Ublox EVK-F9T User manual

UBX-21040453 - R01
C1- Public www.u-blox.com
EVK-F9T
Evaluation kit
User guide
Abstract
This document describes the structure and use of the EVK-F9T evaluation kit and provides
information for evaluating and testing u-blox F9 positioning technology for timing and raw data
applications.

EVK-F9T - User guide
UBX-21040453 - R01 Contents Page 2 of 23
C1- Public
Document information
Title
EVK-F9T
Subtitle
Evaluation kit
Document type
User guide
Document number
UBX-21040453
Revision and date
R01
6-Jun-2022
Disclosure restriction
C1- Public
Product status
Corresponding content status
In development /
Prototype
Objective specification
Target values. Revised and supplementary data will be published later.
Engineering sample
Advance information
Data based on early testing. Revised and supplementary data will be published later.
Initial production
Early production information
Data from product verification. Revised and supplementary data may be published later.
Mass production /
End of life
Production information
Document contains the final product specification.
This document applies to the following products:
Product name
Ordering code
Firmware version
Application version
PCN reference
Product status
EVK-F9T
EVK-F9T-10
TIM 2.20
N/A
Initial production
u-blox or third parties may hold intellectual property rights in the products, names, logos and designs included in this
document. Copying, reproduction, modification or disclosure to third parties of this document or any part thereof is only
permitted with the express written permission of u-blox.
The information contained herein is provided “as is” and u-blox assumes no liability for its use. No warranty, either express or
implied, is given, including but not limited to, with respect to the accuracy, correctness, reliability and fitness for a particular
purpose of the information. This document may be revised by u-blox at any time without notice. For the most recent
documents, visit www.u-blox.com.
Copyright © u-blox AG.

EVK-F9T - User guide
UBX-21040453 - R01 Contents Page 3 of 23
C1- Public
Contents
Contents ..........................................................................................................................................................3
1Product description ..............................................................................................................................4
1.1 Overview........................................................................................................................................................4
1.2 Kit includes ...................................................................................................................................................4
1.3 Software and documentation...................................................................................................................4
1.3.1 u-center GNSS evaluation software ...............................................................................................4
1.4 System requirements ................................................................................................................................ 4
2Specifications .........................................................................................................................................5
2.1 Safety precautions ..................................................................................................................................... 5
2.1.1 Certifications ....................................................................................................................................... 5
3Setting up.................................................................................................................................................6
3.1 u-center installation ...................................................................................................................................6
3.2 Hardware installation................................................................................................................................. 6
3.3 Default interface settings.........................................................................................................................6
4Device description.................................................................................................................................8
4.1 Interface connection and measurement................................................................................................8
4.2 Active antenna.............................................................................................................................................8
4.3 Evaluation unit.............................................................................................................................................8
4.3.1 Antenna connector (RF IN) ............................................................................................................... 8
4.3.2 Timepulse connector (TP1) ..............................................................................................................8
4.3.3 USB connector.....................................................................................................................................9
4.3.4 D9 connector (RS232) ....................................................................................................................... 9
4.3.5 RST button........................................................................................................................................... 9
4.3.6 Safe boot button...............................................................................................................................10
4.3.7 Slide switch ........................................................................................................................................10
4.3.8 Pin header...........................................................................................................................................10
4.3.9 LED.......................................................................................................................................................11
4.3.10 EXT connector ...................................................................................................................................11
5GNSS current measurement........................................................................................................... 12
6Block diagram ...................................................................................................................................... 13
7Board layout.......................................................................................................................................... 14
8Schematic ............................................................................................................................................. 16
9Troubleshooting.................................................................................................................................. 18
10 Common evaluation pitfalls ............................................................................................................ 20
Related documentation ........................................................................................................................... 21
Revision history.......................................................................................................................................... 21
Appendix ....................................................................................................................................................... 22
Contact.......................................................................................................................................................... 23

EVK-F9T - User guide
UBX-21040453 - R01 Product description Page 4 of 23
C1- Public
1Product description
1.1 Overview
The EVK-F9T evaluation kit simplifies the evaluation of the high-performance u-blox F9 Timing
products. The built-in USB interface provides both power supply and high-speed data transfer and
eliminates the need for an external power supply. The u-blox evaluation kits are compact, and their
user-friendly interface and power supply make them ideally suited for use in laboratories, vehicles,
and outdoor locations. Furthermore, they can be used with a notebook PC, making them the perfect
companion through all stages of design-in projects.
Evaluation Kit
Description
Suitable for
EVK-F9T
u-blox F9 high accuracy timing module with
L1/L5/E5a bands
ZED-F9T-10B, RCB-F9T-1 and LEA-F9T-10B
Table 1: List of products supported by EVK-F9T evaluation kit
1.2 Kit includes
The delivered package contains:
•Compact 105 x 64 x 26 mm EVK-F9T evaluation unit
•Micro USB cable
•ANN-MB1 multi-band (L1/L5) active GNSS antenna with 3 m cable
•EVK Welcome card
☞For EVK-F9T Product summary, see start.u-blox.com.
1.3 Software and documentation
The EVK installation software (and documentation) package can be downloaded from the web; see
the Quick Start card for the URL.
1.3.1 u-center GNSS evaluation software
The installation software includes u-center, an interactive tool for configuration, testing,
visualization, and data analysis of GNSS receivers. It provides useful assistance during all phases of a
system integration project. The latest version of u-center should be used.
1.4 System requirements
•PC with USB interface (compatible with USB 2.0)
•Operating system: Microsoft Windows 7 onwards (x86 and x64 versions)
•Internet connection for the first time use

EVK-F9T - User guide
UBX-21040453 - R01 Specifications Page 5 of 23
C1- Public
2Specifications
Parameter
Specification
Serial interfaces
1 micro–USB V2.0
1 RS232, max baud rate 921,6 kBd
DB9 +/- 12 V level
14 pin –3.3 V logic
1 DDC (I2C compatible) max 400 kHz
1 SPI –clock signal max 5,5 MHz –SPI DATA max 1 Mbit/s
Timing interfaces
2 timepulse outputs through main connector PINs
1 timepulse output through SMA
1 timepulse output through RS232
2 external interrupt inputs
Dimensions
105 x 64 x 26 mm
Power supply
5 V via USB or powered via external power supply pin 14
(V5_IN) and pin 13 (GND)
Normal operating temperature
-40 °C to +65 °C
Table 2: EVK-F9T specifications
2.1 Safety precautions
EVK-F9T must be supplied by a PS1 class limited power source. See section 6.2.2.4 of IEC 62368-
1:2018 [5] for more information on the PS1 class.
In addition to a limited power source, only ES1 class circuits are to be connected to the EVK-F9T,
including interfaces and antennas. See section 5.2.1.1 of IEC 62368-1:2018 [5] for more information
on the ES1 class.
2.1.1 Certifications
The EVK-F9T is designed to in compliance with the essential requirements and
other relevant provisions of Radio Equipment Directive (RED) 2014/53/EU.
The EVK-F9T complies with the Directive 2011/65/EU (EU RoHS 2) and its
amendment Directive (EU) 2015/863 (EU RoHS 3).
Declaration of Conformity (DoC) is available on the u-blox website.

EVK-F9T - User guide
UBX-21040453 - R01 Setting up Page 6 of 23
C1- Public
3Setting up
3.1 u-center installation
u-center, the u-blox interactive evaluation software tool is required for configuration, testing,
visualization and data analysis of u-blox GNSS receivers as well as EVKs. The provided user guide
together with the evaluation tool provide useful assistance during all phases of a system integration
project.
u-center can be downloaded from www.u-blox.com/product/u-center. Once the zipped installer file
is downloaded, unzip it and double-click the exe file. The u-center software will be installed on your
system and placed under the “u-blox” folder in the “Start > Programs” menu, you can also choose
the destination folder for the program installation. After a successful installation, u-center can be
started from the Start menu (All Programs > u-blox > u-center > u-center). For more information on
how to evaluate using u-center, refer to the u-center User guide [4].
The required Microsoft CDC-ACM driver for Windows 10 USB interface is available from the
Microsoft Windows Update service. The Windows system driver search mechanism will download
and install the USB driver automatically from the Microsoft Windows Update service.
To evaluate with the Windows 7 and 8 operating systems, the u-blox GNSS standard driver (x64bit)
is needed which can be found in the u-center package.
3.2 Hardware installation
1. Connect the unit to a PC running Microsoft Windows. Options:
•USB: Connect via USB port (Micro-USB)
•UART: Connect via RS232. Set slide switch to I2C.
•SPI / I2C compliant DDC: Connect the corresponding pins (see Table 5 for pin description). Set slide
switch accordingly to SPI or I2C.
☞Press the RST button after changing the slide switch.
2. The device must always have power, either via USB or the V5_IN input on the front panel
connector.
3. Connect the GNSS antenna to the RF IN SMA jack and place the antenna in a location with good
sky view.
4. Start the u-center GNSS Evaluation Software and select the corresponding COM port and baud
rate.
☞Refer to the u-center User Guide [4] for more information.
3.3 Default interface settings
Parameter
Description
UART Port 1, input
38400 baud, 8 bits, no parity bit, 1 stop bit. UBX, NMEA and RTCM 3.3 input
protocols are enabled by default.
UART Port 1, output
38400 baud, 8 bits, no parity bit, 1 stop bit.
NMEA protocol with GGA, GLL, GSA, GSV, RMC, VTG, TXT, ZDA messages are
output by default. UBX and RTCM 3.3 protocols are enabled by default, but no
output messages are enabled by default.

EVK-F9T - User guide
UBX-21040453 - R01 Setting up Page 7 of 23
C1- Public
USB
Default messages activated as in UART1. Input/output protocols available as in
UART1.
I2C
Compatible with the I2C industry standard, available for communication with an
external host CPU or u-blox cellular modules, operated in slave mode only. Default
messages activated as in UART1. Input/output protocols available as in UART1.
Maximum bit rate 400 kb/s.
SPI
Allow communication to a host CPU, operated in slave mode only. Default
messages activated as in UART1. Input/output protocols available as in UART1.
SPI is not available unless D_SEL pin is set to low.
Table 3: Default configuration
☞Refer to the ZED-F9T Integration manual [3] for more information.

EVK-F9T - User guide
UBX-21040453 - R01 Device description Page 8 of 23
C1- Public
4Device description
4.1 Interface connection and measurement
For connecting the EVK to a PC, use the included Micro-USB cable. Alternatively, a standard SUBD-9
cable can also be used. Additional measurement equipment can be connected to the front connector.
Figure 1: Connecting the unit for power supply and communication
4.2 Active antenna
EVK-F9T evaluation kits include an ANN-MB1 multi-band (L1/L5) active GNSS antenna with a 3-
meter cable and SMA connector.
The recommended maximum antenna supply current for active antennas is 15 mA.
4.3 Evaluation unit
Figure 2 shows the front and the rear panel of the EVK-F9T evaluation unit.
Front panel
Rear panel
Figure 2: EVK-F9T evaluation unit –front and rear panels
4.3.1 Antenna connector (RF IN)
An SMA female jack is available on the front side (see Figure 2) of the evaluation unit for connecting
an active GNSS antenna. A DC voltage of 3.3 V is provided to power the active antenna, and the RF
input is 3.3 V. The internal short circuit protection limits the maximum current to 60 mA. Note that
the 15-mA maximum supply current for the active antenna stays the same. This pin is also ESD
protected.
⚠The connector is only to be used with a GNSS antenna or simulator. Do not connect this equipment
to cable distribution systems.
4.3.2 Timepulse connector (TP1)
The evaluation board includes a time pulse function providing clock pulses with a configurable pulse
period, pulse length and polarity (rising or falling edge). Check the ZED-F9T Data sheet [1] for detailed
specifications of configurable values.

EVK-F9T - User guide
UBX-21040453 - R01 Device description Page 9 of 23
C1- Public
An SMA female jack is available on the rear side (see Figure 2) of the evaluation unit which provides a
buffered timepulse1 signal for driving laboratory equipment.
☞J7 jumper can be shorted to allow higher output current when driving low impedance loads.
User must open the evaluation kit to access the J7 jumper as shown in the Figure 3.
Figure 3: EVK-F9T evaluation unit –PCB layout
4.3.3 USB connector
A USB V2.0 compatible serial port is featured for data communication and power supply.
4.3.4 D9 connector (RS232)
The evaluation unit includes an RS232 port for serial communication that is compatible with PC serial
ports. The D9 connector can only have the UART 1 input.
Connect using a straight RS232 serial cable with male and female connectors to the port on your PC.
The maximum cable length is 3 meters. To configure the RS232 port, use the CFG-UART1 command
in the u-center application. The maximum operating baud rate is 921.6 kBaud. If you are using a USB
to RS232 adaptor cable, you can connect it directly to the evaluation kit RS232 port.
The 9-pin D-SUB female connector is assigned as listed in Table 4:
Pin Nr.
Assignment
1
Timepulse 1 output (RS232 levels)
2
TXD, GNSS Transmit Data, serial data to DTE
3
RXD, GNSS Receive Data, serial data from DTE
4
Optional time-mark input (RS-232 levels) using EXTINT0 (internal jumper J6 fitment required)
5
GND
6
Timepulse 1 output (RS232 levels)
7
Not connected
8, 9
not connected
Table 4: SUB-D9 connector pin description for EVK-F9T
4.3.5 RST button
The RST button on the front panel resets the unit.

EVK-F9T - User guide
UBX-21040453 - R01 Device description Page 10 of 23
C1- Public
☞The RESET pin will delete all information and trigger a cold start. It should only be used as a
recovery option.
4.3.6 Safe boot button
This is used to set the unit in safe boot mode. In this mode the receiver executes only minimal
functionality, such as updating new firmware into the flash memory. To set the receiver in safe boot
mode:
1. Press the BOOT button and keep holding it down.
2. Press the RST button.
3. Release the RST button.
4. Release the BOOT button.
5. If the UART interface is used, a training sequence must be sent to the receiver.
The training sequence is a transmission of 0x55 0x55 at a baud rate of 9600 baud. Wait for at
least 100 milliseconds before the interface is ready to accept commands.
4.3.7 Slide switch
Use the slide switch on the front panel to choose between I2C (and UART) and SPI communication
ports. You must reset the unit by pressing the RST button when the slide switch has been changed.
•I2C –In this selection the EVK operates with the UART (RS232 DB9 –rear panel or the 3.3 V
level TxD (MISO), RxD (MOSI) at the front panel). Also, the communication via 3.3 V DDC
interface (I2C) is selected.
•SPI –In this selection the EVK operates only with the SPI interface. The RS232 (DB9) port is
switched off.
4.3.8 Pin header
This 14-pin test-connector provides additional functionality to the EVK, allowing access to the
interface pins and an ability to measure the current used by the ZED-F9T module. All pins are ESD
protected.
Pin no.
Name
I/O
Level
Description
14
V5_IN
I
4.75 - 5.25 V
Power input –can be used instead of USB
13
GND
I
-
Common ground pin
12
CUR GPS1
O
5.0 V
Supply current measurement (Module current consumption) node 1. Current is
measured over a 1Ω1% tolerance resistor between pins 12 and 11. Pin 12
(CUR_GPS1) is at higher potential.
11
CUR GPS2
O
5.0 V
Supply current measurement (Module current consumption) node 2. See
description for pin 12.
10
NC
-
-
Reserved (the pin is reserved for floating, and the customer should not connect
any input to the pin)
9
EXTINT2
O
External interrupt 2 or time-mark 2 input (straight connected to the module
pins)
8
TIMEPULSE 1
O
3.3V
Output signal for the timepulse1 signal
7
EXTINT
I
3.3 V
External interrupt or time-mark input (connected directly to the module pins)
6
TIMEPULSE 2
O
3.3 V
Output signal for the timepulse2 signal
5
SDA / CS
I/O
3.3 V
If slide switch on I2C, the DDC interface is selected; Function: data input /
output
If slide switch on SPI, the SPI interface is selected; chip select input –LOW
ACTIVE