unicore UM220-IV NL User manual

INSTALLATION AND OPERATION
USER MANUAL
WWW.UNICORE.COM
Copyright© 2009-2024, Unicore Communications, Inc.
Data subject to change without notice.
UM220-IV NL
Industry Grade Multi-GNSS
Positioning Module

i
Revision History
Version
Revision
Date
Ver. 1.0.0 Primary
UM220-IV NL User manual Primary.
Dec.2017
Ver. 1.0.1 Alpha
release
The Pin definition and performance parameters have
been updated.
Jun.2018
Ver. 1.0.2 Beta
release
Updated size parameters
Aug.2018
Ver. 1.0.3 Product
release
Update product label instruction
May.2019
R1.1
1.2: Delete the GLONASS frequency
6.2: Add shelf life
Sep. 2019
R1.2
Chapter 6.2: revise the MSL instructions
Jan. 2020
R1.3
Add the footnote to elaborate CEP
Oct. 2020
R1.4
Add the description of SMT stencil
Jun. 2021
R1.5
Update power supply VCC and V_BCKP
Aug. 2021
R1.6
Add notes in Section 4.4
Nov. 2021
R1.7
If hot start is not used, connect V_BCKP to VCC.
Revise the VSWR in section 1.2
Nov. 2022
R1.8
Optimize the description of antenna power supply;
Add Chapter 4.3 Power Supply Requirements
Apr. 2023
R1.9
Modify the description of “order code”to “sub-model”
Jan. 2024
Legal right notice
This manual provides information and details on the products of Unicore
Communication, Inc. (“Unicore”) referred to herein.
All rights, title and interest to this document and the information such as data, designs,
layouts contained in this manual are fully reserved, including but not limited to the
copyrights, patents, trademarks and other proprietary rights as relevant governing laws
may grant, and such rights may evolve and be approved, registered or granted from the
whole information aforesaid or any part(s) of it or any combination of those parts.

UM220-IV NL User Manual
ii
Unicore holds the trademarks of “和芯星通”, “Unicore” and other trade name, trademark,
icon, logo, brand name and/or service mark of Unicore products or their product serial
referred to in this manual (collectively “Unicore Trademarks”).
This manual or any part of it, shall not be deemed as, either expressly, implied, by
estoppel or any other form, the granting or transferring of Unicore rights and/or
interests (including but not limited to the aforementioned trademark rights), in whole or
in part.
Disclaimer
The information contained in this manual is provided “as is” and is believed to be true
and correct at the time of its publication or revision. This manual does not represent,
and in any case, shall not be construed as a commitments or warranty on the part of
Unicore with respect to the fitness for a particular purpose/use, the accuracy, reliability
and correctness of the information contained herein.
Information, such as product specifications, descriptions, features and user guide in this
manual, are subject to change by Unicore at any time without prior notice, which may
not be completely consistent with such information of the specific product you
purchase.
Should you purchase our product and encounter any inconsistency, please contact us or
our local authorized distributor for the most up-to-date version of this manual along
with any addenda or corrigenda.

iii
Foreword
This document offers you information in the features of the hardware, the installation,
specification and use of Unicore UM220-IV NL product.
Reader it applies to
This document is applied to the technicians who know GNSS Receiver to some extent
but not to the general readers.
Structure of the file
This document includes the followings:
Introduction: Briefly explaining the functions, performances and structure of the product
Installation: Contains the list of the product package and the details of product
installation
Technical Specification: Offering technical specifications of the product
Hardware Design: Offering the information of hardware design
Disassembly: Instructions of how to remove the module
Package: Product label and package information
Clean: Dos and don’ts for cleaning the module
Reflow soldering: Offering temperature information about reflow soldering

UM220-IV NL User Manual
I
Contents
1Introduction................................................................................1
1.1 Overview ........................................................................................................1
1.2 Key Features ..................................................................................................2
1.3 Interface.........................................................................................................3
2Product Installation ...................................................................4
2.1 Installation Preparation.................................................................................4
2.2 Hardware Installation ....................................................................................5
3Technical Specifications ...........................................................6
3.1 Electrical Specifications ................................................................................6
3.2 Operation Condition.......................................................................................6
3.3 Dimensions....................................................................................................7
3.4 Pin Definition (Top View)...............................................................................8
3.5 PCB Packaging ..............................................................................................9
4Hardware Design .....................................................................10
4.1 Design in Considerations.............................................................................10
4.2 Avoid Power Leakage ..................................................................................11
4.3 Power Supply Requirements .......................................................................11
4.3.1 Main Supply (VCC)................................................................................................ 11
4.3.2 Backup Supply (V_BCKP) ..................................................................................... 11
4.4 Antenna........................................................................................................12
4.5 Reset ............................................................................................................13
4.6 Serial Port ....................................................................................................13
5Disassembly.............................................................................14
6Package....................................................................................14
6.1 Product Label Description...........................................................................14
6.2 Package Description....................................................................................14
7Clean ........................................................................................16
8Reflow Soldering......................................................................17

1
1Introduction
1.1 Overview
Unicore UM220-IV NL is a multi-system GNSS positioning module. Based on the
low power and high performance GNSS SoC-UFirebird, the module supports GPS L1
+BDS B1 dual system joint positioning and single system standalone positioning, as
well as the QZSS signal. The module supports AGNSS, which can reduce the
positioning time with the help of assisted data service when connected to network.
UM220-IV NL is compact in size, with SMT pads, and supports fully automatic
integration of standard pick-and-place and reflow soldering, especially suitable for
low cost and low power consumption fields.
Figure 1-1 UM220-IV NL Module
Main Model
Sub-
model
PN
Standard
System
Interface
Data
updating
rate
Professional
Automotive
GPS
BDS
GLONASS
QZSS
UART1
UART2
UM220-IV NL
GB
080101016200
●
●
●
●
●
●
1Hz
Note: The sub-model (GB) is displayed in the lower left corner of the module.

UM220-IV NL User Manual
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1.2 Key Features
Power
Voltage
+3.0~3.6 VDC
Power consumption1
50mW
RF Input
Input VSWR
≤2.5
Input impedance
50Ω
Antenna gain
15～30dB
Physical Characteristics
Dimension
16.0*12.2*2.4mm
Weight
0.8g
Environment
Operating Temperature
-40˚C ~ +85˚C
Storage Temperature
-45˚C ~ +90˚C
RoHS
Compliant
Input/ Output Data Interface
UART
2 UART, LVTTL. Baud rate 4800～115200bps
GNSS Performance
Frequency
BDS B1：1561.098MHz
GPS L1：1575.42MHz
TTFF
Cold Start：28s
Hot Start：1s
Reacquisition：1s
AGNSS2：4s
Positioning accuracy3
2.0m (Dual system Horizontal, Open sky)
3.5m (Dual system vertical, Open sky)
Velocity accuracy (RMS)
0.1m/s (Dual system Horizontal, Open sky)
1
Continuous positioning, typical value
2
Timely input of assistance data
3
CEP, 50%

3
Sensitivity4
GN
BDS
GPS
Tracking
-160dBm
-159dBm
-160dBm
Acquisition
-147dBm
-146dBm
-147dBm
Hot Start
-151dBm
-150dBm
-151dBm
Reacquisition
-158dBm
-157dBm
-158dBm
1PPS (RMS) 5
20ns
Data update rate
1Hz
Data Output6
NMEA 0183，Unicore Protocol
1.3 Interface
GNSS IC
LNA SAW
TCXO
Battery
RTC
Crystal
RESET_N
UART
PPS
UM220-IV
NL
Figure 1-2 Structure Chart
UART
UM220-IV NL module COM1 is the primary serial port, which supports data transfer and
firmware upgrade. The signal input/output level is LVTTL. The default baud rate varies
according to the version of firmware, and the baud rate can be configured up to
115200bps
7
. During design, please ensure that COM1 is connected to a PC or an
external processor for firmware upgrades.
COM2 only supports data transfer, and cannot be used for firmware upgrade purpose. It
4
When C/N0 is 41db
5
1 hour statistics, timing is not recommended.
6
, 7Can be configured by users, refer to
UFirebird_Standard Positioning Products Protocol Specification for details

UM220-IV NL User Manual
4
is reserved for future use.
1PPS
UM220-IV NL outputs 1PPS with adjustable pulse width and polarity.
2Product Installation
2.1 Installation Preparation
UM220-IV NL Modules are Electrostatic Sensitive Devices and require special
precautions when handling:
Follow the steps in section 2.2 in the correct order
Electrostatic discharge (ESD) may cause damage to the device. All operations
mentioned in this chapter shall be carried out on an antistatic workbench,
wearing an antistatic wrist strap and using a conductive foam pad. If antistatic
workbench is not available, wear an antistatic wrist strap and connect the other
end to a metal frame to play a role in anti-static protection.
Hold the edge of the module, not in direct contact with the components
Please check carefully whether the module has obviously loose or damaged
components. If you have any questions, please contact us or your local dealer.
Figure 2-1 shows the typical installation of UM220-IV NL EVK suites
Figure 2-1 Typical Installation
Please check the contents of the package carefully after receiving the package of
UM220-IV NL:
UM220-IV NL EVK suite (with AC Adapter)
UM220-IV NL User manual
uSTAR application package
Antenna
Receiver or EVK with
UM220-IV N inside

5
Qualified antenna
Antenna connection cable
Direct serial cable
PC or Laptop with serial ports (Windows 2000/xp/win7)
Please keep the box and anti-static plastic bags for storage and handling
2.2 Hardware Installation
After the above preparation is complete, follow the steps below to install:
Step 1: Make sure to take full anti-static measures, such as wearing an anti-static wrist
strap and grounding the workbench.
Step 2: Open the UM220-IV NL evaluation kit.
Step 3: Select the GNSS antenna with appropriate gain, fix it in the non-block area, using
the appropriate cable to connect the antenna with UM220 EVK.
Step 4: Connect the PC to the EVK serial port through the straight-through serial cable.
Step 5: Power the evaluation board and initialize the UM220-IV NL.
Step 6: Open the uSTAR.
Step 7: Control the receiver through uSTAR to display constellations view, log
messages, and receiver status.

UM220-IV NL User Manual
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3Technical Specifications
3.1 Electrical Specifications
Absolute Maximum Rating
Item
Symbol
Min
Max
Unit
Condition
Power Supply (VCC)
Vcc
-0.5
3.6
V
VCC Ripple
Vrpp
50
mV
Digital IO
Vin
-0.5
Vcc +0.2
V
Storage Temperature
Tstg
-45
90
℃
MSL
□Level 1 □Level 2 ■Level 3 □TBD
3.2 Operation Condition
Item
Symbol
Min
Typical
Max
Unit
Condition
Power Supply (Vcc)
Vcc
3.0
3.3
3.6
V
Peak Current
Iccp
28
mA
Vcc = 3.0 V
Tracking Average Current
IACQ
15
17
19
mA
Vcc = 3.0V
Low Level Input Voltage
Vin_low
0.7
V
High Level Input Voltage
Vin_high
1.2
V
Low Level Output Voltage
Vout_low
0.4
V
Iout = -8
mA
High Level Output
Voltage
Vout_high
Vcc–0.4
V
Iout = 8 mA
Antenna Gain
Gant
15
30
dB
Noise Figure
Nftot
2
dB
Operating Temperature
Topr
-40
85
℃

7
3.3 Dimensions
Symbol
Min (mm)
Typical (mm）
Max (mm)
A
15.9
16.0
16.5
B
12.05
12.2
12.35
C
2.2
2.4
2.6
D
0.9
1.0
1.3
E
1.0
1.1
1.2
F
2.9
3.0
3.1
G
0.9
1.0
1.3
H
0.7
0.8
0.9
K (Outside the hole)
0.7
0.8
0.9
N (Inside the hole)
0.4
0.5
0.6
M
0.8
0.9
1.0
Figure 3-1 Mechanical Layout

UM220-IV NL User Manual
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3.4 Pin Definition (Top View)
NC
NC
TXD1
RXD1
VCC
TIME PULSE
NC
NC
NC
NC
AADET_N
nRESET
VCC_RF
GND
RF_IN
GND
V_BCKP
GND
GND
NC
GPIO2
TXD2
RXD2
NC
Top View
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
24
23
22
21
20
19
18
17
16
15
14
13
Figure 3-2 UM220-IV NL Top View
No
Name
I/O
Electrical level
Description
1
nRESET
I
LVTTL
For reset, Low level active, if you do
not use the pin, please leave it
floating
2
AADET_N
I
LVTTL
Antenna detection
3
TIMEPULSE
O
LVTTL
Time pulse (1PPS)
4
NC
I
LVTTL
Reserve
5
GPIO2
I
LVTTL
Antenna detection
6
TXD2
O
LVTTL
UART 2-TX
7
RXD2
I
LVTTL
UART 2-RX
8
NC
Reserve
9
VCC_RF
O
=VCC
Output voltage RF section
10
GND
—
Ground
11
RF_IN
I
GNSS signal input (BDS B1+GPS L1）
12
GND
—
Ground
13
GND
—
Ground
14
NC
Reserve
15
NC
Reserve
16
NC
Reserve
17
NC
Reserve
18
NC
I/O
LVTTL
Reserve
19
NC
I/O
LVTTL
Reserve
20
TXD1
O
LVTTL
UART 1-TX
21
RXD1
I
LVTTL
UART 1-RX

9
No
Name
I/O
Electrical level
Description
22
V_BCKP
I
1.65V~3.6V
Backup voltage supply
If you do not use the hot start function,
connect V_BCKP to VCC. Do NOT
connect it to ground or leave it
floating.
23
VCC
—
3.0V~3.6 V
Main power
24
GND
—
Ground
3.5 PCB Packaging
Figure 3-3 UM220-IV NL Recommended PCB Packaging（unit: mil，in brackets: mm）
In the design of PCB solder, make sure that the area under the UM220-IV NL module is
fully covered with solder mask.

UM220-IV NL User Manual
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4Hardware Design
4.1 Design in Considerations
To ensure that UM220-IV NL works properly, please pay attention to the following:
Recommended to connect 1 KΩresistance at RX serial ports, and 33 Ω or 1 KΩ
resistance at TX serial ports; other necessary PIOs require 4.7 KΩresistance
connected in series at the pin. The resistance can be adjusted slightly according
to the application to achieve better effect.
Connect all the GND pins to ground.
Connect the RF_IN signal to the antenna, and the line should keep 50Ω impedance
matching.
Ensure COM1 is connected to a PC or an external processor. Users can use this
serial port to receive position data. COM1 is also necessary for firmware upgrades.
In order to obtain good performance, special concern should be paid during the design：
Power supply: Stable and low ripple power is necessary for good performance.
Make sure the peak to peak voltage ripple does not exceed 50mV.
−Using LDO to ensure the purity of power supply
−Try to place LDO close to the module in layout
−Widening the power circuit or use copper pour surface to transmit current
−Avoid wiring through any high-power or high inductance devices such as
magnetic coils
UART interfaces: Ensure that the signals and baud rate of the main equipment
match that of the UM220-IV NL module
Antenna interface: Make sure the antenna impedance matching, and the circuit is
short and smooth; try to avoid acute angles
Antenna position: In order to ensure a good signal-to-noise ratio, the antenna is
required to be well isolated from any electromagnetic radiation source, especially
the electromagnetic radiation in the frequency range of 1559 ~ 1607MHz
Try to avoid circuits below UM220-IV NL
This module is a temperature sensitive device and dramatic changes in
temperature will result in reduced performance, so keep it as far away from any

11
high-temperature air and high-power heating devices as possible.
4.2 Avoid Power Leakage
When the module is not powered on, if there is data input at the input ports (including RXD
and GPIO), it will cause power leakage on the VCC. When the leakage voltage is higher
than 1.6 V, it may cause failure of starting up when the module is powered on.
Solution:
When the module is not powered on, make sure that the IO ports connected to the module
is in a high-resistance state or a low level to avoid power leakage. You can also connect
a 1KΩ resistor at the RX ports and a 33Ω or 1KΩ resistor at the TX ports, and connect a
4.7KΩ resistor at other necessary PIOs.
4.3 Power Supply Requirements
4.3.1 Main Supply (VCC)
The voltage range of VCC is 3.0 V ~ 3.6 V.
Notes:
The VCC initial level when power-on should be less than 0.4 V.
The VCC ramp when power-on should be monotonic, without plateaus.
The voltages of undershoot and ringing should be within 5% VCC.
VCC power-on waveform: The time interval from 10% rising to 90% must be within
100 μs ~ 10 ms.
Power-on time interval: The time interval between the power-off (VCC < 0.4 V) to
the next power-on is recommended to be larger than 500 ms.
4.3.2 Backup Supply (V_BCKP)
If the hot start function is needed, users should supply backup power to the module. The
voltage range of V_BCKP is 1.65 V ~ 3.6 V.
Notes:
The V_BCKP initial level when power-on should be less than 0.4 V.
The V_BCKP ramp when power-on should be monotonic, without plateaus.
The voltages of undershoot and ringing should be within 5% V_BCKP.
V_BCKP power-on waveform: The time interval from 10% rising to 90% must be
within 100 μs ~ 10 ms.

UM220-IV NL User Manual
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Power-on time interval: The time interval between the power-off (V_BCKP < 0.4 V)
to the next power-on is recommended to be larger than 500 ms.
The V_BCKP pin cannot be floating or connected to ground. When V_BCKP is not
used, it should be connected to VCC or connected to backup power.
4.4 Antenna
If the UM220-IV NL uses an active antenna, the bias voltage V_BIAS is supplied to the
antenna through a feed inductor. It’s recommended to use an independent power as
V_BIAS to supply the antenna.
If the antenna power supply and the module’s main supply VCC use the same power rail,
the ESD, surge and overvoltage from the antenna will have an effect on VCC, which may
cause damage to the module. Therefore, it’s recommended to design an independent
power rail for the antenna to reduce the possibility of damage to the module.
V_BIAS
UM220 -IV N
RF_IN
VCC_RF
Figure 4-1 UM220-IV NL Active Antenna Solution
If UM220-IV NL uses a passive antenna, the antenna can be directly connected to the
RF_IN pin. It should be noted that the use of a passive antenna may cause a decrease in
GNSS performance compared to an active antenna.
UM220 -IV N
RF_IN
VCC_RF
Figure 4-2 UM220-IV NL Passive Antenna Solution

13
4.5 Reset
If the reset pin nRESET of UM220-IV NL module needs to be used, the following timing
requirements must be met between the nRESET and the power supply VCC. During normal
operation of the module, pulling down the nRESET pin over 5 ms can also reset the module.
VCC
nRESET
> 5ms
Figure 4-3 UM220-IV NL Reset Requirement
4.6 Serial Port
UM220-IV NL has two LVTTL serial port. For PC connection, please use a RS232 voltage
level converter.
UM220-IV N
PC
RS232
UART2
UART1
RS232 2
RS232 1
Figure 4-4 Connect COM to PC

UM220-IV NL User Manual
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5Disassembly
When it is necessary to remove the module, it is recommended to melt the soldering tin
of the pins on both sides of the module with an electric soldering iron and remove the
module with tweezers. Do not use other means to remove the module (such as using a
hot air gun to blow module), which may otherwise lead to module damage.
6Package
6.1 Product Label Description
Main Model
Sub-model
Serial Number
Part Number
Product QR Code
XX
6.2 Package Description
The UM220-IV NL module is packaged in vacuum sealed aluminum foil anti-static bags
with desiccant and moisture-proof agent. When using reflow welding process to weld
modules, please strictly comply with IPC standard to conduct humidity control on
modules. As packaging materials such as the carrier tape can only withstand the
temperature of 65 degrees Celsius, modules shall be removed from the package during
baking.

15
Figure 6-1 Module Package
Item
Description
Module
500 pcs/reel
Reel size
Tray: 13"
External diameter 330mm, internal diameter 100mm, wide 24mm,
thickness 2.0mm
Carrier tape
Space between: 20mm
Check the humidity indicator card before soldering. The 30% indication is blue for
normal conditions, as shown in figure 6-2. Bake modules firstly before soldering if the
30% indication turns pink, as shown in figure 6-3. The UM220-IV NL modules are rated
at MSL level 3. For more MSL information, please refer to www.jedec.org.
Figure 6-2 the 30% indication is blue