Navia ML8088s User manual

Navigation Receiver
ML8088s
Evaluation Board
Operating Manual
Version 2.0
St. Petersburg
2013

Evaluation Board of ML8088s Receiver
Operating Manual 2.0
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The Table of Contents
General Information ........................................................................................................................3
Technical Specifications..................................................................................................................5
Location of Indicators and Switching on the Board........................................................................6
Signal Switch of ML8088s Module ................................................................................................7
Components Arrangement on the Evaluation Board.......................................................................9
The Evaluation Board Circuit Diagram.........................................................................................11
Navia GLONASS + GPS Application...........................................................................................12
The Board Activation ................................................................................................................13
Application Configuration.........................................................................................................13
The Application Operation........................................................................................................16
Restart........................................................................................................................................17
Data Output redirection .............................................................................................................17
1PPS ..........................................................................................................................................18
Satellites ....................................................................................................................................18
Messages SET ...........................................................................................................................19
Route log ...................................................................................................................................19
DOP level setting (estimated precision)....................................................................................20
ST-AGPS mode.........................................................................................................................20
Differential mode.......................................................................................................................21
Parameters .................................................................................................................................21
Miscellaneous............................................................................................................................22
Reciever Pinout .............................................................................................................................23
Practical use of the evaluation board.............................................................................................24
Typical connection circuit.............................................................................................................25

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General Information
This document is intended for users starting to learn how to operate the multi-channel
navigation system GLONASS/GPS/GALILEO receiver device ML8088s (ML8088sE), and it
contains a general description of the evaluation board with the specified receiver (hereinafter
called "receiver" or "module").
The receiving device of the space navigation system GLONASS/GPS/GALILEO ML8088s
(hereinafter called "receiver" or "module"), which is designed to calculate the current coordinates
and speed of an object in real time in an autonomous and differential modes, the formation of
time stamp in seconds, and the exchange with external equipment via serial ports RS232 and/or
USB port. The principle of the receiver operation is based on parallel reception and processing
via 32 measurement channels the signals of space navigation system spacecraft GLONASS in
the frequency range L1 (PT-code), GPS frequency L1 (C/A code) and GALILEO at the
frequency E1.
The navigation receiver ML8088s is designed on the basis of the latest specialized chipset
STA8088FG, a part of the family so-called "systems-on-a-chip" STA8088.
The receivers have a high sensitivity, low energy consumption, and a short start time.
Please see Figure 1 for the navigation receiver ML8088s.
Figure 1. The receiver appearance.
The receiver has two capture channels, and 32 channels to track satellite signals, which
allows a simultaneous search for satellite signals of GLONASS and GPS groups.
The receiver allows applying specially prepared information for the primary search for
satellite signals; this information is stored in the Receiver memory, which allows reducing a cold
start time, and, more importantly, make a cold start when receiving weak signals from satellites.
The special information can be prepared both by external sources (and transferred to the

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Receiver by communication channels), and by the receiver itself. In the latter case, no additional
information from external sources is required.
The key (the mark the first output) is a black dot on a white background, and is located in
the lower-left corner of the label, next to the serial number.
The Receiver has a built-in interference reduction, that allows it to operate in conditions of
high interference.
The Receiver operation is performed with the help of special ST GNSS NMEA commands.
This document describes a new sample evaluation board for the receiver ML8088s. The
description of the old model evaluation board is available in the document "Evaluation board
ML8088s RE v1_0.pdf".
Please see Figure 2 for the appearance of the evaluation board.
Fig. 2 The appearance of a evaluation board with the installed receiver.
The evaluation board is designed for familiarizing users with the navigation receiver
ML8088s. The board allows connecting the receiver to a personal computer to examine
information messages sent by the operating receiver. The board allows changing the receiver
settings, as well as saving new software to the built-in flash memory.
The new evaluation board (mini) is different from the previous model, because of the lack of
connector to install module ML8088s, DIP switches, several LEDs and battery backup. These
changes were implemented to simplify the board operation, and to improve its service reliability.

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Technical Specifications
Technical specifications of the evaluation board of the ML8088s receiver are shown in table
1.
Table 1.
Specification
Value
Navigation receiver
ML8088s or ML8088sE
Type of antenna
Active, passive
Antenna connector
SMA
PC connection interface
USB
Type of interface converters used
FT2232D
USB interface connector
USB-B F
Number of PC communication channels
1
Number of displayed COM ports
2
Primary purpose of COM 1 communication channel
NMEA messages
Primary purpose of COM 2 communication channel
Debug messages, programming
Receiver power on indicator
yes
NMEA signals indication
yes
GNSS status signal indicator
yes
RTC battery power supply
external
Overall dimensions, mm³
60x35x12 - without connectors
75x35x18 - with connectors
Board weight, grams
28

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Location of Indicators and Switching on the Board
Fig. 3 Location of indicators and switching on the evaluation board
Figure 3 illustrates the location of indication and switching elements on the evaluation board
of ML8088s receiver.
The figure shows:
- antenna connector Antenna;
- cable connector USB;
- signal LED GNSS;
- receiver power supply voltage LED PWR;
- signal LED NMEA signals;
- module signals switch ML8088s;
- module (receiver) ML8088s .
USB
connector
Module power
LED
NMEA
indicator
Connector
for antenna
GNSS status
indicator
Module
signals switch
ML8088s
module

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Signal Switch of ML8088s Module
The switch panel (switch) of the module ML8088s signals is designed to provide users with
the opportunity to connect/disconnect any of the major signals of the module ML8088s to
electronic nodes of a evaluation board. The signal "disabled" from a evaluation board may be left
free (unplugged), or connected to the user's device to accelerate the development of the end
product.
Figure 4. ML8088s module signal switch
X3 signals switch is a set of pins to select connections that attach the module with electronic
components of a evaluation board, with external devices, or left unconnected.
The purpose of the switch pins is shown in Table 2.
Table 2.
Signal
Pin
Explanation
Comments
PPS
2
Pulse per second
Timestamp signal
RX1
5
Commands to module
Enter commands into the module
TX1
8
NMEA output
NMEA data output
GNSS status
11
Depended on FW
Indication of a solution
Rx0
14
RTCM-104 input
Enter adjustments
Tx0
17
ST debug output
Output of debug information
GND
20
GND
General
V_BAT
23
RTC battery
Real time clock power
VCC_3.3V
26
Module main power
Module main power supply
/RST
29
Module Reset pin
Module hardware restart input
The positions of the jumpers on the contacts (pins) on the switch in various modes is shown in
Table 3.

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Table 3.
Signal
Pin
Jumper position for mode
Work
Program
via UART0
Program
via
UART0
Reset
Signal is
disabled
PPS
2
1-2
2-3
RX1
5
4-5
4-5
5-6
TX1
8
7-8
8-9
7-8*
remove
GNSS status
11
10-11
11-12
Rx0
14
13-14
13-14
14-15
TX0
17
16-17
16-17
17-18
GND
20
always
connected
V_BAT
23
**
**
**
**
VCC_3.3V
26
25-26
25-26
26-27
/RST
29
28-29
28-29
29-30***
28-29
Notes:
* - Move a jumper to pins 8-9, turn on the power (connect the USB cable) or momentarily close
contacts 29-30, then return the jumper to pins 7-8, after which start programming.
** - is supplied from outside, optional.
*** - closes momentarily.

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Components Arrangement on the Evaluation Board
The evaluation board for navigation receiver ML8088s can be supplied either totally
assembled or as a pre-form for assembly by the user. In this case the user can assemble the board
partially to the extent necessary for the particular use of ML8088s module. For example, the user
can install only the receiver ML8088s module, the capacitors in the module power supply
circuits and the antenna connector, connect the necessary circuits to the target device being
developed and test how the module functions as a part of the target device without material
installation of the module. This allows considerable acceleration of the new device development
process, as one can develop and test the software without making a hardware prototype product.
Fig. 5. Components arrangement on the evaluation board
Microcircuits, modules:
DA1 ADP3338AKC-3.3 SOT223
DA2 ML8088s (ML8088sE)
DA3 FT2232D LQFP48
Capacitors:
C1 27pF smd 0603
C2 27pF smd 0603
C3 27pF smd 0603
C4 100nF smd 0603
C5 100nF smd 0603
C6 47uF tantal smd TYPE B
C7 47uF tantal smd TYPE B
C8 100nF smd 0603
C9 100nF smd 0603
C10 47uF tantal smd TYPE B
C11 100nF smd 0603
Resistors:
R1 27Ω smd 0603
R2 27 Ω smd 0603
R3 1.5k Ω smd 0603
R4 10k Ω smd 0603

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R5 470 Ω smd 0603
R6 10k Ω smd 0603
R7 270 Ω smd 0603
R8 100k Ω smd 0603
R9 270 Ω smd 0603
R10 270 Ω smd 0603
R11 1.5k Ω smd 0603
R12 0 Ω smd 0603
R13 NC smd 0603
Quartz-crystal resonators:
BQ1 6MHz HC49US (low profile)
Transistors:
VT1 MMUN2111LT1G sot23
VT2 BC 847 C sot23
LED:
HL1 KP3216SEC smd 1206
HL2 KPK3216VGC smd 1206
HL3 KPK3216VGC smd 1206
Connectors:
X1 USBB-1J Connector USB B
X2 SMA-JR Connector SMA-JR, RF input, antenna connection
X3 PLT 3x10 A set of pins for selecting connections by jumpers

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The Evaluation Board Circuit Diagram
The ML8088s receiver evaluation board circuit diagram is presented in Figure 6.
Fig. 6. The evaluation board circuit diagram

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Navia GLONASS + GPS Application
Navia GLONASS + GPS Application is intended for working with ML8088s receiver
evaluation board (executable file navia_viewer.exe). This application allows getting familiar
with the receiver operation, adjusting necessary parameters and testing the receiver performance.
This document describes the application Navia GLONASS + GPS version 1.10.0.342
(hereinafter Navia viewer). The application main window appearance is presented in Fig. 7.
Fig. 7. Navia GLONASS + GPS Application Main Window.
To ensure the application operation you have to install .NET Framework 4.0 Client Profile
(or its full version .NET Framework 4.0). This software can be downloaded from Microsoft
website www.microsoft.com.
You also have to install USB-COM converter VCP drivers by FTDI. The required drivers
can be found at the company’s website at the address http://www.ftdichip.com/Drivers/VCP.htm
where you have to select the driver matching the operation system of the user’s computer.
Further this document describes the interaction of Navia viewer application and the
evaluation board in the state “all jumpers are in position OPERATION according to Table 3”.
The receiver embedded software is in standard factory release unless otherwise specified.
The application Navia GLONASS + GPS has an embedded system of pop-up prompts and
an extensive Support section. The prompts are displayed when the cursor is pointed at an area
which can be manipulated by the user. It should be noted that a number of functions intended
mainly for the application servicing are not supported by prompts.
The document describes the application basic operation modes needed to most users. The
application’s functionality not described in the manual are intended mainly for investigating the
module's operational characteristics. You can inquire the developer on the application functions
not described in this manual by email [email protected].

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The Board Activation
To start working with the evaluation board you have to connect the necessary cables.
The GLONASS/GPS antenna jack has to be plugged into the antenna connector X2 (see Fig.
3 and 5). If you use an indirectly excited antenna, then to ensure best results it has to be plugged
to connector X2 via a minimal length cable (preferably without a cable at all).
A USB cable has to be plugged into a USB connector. The other cable terminal has to be
connected to the computer. Switching on/off the power supply for the evaluation board is done
by connecting/disconnecting the USB interface cable to the receiver connector X1.
After the evaluation board power supply is switched on, the LED HL1 (orange-red light)
indicating the ML8088s module power supply should light up:
Several seconds later (usually no longer than 3 seconds) after the power is on, the LED HL2
(green light) should start blinking and this induces availability of data out at the receiver
ML8088s output TX1, this is a NMEA data output.
If working with a standby power supply from a battery is required, an external supply
battery with 3V nominal voltage should be connected to terminals 21 (-) and 24 (+) to the board
wiring panel (see Fig. 4).
Application Configuration
The Navia viewer application should be run after the board has been connected to the
computer. This is necessary because after the application has been started, it checks all the
available serial ports of the user computer.
If the board is connected to the computer through the same interface connector as during the
previous session, and no changes have been introduced into the board and application
configuration, then you can first run the application and then connect the board. The board can
also be disconnected while the application is running, and then reconnected again.
Some Windows operation system versions can misinterpret the NMEA data traffic, which
can cause the cursor bounce on the screen or the mouse keys react incorrectly, etc. In this case
you have to disconnect the board from the computer and ask the system administrator to
configure the Windows.
When the application is run for the first time (in Fig. 8 you can see in the status bar at the
screen lower part that the serial port is not specified) after it has been installed on the computer, a
message might appear that the data exchange port is not specified (see Fig. 9A). Clicking the OK
button will run the NMEA data port quick identification mode (see Fig. 9B). After the Port
Search button is clicked, all the available ports will be scanned at all exchange speeds, which can
take quite a long time. After NMEA data port has been detected, the port identification message
will be displayed (see Fig. 9B). Click the OK button and then save the determined by the
application parameters by clicking the Save button. Then the port search window will close
automatically,

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Fig. 8. The application window appearance at first run.
Figure 9A. The message “Data exchange port is not specified".
Figure 9B. Data exchange port quick search window.
Figure 9C. The message “Data exchange port has been identified”.
The board operation can require changing the port number or the exchange speed, or the
interface cable can be connected to another USB connector. All these cases will require changing

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the data exchange port configuration. The application has an automatic identification mode for
the NMEA channel serial port number. To activate it click the Run button (see Fig. 10, the
application with the specified data exchange port). In case the screen will display the message of
input data wrong format (see Fig. 11A), open the Settings tab and click the Port Search button in
the Data Source field. After the NMEA port search is finished, the message “Search finished
successfully" will be displayed. After that you might need to correct the debugging information
port number manually (the Data Source port and Debugging Information Port numbers should
not coincide) and then click the Save button.
All the configuration can also be done manually. To do this open the Settings menu tab (see
(see Fig. 11B) and specify the serial port number and speed in the Serial Port field (the port used
for interaction with the NMEA module). After the application has been started, it checks all the
available serial ports of the user computer and offers selecting one. The most often required port
is the port with the highest number. The factory release setting of the evaluation board port
exchange speed is 115200 bit per second, but it can be changed upon the user’s request or by the
user independently during the operation.
Figure 10. The application main window with the specified data exchange port).
Figure 11A. Message “Input data wrong format”.

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Figure 11B. The data exchange port selection window.
Figure 11C. The message “Data exchange port settings have been successfully
updated”.
The Application Operation
After the Run button has been clicked, the application reads and analyses the input data, and
displays a number of parameters:
numbers of detected satellites;
the signal strength of detected satellites;
numbers of satellites participating in the decision-making (marked by colour: green for
GLONASS, red for GPS);
current location coordinates, speed, heading and altitude;
time and date;
dilution of precision factor (PDOP, HDOP, VDOP);
the message “Data are valid” indicating that the navigation task has been solved
successfully;
2D/3D positioning mode;

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autonomous/differential operation mode;
noise level in GLONASS and GPS channels;
average and maximum GLONASS/GPS signal levels;
The status bar displays the serial port current settings (its number and speed).
The parameters controls are placed in several tabs.
Restart
Fig. 12. Navia GLONASS + GPS application restart management window
This tab allows “Hot”, “Warm” and “Cold” module restart. For “Cold” restart you can
specify the sets of data which have to be cleared by the restart.
Besides, you can reset and restart the module. The TTTF parameter (Time To First Fix)
indicates the time elapsed from running the restart command until receiving the correct position
coordinates.
Data Output redirection
Fig.13. NAVIA GLONASS + GPS application module data output window tab.
This tab provides module set-up by port and output speed selection for positioning system
data. For parameter activation additional module restart is required.
This tab also shows NMEA channel estimated load, which depends on exchange rate and
message set. Please note, that channel load is estimated approximately on special PSTM signal
group basis and the actual load may significantly differ from estimated.
Normal application and channel operation requires less than 70% channel load.

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1PPS
Fig.14. NAVIA GLONASS + GPS application module 1PPS signal window tab.
This tab provides module operation mode, «1PPS» signal latency and duration time setup.
For parameter activation additional setup write command ( «Save» button) and module restart is
required.
Module fine tuning for 1PPS signal is achieved by configuration parameters adjustment.
Satellites
Fig.15. NAVIA GLONASS + GPS application satellite group set window tab.
This tab defines which satellite group is used for positioning solution. Activation requires
pressing Set (Установить) button.
Two ways to define used satellite group exist – with parameter save and without parameter
save.
Saving parameters allows using previously saved satellite group on furhter application
launch. This settings require application restart.
A setting without saving parameters allows switching satellite group on the fly. Made
settings not saved. This setting not require application restart.
Celestial hemisphere and satellite location layout is shown on the right side of the window
(the North on top). The center of the layout indicates Zenith, the outer circle indicates Horizon.
The GPS satellites shown red and GLONASS satellites shown green. Symbol of satellite with
solid fill means the satellite is estimated for navigation solution and the satellite shown as
colored ring means it is not estimated.

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Messages SET
Fig.16. NAVIA GLONASS + GPS application exchange message set window tab.
This tab defines message set, sent by device. Setting activation may require applicatiion
restart.
The right area of the window indicates messages, sent by application.
Route log
Fig.17. NAVIA GLONASS + GPS application received coordinates point window tab.
This tab shows the layout graph of coordinate’s distribution indication. Coordinates are
shown as point set. The first point always located in the coordinate origin. The red dot indicates
the last correct coordinate, sent by device. The «Scale» parameter defines distance from center
in meters. «Reset» button clears point set, following which first correct point is located in the
coordinate origin. The «From file…» button allows loading coordinate set from file in the
NMEA data format. After loading from file the current coordinates are not shown till «Reset»
button is pressed.

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DOP level setting (estimated precision)
Fig.18. NAVIA GLONASS + GPS application 1PPS signal level window tab.
This tab defines DOP (estimated Dilution of Precision caused by satellite position
interference) start and current operation levels threshold.
If the satellite position geometry weakens and the DOP value (PDOP, VDOP, HDOP,
GDOP) exceeds the threshold, the navigation solution is treated incorrect (invalid).
ST-AGPS mode
Fig.19. NAVIA GLONASS + GPS application 1PPS signal level window tab.
This tab allows to switch on and off satellite layout prediction functionality (Self Predicted
ST-AGPS). This tab also indicates calculations status (either prediction calculation completed or
not) and predicted data time for each of the satellites used in estimation. In case of actual current
prediction all satellites would have data time equal to 0 days and would not be shown on the
graph.