Lantronix A5100-A User manual

GPS/GLONASS Receiver Module A5100-A
User Guide
Part Number PMD-00033
Revision A November 2019

GPS/GLONASS Receiver Module A5100-A User Guide 2
Intellectual Property
© 2019 Lantronix, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of the contents of this publication may be
transmitted or reproduced in any form or by any means without the written permission of
Lantronix.
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Warranty
For details on the Lantronix warranty policy, please go to our web site at
www.lantronix.com/support/warranty/
Contacts
Lantronix, Inc.
7535 Irvine Center Drive, Suite 100
Irvine, CA 92618, USA
Toll Free: 800-526-8766
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Technical Support
Online: www.lantronix.com/support
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Disclaimer
All information contained herein is provided “AS IS.” Lantronix undertakes no obligation to
update the information in this publication. Lantronix does not make, and specifically dis-
claims, all warranties of any kind (express, implied or otherwise) regarding title, non-in-
fringement, fitness, quality, accuracy, completeness, usefulness, suitability or performance
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connection with the user’s access or usage of any of the information or content contained
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change without notice.

GPS/GLONASS Receiver Module A5100-A User Guide 3
Open Source Software
Some applications are Open Source software licensed under the Berkeley Software Distri-
bution (BSD) license, the GNU General Public License (GPL) as published by the Free
Software Foundation (FSF), or the Python Software Foundation (PSF) License Agreement
for Python 2.7.3 (Python License). Lantronix grants you no right to receive source code to
the Open Source software; however, in some cases, rights and access to source code for
certain Open Source software may be available directly from Lantronix’ licensors. The BSD
license is available at http://opensource.org/licenses. The GNU General Public License is
available at http://www.gnu.org/licenses/. The Python License is available at
http://cmpt165.csil.sfu.ca/Python-Docs/license.html. Your use of each Open Source com-
ponent or software is subject to the terms of the applicable license.
OPEN SOURCE SOFTWARE IS DISTRIBUTED WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY,
INCLUDING ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE. SEE THE APPLICABLE LICENSE AGREEMENT FOR
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.
You may request a list of the open source components and the licenses that apply to them.
Contact your regional Lantronix sales associate. www.lantronix.com/about-us/contact/
Revision History
Date
Rev.
Comments
October 2013
0.1
First draft.
February 2014
0.2
Updates according to DV samples.
November 2019
A
Added Lantronix document part number, Lantronix logo, branding,
contact information, and links.
For the latest revision of this product document, please check our online documentation at
www.lantronix.com/support/documentation.

GPS/GLONASS Receiver Module A5100-A User Guide 4
Table of Contents
Intellectual Property ______________________________________________________1
Warranty_______________________________________________________________2
Contacts_______________________________________________________________2
Disclaimer______________________________________________________________2
Open Source Software____________________________________________________3
Revision History _________________________________________________________3
Table of Contents________________________________________________________4
List of Figures___________________________________________________________6
List of Tables ___________________________________________________________7
1 Introduction 8
1.1 Feature Overview_____________________________________________________8
1.2 Characteristics Overview _______________________________________________9
1.3 RoHS and Lead-Free Information ________________________________________9
1.4 Label______________________________________________________________10
1.5 Characteristics ______________________________________________________11
1.5.1 GPS & GLONASS Characteristics __________________________________11
1.5.2 Mechanical Characteristics________________________________________11
1.6 Handling Precautions _________________________________________________11
2 Ordering Information 12
2.1 GPS/GLONASS Receiver A5100-A ______________________________________12
2.2 Packing of the A5100-A _______________________________________________12
2.3 Additional Equipment _________________________________________________14
3 Quick Start 15
3.1 Minimum Configuration________________________________________________15
3.2 Antennas __________________________________________________________17
3.2.1 Passive Antennas_______________________________________________17
3.2.2 Active Antennas ________________________________________________17
3.3 Serial Port Settings___________________________________________________18
3.3.1 Change Serial Port setting ________________________________________18
3.4 Improved TTFF______________________________________________________18
3.5 Self-start Configuration________________________________________________19
4 Mechanical Outline 21
4.1 Details Component Side A5100-A _______________________________________21
4.2 Details Solder Side A5100-A ___________________________________________22
5 Pin-out Information 23
5.1 Layout A5100-A _____________________________________________________23
5.2 Description A5100-A Signals ___________________________________________24

GPS/GLONASS Receiver Module A5100-A User Guide 5
6 Electrical Characteristics 26
6.1 Operating Conditions _________________________________________________26
6.2 Absolute Maximum Ratings ____________________________________________27
6.3 DC Electrical Characteristics ___________________________________________28
7 Mounting 29
7.1 Proposed Footprint for Soldering ________________________________________29
7.2 Recommended Profile for Reflow Soldering________________________________30
8 Use of GPS & GLONASS Antennas 31
8.1 Connecting a GPS & GLONASS antenna to the GPS & GLONASS receiver ______31
8.2 Antenna Connections_________________________________________________33
8.2.1 Passive Antennas_______________________________________________33
8.2.2 Active Antennas ________________________________________________33
9 Quality and Reliability 34
9.1 Environmental Conditions______________________________________________34
9.2 Product Qualification _________________________________________________34
9.3 Production Test _____________________________________________________34
10 Applications and Hints 35
10.1 Initial Module Start __________________________________________________35
10.2 Proper Shutdown ___________________________________________________35
10.3 SiRFawareTM Support________________________________________________35
10.4 Push-to-Fix Mode___________________________________________________35
10.5 Hibernate Mode ____________________________________________________35
10.6 Battery Back-up ____________________________________________________37
10.7 Extended Ephemeris ________________________________________________38
10.8 Antenna Status Adaptation____________________________________________39
10.8.1 Antenna Sensor _______________________________________________39
10.8.2 Antenna Sensor with Current Limiter _______________________________40
10.9 VANT Pin _________________________________________________________41
10.10 TM_GPIO5 pin (1 pulse per second pin) ________________________________41
10.11 5 Hz Navigation Update Rate_________________________________________42
11 Evaluation Kit EVA5100-A 43
12 Related Information 44
12.1 Related Documents _________________________________________________44
12.2 Related Tools______________________________________________________44

GPS/GLONASS Receiver Module A5100-A User Guide 6
List of Figures
Figure 1: A5100-A label............................................................................................ 10
Figure 2: A5100-A tape specifications (1) ................................................................ 12
Figure 3: A5100-A tape specifications (2) ................................................................ 13
Figure 4: A5100-A tape specifications (3) ................................................................ 13
Figure 5: Minimum configuration A5100-A with continued Vcc supply..................... 15
Figure 6: Minimum configuration A5100-A with VBak .............................................. 16
Figure 7: RS232 level shifter.................................................................................... 17
Figure 8: Self-start configuration A5100-A ............................................................... 19
Figure 9: Self-start configuration A5100-A with Vbak............................................... 20
Figure 10: Mechanical outline component side A5100-A ......................................... 21
Figure 11: Mechanical outline solder side A5100-A ................................................. 22
Figure 12: Pin-out information (bottom view) A5100-A............................................. 23
Figure 13: Recommended Solder PAD Layout ........................................................ 29
Figure 14: Antenna connector strip line A5100-A..................................................... 31
Figure 15: Strip line parameters A5100-A................................................................ 31
Figure 16: Strip line parameters A5100-A................................................................ 37
Figure 17: Application note: Antenna sensor adaptation.......................................... 39
Figure 18: Application note: Antenna sensor adaptation with current limiter............ 40
Figure 19: 1PPS waveform (reference).................................................................... 42
Figure 20: Evaluation kit EVA5100-A....................................................................... 43

GPS/GLONASS Receiver Module A5100-A User Guide 7
List of Tables
Table 1: A5100-A GPS&GLONASS characteristics ................................................. 11
Table 2: A5100-A dimensions and weight................................................................ 11
Table 3: Additional equipment.................................................................................. 14
Table 4: Set Serial Port Data Format ....................................................................... 18
Table 5: Pin description A5100-A............................................................................. 25
Table 6: A5100-A electrical characteristics .............................................................. 26
Table 7: Absolute maximum ratings......................................................................... 27
Table 8: DC electrical characteristic A5100-A.......................................................... 28
Table 9: Reflow soldering profile A5100-A............................................................... 30
Table 10: Environmental conditions ......................................................................... 34

GPS/GLONASS Receiver Module A5100-A User Guide 8
1 Introduction
A5100-A is a compact high sensitivity concurrent GNSS module that integrates
CSR’s latest SiRFstarV technology into a single and easy to integrate SMT device.
By supporting simultaneous GLONASS, GPS, QZSS and SBAS measurements with
the industry’s best sensitivity engine, the highest accuracy, ground tracks and fastest
time-to-first-fix (TTFF) are ensured even under tough operating conditions. The jam-
mers removal algorithm not only facilitates integration in today’s ever more complex
communication devices, but guarantees performance even in hostile sit-uations.
SiRFaware’s advanced low power management modes, high level of in-tegration and
multiple communication ports in a small form-factor makes the A5100-A suitable for
a broad spectrum of GPS applications where performance, cost and time to market
are prime considerations.
A5100-A is a drop-in replacement solution for all A2200-A customers. It is housed in
a 15.0 x 10.2 x 2.5 mm 22 pins SMD package with castellated edge that includes the
SiRFStarV (CSRG05e) chipset, referred to later as SS5e, built-in SPI Flash, all RF
matching elements, antenna DC control, RF SAW filtering, various thermal and pe-
ripheral components and the TCXO crystal reference. A very easy implementation
(power, serial, ON_OFF, and antenna) allows receiving position, velocity and time
information.
A5100-A is designed for 3.3V power supply.
1.1 Feature Overview
The A5100-A is based on the well-established A2200-A outline and offering new out-
standing features, especially GLONASS reception.
•Fast, responsive location experience
oHigh-sensitive navigation engine with tracking down to -165dBm
o52 track verification channels
oSBAS (WAAS, EGNOS, MSAS, GAGAN)
oConcurrent tracking of multiple constellations of the GPS and
GLONASS systems
•Breakthrough micro power technology
oRequires only 50 –500µA to maintain hot start capability
•Internal Power-On-Reset (POR) reset chipset to prevent memory corruption if
main power removal abruptly
•Active CW interference rejection
•SiRFInstantFix™extended ephemeris aiding –CGEE and SGEE

1: Introduction
GPS/GLONASS Receiver Module A5100-A User Guide 9
1.2 Characteristics Overview
The module’s most important characteristics are:
•A5100-A
oOperable at 3.3V / 31mA (typ.) @ 1 fix per second
oV_BAK at 3.0V / 60uA (typ.)
oUART interface at 3.3V CMOS level
oSPI Slave support at 3.3V CMOS level
oI²C Multi-master operation at 3.3V CMOS level
•Internal 4 Mb SPI Flash
•Direct passive antenna support
•Switched antenna voltage for active antenna support
•Small form factor of 10.2 mm x 15.0 mm (0.40” x 0.59”), 1mm longer than
A2200-A but they are drop-in replaceable
•Supported temperature range: -40°C to +85°C
•Single-sided SMT component, for reflow soldering
•Tape & reel packaging
The A5100-A receiver modules is available as off-the-shelf components, 100% tested
and shipped in standard tape-and-reel package.
1.3 RoHS and Lead-Free Information
Lantronix’s products marked with the lead-free symbol either on the module or the
packaging comply with the "Directive 2002/95/EC of the European Parliament
and the Council on the Restriction of Use of certain Hazardous Substances
in Electrical and Electronic Equipment" (RoHS).
All Lantronix GPS/GLONASS receiver modules, smart GPS or GPS&GLONASS an-
tenna modules and telematics units are RoHS compliant.

1: Introduction
GPS/GLONASS Receiver Module A5100-A User Guide 10
1.4 Label
The A5100-A labels hold the following information:
Figure 1: A5100-A label
The label is placed on the shield of the module. The data matrix code holds the prod-
uct type, part number, patch release, hardware release, factory code, year & week of
assembly and a 6-digit serial number.
Representing
Fac-
tory
code
Product
Number
Part
Number
Patch
Release
Hard-
ware Re-
lease
Assembly
Year/Week
Serial
Number
Number of dig-
its (27)
XX
XXXXXX
XXXXX
XX
XX
XXXX
XXXXXX
2
6
5
2
2
4
6
Example
TF
A5100A
30B01
01
01
1332
000005
Meaning
TF
Given
Given
Given
Given
Year=13
Week=32
Incre-
ment
from
000001
up to
999999
Example of MID#: TFA5100A30B0101011332000005
NOTE: Hardware revision (rr) ofthe series product starts with 01. Ahardware revision
above 50 shows the module was produced before the product was fully qualified
(Engineering Samples).

1: Introduction
GPS/GLONASS Receiver Module A5100-A User Guide 11
1.5 Characteristics
The modules are characterized by the following parameters.
1.5.1 GPS & GLONASS Characteristics
Channels
52, parallel tracking
Correlators
~ 400,000
Frequency
GPS
L1 (= 1,575 MHz)
GLONASS
FDM L1 (=1,602 MHz)
Tracking Sensitivity (1)
GPS & GLONASS
-165 dBm
Horizontal Position Accuracy
Stand alone
< 2.5 m CEP (SA off)
Time To First Fix –TTFF
(theoretical minimum values;
values in real world may differ)
Obscuration recovery (2)
0.1 s
Hot start (3)
< 1 s
Warm (4)
< 30 s
Cold (5)
< 35 s
Table 1: A5100-A GPS&GLONASS characteristics
(1) Typical with good antenna –see also paragraph “3.2 Antennas”
(2) The calibrated clock of the receiver has not stopped, thus it knows precise time (to the µs level).
(3) The receiver has estimates of time/date/position and valid almanac and ephemeris data.
(4) The receiver has estimates of time/date/position and recent almanac.
(5) The receiver has no estimate of time/date/position, and no recent almanac.
Note: Performance (sensitivity and TTFF) might slightly decrease below -30°C.
1.5.2 Mechanical Characteristics
A5100-A Mechanical
dimensions
Length
Width
Height
10.2±0.20 mm, 0.4±0.008”
15.24±0.20 mm, 0.59±0.008”
2.5 mm, 0.1” (Max)
A5100-A Weight
0.6 g, 0.022 oz
Table 2: A5100-A dimensions and weight
1.6 Handling Precautions
The GPS/GLONASS receiver module A5100-A is sensitive to electrostatic discharge
(ESD). Please handle with appropriate care.

GPS/GLONASS Receiver Module A5100-A User Guide 12
2 Ordering Information
2.1 GPS/GLONASS Receiver A5100-A
The order number is built as follows:
•A5100-Axxxxxxx
A5100-A is the model name. The “xxxxxxx” refers to the current chipset and patch (if
appropriate) versions on the module. The latest version will be provided if no version
number is specified.
2.2 Packing of the A5100-A
The A5100-A GPS/GLONASS module comes in a tape and reel package suitable
for pick and place machines.
Figure 2: A5100-A tape specifications (1)

2: Ordering Information
GPS/GLONASS Receiver Module A5100-A User Guide 13
Figure 3: A5100-A tape specifications (2)
Figure 4: A5100-A tape specifications (3)
One complete reel holds 1300 PCS A5100-A modules.
There are 1 kinds of packaging for shipment:
One box holds 1 reel
Reel diameter: 33 cm
Inner box dimensions: 36(W) x 36(L) x 4.5 (H) cm
Box dimensions: 38.8 (W) x 38.8 (L) x 5.7 (H) cm
Gross weight: 2.58 Kg
Net weight: 0.78 Kg

2: Ordering Information
GPS/GLONASS Receiver Module A5100-A User Guide 14
2.3 Additional Equipment
EVA5100-A
Evaluation Kit (including one module A5100-A)
Table 3: Additional equipment
A detailed description of the EVA5100-A Evaluation Kit can be found in the appropri-
ate manual. The evaluation boards are always shipped with latest ROM version and
patch loaded.

GPS/GLONASS Receiver Module A5100-A User Guide 15
3 Quick Start
In order to allow an easy and quick start with the A5100-A module, this chapter pro-
vides a short overview on the important steps to be taken to receive NMEA messages
with position information on a serial port (UART).
NOTE 1: The A5100-A needs an external pull-up resistor to be configured for
UART operation. Please consider the pull-up resistor in your design or pull the
GPIO up right after reset by other means.
NOTE 2: The ON_OFF input of the A5100-A needs to be connected to output of
a microprocessor. For a wake-up, including the initial one after power on, a
LOW-HIGH transmission is mandatory.
3.1 Minimum Configuration
Figure 5 shows the minimum configuration for NMEA outputs and commands sent
via an RS232 interface based on the GPS/GLONASS module A5100-A using a pas-
sive antenna. It’s recommended to supply Vcc continuously for normal operation, the
module can enter power saving and hibernation modes by toggling the ON_OFF pin
or sending commands.
Figure 5: Minimum configuration A5100-A with continued Vcc supply
Remarks:
•External antenna input impedance is 50 . Match as close as possible.
•Supply Vcc continuously, use toggling of ON_OFF to switch between normal
operation and hibernate mode

3: Quick Start
GPS/GLONASS Receiver Module A5100-A User Guide 16
Figure 6 shows the minimum configuration for NMEA outputs and commands sent
via an RS232 interface based on the GPS/GLONASS module A5100-A using a pas-
sive antenna and with backup voltage on V_BAK. Before removing Vcc, it is highly
recommended to put A5100-A into hibernation mode either by ON_OFF pin or soft-
ware command. Otherwise, high current drain will die out the backup battery in a
short period of time.
Figure 6: Minimum configuration A5100-A with VBak
Remarks:
•External antenna input impedance is 50 . Match as close as possible.
•A battery back-up circuit for the RTC (Real Time Clock) should be consid-
ered (see chapter: “Error! Reference source not found. Error! Reference
source not found.”)

3: Quick Start
GPS/GLONASS Receiver Module A5100-A User Guide 17
Figure 7: RS232 level shifter
Remarks:
•Place C1 to C5 (here: 0.1µF) close to MAX3232. For capacity values see
datasheet of actual component used.
•Use 3.3V level shifter (MAX3232 or equivalent).
•External antenna input impedance is 50 . Match as close as possible.
3.2 Antennas
Generally, the quality of the GPS&GLONASS antenna chosen (passive or active) is
of paramount importance for the overall sensitivity of the GPS&GLONASS system.
Losses through a bad antenna, long cables or tracks or a bad antenna position can’t
be compensated afterwards!
3.2.1 Passive Antennas
The A5100-A supports passive antennas via an integrated LNA directly.
3.2.2 Active Antennas
The A5100-A also supports active antennas directly, i.e. by offering an antenna volt-
age feed pin (VANT –pin 9). It is recommended to use an active antenna with a
supply voltage of 3 to 5 VDC and a maximum current draw of 50 mA. The antenna
should have a gain ≥ 15dB but the total gain (antenna gain minus cable loss at the
antenna input of the module) should not exceed 30 dB. The noise figure should be ≤
1.5dB.

3: Quick Start
GPS/GLONASS Receiver Module A5100-A User Guide 18
3.3 Serial Port Settings
In UART operation (defined by the external pull-up resistor as outlined in Minimum
Configuration) the default settings are:
•NMEA, 9600 baud, 8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit, no flow control
3.3.1 Change Serial Port setting
This command message is used to set the protocol (SiRF binary or NMEA) and/or
the communication parameters (Baud rate, data bits, stop bits, and parity). The com-
mand is used to switch the module back to SiRF binary protocol mode where a more
extensive command message set is available. When a valid message is received,
the
parameters are stored in battery-backed SRAM and, after a reset, the receiver re-
sumes using the saved parameters.
Table 4 contains the input values for the following example:
Switch to Serial Port Band rate at 4800
Example: $PSRF100,1,4800,8,1,0*0E <CR><LF>
Name
Example
Description
MID
$PSRF100
PSRF100 Protocol header
Protocol
1
0 = SiRF binary
1 = NMEA
Baud
4800
1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, 19200, 38400, 57600, or
115200
DataBits
8
8 only
StopBits
1
1 only
Parity
0
0 = None only
Checksum
*0E
-
<CR><LF>
-
End of message termination
Table 4: Set Serial Port Data Format
3.4 Improved TTFF
In order to improve the TTFF (Time To First Fix), it is recommended to keep Vcc
supplied or backup battery at V_BAK at all times so that Navigation data and initial
condition (timing and approximate location) are kept current. To reduce power con-
sumption, customers can take advantage of the many sophisticated low power mode
features available in the SiRFstarV chipset.

3: Quick Start
GPS/GLONASS Receiver Module A5100-A User Guide 19
3.5 Self-start Configuration
In order to minimize the GPIO required for operating A5100-A, WAKEUP (pin 19) and
ON_OFF (pin 6) can be tied together for entering the self-start mode such that no
ON_OFF pulse requires. The following picture shows the recommended connection
for self-start configuration with UART host port enabled.
Figure 8: Self-start configuration A5100-A
Remarks:
•For self-start mode, full power operation will be activated once Vcc applied.
No power save mode (PTF / MPM / TP) will be supported. If customer acci-
dentally configuring A5100-A into hibernation mode, Vcc has to be discon-
nected and re-plugged so as to operate the module in full power mode.

3: Quick Start
GPS/GLONASS Receiver Module A5100-A User Guide 20
Figure 9: Self-start configuration A5100-A with Vbak
Remarks:
•External antenna input impedance is 50 . Match as close as possible.
•A battery back-up circuit for the RTC (Real Time Clock) should be consid-
ered (see chapter: “Error! Reference source not found. Error! Reference
source not found.”)
•For self-start mode, full power operation will be activated once Vcc applied.
No power save mode (PTF / MPM / TP) will be supported. Customer can
toggle the ON_OFF pin so as to put the module into hibernation and then re-
move the Vcc. A5100-A will be self-started again in full power mode when
Vcc applied.