Ublox MAX-M5Q Quick setup guide

MAX-M5Q
GPS/GNSS modules
Hardware Integration Manual
Abstract
This document describes the features and specifications of the
MAX-M5Q in
MAX form factor with Mediatek hybrid/parallel
GPS/GGLONASS receiver. This stand-alone module is compact and
easy-to-integrate,
and provides an easy upgrade transition to the
future MAX-8 modules.
locate, communicate, accelerate
www.u-blox.com

Document Information - Hardware Integration Manual
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Document Information
Title MAX-M5Q
Subtitle GPS/GNSS modules
Document type Hardware Integration Manual
Document number FTX-HW-13008
Document status Objective Specification
Document status information
Objective
Specification
This document contains target values. Revised and supplementary data will be published
later.
Advance
Information
This document contains data based on early testing. Revised and supplementary data will be
published later.
Preliminary This document contains data from product verification. Revised and supplementary data may
be published later.
Released This document contains the final product specification.
This document applies to the following products:
Name Type number ROM/FLASH version PCN reference
MAX-M5Q-0 All Flash FW320G-UBX.3135
This document and the use of any information contained therein, is subject to the acceptance of the u-blox terms and conditions. They
can be downloaded from www.u-blox.com.
u-blox makes no warranties based on the accuracy or completeness of the contents of this document and reserves the right to make
changes to specifications and product descriptions at any time without notice.
u-blox reserves all rights to this document and the information contained herein. Reproduction, use or disclosure to third parties without
express permission is strictly prohibited. Copyright © 2013, 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
u-blox Technical Documentation
As part of our commitment to customer support, u-blox maintains an extensive volume of technical
documentation for our products. In addition to our product-specific technical data sheets, the following manuals
are available to assist u-blox customers in product design and development.
•GPS Compendium, Doc No GPS-X-02007 [1]:This document, also known as the GPS book, provides a
wealth of information regarding generic questions about GPS system functionalities and technology.
•MAX-M5Q Receiver Description including Protocol Specification, Docu. No FTX-SW-13001 [2]:
Messages, configuration and functionalities of the MAX-M5Q software releases and positioning modules are
explained in this document.
•Hardware Integration Manuals: These manuals provide hardware design instructions and information on
how to set up production and final product tests.
•Application Notes: These documents provide general design instructions and information that applies to all
u-blox GPS/GNSS positioning modules.
•Related documents for a list of Application Notes related to your GPS/GNSS receiver.
How to use this Manual
The MAX-M5Q Hardware Integration Manual provides the necessary information to successfully design-in and
configure MT3333-based positioning modules. This manual has a modular structure. It is not necessary to read it
from the beginning to the end.
The following symbols highlight important information within the manual:
An index finger points out key information pertaining to module integration and performance.
A warning symbol indicates actions that could negatively influence or damage the module.
Questions
If you have any questions about MAX-M5Q Hardware Integration, please:
•Read this manual carefully.
•Contact our information service on the homepage http://www.u-blox.com
•Read the questions and answers on our FAQ database on the homepage http://www.u-blox.com

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Technical Support
Worldwide Web
Our website (www.u-blox.com) is a rich pool of information. Product information, technical documents and
helpful FAQ can be accessed 24h a day.
By E-mail
If you have technical problems or cannot find the required information in the provided documents, contact the
nearest of the Technical Support offices by email. Use our service pool email addresses rather than any personal
email address of our staff. This ensures that we process your request as soon as possible. You will find the
contact details at the end of the document.
Helpful Information when Contacting Technical Support
When contacting Technical Support please have the following information ready:
•Receiver type (e.g. NEO-7N-0-000), Datacode (e.g. 172100.0100.000) and firmware version (e.g. ROM1.0)
•Receiver configuration
•Clear description of your question or the problem together with a u-center logfile
•A short description of the application
•Your complete contact details

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Contents
Preface ................................................................................................................................3
Contents..............................................................................................................................5
1Quick reference ............................................................................................................8
2Hardware description ..................................................................................................8
2.1 Overview .............................................................................................................................................. 8
2.1.1 MAX-M5Q .................................................................................................................................... 8
2.2 Architecture.......................................................................................................................................... 8
2.2.1 MAX-M5Q Architecture ................................................................................................................ 8
2.3 Power management operating modes .................................................................................................. 9
2.3.1 Continuous mode ......................................................................................................................... 9
2.3.2 Power Save modes ........................................................................................................................ 9
2.3.3 Backup State ............................................................................................................................... 10
2.4 Configuration ..................................................................................................................................... 11
2.4.1 Configuration MAX-M5Q............................................................................................................ 11
2.5 Connecting power.............................................................................................................................. 11
2.5.1 VCC: Main Supply Voltage .......................................................................................................... 11
2.5.2 V_BCKP: Backup Supply Voltage ................................................................................................. 11
2.5.3 VCC_IO ....................................................................................................................................... 11
2.5.4 VCC_RF: Output Voltage RF section ............................................................................................ 11
2.6 Interfaces............................................................................................................................................ 12
2.6.1 UART........................................................................................................................................... 12
2.7 I/O pins............................................................................................................................................... 12
2.7.1 Antenna input ............................................................................................................................. 12
2.7.2 RESET_N: Reset input .................................................................................................................. 12
2.7.3 ANT_ON: Active Antenna control (LNA enable) ........................................................................... 12
2.7.4 TIMEPULSE .................................................................................................................................. 12
3Design .........................................................................................................................13
3.1 Design checklist .................................................................................................................................. 13
3.1.1 Schematic checklist ..................................................................................................................... 13
3.1.2 Layout checklist........................................................................................................................... 14
3.1.3 Antenna checklist ........................................................................................................................ 14
3.2 Design considerations for minimal designs.......................................................................................... 14
3.2.1 Minimal design............................................................................................................................ 15
3.3 Layout ................................................................................................................................................ 16
3.3.1 Footprint and paste mask ............................................................................................................ 16
4.1.1 Placement ................................................................................................................................... 16
4.1.2 Antenna connection and ground plane design ............................................................................ 17
4.1.3 General design recommendations: .............................................................................................. 18

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4.1.4 Antenna micro strip..................................................................................................................... 19
4.2 Antenna and Antenna supervision ...................................................................................................... 20
4.2.1 Antenna design with passive antenna ......................................................................................... 20
4.2.2 Active antenna design not using antenna supervisor ................................................................... 21
4.2.3 Design with GLONASS / GPS active antenna................................................................................ 23
4.2.4 Design with GLONASS / GPS passive antenna.............................................................................. 24
4.3 Recommended parts........................................................................................................................... 25
4.3.1 Recommended GPS & GLONASS active patch antenna (A1) ........................................................ 26
4.3.2 Recommended GPS & GLONASS passive patch antenna .............................................................. 26
4.3.3 Recommended GPS & GLONASS passive chip antenna ................................................................ 26
5Migration ....................................................................................................................27
5.1 Migrating from u-blox 7 designs to a MAX-M5Q module ................................................................... 27
5.1.1 Software compatibility................................................................................................................. 27
5.2 Forward compatibility from MAX-M5Q designs to a MAX-8x module ................................................. 27
5.2.1 Software compatibility................................................................................................................. 27
6Product handling ........................................................................................................28
6.1 Packaging, shipping, storage and moisture preconditioning ............................................................... 28
6.1.1 Population of Modules ................................................................................................................ 28
6.2 Soldering ............................................................................................................................................ 28
6.2.1 Soldering paste............................................................................................................................ 28
6.2.2 Reflow soldering ......................................................................................................................... 28
6.2.3 Optical inspection........................................................................................................................ 29
6.2.4 Cleaning...................................................................................................................................... 29
6.2.5 Repeated reflow soldering........................................................................................................... 30
6.2.6 Wave soldering............................................................................................................................ 30
6.2.7 Hand soldering............................................................................................................................ 30
6.2.8 Rework........................................................................................................................................ 30
6.2.9 Conformal coating ...................................................................................................................... 30
6.2.10 Casting........................................................................................................................................ 30
6.2.11 Grounding metal covers .............................................................................................................. 31
6.2.12 Use of ultrasonic processes.......................................................................................................... 31
6.3 EOS/ESD/EMI precautions ................................................................................................................... 31
6.3.1 Electrostatic discharge (ESD) ........................................................................................................ 31
6.3.2 ESD handling precautions............................................................................................................ 31
6.3.3 ESD protection measures............................................................................................................. 32
6.3.4 Electrical Overstress (EOS)............................................................................................................ 33
6.3.5 EOS protection measures............................................................................................................. 33
6.3.6 Electromagnetic interference (EMI) .............................................................................................. 33
6.3.7 Applications with wireless modules LEON / LISA .......................................................................... 34
7Product testing ...........................................................................................................36
7.1 u-blox in-series production test........................................................................................................... 36
7.2 Test parameters for OEM manufacturer.............................................................................................. 36

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7.3 System sensitivity test ......................................................................................................................... 37
7.3.1 Guidelines for sensitivity tests ...................................................................................................... 37
7.3.2 ‘Go/No go’ tests for integrated devices........................................................................................ 37
Appendix ..........................................................................................................................38
AAbbreviations .............................................................................................................38
Related documents...........................................................................................................39
Revision history................................................................................................................39
Contact..............................................................................................................................40

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1Quick reference
When using this manual for a design, make sure you also have the Data Sheet for the specific positioning
module (see the related documents section).
2Hardware description
2.1 Overview
2.1.1 MAX-M5Q
The u-blox MAX-M5Q is an OEM GNSS receiver module based on the Mediatek MT3333 chip that supports All-
in-One GNSS hybrid navigation. The u-blox MAX-M5Q receiver provides extremely low power and very fast TTFF
together with weak signal acquisition and tracking capability to meet even the most stringent performance
expectations in hybrid navigation, using signals from both GPS + GLONASS GNSS systems.
For product features see MAX-M5Q Data Sheet, Docu. No FTX-HW-13003 [1].
2.2 Architecture
2.2.1 MAX-M5Q Architecture
The MAX-M5Q is the newest standalone GPS/GNSS module from u-blox. With the exceptional utilization of GPS
and GLONASS in parallel, MAX-M5Q can enhance the position availability in harsh GNSS satellite visibility
conditions or at high latitudes, e.g. in the polar regions of Russia. It is characterized by a small footprint, low
power consumption, and sophisticated interference suppression, ensuring maximum performance even in GPS-
hostile environments. This makes incorporating MAX-M5Q into customer designs simple and straightforward.
Receiver type: MT3333 engine 99/33-channel (search/track)
Figure 1: MAX-M5Q Block diagram

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2.3 Power management operating modes
u-blox MAX-M5Q technology offers a power-optimized architecture with built-in autonomous power saving
functions to minimize power consumption at any given time. The receiver operates in two modes: Continuous
mode for best performance or Power Save mode for optimized power consumption. In addition, an integrated
high efficiency DC/DC converter allows low power consumption even for higher main supply voltages.
MAX-M5Q modules have the following operating modes:
•Continuous mode for best GPS/GNSS performance
•Power Save modes to optimize power consumption
oStandby mode
oPeriodic mode
oAlwaysLocateTM mode
•Backup state
2.3.1 Continuous mode
Continuous mode uses the acquisition engine at full performance resulting in the shortest possible TTFF and the
highest sensitivity. It searches for all possible satellites until the almanac is completely downloaded. The receiver
switches to the tracking engine to lower the power consumption when:
•A valid GPS/GNSS position is obtained
•The entire almanac has been downloaded
•The ephemeris for each satellite in view is valid
2.3.2 Power Save modes
For power sensitive applications, the MAX-M5Q module also supports low-power operating modes for reduced
power consumption by using the embedded power switch. For more information about the power management
command, see [2]. Use caution when implementing Backup, Periodic or to AlwaysLocate™ mode since forward
compatibility is not guaranteed.
2.3.2.1 Standby mode
In this mode, the receiver stops navigation, the internal processor enters standby state, and the current drain at
main supply VCC is typically reduced to 0.4 mA. Enter standby mode by sending the NMEA command:
$PMTK161,0*28. The host can wake up the module from Standby mode to Full Power mode by sending any
byte via the host port.
2.3.2.2 Periodic mode
This mode allows autonomous power on/off with reduced fix rate to reduce average power consumption, as
shown in Figure 2 below. The main power supply VCC is still active, but turning the supply on and off is
controlled internally by NMEA commands. Enter periodic mode by sending the following NMEA command:
$PMTK225,<Type>,<Run_time>,<Sleep_time>,<2nd_run_time>,<2nd_sleep_time>*<checksum>
where:
•Type=1 for Periodic Backup mode
•Run_time = Full Power period (ms)
•Sleep_time = Standby/Backup period (ms)
•2nd_run_time = Full Power period (ms) for extended acquisition if GNSS acquisition fails during Run_time
•2nd_sleep_time = Standby/Backup period (ms) for extended sleep if GNSS acquisition fails during Run_time
Example: $PMTK225,1,3000,12000,18000,72000*16 for periodic mode with 3 s navigation and 12 s sleep in
backup state. The acknowledgement response for the command is $PMTK001,225,3*35. The module can exit
Periodic mode by sending the command $PMTK225,0*2B just after the module wakes up from a previous sleep
cycle.

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Figure 2: Periodic Mode
2.3.2.3 AlwaysLocate mode
AlwaysLocate™ is an intelligent controller of the Periodic mode; the main power supply VCC is still active, but
supply is controlled internally by NMEA commands. Depending on the environment and motion conditions, the
module can autonomously and adaptively adjust the parameters of the Periodic mode, e.g. on/off ratio and fix
rate to achieve a balance in positioning accuracy and power consumption, see figure below. The average power
drain can vary based on conditions; typical average power is 7 mW. Associated profiles are: High and Low
Speed, Walking, Outdoor Static and Indoor.
Enter AlwaysLocate™ mode by sending the following NMEA command:
$PMTK225,<mode>*<checksum><CR><LF>
where mode=9 for AlwaysLocate™ in Backup mode. Example: $PMTK225,9*22. The acknowledgement
response for the command is $PMTK001,225,3*35. The module can exit AlwaysLocate™ mode by sending the
command $PMTK225,0*2B just after the module wakes up from a previous sleep cycle.
The module can control the embedded VCC power switch autonomously only after the MAX-M5Q is set to
Periodic or to AlwaysLocate™ mode by an NMEA command.
Note that first fix position accuracy can be somewhat degraded in Power Management modes when compared
to Full Power operation. The user can improve the position accuracy by taking the second or third fix after
waking up.
The user can exit low power modes to Full Power by sending NMEA command $PMTK225,0*2B just after the
module wakes up from a previous sleep cycle. For more information about power management command, see
[2].
2.3.3 Backup State
Backup State means a low quiescent (typically 10 μA at V_BCKP) power state where receiver operation is
stopped; only the backup supply V_BCKP is powered on while the main supply VCC is switched off by the host
(or autonomously by MAX-M5Q in Periodic mode and AlwaysLocateTM mode). Waking up from Backup State to
Full Power is controlled by the host by switching on the VCC supply.
After waking up, the receiver uses all internal aiding, including GNSS time, Ephemeris, and Last Position,
resulting in the fastest possible TTFF in either hot or warm start modes.
During Backup State, the I/O block is powered off. The suggestion is that the host forces its outputs to a low
state or to a high-Z state during the Backup State to minimize small leakage currents (<10 μA typically) at
receiver’s input signals.