L96 Hardware Design GNSS Module Series Rev. L96_Hardware_Design_V1.2 Date: 2018-02-13 Status: Released www.quectel.com GNSS Module Series L96 Hardware Design Our aim is to provide customers with timely and comprehensive service. For any assistance, please contact our company headquarters: Quectel Wireless Solutions Co., Ltd. 7th Floor, Hongye Building, No.1801 Hongmei Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai 200233, China Tel: +86 21 5108 6236 Email: info@quectel.com Or our local office. For more information, please visit: http://quectel.com/support/sales.htm For technical support, or to report documentation errors, please visit: http://quectel.com/support/technical.htm Or email to: support@quectel.com GENERAL NOTES QUECTEL OFFERS THE INFORMATION AS A SERVICE TO ITS CUSTOMERS. THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IS BASED UPON CUSTOMERS' REQUIREMENTS. QUECTEL MAKES EVERY EFFORT TO ENSURE THE QUALITY OF THE INFORMATION IT MAKES AVAILABLE. 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L96_Hardware_Design 1 / 51 GNSS Module Series L96 Hardware Design About the Document History Revision Date Author Description 1.0 2017-10-27 Brooke WANG/ Kane ZHU Initial 1. 2. 1.1 2017-12-22 Brooke WANG 3. 4. 1.2 2018-02-13 L96_Hardware_Design Brooke WANG/ Gene LI Enabled 3D_FIX, JAM_DET and GEO_FENCE interfaces for the module, and updated Figure 2 (Pin Assignment) for the three pins. Added the description of 3D_FIX, JAM_DET and GEO_FENCE interfaces in Table 4 (Pin Description) and Chapter 3.8~3.10. Updated the thickness of the module in Table 1 (Key Features) and Chapter 6 (Mechanical Dimensions). Updated the recommended footprint (Figure 22). 1. Added a note about I2C interface in Chapter 2.2 and 3.7. 2. Updated the block diagram in Chapter 2.3. 2 / 51 GNSS Module Series L96 Hardware Design Contents About the Document ................................................................................................................................... 2 Contents ....................................................................................................................................................... 3 Table Index ................................................................................................................................................... 5 Figure Index ................................................................................................................................................. 6 1 Introduction .......................................................................................................................................... 7 2 Product Concept .................................................................................................................................. 8 2.1. General Description................................................................................................................... 8 2.2. Key Features ............................................................................................................................. 9 2.3. Block Diagram ......................................................................................................................... 10 2.4. Evaluation Board ..................................................................................................................... 11 2.5. Protocols Supported by the Module ........................................................................................ 11 3 Application Interfaces ....................................................................................................................... 12 3.1. Pin Assignment........................................................................................................................ 12 3.2. Pin Description ........................................................................................................................ 13 3.3. Power Supply .......................................................................................................................... 15 3.4. Operation Modes ..................................................................................................................... 16 3.4.1. Full on Mode................................................................................................................... 17 3.4.2. Standby Mode ................................................................................................................ 18 3.4.3. Backup Mode ................................................................................................................. 18 3.4.4. Periodic Mode ................................................................................................................ 20 3.4.5. AlwaysLocateTM Mode ................................................................................................... 22 3.4.6. GLP Mode ...................................................................................................................... 23 3.5. Reset ....................................................................................................................................... 24 3.6. UART Interface ........................................................................................................................ 25 3.7. I2C Interface ............................................................................................................................ 27 3.8. 3D_FIX Interface ..................................................................................................................... 28 3.9. JAM_DET Interface ................................................................................................................. 28 3.10. GEO_FENCE Interface ........................................................................................................... 28 3.11. EASY Autonomous AGPS Technology ................................................................................... 29 3.12. EPO Offline AGPS Technology ............................................................................................... 29 3.13. Multi-tone AIC .......................................................................................................................... 29 3.14. ANTON .................................................................................................................................... 30 3.15. LOCUS .................................................................................................................................... 30 3.16. PPS VS. NMEA ....................................................................................................................... 30 4 Antenna Interfaces............................................................................................................................. 32 4.1. Antenna Specifications ............................................................................................................ 32 4.2. Recommended Circuit for Antenna ......................................................................................... 33 4.2.1. Active Antenna ............................................................................................................... 33 4.2.1.1. Active Antenna without ANTON ............................................................................. 33 L96_Hardware_Design 3 / 51 GNSS Module Series L96 Hardware Design 4.2.1.2. Active Antenna with ANTON .................................................................................. 34 4.2.2. Passive Antenna ............................................................................................................ 35 4.2.2.1. Passive Antenna without External LNA ................................................................. 35 4.2.2.2. Passive Antenna with External LNA ...................................................................... 35 4.2.3. Internal Antenna ............................................................................................................. 36 4.3. PCB Layout Suggestion .......................................................................................................... 37 5 Electrical, Reliability and Radio Characteristics ............................................................................ 38 5.1. Absolute Maximum Ratings .................................................................................................... 38 5.2. Operating Conditions .............................................................................................................. 39 5.3. Current Consumption .............................................................................................................. 39 5.4. Reliability Test ......................................................................................................................... 40 5.5. ESD Protection ........................................................................................................................ 40 6 Mechanical Dimensions .................................................................................................................... 42 6.1. Top and Side Dimensions of the Module ................................................................................ 42 6.2. Bottom Dimensions and Recommended Footprint ................................................................. 43 6.3. Top and Bottom Views of the Module ..................................................................................... 45 7 Manufacturing, Packaging and Ordering Information ................................................................... 46 7.1. Assembly and Soldering ......................................................................................................... 46 7.2. Moisture Sensitivity ................................................................................................................. 47 7.3. Tape and Reel Packaging ....................................................................................................... 47 7.4. Ordering Information ............................................................................................................... 48 8 Appendix A References..................................................................................................................... 49 L96_Hardware_Design 4 / 51 GNSS Module Series L96 Hardware Design Table Index TABLE 1: KEY FEATURES ................................................................................................................................. 9 TABLE 2: SUPPORTED PROTOCOLS.............................................................................................................. 11 TABLE 3: I/O PARAMETERS DEFINITION ....................................................................................................... 13 TABLE 4: PIN DESCRIPTION ........................................................................................................................... 13 TABLE 5: MODULE STATE SWITCH ................................................................................................................ 16 TABLE 6: DEFAULT CONFIGURATION ............................................................................................................ 17 TABLE 7: FORMAT OF THE PMTK COMMAND ENABLING PERIODIC MODE ............................................. 20 TABLE 8: AVERAGE CURRENT CONSUMPTION IN GLP MODE AND NORMAL MODE ............................. 23 TABLE 9: GEO_FENCE VOLTAGE LEVEL STATUS IN DIFFERENT URC REPORT MODES ....................... 28 TABLE 10: RECOMMENDED ANTENNA SPECIFICATIONS........................................................................... 32 TABLE 11: ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM RATINGS .................................................................................................. 38 TABLE 12: POWER SUPPLY RATINGS ........................................................................................................... 39 TABLE 13: CURRENT CONSUMPTION ........................................................................................................... 39 TABLE 14: RELIABILITY TEST ......................................................................................................................... 40 TABLE 15: REEL PACKAGING ......................................................................................................................... 48 TABLE 16: ORDERING INFORMATION ........................................................................................................... 48 TABLE 17: RELATED DOCUMENTS ................................................................................................................ 49 TABLE 18: TERMS AND ABBREVIATIONS ...................................................................................................... 49 L96_Hardware_Design 5 / 51 GNSS Module Series L96 Hardware Design Figure Index FIGURE 1: BLOCK DIAGRAM .......................................................................................................................... 10 FIGURE 2: PIN ASSIGNMENT ......................................................................................................................... 12 FIGURE 3: INTERNAL POWER CONSTRUCTION.......................................................................................... 16 FIGURE 4: RTC SUPPLY FROM NON-CHARGEABLE BATTERY .................................................................. 19 FIGURE 5: REFERENCE CHARGING CIRCUIT FOR RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES ................................. 19 FIGURE 6: OPERATION MECHANISM OF PERIODIC MODE........................................................................ 21 FIGURE 7: POWER CONSUMPTION IN DIFFERENT SCENARIOS (ALWAYSLOCATETM MODE) ............... 22 FIGURE 8: REFERENCE RESET CIRCUIT USING OC CIRCUIT ................................................................... 24 FIGURE 9: MODULE TIMING ........................................................................................................................... 25 FIGURE 10: CONNECTION OF SERIAL INTERFACES .................................................................................. 25 FIGURE 11: RS-232 LEVEL SHIFT CIRCUIT ................................................................................................... 26 FIGURE 12: I2C DESIGN FOR L96 MODULE ................................................................................................. 27 FIGURE 13: PPS VS. NMEA TIMING ............................................................................................................... 31 FIGURE 14: REFERENCE DESIGN FOR ACTIVE ANTENNA WITHOUT ANTON ......................................... 33 FIGURE 15: REFERENCE DESIGN FOR ACTIVE ANTENNA WITH ANTON ................................................. 34 FIGURE 16: REFERENCE DESIGN FOR PASSIVE ANTENNA WITHOUT LNA ............................................ 35 FIGURE 17: REFERENCE DESIGN FOR PASSIVE ANTENNA WITH LNA .................................................... 36 FIGURE 18: REFERENCE DESIGN FOR INTERNAL ANTENNA ................................................................... 36 FIGURE 19: PCB LAYOUT................................................................................................................................ 37 FIGURE 20: TOP AND SIDE DIMENSIONS ..................................................................................................... 42 FIGURE 21: BOTTOM DIMENSIONS ............................................................................................................... 43 FIGURE 22: RECOMMENDED FOOTPRINT ................................................................................................... 44 FIGURE 23: TOP VIEW OF THE MODULE ...................................................................................................... 45 FIGURE 24: BOTTOM VIEW OF THE MODULE .............................................................................................. 45 FIGURE 25: RECOMMENDED REFLOW SOLDERING THERMAL PROFILE................................................ 46 FIGURE 26: TAPE AND REEL SPECIFICATIONS ........................................................................................... 47 L96_Hardware_Design 6 / 51 GNSS Module Series L96 Hardware Design 1 Introduction This document defines and specifies L96 GNSS module. It describes the hardware interfaces, external application reference circuits, mechanical size and air interface of L96 module. This document can help customers quickly understand the interface specifications, as well as electrical and mechanical details of L96 module. Other documents such as L96 software application notes and user guides are also provided for them. These documents ensure customers can use L96 module to design and set up mobile applications quickly. L96_Hardware_Design 7 / 51 GNSS Module Series L96 Hardware Design 2 Product Concept 2.1. General Description L96 is a single receiver module integrated with GPS, GLONASS, Galileo (RLM supported) and BeiDou systems. It is able to achieve the industry's highest level of sensitivity, accuracy and TTFF with the lowest power consumption in a small-footprint lead-free package. The embedded flash memory provides capacity for storing user-specific configurations and allows for future updates. The L96 module supports multiple positioning and navigation systems including autonomous GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, SBAS (including WAAS, EGNOS, MSAS and GAGAN), QZSS, DGPS, and AGPS. Designed with many advanced power saving modes including periodic, AlwaysLocateTM, standby and backup, L96 has excellent low-power consumption in different scenarios. EASY technology as the key feature of L96 module is one kind of AGPS. Capable of collecting and processing all internal aiding information like GPS time, Ephemeris, Last Position, etc., the GNSS module delivers a very short TTFF in either Hot or Warm start. L96 module is an SMD type module with the compact 14.0mm x 9.6mm x 2.0mm form factor. It can be embedded in customers' applications through the 31-pin pads with 1.0mm pitch. It provides necessary hardware interfaces for connection with the main PCB. The module is fully compliant with EU RoHS directive. L96_Hardware_Design 8 / 51 GNSS Module Series L96 Hardware Design 2.2. Key Features Table 1: Key Features Features Implementation Receiver Type1) GPS L1 1575.42MHz C/A Code GLONASS L1 1598.0625MHz~1605.375MHz C/A Code Galileo L1 1575.42MHz C/A Code BeiDou B1 1561.098MHz C/A Code Power Supply Supply voltage: 2.8V~4.3V Typical: 3.3V Power Consumption Refer to Table 13 Sensitivity Acquisition: -148dBm Reacquisition: -160dBm Tracking: -165dBm TTFF (EASY Enabled) Cold Start: <15s average @-130dBm Warm Start: <5s average @-130dBm Hot Start:1s @-130dBm TTFF (EASY Disabled) Cold Start (Autonomous): <35s average @-130dBm Warm Start (Autonomous): <30s average @-130dBm Hot Start (Autonomous): 1s @-130dBm Horizontal Position Accuracy (Autonomous) <2.5m CEP @-130dBm Update Rate Up to 10Hz, 1Hz by default Accuracy of 1PPS Signal Typical accuracy: <10ns Time pulse width: 100ms Velocity Accuracy Without aid: 0.1m/s Acceleration Accuracy Without aid: 0.1m/s Dynamic Performance Maximum Altitude: 18000m Maximum Velocity: 515m/s Acceleration: 4G UART port: TXD1 and RXD1 Supports baud rate from 4800bps to 115200bps; 9600bps by default UART port is used for NMEA output, PMTK/PQ proprietary messages transmission and firmware upgrade UART Interface I2C Interface2) L96_Hardware_Design Supports fast mode, with bit rate up to 400Kbps Supports 7-bit address 9 / 51 GNSS Module Series L96 Hardware Design Outputs NMEA data by default when reading; it can also receive PMTK/PQ commands via I2C bus Temperature Range Normal operation: -40C ~ +85C Storage temperature: -40C ~ +90C Physical Characteristics Size: (14.00.15)mm x (9.60.15)mm x (2.00.20)mm Weight: Approx. 0.6g NOTES 1. 1) The default GNSS configuration of L96 is GPS+GLONASS. For more details about the GNSS configuration, please refer to document [2]. 2. 2) I2C interface is supported only on firmware versions ended with "SC". In other firmware versions, I2C_SDA and I2C_SCL pins are used for RTCM data output. When I2C interface is supported, NEMA data should be outputted via I2C interface rather than UART interface, otherwise there maybe NEMA data loss. 2.3. Block Diagram The following figure shows the block diagram of L96 module. It consists of a single chip GNSS IC which includes RF/Baseband parts, a LNA, a SAW filter, a TCXO and a crystal oscillator. RF_IN Saw filter RF Front-End Integrated LNA Fractional-N Syntheszer Active Interference Cancellation VCC PMU GNSS Engine TCXO ROM RF_OUT Peripheral controller LNA RAM Saw filter ARM7 Processor Flash Internal Chip Antenna V_BCKP FORCE_ON I2C UART RESET EXTINT0 TIMEPULSE ANTON RTC 32.768K XTAL Figure 1: Block Diagram L96_Hardware_Design 10 / 51 GNSS Module Series L96 Hardware Design 2.4. Evaluation Board In order to help customers to use L96 module on their applications, Quectel supplies the evaluation board (EVB), Micro-USB cable, active antenna and other peripherals to test the module. For more details, please refer to document [1]. 2.5. Protocols Supported by the Module Table 2: Supported Protocols Protocol Type NMEA Output, ASCII, 0183, 4.10 PMTK Input/Output, MTK proprietary protocol PQ Input/Output, Quectel proprietary protocol NOTES 1. 2. Please refer to document [2] for details of NMEA standard protocol and MTK proprietary protocol. Please refer to document [6] for details of Quectel proprietary protocol. L96_Hardware_Design 11 / 51 GNSS Module Series L96 Hardware Design 3 Application Interfaces The module is equipped with a 31-pin 1.0mm pitch SMT pad that connects to customers' application platforms. Sub-interfaces included in the pad are described in details in the following chapters. 3.1. Pin Assignment 14 GND7 GND6 13 15 GND8 GND5 12 16 RF_OUT GND4 11 17 RF_IN GND3 10 18 GND9 VCC 9 19 GND10 V_BCKP 8 20 JAM_DET EXTINT0 7 21 GND11 I2C_SCL 6 22 GND12 GND2 5 23 RESET GND1 4 24 GEO_FENCE I2C_SDA 3 25 TXD1 3D_FIX 2 26 RXD1 NC1 1 L96 GND14 31 ANTON 30 TIMEPULSE 29 FORCE_ON 28 27 GND13 (Top View) Figure 2: Pin Assignment L96_Hardware_Design 12 / 51 GNSS Module Series L96 Hardware Design 3.2. Pin Description Table 3: I/O Parameters Definition Type Description IO Bidirectional DI Digital input DO Digital output PI Power input AI Analog input AO Analog output Table 4: Pin Description Power Supply Pin Name Pin No. I/O Description DC Characteristics Comment Vmax=4.5V Vmin=1.5V Vnom=3.3V IV_BCKP=7uA @Backup mode Supply power domain when powered off. for RTC VCC is V_BCKP 8 PI Backup power supply VCC 9 PI Main power supply Vmax=4.3V Vmin=2.8V Vnom=3.3V Assure load current not less than 150mA. Pin No. I/O Description DC Characteristics Comment Active low. If unused, keep this pin open or connected to VCC. Reset Pin Name 23 DI System reset VILmin=-0.3V VILmax=0.7V VIHmin=2.1V VIHmax=3.1V Pin Name Pin No. I/O Description DC Characteristics Comment TXD1 25 DO Transmit data VOLmax=0.42V UART port is used for RESET UART Port L96_Hardware_Design 13 / 51 GNSS Module Series L96 Hardware Design VOHmin=2.4V VOHnom=2.8V NMEA output, PMTK/PQ proprietary messages transmission and firmware upgrade. 26 DI Receive data VILmin=-0.3V VILmax=0.7V VIHmin=2.1V VIHmax=3.1V Pin Name Pin No. I/O Description DC Characteristics RF_OUT 16 AO RF signal output RF_IN 17 AI RF signal input I/O Description DC Characteristics Comment DO External LNA control pin and active antenna power control pin in power saving mode VOLmax=0.42V VOHmin=2.4V VOHnom=2.8V If unused, keep this pin open. DI Used to enter into or exit from standby mode VILmin=-0.3V VILmax=0.7V VIHmin=2.1V VIHmax=3.1V It is pulled up internally. It is edge-triggered. If unused, keep this pin open. DO One pulse per second VOLmax=0.42V VOHmin=2.4V VOHnom=2.8V Synchronized at rising edge, the pulse width is 100ms. If unused, keep this pin open. VILmin=-0.3V VILmax=0.7V VIHmin=2.1V VIHmax=3.1V Keep this pin open or pulled low before entering into backup mode. It belongs to RTC domain. If unused, keep this pin open. VILmin=-0.3V VILmax=0.7V VIHmin=2.1V VIHmax= 3.1V VOLmax=0.42V VOHmin=2.4V I2C interface outputs NMEA data. It can also receive PMTK/PQ commands by I2C bus. RXD1 RF Interface Comment 50 characteristic impedance. Refer to Chapter 4 for details. Other Interfaces Pin Name ANTON EXTINT0 TIMEPULSE Pin No. 30 7 29 FORCE_ ON 28 DI Logic high will force module to be woken up from backup mode I2C_SDA 3 IO I2C serial data I2C_SCL 6 L96_Hardware_Design IO I2C serial clock 14 / 51 GNSS Module Series L96 Hardware Design VOHnom=2.8V 3D_FIX JAM_DET GEO_FENCE 2 20 24 DO 3D fix indicator VOLmax=0.42V VOHmin=2.4V VOHnom=2.8V Active high. If unused, keep this pin open. DO Jamming detection indicator VOLmax=0.42V VOHmin=2.4V VOHnom=2.8V If unused, keep this pin open. DO Geo-fence boundary indicator VOLmax=0.42V VOHmin=2.4V VOHnom=2.8V If unused, keep this pin open. 3.3. Power Supply VCC pin supplies power for BB, RF, I/O and RTC domain. The load current of VCC pin varies according to the VCC level, processor load and satellite acquisition. Typical VCC peak current is 40mA during GNSS acquisition after power-up. So it is important to supply sufficient current and make the power clean and stable. Meanwhile, customers should choose the LDO without built-in output high-speed discharge function to keep long output voltage drop-down period. It is recommended to add the decoupling combination of a 10uF and a 100nF capacitor as well as a 5V/1W zener diode near VCC pin. The V_BCKP pin supplies power for RTC domain. A cell battery with the combination of 4.7uF and 100nF capacitors is recommended nearby V_BCKP pin. The voltage of RTC domain ranges from 1.5V to 4.5V. In order to achieve better Time to First Fix (TTFF), RTC domain should be valid all the time. It can supply power for SRAM memory in RTC domain which contains all the necessary GNSS information for quick start-up and a small amount of user configuration variables. The module's internal power construction is shown as below. VCC pin supplies power for not only PMU but also RTC domain. V_BCKP supplies power for RTC domain only. The two diodes in the following figure construct an OR gate to supply power for RTC domain. FORCE_ON pin belongs to RTC domain. The signal which is marked in red in the following diagram can be used to control ON/OFF of the switch. The following actions will close or open the switch: The switch will be closed by default when VCC is supplying power (VCC off on). Based on the above step, FORCE_ON open or low and sending PMTK command can open the switch (full on backup). Based on the above step, FORCE_ON logic high can close the switch (backup full on). L96_Hardware_Design 15 / 51 GNSS Module Series L96 Hardware Design VCC PMU V_BCKP ARM Logic circuit RTC power FORCE_ON RTC Figure 3: Internal Power Construction 3.4. Operation Modes The table below briefly illustrates the relationship among different operation modes of L96 module. Table 5: Module State Switch Next Mode Current Mode Backup Backup Standby Full on Periodic Always LocateTM GLP N/A N/A Refer to Chapter 3.4.3 N/A N/A N/A Pull STANDBY high. Send any data via UART. N/A N/A N/A Standby N/A N/A Full on Refer to Chapter 3.4.3 Pull STANDBY low PMTK161 N/A PMTK225 PMTK225 Refer to Chapter 3.4.6 GLP N/A N/A Refer to Chapter 3.4.1 N/A N/A N/A Periodic N/A N/A Refer to Chapter 3.4.4 N/A N/A N/A AlwaysLocateTM N/A N/A Refer to Chapter 3.4.5 N/A N/A N/A L96_Hardware_Design 16 / 51 GNSS Module Series L96 Hardware Design NOTE Please refer to document [2] for more details of MTK proprietary protocol (PMTK commands). 3.4.1. Full on Mode Full on mode includes tracking mode and acquisition mode. Acquisition mode is defined as the module starts to search satellites, and to determine the visible satellites, coarse carrier frequency & code phase of satellite signals. When the acquisition is completed, it switches to tracking mode automatically. Tracking mode is defined as the module tracks satellites and demodulates the navigation data from specific satellites. Whether both VCC and V_BCKP pins are valid or only VCC is valid, the module will enter into full on mode automatically and follow the default configuration as below. Please refer to Chapter 3.3 about internal power construction to have a good comprehension. Customers also can use PMTK commands to change the configuration to satisfy requirements. Table 6: Default Configuration Item Configuration Baud Rate 9600bps Protocol NMEA Update Rate 1Hz SBAS Enable AIC Enable LOCUS Disable EASY Technology Enable GNSS GPS+GLONASS Comment RMC, VTG, GGA, GSA, GSV and GLL EASY will be disabled automatically when update rate exceeds 1Hz. In full on mode, the consumption will comply with the following regulation: When the module is powered on, the average current will rush to 40mA and last for a few seconds; then the consumption will be decreased to the acquisition current listed in Table 13 and this state is defined as acquisition state. The state will last for several minutes until it switches to tracking state automatically. The consumption in tracking state is less than that in acquisition and the value is also listed in Table 13. L96_Hardware_Design 17 / 51 GNSS Module Series L96 Hardware Design PMTK commands can be used to switch among multiple positioning systems: $PMTK353,0,1,0,0,0*2A: Search GLONASS satellites only $PMTK353,1,0,0,0,0*2A: Search GPS satellites only $PMTK353,1,1,0,0,0*2B: Search GPS and GLONASS satellites $PMTK353,1,1,1,0,0*2A: Search GPS, GLONASS, Galileo satellites 3.4.2. Standby Mode Standby mode is a low-power consumption mode. In standby mode, the internal core and I/O power domain are still active, but RF and TCXO are powered off, and the module stops satellites search and navigation. UART is still accessible through PMTK commands or any other data, but there are no NMEA messages output. There are two ways to enter into and exit from standby mode. Using EXTINT0 pin: Pulling EXTINT0 low will make the module enter into standby mode and releasing EXTINT0 which has been pulled high internally will make the module back to full on mode. Please note that pulling EXTINT0 pin down to ground will cause the extra current consumption which makes the typical standby mode current consumption reach up to about 600uA @VCC=3.3V. Using PMTK command: Sending PMTK command "$PMTK161,0*28" will make the module enter into standby mode. Sending any data via UART will make the module exit from standby mode as UART is still accessible in standby mode. When the module exits from standby mode, it will use all internal aiding information like GPS time, Ephemeris, Last Position, etc. to get the fastest possible TTFF in either Hot or Warm start. The typical current consumption in standby mode is about 500uA @VCC=3.3V. NOTE Setting the customers' GPIO which controls EXTINT0 pin as input is recommended before turning on the module to avoid entering into standby mode unexpectedly during starting the module due to EXTINT0 pin's edge-triggered characteristic. After that, customers can reset the GPIO as output to control the EXTINT0 pin. If the pin is unused, keep it open. 3.4.3. Backup Mode Backup mode requires lower power consumption than standby mode. In this mode, the module stops acquiring and tracking satellites. UART is not accessible. But the backed-up memory in RTC domain which contains all the necessary GNSS information for quick start-up and a small amount of user configuration variables is alive. Due to the backed-up memory, EASY technology is available. The current consumption in this mode is about 7uA. L96_Hardware_Design 18 / 51 GNSS Module Series L96 Hardware Design There are two ways to enter into backup mode and back to full on mode. Send command "$PMTK225,4*2F" (the signal marked red line opens the switch in Figure 3) to enter into backup mode forever. The only way to wake up the module is pulling the FORCE_ON pin high (the signal marked red line closes the switch in Figure 3). Cutting off VCC and keeping V_BCKP powered will make the module enter into backup mode from full on mode. As long as the VCC pin is powered, the module will enter into full on mode immediately. NOTE Keep FORCE_ON pin open or low before entering into backup mode. Or else, the backup mode will be unavailable. For a better understanding, please refer to Chapter 3.3 to see details about the internal power construction. The V_BCKP pin can be directly provided by an external capacitor or battery (rechargeable or non-chargeable). Please refer to the following figure for RTC backup reference design. Module V_BCKP RTC LDO Non-chargeable Backup Battery 4.7uF 100nF Figure 4: RTC Supply from Non-chargeable Battery The V_BCKP pin does not support charging function for rechargeable battery. It is necessary to add a charging circuit for rechargeable batteries. Charge Circuit 1K VCC Module V_BCKP RTC LDO Chargeable Backup Battery 4.7uF 100nF Figure 5: Reference Charging Circuit for Rechargeable Batteries L96_Hardware_Design 19 / 51 GNSS Module Series L96 Hardware Design Coin-type rechargeable capacitor from Seiko (http://www.sii.co.jp/en) can be used and Schottky diode from ON Semiconductor (http://www.onsemi.com) is recommended to be used here for its low voltage drop. 3.4.4. Periodic Mode Periodic mode can control the full on mode and standby/backup mode periodically to reduce power consumption. It contains periodic standby mode and periodic backup mode. The format of the command, which enables the module to enter into periodic mode, is as following: Table 7: Format of the PMTK Command Enabling Periodic Mode Format: $PMTK225,<Type>,<Run_time>,<Sleep_time>,<2nd_run_time>,<2nd_sleep_time>*<checksum> <CR><LF> Parameter Format Description Type Decimal Type=1: Periodic backup mode Type=2: Periodic standby mode Run_time Decimal Run_time=Full on mode period (ms) Sleep_time Decimal Sleep_time=Standby/Backup mode period (ms) 2nd_run_time Decimal 2nd_run_time=Full on mode period (ms) for extended acquisition in case module's acquisition fails during the Run_time 2nd_sleep_time Decimal 2nd_sleep_time=Standby/Backup mode period (ms) for extended sleep in case module's acquisition fails during the Run_time Checksum Hexadecimal Hexadecimal checksum Example $PMTK225,2,3000,12000,18000,72000*15<CR><LF> $PMTK225,1,3000,12000,18000,72000*16<CR><LF> In periodic standby mode, sending "$PMTK225,0*2B" in any time will make the module enter into full on mode. In periodic backup mode, pulling the FORCE_ON high and sending "$PMTK225,0*2B" immediately will make the module enter into full on mode. L96_Hardware_Design 20 / 51 GNSS Module Series L96 Hardware Design While in periodic backup mode, sending "$PMTK225,0*2B" during the Run_time or 2nd_run_time will also make the module enter into full on mode. But this is hard to operate and thus is not recommended. NOTES 1. 2. Setting the customer's GPIO which controls EXTINT0 as input is recommended before turning on the module to avoid entering into standby mode unexpectedly during starting the module due to EXTINT0 pin's edge-triggered characteristic. After that, customer can reset the GPIO as output to control the EXTINT0 pin. If the pin is unused, keep it open. Keep FORCE_ON pin open or low before entering into periodic backup mode. Or else, the periodic backup mode will be unavailable. The following figure has shown the operation mechanism of periodic mode. When customers send PMTK command, the module will be in the full on mode first. Several minutes later, the module will enter into periodic mode according to the parameters set. When the module fails to fix the position during Run_time, the module will switch to 2nd_run_time and 2nd_sleep_time automatically. As long as the module fixes the position again successfully, the module will return to Run_time and Sleep_time. Before entering into periodic mode, please make sure the module is in tracking mode, otherwise the module may have a risk of failure in satellite tracking. If the module is located in weak signal areas, it is better to set a longer 2nd_run_time to ensure the success of reacquisition. Power Full on Run time Sleep time Run time Sleep time Second run time Second sleep time Second run time Second sleep time Run time Sleep time Run time Sleep time Figure 6: Operation Mechanism of Periodic Mode The average current consumption in periodic mode can be calculated based on the following formula: I periodic= (I tracking*T1+Istandby/backup*T2) / (T1+T2) T1: Run time, T2: Sleep time Example PMTK225,2,3000,12000,18000,72000*15 for periodic mode with 3s in tracking mode and 12s in standby mode based on GPS&GLONASS. The average current consumption is calculated below: L96_Hardware_Design 21 / 51 GNSS Module Series L96 Hardware Design I periodic=(I tracking*T1+Istandby*T2 )/(T1+T2)=(22mA*3s + 0.5mA*12s)/(3s+12s)4.8(mA) PMTK225,1,3000,12000,18000,72000*16 for periodic mode with 3s in tracking mode and 12s in backup mode based on GPS&GLONASS. The average current consumption is calculated below: I periodic=(I tracking*T1+Ibackup*T2 )/(T1+T2)=(22mA*3s + 0.007mA*12s)/(3s+12s)4.4(mA) 3.4.5. AlwaysLocateTM Mode AlwaysLocateTM is an intelligent power saving mode. It contains AlwaysLocateTM backup mode and AlwaysLocateTM standby mode. AlwaysLocateTM standby mode allows the module to switch automatically between full on mode and standby mode. According to the environmental and motion conditions, the module can adaptively adjust the full on time and standby time to achieve the balance between positioning accuracy and power consumption. Sending "$PMTK225,8*23" and the module returning "$PMTK001,225,3*35" means that the module has entered AlwaysLocateTM standby mode successfully, which greatly saves power consumption. Sending "$PMTK225,0*2B" in any time will make the module back to full on mode. AlwaysLocateTM backup mode is similar to AlwaysLocateTM standby mode. The difference is that the AlwaysLocateTM backup mode allows the module to switch automatically between full on mode and backup mode. Sending "$PMTK225,9*22" command will make the module enter into AlwaysLocateTM backup mode. Pulling FORCE_ON high and sending "$PMTK225,0*2B" immediately will make the module back to full on mode. The position accuracy in AlwaysLocateTM mode may be degraded, especially in high speed movement. The following figure illustrates the power consumption of module in different scenarios. Figure 7: Power Consumption in Different Scenarios (AlwaysLocateTM Mode) When located in outdoors in static and equipped with an active antenna, the module has an average current consumption of approx. 2.7mA after tracking satellites in AlwaysLocateTM standby mode and 2.6mA in AlwaysLocateTM backup mode based on GPS&GLONASS. L96_Hardware_Design 22 / 51 GNSS Module Series L96 Hardware Design NOTES 1. 2. Setting the customers' GPIO which controls EXTINT0 as input is recommended before turning on the module to avoid entering into standby mode unexpectedly during starting the module due to EXTINT0 pin's edge-triggered characteristic. After that, customer can reset the GPIO as output to control the EXTINT0. If the pin is unused, keep it open. Keep FORCE_ON pin open or low before entering into AlwaysLocateTM backup mode. Or else, the AlwaysLocateTM backup mode will be unavailable. 3.4.6. GLP Mode GLP (GNSS low power) mode is an optimized solution for wearable fitness and tracking devices. It can reduce power consumption by closing high accuracy positioning. In GLP mode, the module can also provide good positioning performance in walking and running scenarios, and supports automatic dynamic duty operation switch for balance on performance and power consumption. It will come back to normal mode in difficult environments to keep good accuracy, thus realizing maximum performance with the lowest power consumption. The average current consumption in GLP mode is down to 8.1mA in static scenario, which is only 40% of that in normal mode. It may increase a little bit in dynamic scenario. The average current consumption in different outdoor scenarios in GLP mode and normal mode is shown in the table below. Table 8: Average Current Consumption in GLP Mode and Normal Mode Scenario In GLP Mode (mA) In Normal Mode (mA) Static 8.1 20 Walking 10.2 20 Running 10.5 20 Driving 19.3 20 Customers can use the following commands to make the module enter into or exit from the GLP mode: $PQGLP,W,1,1*21: The command is used to set the module into GLP mode. When "$PQGLP,W,OK*09" is returned, it means the module has entered into GLP mode successfully. $PQGLP,W,0,1*20: The command is used to make the module exit from GLP mode. When "$PQGLP,W,OK*09" is returned, it means the module has exited from GLP mode successfully. L96_Hardware_Design 23 / 51 GNSS Module Series L96 Hardware Design NOTES 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. It is recommended to set all the necessary commands before the module enters into GLP mode. If customers need to send commands, please exit from GLP mode first. When the module enters into GLP mode, 1PPS function will be disabled. When the GLP mode is enabled, the SBAS will be affected. In high dynamic scenario, the module will have slightly decreased positioning accuracy in GLP mode. The modules will automatically come back to the normal mode in complex environments to keep good positioning accuracy. 3.5. Reset L96 module can be restarted by driving the RESET to a low level voltage for a certain time and then releasing it. This action will force volatile RAM data loss. Please note that Non-Volatile Backup RAM content is not cleared and thus fast TTFF is possible. An OC driver circuit shown as below is recommended to control the RESET. RESET 4.7K Input pulse 47K Figure 8: Reference Reset Circuit using OC Circuit L96_Hardware_Design 24 / 51 GNSS Module Series L96 Hardware Design The following shows the timing of L96 module. > 2ms VCC Pulldown > 10ms VIH >2.0V RESET VIL<0.8V UART Invalid Valid Invalid Valid Figure 9: Module Timing 3.6. UART Interface The module provides one universal asynchronous receiver & transmitter serial port. The module is designed as DCE (Data Communication Equipment), following the traditional DCE-DTE (Data Terminal Equipment) connection. The module and the client (DTE) are connected through the signal shown in the following figure. It supports data baud rate from 4800bps to 115200bps. UART port: TXD1: Send data to the RXD signal line of DTE RXD1: Receive data from the TXD signal line of DTE Module (DCE) Customer (DTE) UART port TXD1 TXD RXD1 RXD GND GND Figure 10: Connection of Serial Interfaces L96_Hardware_Design 25 / 51 GNSS Module Series L96 Hardware Design This UART port has the following features: UART port can be used for NMEA output, PMTK/PQ proprietary messages transmission and firmware upgrade. The default output NMEA type setting is RMC, VTG, GGA, GSA, GSV and GLL. UART port supports the following data rates: 4800bps, 9600bps, 14400bps, 19200bps, 38400bps, 57600bps and 115200bps. The default setting is 9600bps, 8 bits, no parity bit, 1 stop bit. Hardware flow control and synchronous operation are not supported. The UART port does not support the RS-232 level but only CMOS level. If the module's UART port is connected to the UART port of a computer, it is necessary to add a level shift circuit between the module and the computer. Please refer to the following figure. SP3238 28 25 1 3 TXD1 Module 3.3V V+ C1- GND C2+ VCC C2- V- 24 23 22 19 T1IN T2IN T3IN T4IN 17 T5IN 16 21 20 18 RXD1 C1+ 13 /R1OUT R1OUT R2OUT R3OUT T4OUT T2OUT T3OUT T1OUT T5OUT R1IN R2IN R3IN 27 2 26 3.3V 4 10 6 7 5 12 8 9 11 ONLINE 15 /STATUS 14 /SHUTDOWN 6 7 8 9 To PC serial port 1 2 3 4 5 GND Figure 11: RS-232 Level Shift Circuit NOTE As GNSS module outputs more data than a single GPS system. The default output NMEA types running in 9600bps baud rate and 1Hz update rate will lose some data. The solution to avoid losing data in 9600bps baud rate and 1Hz update rate is to decrease the output NMEA types. 9600bps baud rate is enough to transmit GNSS NMEA in default settings and thus it is recommended. L96_Hardware_Design 26 / 51 GNSS Module Series L96 Hardware Design 3.7. I2C Interface L96 module provides a set of I2C interface. The interface outputs NMEA data by default when reading. It can also receive PMTK/PQ commands by I2C bus. The I2C interface has the following features: Support fast mode, with bit rate up to 400kbps. Support 7-bit address. Work on slave mode. Default I2C address values are Write: 0x20, Read: 0x21. For more details, please refer to document [5]. The following circuit is an example of connection. L96 Module Customer (DTE) I2C_SDA SDA I2C_SCL SCL GND GND Figure 12: I2C Design for L96 Module NOTES 1. 2. 3. I2C_SDA/I2C_SCL should be pulled up to 2.8V outside L96 module. There is need to add a pull-up resistor externally. The voltage threshold of I2C is 2.8V. If the system voltage is not consistent with it, a level shifter circuit must be used. I2C interface is supported only on firmware versions ended with "SC". In other firmware versions, I2C_SDA and I2C_SCL pins are used for RTCM data output. When I2C interface is supported, NEMA data should be outputted via I2C interface rather than UART interface, otherwise there maybe NEMA data loss. L96_Hardware_Design 27 / 51 GNSS Module Series L96 Hardware Design 3.8. 3D_FIX Interface The 3D_FIX is assigned as a fix flag output. The pin will output a high voltage level to indicate successful positioning. 3.9. JAM_DET Interface L96 module provides a jamming detection indicator to detect whether there are any jammers that may have impact on the device. If there is any jammer, the JAM_DET pin will output a low level; otherwise it outputs a high voltage level. 3.10. GEO_FENCE Interface L96 module provides a GEO_FENCE interface to enable geo-fence boundary indication. The module can be configured to report URCs to indicate entering or exiting the geo-fence. And the following four URC report modes are supported: 0: Do not report URC when entering or exiting the geo-fence (default setting) 1: Report URC when entering the geo-fence 2: Report URC when exiting the geo-fence 3: Report URC when entering or exiting the geo-fence By default, the mode is 0, in which case the module will not report any URC to indicate entering or exiting the geo-fence, and GEO_FENCE interface always keeps high. In other modes, the voltage level status of GEO_FENCE is illustrated in the table below. For more details, please refer to document [6]. Table 9: GEO_FENCE Voltage Level Status in Different URC Report Modes URC Mode Voltage Level Status 0 HIGH 1 HIGH to LOW when entering the geo-fence, and then from LOW to HIGH when the module exits the geo-fence again 2 HIGH to LOW when exiting the geo-fence, and then from LOW to HIGH when the module enters the geo-fence again 3 HIGH L96_Hardware_Design 28 / 51 GNSS Module Series L96 Hardware Design 3.11. EASY Autonomous AGPS Technology Supplying aiding information like ephemeris, almanac, rough last position, time and satellite status, can help improve the acquisition sensitivity and the TTFF for a module. This is called as EASY technology and L96's GNSS part supports it. EASY technology works as embedded software which can accelerate TTFF by predicting satellite navigation messages from received ephemeris. The GNSS part will calculate and predict orbit information automatically up to 3 days after first receiving the broadcast ephemeris, and save the predicted information into the internal memory. GNSS part of L96 will use the information for positioning if no enough information from satellites, so the function is helpful for positioning and TTFF improvement. The EASY function can reduce TTFF to 5s in warm start. In this case, GNSS's backup domain should be valid. In order to gain enough broadcast ephemeris information from GNSS satellites; the GNSS part should receive the information for at least 5 minutes in good signal conditions after it fixes the position. EASY function is enabled by default. Command "$PMTK869,1,0*34" can be used to disable EASY function. For more details, please refer to document [2]. 3.12. EPO Offline AGPS Technology L96 module features a function called EPO (Extended Prediction Orbit) which is a world leading technology that supports 30-day orbit predictions to customers. Occasional download from the EPO server is needed. For more details, please refer to document [4]. 3.13. Multi-tone AIC L96 module has a function called multi-tone AIC (Active Interference Cancellation) to decease harmonic of RF noise from Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GSM and 3G. Up to 12 multi-tone AIC embedded in the module can provide effective narrow-band interference and jamming elimination. The GNSS signal could be demodulated from the jammed signal, which can ensure better navigation quality. AIC function is enabled by default. Enabling AIC function will increase current consumption by about 1mA @VCC=3.3V. The following commands can be used to set AIC function. Enable AIC function: "$PMTK 286,1*23". Disable AIC function: "$PMTK 286,0*22". L96_Hardware_Design 29 / 51 GNSS Module Series L96 Hardware Design 3.14. ANTON L96 module provides a pin called ANTON which is related to module operation modes. Its voltage level will change in different module operation modes. When the module works in full on mode, this pin is in high level. While working in standby mode, backup mode, AlwaysLocateTM mode, or during sleep time in periodic mode, this pin is in low level. Based on this characteristic, the ANTON pin can be used to control the power supply of active antenna or the enable pin of the external LNA to reduce power consumption. Please refer to Chapter 3.2 for more electrical characteristics about this pin. There is an example of this pin's application described in Chapter 4.2. 3.15. LOCUS L96 module supports the embedded logger function called LOCUS. When enabled by PMTK command "$PMTK185, 0*22", the function allows the module to log GNSS data to internal flash memory automatically without the need to wake up host, and thus, the module can enter into Sleep mode to save power consumption, and does not need to receive NMEA information all the time. L96 provides a log capacity of more than 16 hours. The detail procedures of this function are illustrated below: The module has fixed the position (only effective in 3D_fixed scenario). Sending PMTK command "$PMTK184,1*22" to erase internal flash. Sending PMTK command "$PMTK185,0*22" to start logging. The module logs the basic information (UTC time, latitude, longitude and height) every 15 seconds to internal flash memory. Stop logging the information by sending PMTK command "$PMTK185,1*23". MCU can get the data via UART by sending "$PMTK622,1*29" to the module. PMTK Command "$PMTK183*38" can be used to query the state of LOCUS. The raw data which MCU gets has to be parsed via LOCUS parser code provided by Quectel. For more details, please contact Quectel technical supports. 3.16. PPS VS. NMEA Pulse per Second (PPS) VS. NMEA can be used for time service. The latency range of the beginning of UART Tx is between 465ms and 485ms, and after the rising edge of PPS. L96_Hardware_Design 30 / 51 GNSS Module Series L96 Hardware Design UTC 12:00:00 UTC 12:00:01 PPS 465ms~485ms UART UTC 12:00:00 UTC 12:00:01 Figure 13: PPS VS. NMEA Timing The feature only supports 1Hz NMEA output and baud rate at 14400bps~115200bps. When the baud rate is 9600bps, it only supports RMC NMEA sentence output. Because at low baud rates, per second transmission may exceed one second if there are many NMEA sentences output. Customers can enable this function by sending "$PMTK255,1*2D", and disable the function by sending "$PMTK255,0*2C". L96_Hardware_Design 31 / 51 GNSS Module Series L96 Hardware Design 4 Antenna Interfaces L96 module supports GPS/GLONASS/Galileo/BeiDou systems. The RF signal is obtained from the RF_IN pin. The impedance of RF trace should be controlled as 50, and the trace length should be kept as short as possible. 4.1. Antenna Specifications The L96 module can be connected to a dedicated GPS/GLONASS/Galileo/BeiDou passive or active antenna to receive GPS/GLONASS/Galileo/BeiDou satellite signals. The recommended antenna specifications are given in the following table. Table 10: Recommended Antenna Specifications Antenna Type Specification Passive Antenna GPS frequency: 1575.42MHz2MHz GLONASS frequency: 1602MHz4MHz Galileo frequency: 1575.42MHz1.023MHz BeiDou frequency: 1561.098MHz2MHz VSWR: <2 (Typ.) Polarization: RHCP or Linear Gain: >0dBi Active Antenna GPS frequency: 1575.42MHz2MHz GLONASS frequency:1602MHz4MHz Galileo frequency:1575.42MHz1.023MHz BeiDou frequency: 1561.098MHz2MHzVSWR: <2 (Typ.) Polarization: RHCP or Linear Noise figure: <1.5dB Gain (antenna): >-2dBi Gain (embedded LNA): 20dB (Typ.) Total gain: >18dBi (Typ.) L96_Hardware_Design 32 / 51 GNSS Module Series L96 Hardware Design 4.2. Recommended Circuit for Antenna Both active and passive antennas can be used for L96 module. 4.2.1. Active Antenna 4.2.1.1. Active Antenna without ANTON The following figure is a typical reference design for active antenna without ANTON. In this mode, the antenna's power is from the VCC_3V3. Active Antenna L96 Module matching circuit R1 C2 NM C1 NM L1 47nH RF_IN 0R R3 0R RF_OUT R2 10R VCC_3V3 Figure 14: Reference Design for Active Antenna without ANTON C1, C2 and R1 are reserved matching circuits for antenna impedance modification. By default, C1, C2 and R3 are not mounted, and R1 is 0. L96 module needs 3.3V voltage which can be provided by an external LDO. The inductor L1 is used to prevent the RF signal from leaking into the VCC_3V3 and route the bias supply to the active antenna. The recommended value of L1 is no less than 47nH. R2 can protect the whole circuit in case the active antenna is short-circuited to ground. L96_Hardware_Design 33 / 51 GNSS Module Series L96 Hardware Design 4.2.1.2. Active Antenna with ANTON L96 module can also reduce power consumption by controlling the power supply of active antenna through the pin ANTON. A reference circuit for active antenna with ANTON function is given as below. Active Antenna L96 Module matching circuit R3 0R R4 0R C2 NM C1 NM RF_IN RF_OUT 10R L1 47nH VCC_3V3 R1 Q1 Power control circuit Q2 R2 10K ANTON Figure 15: Reference Design for Active Antenna with ANTON C1, C2 and R3 are reserved matching circuits for antenna impedance modification. By default, C1, C2 and R4 are not mounted, and R3 is 0. ANTON is an optional pin which can be used to control the power supply of the active antenna. When the ANTON pin is pulled down, MOSFET Q1 and Q2 are in high impedance state and the power supply for antenna is cut off. When ANTON is pulled high, it will make Q1 and Q2 in the on-state, and VCC_3V3 will provide power supply for the active antenna. The high and low level of ANTON pin is determined by the module's state. Please refer to Chapter 3.14 for more details. If unused, please keep ANTON pin open. For minimizing the current consumption, the value of resistor R2 should not be too small, and the recommended value is 10K. L96_Hardware_Design 34 / 51 GNSS Module Series L96 Hardware Design 4.2.2. Passive Antenna 4.2.2.1. Passive Antenna without External LNA The following figure is a typical reference design for passive antenna without LNA. Passive Antenna L96 Module matching circuit R1 0R C2 NM C1 NM RF_IN R2 0R RF_OUT Figure 16: Reference Design for Passive Antenna without LNA C1, C2 and R1 are reserved matching circuits for antenna impedance modification. C1, C2 and R2 are not mounted by default, and R1 is 0. Impedance of RF trace should be controlled as 50 and the trace length should be kept as short as possible. 4.2.2.2. Passive Antenna with External LNA In order to improve the receiver sensitivity and reduce the TTFF, an external LNA between the passive antenna and the L96 module is recommended. A reference design is shown as below. L96_Hardware_Design 35 / 51 GNSS Module Series L96 Hardware Design L96 Module Psssive Antenna C3 56pF matching circuit RF_IN RF OUT R1 ENABLE 0R C2 NM C1 NM RF IN RF_OUT VCC R4 0R LNA R2 ANTON VCC_3V3 100R R3 100R Figure 17: Reference Design for Passive Antenna with LNA Here, C1, C2 and R1 form a reserved matching circuit for passive antenna and LNA. C1, C2 and R4 are not mounted by default, and R1 is 0. C3 is reserved for impedance matching between LNA and L96 module and the default value of C3 capacitor is 56pF which can be further optimized according to the real conditions. ANTON is an optional pin which can be used to control the enable pin of an external LNA. 4.2.3. Internal Antenna The following figure is a typical reference design for internal antenna. L96 Module Internal Antenna RF_IN R1 0R RF_OUT Figure 18: Reference Design for Internal Antenna L96_Hardware_Design 36 / 51 GNSS Module Series L96 Hardware Design Matching circuits are not needed. Only R1 is needed and R1 is 0. Also, the connection line between the two pins should be as short as possible. NOTES 1. 2. The selected LNA should support GPS/GLONASS/Galileo/BeiDou systems. LNA from Maxim (http://para.maximintegrated.com) or from Infineon (http://www.infineon.com) is recommended to be used here. For more details, please contact Quectel technical supports. The power consumption of the device will be reduced by controlling LNA's ENABLE pin through the ANTON pin of L96 module. If ANTON function is not used, please connect the ENABLE pin of LNA to VCC and keep LNA always on. 4.3. PCB Layout Suggestion L96 module is intended to be placed at the center of the top edge of the motherboard, and the distance between the edge of the module and the nearest ground plane edge should be kept for at least 10mm. The embedded antenna performance depends on the design of the ground plane on the motherboard. The optimum size of the ground plane is 80mm x 40mm, but a larger or smaller ground plane can also be used. The suggested minimum size of ground plane is 45mm x 20mm. Although the suggested minimum width of ground plane is 45mm, to maximize performance, it is recommended to extend the width as much as possible. Conversely, increasing the height of the ground plane to more than 20mm has no much effect on antenna performance. A keepout area (4.8mm x 7.3mm) should be designed for the patch antenna of L96. Placement of any component is not allowed under the keepout area. Figure 19: PCB Layout L96_Hardware_Design 37 / 51 GNSS Module Series L96 Hardware Design 5 Electrical, Reliability and Radio Characteristics 5.1. Absolute Maximum Ratings Absolute maximum rating for power supply and voltage on digital pins of the module are listed in following table. Table 11: Absolute Maximum Ratings Parameter Min. Max. Unit Power Supply Voltage (VCC) -0.3 4.5 V Backup Battery Voltage (V_BCKP) -0.3 4.5 V Input Voltage at Digital Pins -0.3 3.6 V Input Power at RF_IN (PRF_IN) -154 15 dBm NOTE Stressing the device beyond the "Absolute Maximum Ratings" may cause permanent damage. These are stress ratings only. The product is not protected against over-voltage or reversed voltage. If necessary, voltage spikes exceeding the power supply voltage specification, given in table above, must be limited to values within the specified boundaries by using appropriate protection diodes. L96_Hardware_Design 38 / 51 GNSS Module Series L96 Hardware Design 5.2. Operating Conditions Table 12: Power Supply Ratings Parameter Description Conditions Min. Type. Max. Unit VCC Supply voltage The actual input voltages must stay between the minimum and maximum values. 2.8 3.3 4.3 V IVCCP Peak supply current VCC=3.3V 150 mA V_BCKP Backup voltage supply 1.5 3.3 4.5 V TOPR Full on mode operating temperature -40 25 85 C NOTES 1. The figures in the table above can be used to determine the maximum current capability of power supply. 2. Operation beyond the "Operating Conditions" is not recommended and extended exposure beyond the "Operating Conditions" may affect device reliability. 5.3. Current Consumption The values for current consumption are shown in the following table. Table 13: Current Consumption Module Conditions Acquisition @3.3V Tracking @3.3V @-130dBm GPS 22mA 20mA L96 @-130dBm GPS+GLONASS L96_Hardware_Design 25mA Standby @3.3V Backup @V_BCKP=3.3V 0.45mA 7uA 20mA 39 / 51 GNSS Module Series L96 Hardware Design NOTE The tracking current is tested in the following conditions: In Cold Start, 10 minutes after First Fix. In Hot Start, 15 seconds after First Fix. 5.4. Reliability Test Table 14: Reliability Test Test Item Conditions Standard Thermal Shock -30C...+80C, 144 cycles GB/T 2423.22-2002 Test Na IEC 68-2-14 Na Damp Heat, Cyclic +55C; >90% Rh 6 cycles for 144 hours IEC 68-2-30 Db Test Vibration Shock 5Hz~20Hz, 0.96m2/s3; 20Hz~500Hz, 0.96m2/s3-3dB/oct, 1 hour/axis; no function 2423.13-1997 Test Fdb IEC 68-2-36 Fdb Test Heat Test +85C, 2 hours, operational GB/T 2423.1-2001 Ab IEC 68-2-1 Test Cold Test -40C, 2 hours, operational GB/T 2423.1-2001 Ab IEC 68-2-1 Test Heat Soak +90C, 72 hours, non-operational GB/T 2423.2-2001 Bb IEC 68-2-2 Test B Cold Soak -45C, 72 hours, non-operational GB/T 2423.1-2001 A IEC 68-2-1 Test 5.5. ESD Protection L96 GNSS module is an ESD sensitive device. ESD protection precautions should be emphasized. Proper ESD handling and packaging procedures must be applied throughout the processing, handling and operation of any application that incorporates the module. Please note the following measures are good for ESD protection when L96 module is handled. The first contact point shall always be between the local GND and PCB GND when handling the PCB, unless there is a galvanic coupling between the local GND and the PCB GND. While mounting the module onto a motherboard, please make sure the GND is connected first, and L96_Hardware_Design 40 / 51 GNSS Module Series L96 Hardware Design then the RF_IN pad. Do not contact any charged capacitors or materials which may easily generate or store charges (such as patch antenna, coax cable, soldering iron, etc.) when handling the RF_IN pad. To prevent electrostatic discharge from the RF input, please do not touch any exposed area of the mounted patch antenna. Make sure to use an ESD safe soldering iron (tip) when soldering the RF_IN pin. L96_Hardware_Design 41 / 51 GNSS Module Series L96 Hardware Design 6 Mechanical Dimensions This chapter describes the mechanical dimensions of the module. All dimensions are measured in millimeter (mm). The tolerances for dimensions without tolerance values are 0.05mm. 6.1. Top and Side Dimensions of the Module Figure 20: Top and Side Dimensions L96_Hardware_Design 42 / 51 GNSS Module Series L96 Hardware Design 6.2. Bottom Dimensions and Recommended Footprint Figure 21: Bottom Dimensions L96_Hardware_Design 43 / 51 GNSS Module Series L96 Hardware Design Figure 22: Recommended Footprint NOTE For easy maintenance of the module, keep about 3mm between the module and other components on host PCB. L96_Hardware_Design 44 / 51 GNSS Module Series L96 Hardware Design 6.3. Top and Bottom Views of the Module Figure 23: Top View of the Module Figure 24: Bottom View of the Module NOTE These are design effect drawings of L96 module. For more accurate pictures, please refer to the module that you get from Quectel. L96_Hardware_Design 45 / 51 GNSS Module Series L96 Hardware Design 7 Manufacturing, Packaging and Ordering Information 7.1. Assembly and Soldering L96 GNSS module is intended for SMT assembly and soldering in a Pb-free reflow process on the top side of the PCB. It is suggested that the minimum height of solder paste stencil is 130um to ensure sufficient solder volume. If required, stencil openings for each pad can be increased to ensure proper soldering and solder wetting over corresponding pads. It is suggested that the peak reflow temperature is from 235C to 245C (for SnAg3.0Cu0.5 alloy). The absolute maximum reflow temperature is 260C. To avoid damage caused by repeated heating, it is recommended that the module should be mounted after reflow soldering for the other side of PCB has been completed. The recommended reflow soldering thermal profile is shown below: Preheat Heating Cooling 250 Liquids Temperature 217 200 200 40s~60s 160 150 70s~120s 100 Between 1~3/S 50 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 s Time(s) Figure 25: Recommended Reflow Soldering Thermal Profile L96_Hardware_Design 46 / 51 GNSS Module Series L96 Hardware Design 7.2. Moisture Sensitivity L96 GNSS module is sensitive to moisture. To prevent L96 GNSS module from permanent damage during reflow soldering, baking before reflow soldering is required in the following cases: Humidity indicator card: One or more indicating spots are no longer blue. The seal is opened and the module is exposed to excessive humidity. L96 GNSS module should be baked for 192 hours at temperature 40C+5C/-0C and <5% RH in low-temperature containers, or 24 hours at temperature 125C5C in high-temperature containers. Care should be taken that the plastic tape is not heat resistant. L96 GNSS module should be taken out from the tape before preheating, otherwise the tape maybe damaged by high-temperature heating. 7.3. Tape and Reel Packaging Figure 26: Tape and Reel Specifications L96_Hardware_Design 47 / 51 GNSS Module Series L96 Hardware Design Table 15: Reel Packaging Model Name L96 MOQ for MP Minimum Package: 500pcs Minimum Package x 4 = 2000pcs 500pcs Size: 370mm x 350mm x 56mm N.W: 0.3kg G.W: 1.0kg Size: 380mm x 250mm x 365mm N.W: 1.2kg G.W: 4.5kg 7.4. Ordering Information Table 16: Ordering Information Model Name Ordering Code L96 L96-M33 L96_Hardware_Design 48 / 51 GNSS Module Series L96 Hardware Design 8 Appendix A References Table 17: Related Documents SN Document Name Remark [1] Quectel_L96_EVB_User_Guide L96 EVB User Guide [2] Quectel_L96_GNSS_Protocol_Specification L96 GNSS Protocol Specification [3] Quectel_L96_Reference_Design L96 Reference Design [4] Quectel_GNSS_EPO_Application_Note GNSS EPO Application Note [5] Quectel_GNSS_I2C_Application_Note I2C Application Note [6] Quectel_GNSS_SDK_Commands_Manual GNSS SDK Commands Manual Table 18: Terms and Abbreviations Abbreviation Description AGPS Assisted GPS AIC Active Interference Cancellation CEP Circular Error Probable DGPS Differential GPS EASY Embedded Assist System EGNOS European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service EMC Electromagnetic Compatibility EPO Extended Prediction Orbit ESD Electrostatic Discharge GPS Global Positioning System L96_Hardware_Design 49 / 51 GNSS Module Series L96 Hardware Design GNSS Global Navigation Satellite System GGA GPS Fix Data GLL Geographic Position - Latitude/Longitude GLONASS GLOBAL NAVIGATION SATELLITE SYSTE GSA GNSS DOP and Active Satellites GSV GNSS Satellites in View HDOP Horizontal Dilution of Precision IC Integrated Circuit I/O Input /Output Kbps Kilo Bits Per Second LNA Low Noise Amplifier MSAS Multi-Functional Satellite Augmentation System MOQ Minimum Order Quantity NMEA National Marine Electronics Association PDOP Position Dilution of Precision PMTK MTK Proprietary Protocol PPS Pulse Per Second PQ Quectel Proprietary Protocol PRN Pseudo Random Noise Code QZSS Quasi-Zenith Satellite System RHCP Right Hand Circular Polarization RMC Recommended Minimum Specific GNSS Data RTCM Radio Technical Commission for Maritime Services SBAS Satellite-based Augmentation System SAW Surface Acoustic Wave TTFF Time To First Fix L96_Hardware_Design 50 / 51 GNSS Module Series L96 Hardware Design UART Universal Asynchronous Receiver & Transmitter VDOP Vertical Dilution of Precision VTG Course over Ground and Ground Speed, Horizontal Course and Horizontal Velocity WAAS Wide Area Augmentation System Inom Nominal Current Imax Maximum Load Current Vmax Maximum Voltage Value Vnom Nominal Voltage Value Vmin Minimum Voltage Value VIHmax Maximum Input High Level Voltage Value VIHmin Minimum Input High Level Voltage Value VILmax Maximum Input Low Level Voltage Value VILmin Minimum Input Low Level Voltage Value VImax Absolute Maximum Input Voltage Value VImin Absolute Minimum Input Voltage Value VOHmax Maximum Output High Level Voltage Value VOHmin Minimum Output High Level Voltage Value VOLmax Maximum Output Low Level Voltage Value VOLmin Minimum Output Low Level Voltage Value L96_Hardware_Design 51 / 51