Ublox EVK-M8F-0-00 User manual

EVK-M8F-0-00
Evaluation Kit
time and frequency reference products
User Guide
Abstract
This document describes the structure and use of the EVK-M8F-0-00
evaluation kit and provides information for evaluating and testing u-
blox M8
time and frequency reference technology.
www.u
-blox.com
UBX
-14005459 - R04

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Document Information
Title EVK-M8F-0-00
Subtitle Evaluation Kit
time and frequency reference products
Document type User Guide
Document number UBX-14005459
Revision and Date R04 06-Jul-2015
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-M8F EVK-M8F-0-00 A ROM 2.01/ FLASH FW2.20 FTS1.01 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 © 2015, 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. CHECK 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-M8F 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 ....................................................................................................................... 9
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............................................................................................................................ 10
4.3.8 Timing Interface Connector (EXTENSION) .................................................................................... 12
4.3.9 LED ............................................................................................................................................. 12
4.3.10 GNSS Configuration .................................................................................................................... 12
5Measuring tracking current .......................................................................................13
6Board layout ...............................................................................................................14
7Schematic....................................................................................................................16
8Troubleshooting .........................................................................................................17

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9Common evaluation pitfalls ......................................................................................19
Related documents...........................................................................................................20
Revision history................................................................................................................20
Contact..............................................................................................................................21

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1Product description
1.1 Overview
The EVK-M8F-0-00 evaluation kit makes evaluating the high performance u-blox M8 time and frequency
reference 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. Additionally, the dedicated EXTENSION connector in the
EVK-M8F-0-00 provides access to time and frequency interface signals. 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-M8F-0-00 u-blox M8 Evaluation Kit
time and frequency reference products
LEA-M8F
UBX-M8030-KT-FT
Table 1: Applicability
1.2 Kit includes
•Evaluation unit
•USB cable
•Active GPS / GLONASS / BeiDou antenna with 3 m cable
•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: PC compatible
1 DDC (I2C compatible) max. 400 kHz
1 SPI – clock signal max. 5,5 MHz – SPI DATA max. 1 Mbit/s
Timing Interfaces 1 DDC (I2C compatible) master to control external VCTCXO via DAC
2 Frequency/Phase timing measurement inputs
1 Low noise frequency reference output
1 Timepulse output
Dimensions 105 x 64 x 26 mm
Power Supply 5V via USB or external powered via extra power supply
through front connector pin 14 (V5_IN) 13 (GND)
Normal Operating temperature -40°C to +65°C
Table 2: EVK-M8F-0-00 Specifications

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3Getting Started
3.1 Software installation
Installation of the EVK-M8 software and documentation requires Internet access.
See the Quick Start card for the URL where the EVK files are located. 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 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.
NOTE: 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 [6] 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 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-M8F-0-00 evaluation kit includes 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 panels of the EVK-M8F-0-00 evaluation unit.
Front panel
Rear panel
Figure 2: EVK-M8F-0-00 evaluation unit – front and rear panels
4.3.1 Antenna connector
An SMA female jack is available on the front side (see RF IN in Figure 2) of the evaluation unit for connecting an
active or passive antenna. The DC voltage at the RF input is then 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. The RF input connector is also ESD protected.
A jumper must be fitted between VCC_RF and VANT on the front panel connector (J4) to power an active
antenna. The jumper is delivered with the EVK-M8F kit as shown in Figure 2.

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The Antenna 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 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 not connected
2 TXD, GNSS Transmit Data, serial data to DTE
3 RXD, GNSS Receive Data, serial data from DTE
4 not connected
5 GND
6-9 not connected
Table 4: SUB-D9 Connector pin description
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 RS232) and SPI communication ports. You
must reset the unit by pressing the RST button when the slide switch has been changed.
1. I2C– In this selection the EVK operates with the 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.
2. SPI – In this selection the EVK operates only with the SPI interface. RS232 (DB9) is switched off.
For more information about specification and usage of SPI interface see the LEA-M8F Data Sheet [2] and
the LEA-M8F Hardware Integration Manual [4].
4.3.7 Test Connector
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 EVK. All pins are ESD protected.