Telit Wireless Solutions SE878K -A Series Specification sheet

SE878Kx-Ax Family
Product User Guide
1VV0301402 Rev. 8 –2021-07-21
Telit Technical Documentation

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APPLICABILITY TABLE
PRODUCTS
SE878K3-A
SE878K7-A

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CONTENTS
APPLICABILITY TABLE 2
CONTENTS 3
1. INTRODUCTION 8
Scope 8
Audience 8
Contact Information, Support 8
Symbol Conventions 9
Related Documents 9
Related Documents Requiring a Non-Disclosure Agreement 9
2. PRODUCT DESCRIPTION 10
Product Overview 10
SE878Kx-Ax Product Naming 11
Product Variants 12
2.3.1. Multi-Constellation Modules Features (MT3333-based) 12
2.3.2. GPS-Only Modules Features (MT3337E-based) 12
Related Products 12
Block Diagrams 13
Module Photos 14
3. EVALUATION BOARD (EVB) 15
4. PRODUCT FEATURES 16
Onboard (built-in) Antenna and RF switch (Built-in/External)16
Multi-Constellation Navigation (MT3333-based modules only)16
Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS) 16
Satellite-Based Augmentation System (SBAS) 16
4.4.1. SBAS Corrections 17
Differential GPS (DGPS) 17
Assisted GPS (AGPS) 17
4.6.1. Locally Generated AGPS - Embedded Assist System (EASY)17
4.6.2. Server-Generated AGPS - Extended Prediction Orbit (EPO) 18

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4.6.3. Host EPO 18
Elevation Mask Angle 18
Static Navigation 18
Jamming Rejection –Active Interference Cancellation (AIC)19
Internal LNA 19
10 Hz Navigation 20
1PPS 20
Serial I/O Ports 20
Power Management Modes 20
4.14.1. Full Power Continuous Mode 21
4.14.2. Backup Mode (Perpetual) (MT3333-based modules only) 21
4.14.3. Standby Modes 22
4.14.4. GLP Mode (MT3333-based modules only) 22
4.14.5. Periodic Modes (MT3333-based modules only) 23
4.14.6. AlwaysLocate™ Mode (MT3333-based modules only) 24
5. DATA RETENTION 26
6. PRODUCT PERFORMANCE 27
Horizontal Position Accuracy 27
Time to First Fix 27
Maximum RF Sensitivity 27
Jamming Mitigation Performance Example 28
7. MESSAGE INTERFACE 29
NMEA Output Messages 29
7.1.1. Standard Messages 29
7.1.2. Proprietary Output Messages 30
NMEA Input Commands 30
7.2.1. NMEA Commands List 30
8. FLASH UPGRADABILITY 32
9. ELECTRICAL INTERFACE 33
SE878Kx-Ax Family Pinout Diagram 33
SE878Kx-Ax Module Pinout Tables 34

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9.2.1. SE878K3-Ax Pinout Table 34
9.2.2. SE878K7-Ax Pinout Table 35
DC Power Supply 36
9.3.1. VCC 36
9.3.2. VBATT 36
9.3.3. DC Power Requirements 37
9.3.4. DC Power Consumption: SE878K3-Ax 37
9.3.5. DC Power Consumption: SE878K7-Ax 38
Control and Status Signals 38
9.4.1. I/O Signal Levels 38
9.4.2. Logic Levels –Inputs 38
9.4.3. Logic Levels –Outputs 39
9.4.4. Control and Input Signals 39
9.4.4.1. nRESET 39
9.4.4.2. FORCE_ON (MT3333-based modules only) 39
9.4.4.3. ANT_SEL 40
9.4.4.4. ANT_OPEN and nANT_SHORTED (SE878K3-Ax only) 40
9.4.5. Output Signals 40
9.4.5.1. 1PPS 40
I/O Ports 41
9.5.1. Port Usage 41
9.5.1.1. Primary (Port 0) Usage 41
9.5.1.2. Secondary (Port 1) Usage 42
9.5.2. UART Port Operation 42
9.5.3. SPI Port Operation (MT3333-based modules only) 42
9.5.4. I2C Port Operation (MT3333-based modules only) 43
10. RF FRONT-END DESIGN 45
RF Signal Requirements 45
External GNSS Antenna 46
Onboard GNSS Antenna (included in the module) 47
Ground Plane 47
System Noise Floor 48

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RF Interference 49
Shielding 49
11. REFERENCE DESIGN 50
12. MECHANICAL DRAWING 51
13. PCB FOOTPRINT 52
14. PACKAGING AND HANDLING 53
Product Marking and Serialization 53
Product Packaging 54
Moisture Sensitivity 55
ESD Sensitivity 57
Assembly Considerations 57
Washing Considerations 57
Reflow 58
Safety 59
Disposal 59
15. ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS 60
Operating Environmental Limits 60
Storage Environmental Limits 60
16. COMPLIANCES 61
CE Declarations of Conformity 62
17. PRODUCT AND SAFETY INFORMATION 64
Copyrights and Other Notices 64
17.1.1. Copyrights 64
17.1.2. Computer Software Copyrights 64
Usage and Disclosure Restrictions 65
17.2.1. License Agreements 65
17.2.2. Copyrighted Materials 65
17.2.3. High Risk Materials 65
17.2.4. Trademarks 66
17.2.5. Third Party Rights 66

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17.2.6. Waiver of Liability 66
Safety Recommendations 67
18. GLOSSARY AND ACRONYMS 68
19. DOCUMENT HISTORY 72

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1. INTRODUCTION
Scope
The purpose of this document is to provide information regarding the function, features,
and usage of the Telit products listed in Applicability Table.
For details of the members of the product family refer to chapter 2. Product Description.
Audience
This document is intended for Telit customers, especially system integrators, about to
implement their applications using the Telit SE878Kx-Ax family.
Contact Information, Support
For general contact, technical support services, technical questions and report of
documentation errors contact Telit Technical Support at:
• TS[email protected]
• TS[email protected]
• TS[email protected]
• TS[email protected]
• TS[email protected]
Alternatively, use:
https://www.telit.com/contact-us
For detailed information about where you can buy the Telit modules or for
recommendations on accessories and components visit:
https://www.telit.com
Our aim is to make this guide as helpful as possible. Keep us informed of your comments
and suggestions for improvements.
Telit appreciates the user feedback on our information.

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Symbol Conventions
Danger: This information MUST be followed or catastrophic
equipment failure or personal injury may occur.
Warning: Alerts the user on important steps about the module
integration.
Note/Tip: Provides advice and suggestions that may be useful when
integrating the module.
Electro-static Discharge: Notifies the user to take proper grounding
precautions before handling the product.
Table 1: Symbol Conventions
All dates are in ISO 8601 format, that is YYYY-MM-DD.
Related Documents
•Datasheets
•Product User Guides
•EVK User Guides
•Software User Guides
•Application Notes
•TelitView installation and documentation
Related Documents Requiring a Non-Disclosure Agreement
•Authorized Software User Guides
•Product firmware

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2. PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
The SE878Kx-Ax GNSS antenna module family provides complete multi-constellation
position, velocity, and time (PVT) engines featuring high performance, high sensitivity,
and low power consumption.
All modules compute a navigation solution using GPS signals. Multi-constellation
modules add GLONASS and Galileo signals to yield better coverage, greater accuracy,
and improved availability.
•Multi-constellation (MT3333): SE878K3-A
•GPS-only (MT3337): SE878K7-A
Special features
•Built-in SMT 17 x 17 mm patch antenna
•Antenna switch to allow an external antenna to be selected for RF input
Product Overview
•Complete GNSS receiver module including memory, LNA, TCXO, and RTC plus a
built-in patch antenna and an RF input switch for an external antenna
•MT3333-based: GPS L1 C/A, Glonass L1, BeiDou B1, and QZSS with 99 search and
33 tracking channels. Galileo ready.
•MT3337-based: GPS(L1) and QZSS ranging with 66 search and 22 tracking
channels
•MT3333-based: SBAS corrections capable (WAAS, EGNOS, MSAS, GAGAN)
•DGPS capable using the RTCM SC-104 protocol
•AGPS support for extended ephemeris using local or server-based solutions:
oLocal: Embedded Assist System (EASY)
oServer: Extended Prediction Orbit (EPO)
•Jamming Rejection: Active Interference Cancellation (AIC)
•1PPS output
•Fix reporting at 1 Hz (default). Maximum: 10Hz
•NMEA command input and data output
•Two serial ports for input commands and output messages:

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oMT3333-based: The secondary serial port is I2C and is configurable for SPI
or UART interface
oMT3337-based: The secondary port is UART
•MT3333-based: 8 Megabit built-in flash memory
•MT3337-based: ROM memory
•Less than 80 mW total power consumption (Full Power mode - typical)
•Power management modes for extended battery life
•Supported by evaluation kits
•-40°C to +85°C industrial temperature range
•(-A) 18 x 18 x 6.2 mm (nominal) 32-pad LGA package.
•Surface mountable by standard SMT equipment
•RoHS compliant design.
SE878Kx-Ax Product Naming
Figure 1: Product Naming

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Product Variants
Module
Chipset
Constellations
Memory
Antenna
Notes
SE878K3-A
MT3333
Multi
Flash
High
SE878K7-A
MT3337E
GPS only
ROM
High
Table 2: Product Variants
2.3.1. Multi-Constellation Modules Features (MT3333-based)
•MediaTek MT3333 engine
•GPS, GLONASS BeiDou, Galileo, and QZSS satellite signals
•SBAS satellite signals
•Low noise amplifier (LNA) on patch antenna interface
•RF switch for external antenna interface
•Flash memory with upgradable firmware
•AGPS: Local (EASY) and server-based (EPO)
•Force-On pin
•I2C (default) on the 2nd port. May be configured for UART or SPI
2.3.2. GPS-Only Modules Features (MT3337E-based)
•MediaTek MT333E (enhanced) engine
•GPS and QZSS satellite signals
•Low noise amplifier (LNA) on patch antenna interface
•RF switch for external antenna interface
•ROM memory
•AGPS: Local (EASY) and host-based (EPO)
•No Force-On pin
•Only UART on the 2nd port
Related Products
The SE868Kx-Ax is a similar module with three major differences:
•Smaller module size (11mm x 11 mm)
•The antenna is smaller (9mm x 9 mm)

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•There is no RF switch or support for an external antenna.
Block Diagrams
Figure 2: SE878K3-Ax Block Diagram
Figure 3: SE878K7-Ax Block Diagram

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Module Photos
Figure 4: SE878Kx-Ax Top View
Top
Figure 5: SE878Kx-Ax 3D Views
Bottom

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3. EVALUATION BOARD (EVB)
The EVB contains the module mounted on a PC Board to facilitate development and
testing.
Please refer to the product Evaluation Board User Guide for detailed information.
Figure 6: SE878Kx-Ax Evaluation Board

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4. PRODUCT FEATURES
Onboard (built-in) Antenna and RF switch (Built-
in/External)
The module includes an RF switch which allows the user to select the onboard antenna
or an external antenna as the GNSS signal source. See section 2.5 Block Diagrams.
Multi-Constellation Navigation (MT3333-based modules
only)
The GPS and GLONASS constellations are enabled by default. BeiDou and Galileo are also
supported. If BeiDou is enabled, GLONASS and Galileo are disabled.
The user may enable or disable constellations via the $PMTK353 command.
Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS)
The satellites of the Japanese regional system are in a highly inclined, elliptical
geosynchronous orbit, allowing continuous high-elevation coverage over Japan and other
countries using only three satellites plus one geostationary satellite. SV IDs 193, 194, &
195 are supported. They provide additional ranging signals to augment the GNSS
systems.
QZSS constellation usage is controlled by the $PMTK352 command and is disabled by
default. NMEA reporting for QZSS may be enabled/disabled by the $PMTK351 command.
Satellite-Based Augmentation System (SBAS)
SBAS is not supported on MT3337E-based modules.
The receiver is capable of using SBAS satellites as a source of differential corrections.
These systems (WAAS, EGNOS, GAGAN and MSAS) use geostationary satellites to
transmit signals similar to those of GPS and in the same L1 band.
Enabling SBAS limits the maximum fix rate to 5 Hz. If disabled, the maximum is 10 Hz.
The module is enabled for SBAS by default but can be disabled by command PTMK313.
The MT3333-based modules can accept either SBAS or DGPS corrections which are
configured by the PMTK301 command.

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4.4.1. SBAS Corrections
The SBAS satellites transmit a set of differential corrections to their respective regions.
The use of SBAS corrections can improve positioning accuracy.
Differential GPS (DGPS)
DGPS is a Ground-Based Augmentation System (GBAS) for reducing position errors by
applying corrections from a set of accurately surveyed ground stations located over a
wide area. These reference stations measure the range to each satellite and compare it
to the known-good range. The differences can then be used to compute a set of
corrections which are transmitted to a DGPS receiver, either by radio or over the internet.
The DGPS receiver can then send them to the module’s serial port using RTCM SC-104
protocol. Message types 1, 2, 3, and 9 are accepted.
The corrections can significantly improve the accuracy of the position reported to the
user.
MT3333-based modules can accept either the RTCM SC-104 messages or SBAS
differential corrections via command PMTK301.
Assisted GPS (AGPS)
Assisted GPS (or Aided GPS) is a method by which information from a source other than
broadcast GPS signals is used to improve (i.e. reduce) TTFF.
The necessary ephemeris data is calculated either by the receiver itself (locally-
generated ephemeris) or a server (server-generated ephemeris) and is then stored in the
module.
4.6.1. Locally Generated AGPS - Embedded Assist System (EASY)
Proprietary algorithms within the module perform GPS ephemeris prediction locally from
stored broadcast ephemeris data (received from tracked satellites). The algorithms
predict orbital parameters for up to three days. The module must operate in Full Power
mode for at least 5 minutes to collect ephemeris data from visible satellites, or 12 hours
for the full constellation.
EASY is disabled if the fix rate is > 1 Hz.
EASY is on by default but can be disabled by command PMTK869.

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4.6.2. Server-Generated AGPS - Extended Prediction Orbit (EPO)
(MT3333-based modules only)
Server-generated ephemeris predictions are maintained on Telit AGPS servers. The
predicted ephemeris file is obtained from the AGPS server and is transmitted to the
module over a serial port. These predictions do not require local broadcast ephemeris
collection and are valid for up to 14 days.
The MT3333-based modules support server-based AGPS as a standard feature.
Please refer to the next section regarding EPO support (Host EPO) on the SE878K7-Ax
modules.
Note that the EPO data stream does not conform to the NMEA-0183 standard.
Please refer to the Telit EPO Application Note for details. Example source code is
available under NDA.
Contact TELIT for support regarding this service.
See the next section regarding EPO support (Host EPO) on the MT3337-based modules.
4.6.3. Host EPO
The MT3337-based modules do not have flash memory. However, they can still make use
of Assisted GPS. If the system design includes a host processor, it can access server-
generated EPO data and send it to the module over the serial port. This data is valid for
six hours.
Note that the EPO data stream does not conform to the NMEA-0183 standard.
Please refer to the MT333x Host EPO Application Note.
Contact Telit support for further details.
Elevation Mask Angle
The default elevation mask angle is 5°. It can be changed via the PMTK311 command.
Static Navigation
Static Navigation is an operating mode in which the receiver will freeze the position fix
when the speed falls below a set threshold (indicating that the receiver is stationary).
The course and altitude are also frozen, and the speed is reported as “0”.

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The navigation solution is unfrozen when the speed increases above a threshold or when
the computed position exceeds a set distance (10 m) from the frozen position (indicating
that the receiver is again in motion). The speed threshold can be set via the PMTK386
command.
Set the threshold to zero to disable static navigation.
This feature is useful for applications in which very low dynamics are not expected, the
classic example being an automotive application.
Static Navigation is disabled by default but can be enabled by command.
Jamming Rejection –Active Interference Cancellation (AIC)
The receiver module detects and removes narrow-band interfering signals (jamming
signals) without the need for external components or tuning. It rejects up to 12 CW
(Continuous Wave) type signals of up to –80 dBm (total power signal levels). This feature
is useful both in the design stage and during the production stage for uncovering issues
related to unexpected jamming. When enabled, Jamming Rejection will increase current
drain by about 1 mA, and impact on GNSS performance is low at modest jamming levels.
However, at high jamming levels (for example, –90 to –80 dBm), the RF signal sampling
ADC starts to become saturated after which the GNSS signal levels start to diminish.
Jamming rejection is enabled by default but can be disabled with the PMTK286 command.
Figure 7: Jamming Rejection
Internal LNA
The modules include a built-in LNA and SAW filter to improve sensitivity when using the
integrated patch antenna.

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10 Hz Navigation
The default rate of 1 Hz can be changed by command PMTK500 to a maximum of 10 Hz.
MT3337-based receivers have a maximum of 5 Hz.
Enabling the SBAS feature limits the maximum fix rate to 5 Hz.
1PPS
1PPS is a one pulse per second signal.
Please refer to Section 9.4.5.1 1PPS for details.
Serial I/O Ports
Port 0:
All modules include a primary UART serial port.
Port 1:
The secondary port on MT3333-based modules is I2C by default but can be changed to
UART or SPI via command.
The secondary port on MT3337-based modules is UART and cannot be changed.
Please refer to section 9.5 I/O Ports for details.
Power Management Modes
The receiver supports operating modes that reduce overall current consumption with
less frequent position fixes. Availability of GNSS signals in the operating environment will
be a factor in choosing power management modes. The designer can choose a mode that
provides the best trade-off of navigation performance versus power consumption.
The various power management modes can be enabled by sending the desired command:
Power Management - Command Summary
$PMTK Cmd
Type
State
Full Power
To exit (wake) from a commanded low-power state
225
0
Full
Perpetual Backup
To wake:Force_ON Signal (MT3333 only)
225
4
Backup
Standby
To wake: Character to Rx
161
0
Stop
161
1
Backup