Ublox EVK-M8T User manual

EVK-M8T
Evaluation Kit
User Guide
Abstract
This document describes the structure and use of the EVK-M8T e
valuation
kit and provides information for evaluating and testing u-
blox M8
positioning technology for timing and raw data applications.
www.u
-blox.com
UBX
-14041540 - R04

EVK-M8T - User Guide
UBX-14041540 - R04 Page 2 of 24
Document Information
Title EVK-M8T
Subtitle Evaluation Kit
Document type User Guide
Document number UBX-14041540
Revision and Date R04 23-Mar-2016
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.
This document applies to the following products:
Product name Type number Hardware Version ROM/FLASH version PCN reference
EVK-M8T EVK-M8T-0-00 A Flash FW 3.01 TIM 1.10 UBX-16005636
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 © 2016, u-blox AG.
u-blox® is a registered trademark of u-blox Holding AG in the EU and other countries. ARM® is the registered trademark of ARM Limited
in the EU and other countries.

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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
CAUTION! 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 of the European Parliament and the Council on the Restriction of
Use of certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment” (RoHS).
EVK-M8T 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
1.3.1 u-center GNSS evaluation software ............................................................................................... 6
1.4 System requirements ............................................................................................................................ 6
2Specifications................................................................................................................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 RST button .................................................................................................................................. 10
4.3.5 Safe boot button......................................................................................................................... 10
4.3.6 Slide Switch................................................................................................................................. 10
4.3.7 Test Connector............................................................................................................................ 11
4.3.8 LED ............................................................................................................................................. 12
4.3.9 Backup Battery ............................................................................................................................ 12
4.3.10 GNSS Configuration .................................................................................................................... 12
5Measuring tracking current .......................................................................................13
6Testing Power Save Mode .........................................................................................14
7Block diagram.............................................................................................................15
8Board layout ...............................................................................................................16

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9Schematic....................................................................................................................18
10 Battery replacement...................................................................................................19
11 Troubleshooting .........................................................................................................20
12 Common evaluation pitfalls ......................................................................................22
Related documents...........................................................................................................23
Revision history................................................................................................................23
Contact..............................................................................................................................24

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1Product description
1.1 Overview
EVK-M8T evaluation kit makes evaluating the high performance u-blox M8T positioning products simple. 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 Description Suitable for
EVK-M8T u-blox M8 Timing GNSS Evaluation Kit NEO-M8T, LEA-M8T
Table 1: List of products supported by EVK-M8T evaluation kit
1.2 Kit includes
•Evaluation unit
•USB cable
•Active GPS / GLONASS / BeiDou antenna with 3 m cable
•Extra Battery RENATA CR2450
•Quick Start card
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.
1.4 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 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 Time-pulse outputs
1 Time-mark input
Dimensions 105 x 64 x 26 mm
Power Supply 5V 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-M8T specifications

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3Getting Started
3.1 Software installation
Installation of the EVK-M8T software and documentation requires Internet access.
Choose Software only or Software and documentation installation package from u-blox website. Once the zip
file is downloaded and unzipped, unzip the file in 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.
•UART: Connect via RS232. Set slide switch to I2C.
•SPI / I2C compliant DDC: Connect corresponding pins (see Table 5 for pin description). Set slide
switch accordingly to SPI or I2C.
Press the RST button after changing the switch.
2. The device must always have power, either via USB on the back or the V5_IN input on the front.
3. Connect the GNSS antenna to the evaluation unit and place the antenna in a location with good sky view.
4. Start the u-center GNSS Evaluation Software and select corresponding COM port and baud rate.
Refer to the u-center User Guide [5] for more information.
3.3 Serial port default configuration
Parameter Description Remark
UART Port 1, Input UBX and NMEA protocol at 9’600 Bd
UART Port 1, Output UBX and NMEA protocol at 9’600 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 Micro-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
EVK-M8 evaluation kits include a GPS / GLONASS / BeiDou antenna with a 3 m cable. It is possible to connect
various active and passive GNSS antennas with SMA connectors to the evaluation unit.
The recommended maximum antenna supply current for active antennas is 30 mA.
4.3 Evaluation unit
Figure 2 shows the front and the rear panel of the EVK-M8T evaluation unit.
Front panel
Rear panel
Figure 2: EVK-M8T evaluation unit – front and rear panels

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4.3.1 Antenna connector
An SMA female jack is available on the front side (see Figure 2) of the evaluation unit for connecting an active or
passive antenna. DC voltage at the RF input is 3.3 V. The internal short circuit protection limits the maximum
current to 60 mA. Please note that the 30 mA maximum supply current for active antenna stays the same. This
pin is also ESD protected.
The u-blox NEO-M8T module used in the EVK-M8T incorporates an additional, off-chip LNA.
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 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.
Connect using a straight RS232 serial cable with male and female connectors to the port on your PC. The
maximum cable length is < 3.0 meters. To configure the RS232 port, use the CFG-PRT command in the u-center
application. The maximum operating baud rate is 921.6 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 Time-pulse 1 output (RS-232 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 not connected
7 Time-pulse 1 output (RS-232 levels)
8, 9 not connected
Table 4: SUB-D9 Connector pin description for EVK-M8T
4.3.4 RST button
The RST button on the front panel resets the unit. To avoid an inadvertent reset, the button is recessed.
4.3.5 Safe boot button
This is used to set the unit in safe boot mode. In this mode the receiver executes only the minimal functionality,
such as updating new firmware into the SQI flash. In order to set the receiver in safe boot mode please follow
these steps.
1. Press the BOOT button and keep holding
2. Press the RST button
3. Release the RST button
4. Release the BOOT button
5. If the UART interface has to be used, the training sequence has to be sent to the receiver.
The training sequence is a transmission of 0x55 55 at the baud rate of 9600 Bd. Wait for at least 100
milliseconds before the interface is ready to accept commands.
4.3.6 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.