Ublox EVK-M8QSAM User manual

EVK-M8QSAM
Evaluation Kit
User Guide
Abstract
This document describes the structure and use of the EVK-M8QSAM
evaluation kit and provides information for evaluating and testing the
u-blox SAM-M8Q GNSS patch antenna module.
www.u-blox.com
UBX-16018104 - R05

EVK-M8QSAM - User Guide
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Document Information
Title
EVK-M8QSAM
Subtitle
Evaluation Kit
Document type
User Guide
Document number
UBX-16018104
Revision and Date
R05
27-Sep-2017
Document status
Early Production Information
Document status explanation
Objective Specification
Document contains target values. Revised and supplementary data will be published later.
Advance Information
Document contains data based on early testing. Revised and supplementary data will be published later.
Early Production Information
Document contains data from product verification. Revised and supplementary data may be published later.
Production Information
Document contains the final product specification.
European Union regulatory compliance
EVK-M8QSAM complies with all relevant requirements for RED 2014/53/EU. The EVK-M8QSAM Declaration of Conformity (DoC) is available
at www.u-blox.com (Support --> Product Resources --> Conformity Declaration).
This document applies to the following products:
Product name
Type number
Firmware version
PCN reference
EVK-M8QSAM
EVK-M8QSAM-0-00
ROM SPG 3.01
N/A
u-blox reserves all rights to this document and the information contained herein. Products, names, logos and designs described herein
may in whole or in part be subject to intellectual property rights. Reproduction, use, modification or disclosure to third parties of this
document or any part thereof without the express permission of u-blox is strictly prohibited.
The information contained herein is provided “as is” and u-blox assumes no liability for the use of the information. No warranty, either
express or implied, is given, including but not limited, 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. For most recent documents, visit www.u-blox.com.
Copyright © 2017, u-blox AG.
u-blox is a registered trademark of u-blox Holding AG in the EU and other countries.

EVK-M8QSAM User Guide
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Preface
Using this guide
This guide assumes, the user has basic computer skills and is familiar with the Windows Graphical User Interface
(GUI) and GNSS receiver environments.
The following symbols are used in the document to highlight information:
A warning symbol indicates actions that could negatively impact or damage the device.
An index finger points out key information pertaining to device operation and performance.
Warnings and certifications
EVK-M8QSAM is an Electrostatic Sensitive Device (ESD).
CAUTION! RISK OF SHORT CIRCUIT OF THE BATTERY WHEN TOUCHING IT WITH
CONDUCTING PARTS. IN THE UNLIKELY EVENT OF A FAILURE IN THE INTERNAL
PROTECTION CIRCUITRY THERE IS A RISK OF AN EXPLOSION WHEN CHARGING
FULLY OR PARTIALLY DISCHARGED BATTERIES. REPLACE THE BATTERY IF IT NO
LONGER HAS SUFFICIENT CHARGE FOR UNIT OPERATION. CONTROL THE BATTERY
BEFORE USING IF THE DEVICE HAS NOT BEEN OPERATED FOR AN EXTENDED
PERIOD OF TIME.
Products marked with this lead-free symbol on the product label comply with the
“Directive 2002/95/EC and Directive 2011/65/EU of the European Parliament and the
Council on the Restriction of Use of certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and
Electronic Equipment”(RoHS).
EVK-M8QSAM evaluation kit is RoHS compliant and green (no halogens).

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Contents
Preface ................................................................................................................................3
Using this guide............................................................................................................................................... 3
Warnings and certifications ............................................................................................................................. 3
Contents..............................................................................................................................4
1Product description ......................................................................................................6
1.1 Overview .............................................................................................................................................. 6
1.2 Kit includes........................................................................................................................................... 6
1.3 Software and documentation ............................................................................................................... 6
1.4u-center GNSS evaluation software....................................................................................................... 6
1.5 System requirements ............................................................................................................................ 6
2Specifications................................................................................................................7
2.1 Safety precautions ................................................................................................................................ 7
3Getting Started.............................................................................................................8
3.1 Software installation ............................................................................................................................. 8
3.2 Hardware installation............................................................................................................................ 8
3.3 Serial port default configuration ........................................................................................................... 8
4Device description........................................................................................................9
4.1 Interface connection and measurement ................................................................................................ 9
4.2 Active antenna ..................................................................................................................................... 9
4.3 Evaluation unit...................................................................................................................................... 9
4.3.1 Antenna connector ..................................................................................................................... 10
4.3.2 USB ............................................................................................................................................. 10
4.3.3 UART........................................................................................................................................... 10
4.3.4 Time pulse................................................................................................................................... 10
4.3.5 RST button .................................................................................................................................. 11
4.3.6 Safe boot button......................................................................................................................... 11
4.3.7 Slide Switch................................................................................................................................. 11
4.3.8 Test Connector............................................................................................................................ 11
4.3.9 LED ............................................................................................................................................. 12
4.3.10 Backup Battery ............................................................................................................................ 12
4.3.11 GNSS Configuration .................................................................................................................... 12
4.3.12 AssistNowTM Autonomous............................................................................................................ 12
5Measuring tracking current .......................................................................................13
6Testing Power Save Mode .........................................................................................14
7Block diagram.............................................................................................................15

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8Board layout ...............................................................................................................16
9Schematic....................................................................................................................18
10 Troubleshooting.........................................................................................................19
11 Common evaluation pitfalls ......................................................................................21
Related documents...........................................................................................................22
Revision history................................................................................................................22
Contact..............................................................................................................................23

EVK-M8QSAM User Guide
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1Product description
1.1 Overview
The EVK-M8QSAM evaluation kit simplifies the evaluation of SAM-M8Q, the u-blox high performance
concurrent GNSS patch antenna module. 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 PDA or a notebook PC, making them the perfect
companion through all stages of design-in projects.
Evaluation Kit
Suitable for
EVK-M8QSAM: u-blox M8 concurrent GNSS patch antenna Evaluation Kit with
TCXO, SAW, LNA
SAM-M8Q
Table 1: List of available evaluation kits
1.2 Kit includes
Evaluation unit (plain PCB board)
USB cable
Extra Battery RENATA CR2450
Quick Start card
Because of the integrated antennas in the SAM-M8Q module, the standard u-blox GNSS EVK aluminum
box cannot be used for the EVK-M8QSAM.
A plastic cap is attached on the top of the antenna module in EVK-M8QSAM. The purpose of the cap is to
prevent air flow inside the SAM-M8Q shield.
1.3 Software and documentation
The EVK-M8QSAM installation software (and documentation) package can be downloaded from the Web; see
the Quick Start card for the URL.
1.4 u-center GNSS evaluation software
The installation software includes u-center, which is 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.
1.5 System requirements
PC with USB interface
Operating system: Windows Vista onwards (x86 and x64 versions)
USB drivers are provided in the evaluation kit installation software

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2Specifications
Parameter
Specification
Serial Interfaces
1 USB V2.0
1 RS232, max. baud rate 460,8 kBd
-DB9: PC compatible
1 DDC (I2C compatible) max. 400 kHz
Timing Interfaces
1 Time pulse output
Dimensions
100 x 60 x 26 mm
Power Supply
5 V via USB or external powered via extra power supply pin 14 (V5_IN) 13 (GND)
Normal Operating temperature
-40°C to +65°C
Table 2: EVK-M8QSAM specification
2.1 Safety precautions
EVK-M8QSAM must be supplied by an external limited power source in compliance with the clause 2.5 of the
standard IEC 60950-1. In addition to external limited power source, only separated or Safety Extra-Low Voltage
(SELV) circuits are to be connected to the evaluation kit, including interfaces and antennas.
For more information about SELV circuits see section 2.2 in Safety standard IEC 60950-1 [5]

EVK-M8QSAM User Guide
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3Getting Started
3.1 Software installation
Installation of the EVK-M8QSAM software and documentation requires Internet access.
Choose the “Software only”or “Software and documentation”installation package from the u-blox website.
Once the zip file is downloaded, unzip the file in the Tools folder and double-click the extracted exe file.
The software components will be installed on your system and placed under the “u-blox” folder in the “Start 
Programs” menu.
3.2 Hardware installation
1. Connect the unit to a PC running Microsoft Windows. Options:
USB: Connect via USB port. Set slide switch to USB.
UART: Connect via RS232. Set slide switch to RS232.
2. The device must always have power, either via USB on the back or the V5_IN input on the front.
3. The EVK-M8QSAM evaluation kit includes a SAM-M8Q concurrent GNSS module with embedded patch
antenna. There is no external antenna connectivity to RF IN. Place the evaluation kit 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 Serial port default configuration
Parameter
Description
Remark
UART Port 1, Input
UBX and NMEA protocol at 9600 Bd
UART Port 1, Output
UBX and NMEA protocol at 9600 Bd
Only NMEA messages are activated
USB, Input
UBX and NMEA protocol
USB, Output
UBX and NMEA protocol
Only NMEA messages are activated
Table 3: Default configuration

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4Device description
4.1 Interface connection and measurement
For connecting the EVK to a PC, use a standard SUBD-9 cable and the included USB cable.
Additional measurement equipment can be connected to the front connector.
Figure 1: Connecting the unit for power supply and communication
4.2 Active antenna
The SAM-M8Q module is embedded with a GNSS patch antenna and the signal is further filtered and amplified
by the internal SAW filter and internal Low Noise Amplifier (LNA). For more information, see the SAM-M8Q
Hardware Integration Manual [2].
External antenna connectivity through SMA connector is not available in the EVK-M8QSAM.
4.3 Evaluation unit
Figure 2 shows the top view with front and the rear sides of the EVK-M8QSAM evaluation unit.
Rear side
Front side
Figure 2: EVK-M8QSAM evaluation unit –front and rear sides

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4.3.1 Antenna connector
No antenna connector is provided for the EVK-M8QSAM evaluation kit.
4.3.2 USB
A USB V2.0 compatible serial port is featured for data communication and power supply.
4.3.3 UART
The evaluation unit includes an RS232 port for serial communication that is compatible with PC serial ports. In
addition to the RS232 communication port, the time pulse 1 signal is available on the DB9 connector (Pin 1 or 6).
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_PRT command in the u-center
application. The maximum operating baud rate is 460.8 kBd.
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
GNSS time pulse output
2
TXD, GNSS Transmit Data, serial data to DTE
3
RXD, GNSS Receive Data, serial data from DTE
4
not connected
5
GND
6
GNSS time pulse output
7-9
not connected
Table 4: SUB-D9 Connector pin description for EVK-M8QSAM
4.3.4 Time pulse
u-blox receivers include a time pulse function providing clock pulses with a configurable pulse period, pulse
length and polarity (rising or falling edge). Check the product data sheet for detailed specification of
configurable values.
On EVK-M8QSAM kits produced in June 2017 or later (see Figure 3), the “TIMEPULSE” signal is available on the
test connector, see section 4.3.8.
Figure 3: EVK-M8QSAM Label
Year produced (e.g.17 = 2017)
Month (e.g. 01 = January)