System integration manual Design-in 2.1 Overview For an optimal integration of LENA-R8 series modules in the final application board, follow the design guidelines stated in this section. Every application circuit must be properly designed to ensure the correct functionality of the related interface, but a number of points require greater attention during the design of the application device.

  • Page 33: Cellular Power Management

    (low impedance) connection to external ground can minimize power loss and improve RF and thermal performance. LENA-R8 series modules cellular system must be supplied through the VCC pins by a proper DC power supply that should comply with the module VCC requirements summarized in...
  • Page 34 However, if the selected regulator or battery is not able to support the highest peak current of the module, it must be able to support at least the highest averaged current consumption value specified in the LENA-R8 series data sheet with an adequate margin.
  • Page 35 LENA-R8 series - System integration manual • PWM mode operation: it is preferable to select regulators with a Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) mode. While in connected mode, the Pulse Frequency Modulation (PFM) mode and PFM/PWM modes transitions must be avoided in order to reduce noise on the VCC voltage profile. Switching...
  • Page 36 LENA-R8 series - System integration manual Figure 19 and the components listed in Table 9 show an example of a low cost power supply circuit, where the VCC module supply is provided by a step-down switching regulator capable of delivering the specified maximum peak / pulse current to the VCC pins, transforming a 12 V supply input.
  • Page 37 VCC pins within the specified operating range and must be capable of delivering the maximum peak / pulse current consumption to the VCC pins during a Tx burst at the maximum Tx power specified in the LENA-R8 series data sheet [1]. •...
  • Page 38 / pulse current consumption during a Tx burst at the maximum Tx power specified in the LENA-R8 series data sheet [1], and must be capable of extensively delivering a DC current as the maximum average current consumption specified in the LENA-R8 series data sheet [1]. The...
  • Page 39 [1], and must be capable of extensively delivering a DC current as the maximum average current consumption specified in the LENA-R8 series data sheet [1]. The maximum discharge current is not always reported in the data sheets of batteries, but the max DC discharge current is typically almost equal to the battery capacity in amp-hours divided by 1 hour.
  • Page 40 LENA-R8 series - System integration manual Reference Description Part number - manufacturer Li-ion (or Li-Polymer) battery pack with 470  NTC Various manufacturer C1, C4 1 µF Capacitor Ceramic X7R 0603 10% 16 V GRM188R71C105KA12 - Murata C2, C6 10 nF Capacitor Ceramic X7R 0402 10% 16 V...
  • Page 41 LENA-R8 series - System integration manual Power path management IC System 1 2 V Vout Primary Source DC/DC converter and battery FET control logic Li-Ion/Li-Pol Battery Pack Vbat Charge controller θ Figure 23: Charger / regulator with an integrated power path management circuit block diagram...
  • Page 42 LENA-R8 series - System integration manual Li-Ion/Li-Polymer Battery Charger / Regulator with Power Path Managment LENA-R8 series Primary Source VLIM SYSFB Li-Ion/Li-Pol Battery Pack ILIM ISET θ C7 C8 AGND PGND Figure 24: Li-ion (or Li-Polymer) battery charging and power path management application circuit...
  • Page 43 LENA-R8 series - System integration manual Additional parts described in Figure 25 Table 14 are recommended to be provided near the VCC pins of the module for various RF and/or EMI improvements purposes. For modules supporting 2G or LTE TDD, to avoid voltage drop undershoot and overshoot at the start and end of a transmit burst and mitigate possible RF spurious emission, place a bypass capacitor with large capacitance (at least 100 µF) and low ESR near the VCC pins, for example:...
  • Page 44 LENA-R8 series modules support two different extended operating voltage ranges: one for the VCC pins #52 and #53, and another one for the VCC pin #51 (see the LENA-R8 series data sheet [1]). All the VCC pins are in general intended to be connected to the same external power supply circuit, but separate supply sources can be implemented for specific (e.g., battery-powered) applications...
  • Page 45 Table 16: Components for a VCC supply removal application circuit ☞ It is highly recommended to avoid an abrupt removal of the VCC supply during LENA-R8 series modules normal operations: the power-off procedure must be started by the AT+CPWROFF command, waiting the command response for a proper time period (see the u-blox AT commands manual [2]), and then a proper VCC supply must be held at least until the end of the modules’...
  • Page 46 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 LENA-R8 series modules in the worst case.

  • Page 47: Cellular Rtc Supply (V_Bckp)

    Cellular RTC supply (V_BCKP) 2.2.2.1 Guidelines for V_BCKP circuit design LENA-R8 series cellular system provides the V_BCKP RTC supply input/output for the cellular system, which can be mainly used to: • Provide cellular system RTC back-up when VCC supply is removed External power supply at V_BCKP is optional.

  • Page 48: Cellular Interface Supply Output (V_Int)

    Cellular interface supply output (V_INT) 2.2.3.1 Guidelines for V_INT circuit design LENA-R8 series cellular system provides the V_INT 1.8 V supply output, which can be mainly used to: • Indicate when the cellular system is switched on (see 1.5, 1.7.1, and 1.7.2...

  • Page 49: Cellular System Functions Interfaces

    2.3.1 Cellular power-on (PWR_ON) 2.3.1.1 Guidelines for PWR_ON circuit design LENA-R8 series modules’ PWR_ON input line is internally pulled up as illustrated in Figure 30: 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 50: Antenna Interfaces

    RESET_N as short as possible. 2.4 Antenna interfaces LENA-R8 series modules provide an RF interface for connecting the external cellular antenna: the ANT pin represents the RF input/output for LTE / 2G cellular RF signals transmission and reception. LENA-R8001M10 modules provide also a GNSS RF interface for connecting the external GNSS antenna: the ANT_GNSS pin represents the RF input for GNSS signals reception.
  • Page 51 LENA-R8 series - System integration manual • Add GND keep-out (clearance) on the buried metal layer below ANT and ANT_GNSS pads if the top-layer to buried layer dielectric thickness is below 200 µm, to reduce parasitic capacitance to ground, as described in the right example of...
  • Page 52 LENA-R8 series - System integration manual If the two examples do not match the application PCB layup, the 50  characteristic impedance calculation can be made using the HFSS commercial finite element method solver for electromagnetic structures from Ansys Corporation, or using freeware tools like Avago / Broadcom AppCAD (https://www.broadcom.com/appcad), taking care of the approximation formulas used by the tools for...
  • Page 53 LENA-R8 series - System integration manual LENA module LENA module High-pass filter to improve ESD immunity connector connector Figure 35: Example of circuit and layout for ANT RF circuits on the application board 2.4.1.3 Guidelines for RF termination design RF terminations must provide a characteristic impedance of 50  as well as the RF transmission lines up to the RF terminations themselves, to match the characteristic impedance of the ANT and ANT_GNSS ports of the modules.

  • Page 54: Cellular Antenna Rf Interface (Ant)

    RF compliance of the device integrating LENA-R8 series modules with all the applicable required certification schemes depends on the antenna radiating performance.
  • Page 55 LENA-R8 series - System integration manual As a numerical example, physical restriction to the PCB design can be considered as following: Frequency = 617 MHz → Wavelength  48 cm → Minimum GND plane size  12 cm The isolation between the primary and the secondary antennas must be as high as possible and the correlation between the 3D radiation patterns of the two antennas must be as low as possible.
  • Page 56 LENA-R8 series - System integration manual Manufacturer Part number Product name Description Antenova SR4L002 Lucida GSM / WCDMA / LTE SMD Antenna 698..960 MHz, 1710..2170 MHz, 2300..2400 MHz, 2490..2690 MHz 35.0 x 8.5 x 3.2 mm AVX / Ethertronics P822601 /...
  • Page 57 LENA-R8 series - System integration manual Manufacturer Part number Product name Description Amotech AMMAL024 FPCB+cable LTE FPCB antenna with coaxial cable and connector 617..5000 MHz 120.0 x 30.0 mm Amotech AMMAL030U200 FPCB+cable LTE FPCB antenna with coaxial cable and connector 699..960 MHz, 1427..3800 MHz...

  • Page 58: Gnss Antenna Rf Interface (Ant_Gnss)

    LENA-R8 series - System integration manual Manufacturer Part number Product name Description 2J Antennas 2JW1483 Connector-mount ultra-wideband antenna, waterproof: IP67, IP69 617..960 MHz, 1525..2690 MHz, 3300..3800 MHz 192 x 20 x 18 mm Table 22: Examples of external antennas 2.4.3 GNSS antenna RF interface (ANT_GNSS) ☞...
  • Page 59 LENA-R8 series - System integration manual LENA-R8001M10 ANT_GNSS ANT_ON Figure 38: Typical circuit for GNSS passive antenna placed far away from the module The external LNA can be selected to deliver the performance needed by the application in terms of: •...
  • Page 60 LENA-R8 series - System integration manual Table 24 lists examples of LNA suitable for the GNSS RF input of the modules. Manufacturer Part number Comments Maxim MAX2659ELT+ Low noise figure, up to 10 dBm RF input power JRC New Japan Radio NJG1143UA2...
  • Page 61 LENA-R8 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 62: Cellular And Gnss Rf Coexistence

    LENA-R8 series - System integration manual Manufacturer Part number Product name Description Taoglas MA310.A.LB.001 Magnet mount antenna, 1.8 – 5.5 V GPS / SBAS / QZSS / GLONASS Taoglas ASGGB254.A - Active GNSS surface-mount patch antenna, 1.8 – 5.5 V ASGGB184.A...
  • Page 63 LENA-R8 series - System integration manual • placing the GNSS antenna away from noise sources • add a notch filter along the GNSS RF path, just after the antenna, at the frequency of the jammer (as for example illustrated in...

  • Page 64: Cellular Antenna Detection Interface (Ant_Det)

    LENA-R8 series - System integration manual bands (see Table 30 for possible suitable examples). Note that the addition of an external filter along the cellular RF line has to be carefully evaluated, as the additional insertion loss of such filter may affect the cellular TRP and/or TIS RF figures.
  • Page 65 LENA-R8 series - System integration manual LENA-R8 series Radiating Element = 50 ohm = 50 ohm = 50 ohm Antenna Cable Diagnostic Circuit ANT_DET Application Board Cellular Antenna Assembly Figure 43: Suggested schematic for antenna detection circuit on application PCB and diagnostic circuit on antenna assembly...

  • Page 66: Cellular Antenna Dynamic Tuning Interface (Rfctrl1 / Rfctrl2)

    LENA-R8 series - System integration manual For example: Consider an antenna with a built-in DC load resistor of 15 k. Using the +UANTR AT command, the module reports the resistance value evaluated from the antenna connector provided on the application board to GND: •...

  • Page 67: Cellular Sim Interface

    LENA-R8 series - System integration manual LENA-R8 series LENA-R8 series RFCTRL1 RFCTRL2 RFCTRL1 RFCTRL2 Figure 44: Examples of schematics for cellular antenna dynamic impedance tuning (a) and aperture tuning (b). Manufacturer Part number Description Peregrine Semiconductor PE42442 30..6000 MHz UltraCMOS SP4T RF switch...
  • Page 68 LENA-R8 series - System integration manual custom application, otherwise a connector without an integrated mechanical presence switch can be selected. Solderable UICC / SIM chip contact mapping (M2M UICC Form Factor) is defined by ETSI TS 102 671 • Case pin 8 = UICC contact C1 = VCC (Supply) →...
  • Page 69 LENA-R8 series - System integration manual 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 LENA-R8 series modules as described in Figure 45, where the optional SIM detection feature is not implemented.
  • Page 70 LENA-R8 series - System integration manual Guidelines for single SIM chip connection A solderable SIM chip (M2M UICC Form Factor) must be connected the SIM card interface of LENA-R8 series modules as described in Figure Follow these guidelines, connecting the module to a solderable SIM chip without SIM presence detection: •...
  • Page 71 LENA-R8 series - System integration manual Guidelines for single SIM card connection with detection A removable SIM card placed in a SIM card holder must be connected to the SIM card interface of LENA-R8 series modules as described in Figure 47, where the optional SIM card detection feature is implemented.
  • Page 72 Two SIM cards / chips can be connected to LENA-R8 series modules’ SIM interface as in Figure LENA-R8 series modules do not support the usage of two SIMs at the same time, but two SIMs can be populated on the application board, providing a proper switch to connect only the first or only the...
  • Page 73 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 LENA-R8 series modules or in close proximity to the RF antenna: these two cases should be avoided or at least mitigated as described below.

  • Page 74: Cellular Serial Communication Interfaces

    LENA-R8 series - System integration manual 2.6 Cellular serial communication interfaces 2.6.1 Cellular UART interfaces 2.6.1.1 Guidelines for UART circuit design Providing 1 UART with full RS-232 functionality (using the complete V.24 link) If RS-232 compatible signal levels are needed, two different external voltage translators can be used to provide full RS-232 (with all the signal lines part of the complete V.24 link) functionality: e.g.
  • Page 75 LENA-R8 series - System integration manual Providing 1 UART with TXD, RXD, RTS and CTS lines only If the functionality of the DSR, DCD, RI and DTR lines is not required, or the lines are not available: • Connect the module DTR input to GND, since it may be useful to set DTR active if not specifically handled (see the AT commands manual [2], &D, S0, +CSGT, +CNMI AT commands)
  • Page 76 LENA-R8 series - System integration manual Providing 2 UARTs with TXD, RXD, RTS and CTS lines only The auxiliary secondary UART interface is disabled by default, and it can be enabled by dedicated AT command (see the u-blox AT commands manual [2], +USIO AT command) as alternative function of the DTR, DSR, DCD and RI pins of the main primary UART interface, in mutually exclusive way.
  • Page 77 LENA-R8 series - System integration manual Providing 1 UART with TXD and RXD lines only ☞ 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 / CTS lines) is recommended, and it is in particular necessary if the low power mode is enabled by +UPSV AT command.
  • Page 78 LENA-R8 series - System integration manual Providing 2 UARTs with TXD and RXD lines only ☞ 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 / CTS lines) is recommended, and it is in particular necessary if the low power mode is enabled by +UPSV AT command.

  • Page 79: Cellular Usb Interface

    The USB interface of the module is enabled if a valid high logic level is detected by the VUSB_DET input of the module (see the LENA-R8 series data sheet [1]). Neither the USB interface, nor the whole module is supplied by the VUSB_DET input, which senses the voltage and absorbs few microamperes.
  • Page 80 LENA-R8 series - System integration manual Routing the USB pins to a connector, they will be externally accessible on the application device. According to the EMC/ESD requirements of the application, an additional ESD protection device with very low capacitance should be provided close to the accessible point on the line connected to this pin,...

  • Page 81: Cellular I2C Interface

    LENA-R8 series - System integration manual Figure 60 Figure 61 provide two examples of coplanar waveguide designs with differential characteristic impedance close to 90  and common mode characteristic impedance close to 30 . The first transmission line can be implemented for a 4-layer PCB stack-up herein described, the second transmission line can be implemented for a 2-layer PCB stack-up herein described.
  • Page 82 LENA-R8 series - System integration manual Connection with u-blox 1.8 V GNSS receivers (LENA-R8001 modules only) Figure 62 shows an application circuit for connecting the module to a u-blox 1.8 V GNSS receiver: • The SDA and SCL pins of the cellular module are directly connected to the related pins of the u-blox 1.8 V GNSS receiver, with appropriate pull-up resistors connected to the 1.8 V GNSS supply...
  • Page 83 100 nF Capacitor Ceramic Various Manufacturers Table 44: Components for connecting LENA-R8 series modules to u-blox 1.8 V GNSS receivers using V_INT as supply For additional guidelines regarding the design of applications with u-blox 1.8 V GNSS receivers, see the Integration Manual of the selected u-blox GNSS receiver. It is recommended to consider and implement all the possible measures for proper RF coexistence of the Cellular and the GNSS systems.

  • Page 84: Cellular Audio Interface

    LENA-R8 series cellular module can be used. The external digital audio device must provide: • The opposite role: host device role, as LENA-R8 series modules act as local device only • The same mode and frame format: Normal I2S / long synch mode with data in 2’s complement notation, linear...
  • Page 85 The GPIO6 digital clock output is connected to the clock input of the external audio codec to provide clock reference. • The external audio codec is controlled by the LENA-R8 series module using the I2C interface, which can concurrently communicate with other I2C devices and control an external audio codec. •...
  • Page 86 LENA-R8 series - System integration manual ☞ Do not apply voltage to any I2S pin before the switch-on of I2S supply source (V_INT), to avoid latch-up of circuits and allow a proper boot of the module. ☞ The ESD sensitivity rating of I2S interface pins is 1 kV (HBM according to JESD22-A114).

  • Page 87: Cellular General Purpose Input/Output (Gpio)

    Place the bypass capacitor for RF close to the speaker. 2.8 Cellular General Purpose Input/Output (GPIO) 2.8.1.1 Guidelines for GPIO circuit design A typical usage of LENA-R8 series modules’ GPIOs can be the following: • Network indication provided over GPIO1 pin (see Figure 66...

  • Page 88: Reserved Pins (Rsvd)

    LENA-R8 series - System integration manual 2.9 Reserved pins (RSVD) LENA-R8 series modules have pins reserved for future use, named RSVD: they can all be left unconnected on the application board. 2.10 GNSS power management ☞ LENA-R8001 modules do not include a GNSS receiver: GNSS power management is not available.

  • Page 89: Gnss Backup Supply Input (Vbckp_Gnss)

    LENA-R8 series - System integration manual In the application circuit example illustrated in Figure 68, the supply of the GNSS system is switched on/off using an external p-channel MOSFET controlled by the GPIO2 output of the cellular system by means of a proper inverting transistor, implementing the “GNSS supply enable” function.

  • Page 90: Gnss Serial Communication Interface

    LENA-R8 series - System integration manual 2.11 GNSS serial communication interface ☞ LENA-R8001 modules do not include a GNSS receiver: GNSS UART interface is not available. 2.11.1 GNSS UART interface The GNSS UART of LENA-R8001M10 modules, consisting of the RXD_GNSS data input line and the...

  • Page 91: Module Placement

    Provide enough clearance between the module and any external part. ☞ The heat dissipation during continuous transmission at maximum power can significantly raise the temperature of the application base-board below the LENA-R8 series modules: avoid placing temperature sensitive devices close to the module. UBX-22015376 - R02...

  • Page 92: Module Footprint And Paste Mask

    Top View J’ J’’ F1’ F1’’ F2’ F2’’ H’ J’ H’’ J’’ Figure 73: LENA-R8 series modules suggested footprint and paste mask (application board top view) Parameter Value Parameter Value Parameter Value 30.0 mm 1.10 mm 4.75 mm 27.0 mm H’...

  • Page 93: Thermal Guidelines

    GND pads of the LENA-R8 series LGA modules and dissipated over the backside of the application board.

  • Page 94: Schematic For Lena-R8 Series Module Integration

    LENA-R8 series - System integration manual 2.16 Schematic for LENA-R8 series module integration Figure 74 is an illustrative example of a schematic diagram where a LENA-R8001 cellular module is integrated into an application board, using almost all the interfaces and functions of the module.
  • Page 95 LENA-R8 series - System integration manual Figure 75 is an illustrative example of a schematic diagram where a LENA-R8001M10 cellular / GNSS module is integrated into an application board, using almost all the available interfaces and functions of the module.

  • Page 96: Design-In Checklist

     Provide proper precautions for ESD immunity as required on the application board.  Do not apply voltage to any generic digital interface pin of LENA-R8 series modules before the switch-on of the generic digital interface supply source (V_INT). ...

  • Page 97: Layout Checklist

    LENA-R8 series - System integration manual 2.17.2 Layout checklist The following are the most important points for a simple layout check:  Check 50  nominal characteristic impedance of the RF transmission line connected to the ANT and the ANT_GNSS ports (antenna RF interfaces).

  • 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 the LENA-R8 series modules (as Human Body Model according to JESD22-A114F) is specified in the LENA-R8 series data sheet [1].

  • Page 99: Soldering

    LENA-R8 series - System integration manual 3.3 Soldering 3.3.1 Soldering paste Use of "No Clean" soldering paste is strongly recommended, as it does not require cleaning after the soldering process has taken place. The paste listed in the example below meets these criteria.

  • Page 100: Optical Inspection

    Elapsed time [s] Figure 76: Recommended soldering profile ☞ LENA-R8 series modules must not be soldered with a damp heat process. 3.3.3 Optical inspection After soldering the module, inspect it optically to verify that it is properly aligned and centered.

  • 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 LENA-R8 series module already populated on it. ⚠...

  • Page 102: Grounding Metal Covers

    ☞ u-blox gives no warranty for damages to the LENA-R8 series modules caused by soldering metal cables or any other forms of metal strips directly onto the EMI covers. 3.3.12 Use of ultrasonic processes LENA-R8 series modules contain components which are sensitive to ultrasonic waves.

  • Page 103: Approvals

    T-Mobile network operator in the United States ▪ The manufacturer of the end-device that integrates a LENA-R8 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

    ⚠ Manufacturers of mobile or fixed devices incorporating LENA-R8 series modules are authorized to use the FCC Grants of the LENA-R8 series modules for their own final products according to the conditions referenced in the certificates. ⚠...

  • Page 105: Innovation, Science, Economic Development Canada Notice

    ⚠ Manufacturers of mobile or fixed devices incorporating LENA-R8 series modules are authorized to use the ISED Canada Certificates of the LENA-R8 series modules for their own final products according to the conditions referenced in the certificates. ⚠...
  • Page 106 ⚠ IMPORTANT: Manufacturers of portable applications incorporating the LENA-R8 series modules are required to have their final product certified and apply for their own Innovation, Science and Economic Development Certificate related to the specific portable device. This is mandatory to meet the SAR requirements for portable devices.

  • Page 107: European Conformance Ce Mark

    ⚠ The gain of the system antenna(s) used for the LENA-R8 series modules (i.e. the combined transmission line, connector, cable losses and radiating element gain) must not exceed the values reported in the Declaration of Conformity for mobile and fixed or mobile operating configurations The conformity assessment procedure for the modules, referred to in Article 17 and detailed in Annex II of Directive 2014/53/EU, has been followed.

  • Page 108: Conformity Assessed (Ukca)

    ⚠ The gain of the system antenna(s) used for the LENA-R8 series modules (i.e. the combined transmission line, connector, cable losses and radiating element gain) must not exceed the values reported in the Declaration of Conformity for mobile and fixed or mobile operating configurations The conformity assessment procedure for the modules, referred to Part 3 of the Radio Equipment Regulations 2017, has been followed.

  • Page 109: Product Testing

    LENA-R8 series modules are also qualified by u-blox according to u-blox policy, which is based on the AEC-Q104 standard, but the specific characteristics of the host application end-product integrating the module cannot be qualified by u-blox.

  • Page 110: Production Testing

    LENA-R8 series - System integration manual 5.2 Production testing 5.2.1 u-blox in-series production test u-blox focuses on high quality for its products. All units produced are automatically tested in all the interfaces along the production line. A stringent quality control process has been implemented in the production line.
  • Page 111 LENA-R8 series - System integration manual In addition, module AT commands can be used to perform functional tests on digital interfaces, as for example (for more details about AT commands, see the u-blox AT commands manual [2]): • communication with host controller can be checked by AT command, •...

  • Page 112: Appendix

    LENA-R8 series - System integration manual Appendix A Migration from LARA to LENA-R8 modules ☞ Detailed and updated guidelines to migrate from u-blox LARA-R2 / LARA-R6 / LARA-L6 modules to u-blox LENA-R8 modules are available in the u-blox LARA / LENA modules migration guidelines application note [20].
  • Page 113 LENA-R8 series - System integration manual Abbreviation Definition Data Terminal Ready Envelope Correlation Coefficient EDGE Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution (EGPRS) eDRX Extended Discontinuous Reception EGPRS Enhanced General Packet Radio Service (EDGE) Electro-magnetic Compatibility EMEA Europe, the Middle East and Africa...
  • Page 114 LENA-R8 series - System integration manual Abbreviation Definition International Organization for Standardization International Telecommunications Union Korea Certification Leadless Chip Carrier Low-Dropout Light Emitting Diode Land Grid Array Low Noise Amplifier LPDDR Low Power Double Data Rate synchronous dynamic RAM memory...
  • Page 115 LENA-R8 series - System integration manual Abbreviation Definition RSVD Reserved Real Time Clock Receive Specific Absorption Rate Surface Acoustic Wave SDIO Secure Digital Input Output Subscriber Identification Module Solder Mask Defined Short Message Service Surface-Mount Technology SP4T Single-Pole Four-Throw Standard Precision GNSS...

  • Page 116: Related Documentation

    LENA-R8 series - System integration manual Related documentation u-blox LENA-R8 series data sheet, UBX-22003110 u-blox LENA-R8 series AT commands manual, UBX-22016905 u-blox UBX-M10050-KB standard precision GNSS chip data sheet, UBX-20043795 u-blox UBX-M10050-KB standard precision GNSS chip integration manual, UBX-20049918 u-blox M10 SPG 5.10 interface description,...

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