GPS Receivers A2200-A

A Description of Maestro

’s

GPS Receiver Module A2200-A

User Manual

Version 1.5

Revision History

Rev. Date Description

0.1 07-11-11 First draft, based on A2200

1.0 12-12-11 Updated photo ,Pin out Information,Packing

1.1 05-24-12 1. Updated of the antenna Gain,

2. link to 1PPS application note and 1PPS timing accuracy remarks added,

3.Recommended Solder PAD Layout drawing added.

1.2 06-01-12 Update nRST pin description

1.3 07-25-12 Add 5Hz Navigation Update Rate

1.4 04-01-13 1.Update I2C interface description,

2.Add self-start description.

1.5

10-16-13

1.Add GPIO 0&1 description and section 3.6,

2.Update photographs of the section 3.1&3.5. mm-dd-yy

Written by

Checked by

Approval by

Happy wen

Name

Sam Law, Matthieu

Frank Tang, Calvin Yau

Date

10-16-13

10-16-13

10-16-13

Signature

H W

S L,M

F T,C Y

V1.5

– Oct-13 User’s Manual

Page 2 of 39

Disclaimer

THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS PROPRIETARY INFORMATION OF MAESTRO

WIRELESS SOLUTIONS LIMITED. IT MAY NOT BE COPIED OR TRANSMITTED

BY ANY MEANS, PASSED TO OTHERS, OR STORED IN ANY RETRIEVAL

SYSTEM OR MEDIA, WITHOUT PRIOR CONSENT OF MAESTRO OR ITS

AUTHORIZED AGENTS.

THE INFORMATION IN THIS DOCUMENT IS, TO THE BEST OF OUR

KNOWLEDGE, ENTIRELY CORRECT. HOWEVER, MAESTRO CAN NEITHER

ACCEPT LIABILITY FOR ANY INACCURACIES, OR THE CONSEQUENCES

THEREOF, NOR FOR ANY LIABILITY ARISING FROM THE USE OR

APPLICATION OF ANY CIRCUIT, PRODUCT, OR EXAMPLE SHOWN IN THE

DOCUMENT.

THE PRODUCT (HARD- AND SOFTWARE) DESCRIBED IN THIS

DOCUMENTATION IS NOT AUTHORIZED FOR USE IN LIFE SUPPORT DEVICES

OR SYSTEMS WITHOUT THE EXPRESS WRITTEN APPROVAL OF MAESTRO.

THIS DOCUMENT MAY PROVIDE LINKS TO OTHER WORLD WIDE WEB SITES

OR RESOURCES. BECAUSE MAESTRO HAS NO CONTROL OVER SUCH SITES

AND RESOURCES, MAESTRO SHALL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE

AVAILABILITY OF SUCH EXTERNAL SITES OR RESOURCES, AND DOES NOT

ENDORSE AND IS NOT RESPONSIBLE OR LIABLE FOR ANY CONTENT,

ADVERTISING, PRODUCTS, OR OTHER MATERIALS ON OR AVAILABLE FROM

SUCH SITES OR RESOURCES. MAESTRO SHALL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE OR

LIABLE, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, FOR ANY DAMAGE OR LOSS CAUSED OR

ALLEGED TO BE CAUSED BY OR IN CONNECTION WITH USE OF OR

RELIANCE ON ANY SUCH CONTENT, GOODS OR SERVICES AVAILABLE ON

OR THROUGH ANY SUCH SITE OR RESOURCE.

MAESTRO RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CHANGE, MODIFY, OR IMPROVE THIS

DOCUMENT OR THE PRODUCT DESCRIBED HEREIN, AS SEEN FIT BY

MAESTRO WITHOUT FURTHER NOTICE.

V1.5

– Oct-13 User’s Manual

Page 3 of 39

Table of Contents

1 Introduction ........................................................................................................ 6

1.1 Feature Overview .............................................................................................. 6

1.2 Characteristics Overview .................................................................................. 7

1.3 RoHS and Lead-Free Information ..................................................................... 7

1.4 Label ................................................................................................................. 8

1.5 Characteristics .................................................................................................. 9

1.5.1 GPS Characteristics.................................................................................................. 9

1.5.2 Mechanical Characteristics ....................................................................................... 9

1.6 Handling Precautions ........................................................................................ 9

2 Ordering Information ....................................................................................... 10

2.1 GPS Receivers A2200-A ................................................................................. 10

2.2 Packing of the A2200-A .................................................................................. 10

2.3 Additional Equipment ...................................................................................... 13

3 Quick Start ........................................................................................................ 14

3.1 Minimum Configuration ................................................................................... 14

3.2 Antennas ......................................................................................................... 15

3.2.1 Passive Antennas ................................................................................................... 15

3.2.2 Active Antennas ...................................................................................................... 15

3.3 Serial Port Settings ......................................................................................... 16

3.4 Improved TTFF ............................................................................................... 16

3.5 Self-start Configuration ................................................................................... 16

3.6 Configure the baud rate .................................................................................. 17

4 Mechanical Outline .......................................................................................... 18

4.1 Details Component Side A2200-A................................................................... 18

4.2 Details Solder Side A2200-A ........................................................................... 19

5 Pin-out Information .......................................................................................... 20

5.1 Layout A2200-A .............................................................................................. 20

5.2 Description A2200-A Signals .......................................................................... 21

6 Electrical Characteristics ................................................................................ 23

6.1 Operating Conditions ...................................................................................... 23

6.2 Absolute Maximum Ratings ............................................................................ 23

6.3 DC Electrical Characteristics ........................................................................... 24

7 Mounting ........................................................................................................... 25

7.1 Proposed Footprint for Soldering .................................................................... 25

7.2 Recommended Profile for Reflow Soldering ................................................... 26

8 Use of GPS Antennas ...................................................................................... 27

8.1 Connecting a GPS antenna to the GPS receiver ............................................ 27

8.2 Antenna Connections ...................................................................................... 29

8.2.1 Passive Antennas ................................................................................................... 29

8.2.2 Active Antennas ...................................................................................................... 29

V1.5

– Oct-13 User’s Manual

Page 4 of 39

9 Quality and Reliability ...................................................................................... 30

9.1 Environmental Conditions ............................................................................... 30

9.2 Product Qualification ....................................................................................... 30

9.3 Production Test ............................................................................................... 30

10 Applications and Hints .................................................................................. 31

10.1 Initial Module Start ........................................................................................ 31

10.2 Proper Shutdown .......................................................................................... 31

10.3 SiRFaware

TM

Support ................................................................................... 31

10.4 Push-to-Fix Mode .......................................................................................... 31

10.5 Hibernate Mode............................................................................................. 32

10.6 Extended Ephemeris ..................................................................................... 32

10.7 Antenna Status Adaptation ........................................................................... 33

10.7.1 Antenna Sensor .................................................................................................... 33

10.7.2 Antenna Sensor with Current Limiter .................................................................... 34

10.8 VANT Pin ...................................................................................................... 35

10.9 TM_GPIO5 pin (1 pulse per second pin) ....................................................... 35

10.10 5 Hz Navigation Update Rate ...................................................................... 36

11 Evaluation Kit EVA2200-A ............................................................................. 37

12 Related Information ....................................................................................... 38

12.1 Contact .......................................................................................................... 38

12.2 Related Documents ....................................................................................... 38

12.3 Related Tools ................................................................................................ 38

13 List of Figures ................................................................................................ 39

14 List of Tables .................................................................................................. 39

V1.5

– Oct-13 User’s Manual

Page 5 of 39

1 Introduction

The GPS module A2200-A is Maestro

’s first implementation of CSR’s SiRFstarIV

ROM chip on GPS module. This is highly integrated GPS receivers that can be used as SMT components. A very easy implementation (power, serial, ON_OFF, and antenna) allows receiving position, velocity and time information.

The A2200-A is a module designed for a 3.3V environment.

1.1 Feature Overview

The A2200-A is new module with the following outstanding features.



Fast, responsive location experience o High-sensitive navigation engine with tracking down to -163dBm o 48 track verification channels o SBAS (WAAS, EGNOS, MSAS, GAGAN)



Breakthrough micro power technology o Requires only 50

– 500µA to maintain hot start capability



Active jammer remover o Removes in-band jammers up to 80dB/Hz o Tracks up to eight CW (continuous wave) jammers

V1.5

– Oct-13 User’s Manual

Page 6 of 39

1.2 Characteristics Overview

The module’s most important characteristics are:



A2200-A o Operable at 3.3V / 41mA @ 1 fix per second o UART interface at 3.3V CMOS level o SPI Slave support at 3.3V CMOS level



Direct passive antenna support



Switched antenna voltage for active antenna support



Small form factor of 10.2 mm x 14 mm (0.40

” x 0.55”)



Supported temperature range: -40°C to +85°C



Single-sided SMT component, for reflow soldering



Tape & reel packaging

The A2200-A receiver module is available as off-the-shelf components, 100% tested and shipped in standard tape-and-reel package.

1.3 RoHS and Lead-Free Information

Maestro

’s products marked with the lead-free symbol either on the module or the packaging comply with the "Directive 2002/95/EC of the European Parliament and the Council on the Restriction of Use of certain Hazardous Substances in

Electrical and Electronic Equipment" (RoHS).

V1.5

– Oct-13

All Maestro GPS receiver modules, smart GPS antenna modules and telematics units are RoHS compliant.

User’s Manual

Page 7 of 39

1.4 Label

The A2200-A labels hold the following information:

Figure 1: A2200-A label

The label is placed on the shield of the module. The data matrix code holds the product type, part number, software release, hardware release, factory code, year & week of assembly and a 6-digit serial number.

Representing Factory code

Product

Number

Part

Number

Software

Release

Hardware

Release

Assembly

Year/Week

Serial

Number

Number of digits

(25)

Example

Meaning

XX

2

GS

GSL

XXXXXXX XXXX

6 4

A2200A

Given

9322

Given

XX

2

01

Given

XX

2

01

Given

XXXX

4

1126

Year=11

Week=26

XXXXXX

6

000005

Increment from

000001 up

999999 to

Example of MID#: GSA2200A932201011126000005

V1.5

– Oct-13 User’s Manual

Page 8 of 39

1.5 Characteristics

The module are characterized by the following parameters.

1.5.1 GPS Characteristics

Channels

Correlators

48, parallel tracking

~ 400,000

Frequency

Tracking Sensitivity

(1)

L1 (= 1,575 MHz)

-163 dBm

Horizontal Position Accuracy Stand alone

Time To First Fix

– TTFF

Obscuration recovery

(2)

< 2.5 m CEP (SA off)

0.1 s

(theoretical minimum values;

Hot start

(3)

< 1 s values in real world may differ)

Warm

(4)

Cold

(5)

< 35 s

< 35 s

Table 1: A2200-A GPS characteristics

(1) Typical with good antenna

– see also paragraph “3.2 Antennas”

(2) The calibrated clock of the receiver has not stopped, thus it knows precise time (to the µs level).

(3) The receiver has estimates of time/date/position and valid almanac and ephemeris data.

(4) The receiver has estimates of time/date/position and recent almanac.

(5) The receiver has no estimate of time/date/position, and no recent almanac.

Note: Performance (sensitivity and TTFF) might slightly decrease below -30°C.

1.5.2 Mechanical Characteristics

A2200-A Mechanical dimensions

A2200-A Weight

Length

Width

Height

14±0.20 mm, 0.55

±0.008”

10.2±0.20 mm, 0.40±0.008

”

2.5 mm, 0.1

” (Max)

0.6 g, 0.022 oz

Table 2: A2200-A dimensions and weight

1.6 Handling Precautions

The GPS receiver module A2200-A is sensitive to electrostatic discharge (ESD).

Please handle with appropriate care.

V1.5

– Oct-13 User’s Manual

Page 9 of 39

2 Ordering Information

2.1 GPS Receivers A2200-A

The order number is built as follows:



A2200-Axxxx

A2200-A is the model name.

The “xxxx” refers to the current part number on the module.

2.2 Packing of the A2200-A

The A2200-A GPS module come in a tape and reel package suitable for pick and place machines.

V1.5

– Oct-13

Figure 2: A2200-A tape specifications (1)

User’s Manual

Page 10 of 39

Figure 3: A2200-A tape specifications (2)

V1.5

– Oct-13

Figure 4: A2200-A tape specifications (3)

One complete reel holds 1300 pcs A2200-A modules.

There are 2 kinds of packaging for shipment:

A: One box holds 1 reel

Reel diameter: 33 cm

Inner box dimensions: 36(W) x 36(L) x 4.5 (H) cm

Box dimensions: 38.8 (W) x 38.8 (L) x 5.7 (H) cm

Gross weight: 2.58 Kg

Net weight: 0.78 Kg

B. One box holds 3 reels

Reel diameter: 33 cm

User’s Manual

Page 11 of 39

Inner box dimensions: 36 (W) x 36 (L) x 4.5 (H) cm

Outer box dimensions: 38 (W) x 38 (L) x 16 (H) cm

Gross weight: 4.92 Kg

Net weight: 2.34 Kg

V1.5

– Oct-13 User’s Manual

Page 12 of 39

2.3 Additional Equipment

EVA2200-A Evaluation Kit (including one module A2200-A)

Table 3: Additional equipment

A detailed description of the EVA2200-A Evaluation Kit can be found in the appropriate manual.

V1.5

– Oct-13 User’s Manual

Page 13 of 39

3 Quick Start

In order to allow an easy and quick start with the A2200-A module, this chapter provides a short overview on the important steps to be taken to receive NMEA messages with position information on a serial port (UART).

NOTE 1 : The A2200-A needs an external pull-up resistor to be configured for

UART operation. Please consider the pull-up resistor in your design or pull the

GPIO up right after reset by other means.

NOTE 2 : The ON_OFF input of the A2200-A needs to be connected to output of a microprocessor. For a wake-up, including the initial one after power on, a

LOW-HIGH transmission is mandatory.

3.1 Minimum Configuration

The following picture shows the minimum configuration for NMEA or binary outputs received and commands sent via an RS232 interface based on the GPS module

A2200-A using a passive antenna.

V1.5

– Oct-13

Figure 5: Minimum configuration A2200-A

NOTE : It is recommended to supply Vcc continuously! Use SiRFaware

TM

or other low power modes to reduce power consumption of the module while no position information is required.

User’s Manual

Page 14 of 39

Figure 6: RS232 level shifter

Remarks:



Place C1 to C5 (here: 0.1µF) close to MAX3232. For capacity values see datasheet of actual component used.



Use 3.3V level shifter (MAX3232 or equivalent).



External antenna input impedance is 50



. Match as close as possible.

3.2 Antennas

Generally, the quality of the GPS antenna chosen (passive or active) is of paramount importance for the overall sensitivity of the GPS system. Losses through a bad antenna, long cables or tracks or a bad an tenna position can’t be compensated afterwards!

3.2.1 Passive Antennas

The A2200-A supports passive antennas via an integrated LNA directly.

3.2.2 Active Antennas

The A2200-A also supports active antennas directly, i.e. by offering an antenna voltage feed pin (VANT

– pin 9). It is recommended to use an active antenna with a supply voltage of 3 to 5 VDC and a maximum current draw of 50 mA. The antenna should have a gain

≥ 15dB but the total gain (antenna gain minus cable loss at the antenna input of the module) should not exceed 30 dB. The noise figure should be

≤

1.5dB.

V1.5

– Oct-13 User’s Manual

Page 15 of 39

3.3 Serial Port Settings

In UART operation (defined by the external pull-up resistor as outlined in Minimum

Configuration) the default settings are:



NMEA, 4800 baud, 8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit, no flow control

3.4 Improved TTFF

In order to improve the TTFF (Time To First Fix), it is recommended to keep Vcc supplied at all times. This will allow taking advantage of sophisticated low power mode features of the SiRFstarIV ROM chip set.

3.5 Self-start Configuration

In order to minimize the GPIO required for operating A2200-A, WAKEUP (pin 19) and

ON_OFF (pin 6) can be tied together for entering the self-start mode such that no

ON_OFF pulse requires. The following picture shows the recommended connection for self-start configuration with UART host port enabled.

Figure 7: Self-start configuration A2200-A

For self-start mode, full power operation will be activated once Vcc applied. No power save mode (PTF / MPM / Hibernation) will be supported. While using external

EEPROM or SPI Flash power supervision chip (Maxim, MAX809SEUR+T) is mandatory in order to prevent any memory corruption if the Vcc removes abruptly.

V1.5

– Oct-13 User’s Manual

Page 16 of 39

3.6 Configure the baud rate

Baud rate and protocol selection can be set upon start up through GPIO configuration.A2200-A can be configured to output NMEA at standard baud rates, if the A2200-A is using the UART host interface.

Table 4 lists the settings for GPIO 0 and GPIO 1 to configure the baud rate at start-up.

After start-up, the GPIOs can be used for other purposes.

GPIO 0 (I2C_DIO)

Pull high

GPIO 1(I2C_CLK)

Pull high

Protocol

NMEA

Baud Rate

4800

Pull high Pull low NMEA

9600

Pull low Pull high NMEA

38400

Pull low Pull low OSP

115200

Remark: Pull high/low =2.2K

Table 4: GPIO 0 and GPIO 1 Settings

Note: This feature is not available if any MEMS or non-volatile memory devices are attached to the auxiliary serial bus. The internal software default baud rate is NMEA 4800 when an EEPROM is connected.

V1.5

– Oct-13 User’s Manual

Page 17 of 39

4 Mechanical Outline

4.1 Details Component Side A2200-A

All dimensions in [mm, (inch)]

Figure 8: Mechanical outline component side A2200-A

V1.5

– Oct-13 User’s Manual

Page 18 of 39

4.2 Details Solder Side A2200-A

Solder pad size (outer pads): 1.0 x 0.8

Solder pad size (inner pads): 1.2 x 1.2

All dimensions in [mm]

Figure 9: Mechanical outline solder side A2200-A

V1.5

– Oct-13 User’s Manual

Page 19 of 39

5 Pin-out Information

5.1 Layout A2200-A

“Pin 1” marker

Figure 10: Pin-out information (bottom view) A2200-A

Center Ground pins are for shock / vibration resistance purpose.

V1.5

– Oct-13 User’s Manual

Page 20 of 39

5.2 Description A2200-A Signals

Pin Symbol Function

1 GPIO2 Input/Output

2 Vout

3 TX0

SPI DO

4 RX0

SPI DI

5 ExtInt

2/GPIO8

Voltage output

Output

Input

Input

6 ON_OFF Input

7 GND

8 GND

Power Supply

Power Supply

9 VANT Antenna Supply

Voltage Input

10 ANT_GND RF GND

11 ANT_IN Antenna Input

12 GPIO3

13 ExtInt

Input/Output

Input/Output

14 TM_GPIO5 Output

15 GPIO 1

I2C CLK

Output

16 GPIO 0

I2C DIO

17 GPIO6

CTS

SPI CLK

Input

18 GPIO7

RTS

SPI CS

Input

19 WAKEUP Output

20 Vcc

Input/Output

Power Supply

Description

Leave open

Permanent 1.8V voltage output for up to 20mA current max.

Serial output 0, NMEA out if configured for UART

SPI data out pin when module works in SPI mode

Serial input 0, NMEA in if configured for UART

SPI data in pin when module works in SPI mode

Interrupt input 2 (If ExtInt 2 is not going to be used, it is recommended that this pin be tied directly to ground.

Otherwise, a 100K pull-down resistor to ground should be connected to the ExtInt 2 pin.)

Connect to push-pull output! This is mandatory!

- Set to LOW by default

- Toggle to HIGH and back to LOW

> for first start-up after power on

> to request a fix in SiRFaware

TM

or PTF mode

> to go into or wake up out of hibernate mode

- Connect it to WAKEUP pin for self-start mode

Ground (power supply)

Ground (power supply)

Power supply input for external active antenna

– provide according voltage (up to 5.0 VDC)

– switched internally

Antenna Ground

Antenna signal / Z=50 Ohm (antenna input)

– must not exceed

30dB gain including cable loss

Leave open

Interrupt input for MEMS interface

Time Mark

– 1PPS signal

Configuration pin for the baud rate,2.2K to 1.8V for the baud rate 4800 bps (see also

“Configure the baud rate“).

I2C clock output to MEMS interface

Configuration pin for the baud rate,2.2K to 1.8V for the baud rate 4800 bps (see also

“Configure the baud rate“).

I2C I/O to MEMS interface

Configuration pin to run in UART mode (10k pull-up to 1.8V, e.g. to Vout, pin 2)

SPI clock pin when module works in SPI mode

Unused configuration pin

– reserved for future use, leave open

SPI chip select pin when module works in SPI mode

- Status of digital section, Push-Pull output

Low = OFF, KA (Keep Alive)-only, Hibernate, or Standby mode

High = ON, operational mode

- Connect it to ON_OFF pin for self-start mode

3.0

– 3.6 VDC (power supply)

V1.5

– Oct-13 User’s Manual

Page 21 of 39

21 NC

22 nRST

None

Input

Leave open

Reset input, active low

Table 5: Pin description A2200-A

V1.5

– Oct-13 User’s Manual

Page 22 of 39

6 Electrical Characteristics

6.1 Operating Conditions

Pin Description

3 Vcc

Min

3.0V

Typical

3.3V

Max

3.6V

Full power mode (Searching) Peak Current (1)

Full power mode (Searching) Average Current (2)

Full power mode (Tracking) Average Current (3)

TricklePower™ Mode

Push-to-Fix Mode

69mA

52 mA

41 mA

12.7 mA

325 uA

Micro Power Mode（SiRFawareTM） 35 uA

Hibernate Status 25 uA

Table 6: A2200-A electrical characteristics

(1) Peak searching current is characterized by millisecond bursts above average searching current

(2) Average searching current is typically only the first two seconds of TTFF

(3) Tracking current typically includes tracking and the post searching portion of TTFF

6.2 Absolute Maximum Ratings

Symbol Parameter

Vcc

Vin

Iov

Itdv

A2200-A Power supply

Voltage to I/O pins

Min Max Unit

-0.3 +3.6

-0.3 +3.6

V

V

Input current on I/O pins -10 10 mA

Absolute sum of all input currents during overload condition 200 mA

Tst

Vant

Iant

Storage temperature

Antenna supply voltage

Antenna supply current

-40 85 °C

0 5.5 V

0 50 mA

Table 7: Absolute maximum ratings

Stresses beyond those listed under “Absolute Maximum Ratings” may cause permanent damage to the device. This is a stress rating only. Functional operation of the device at these or any other conditions beyond those indicated in the operational sections of this specification is not implied. Exposure to absolute maximum rating conditions for extended periods may affect device reliability.

V1.5

– Oct-13 User’s Manual

Page 23 of 39

6.3 DC Electrical Characteristics

Symbol

TX0, WAKEUP

RX0 nRST

ON_OFF

Parameter

Voh @ 4mA

Vol @ 4mA

Vih

Vil for safe reset

Vih

Vil

Table 8: DC electrical characteristic A2200-A

Min Max Unit

2.6 Vcc V

0.45 V

2.0 Vcc V

0.8 V

0.2 V

1.35 Vcc V

-0.3 0.45 V

V1.5

– Oct-13 User’s Manual

Page 24 of 39

7 Mounting

This chapter describes the suggested mounting process for the A2200-A receiver module. In a RoHS compliant product with a RoHS compliant process it is recommended to use chemical tin as the counterpart to the module’s pins. This will guarantee highest resistance against shocks.

7.1 Proposed Footprint for Soldering

Following soldering footprint parameters are recommended:



Copper and solder paste footprint are identical



Pad-shape / -size, inner pads: 1.2 mm x 1.2 mm



Pad-shape / -size, outer pads: 1.5 mm x 0.8 mm



Stencil thickness of 120

– 150 µm

V1.5

– Oct-13

Figure 11: Recommended Solder PAD Layout

User’s Manual

Page 25 of 39

7.2 Recommended Profile for Reflow Soldering

Typical values for reflow soldering of the module in convection or IR/convection ovens are as follows (according to IPC/JEDEC J-STD-020D):

Parameter

Peak temperature (RoHS compliant process)

Value

245°C

Average ramp up rate to peak (217°C to Peak) 3°C / second max.

Preheat temperature min=150°C; max=200°C

Ramp up time from min. to max. preheat temperature

60 … 120 seconds

Temperature maintained above 217°C

60 … 150 seconds

Time within 5°C of actual peak temperature 30 seconds

Ramp down rate

Time 25°C to peak temperature

6°C / second max.

8 minutes max.

Table 9: Reflow soldering profile A2200-A

The solder pads hold solder of a thickness of about 150 µm for improved solder process results.

As results of soldering may vary among different soldering systems and types of solder and depend on additional factors like density and types of components on board, the values above should be considered as a starting point for further optimization.

V1.5

– Oct-13 User’s Manual

Page 26 of 39

8 Use of GPS Antennas

8.1 Connecting a GPS antenna to the GPS receiver

The ANT pin is used to connect a GPS antenna to the receiver. The design of the antenna connection has to be done strictly according to RF design rules. A 50



PCB strip line is required. The following drawings shall explain the guidelines. A major rule is to keep the strip line as short as possible. Additionally, antenna ground (ANT_GND) should be routed to the ground plane of the PCB (the ground plane is on a lower PCB layer) by vias as demonstrated in the drawing.

Top view

Motherboard Bottom Layer Motherboard Top Layer

50Ωstrip line

GPS Receiver

GPS Receiver

ANT_GND ANT_INT

ANT_GND ANT_INT

Vias to Top Layer

Vias to GND Layer

GPS receiver solder pads

Figure 12: Antenna connector strip line A2200-A

In order to achieve the impedance of 50



, the width of the strip line needs to be calculated. It depends on the thickness or height of the PCB layer (both parameters are shown in following drawing). For the calculation, it is assumed that the PCB material is FR4.

V1.5

– Oct-13

Figure 13: Strip line parameters A2200-A

User’s Manual

Page 27 of 39

In this case, the width should be about 1.8 times the height of the PCB:

W = 1.8 x H

In the example, one would get a width of W = 1.8 x 0.8 mm = 1.44 mm.

V1.5

– Oct-13 User’s Manual

Page 28 of 39

8.2 Antenna Connections

8.2.1 Passive Antennas

A passive antenna connected to ANT_IN input (pin 11) should be placed as close as possible to the GPS receiver. The signal power lost by the antenna cable or lost by the strip line on the PCB can not be recovered by the LNA (Low Noise Amplifier) integrated in the GPS receiver.

A suitable Ground-Plane design should be considered depending on the antenna type connected to ANT_IN input (pin 11).

8.2.2 Active Antennas

General GPS active antenna specification:

Limitations:



Supply voltage (voltage fed into VANT pin) 5V (max.)



Supply current 50mA (max.)

Recommendations:



G ain ≥ 15dB (should not exceed 30 dB including cable loss)



Noise figure ≤ 1.5dB

The recommendations apply to the majority of active antennas that can be found in the market. Anyhow, the quality of the GPS antenna chosen is of paramount importance for the overall sensitivity of the GPS system.

The system design needs to reflect the supply voltage of the antenna. If the supply voltage is equal to Vcc, Vcc can be connected to VANT. If the antenna requires a different supply voltage, the antenna bias can be provided through the VANT pin.

VANT is switched by the module, so current is only drawn when required.

V1.5

– Oct-13 User’s Manual

Page 29 of 39

9 Quality and Reliability

9.1 Environmental Conditions

Operating temperature

Operating humidity

-

40 … +85



C

Max. 85% r. H., non-condensing, at 85



C

MSL JEDEC (Moisture Sensitivity Level) 3

Storage 6 months in original package.

Table 10: Environmental conditions

9.2 Product Qualification

Prior to product qualification the GPS receiver is preconditioned according to

EIA/JEDEC standard JESD22-A113-B / Level 3.

Basic qualification tests:



MSL Classification according to J-STD-020C (MSL3 @ 245°C)



MSL Rework Compatibility according to J-STD-020C



Temperature Cycling

–40°C … +85



C



Temperature Humidity Bias 70



C / 85% RH



Low / High Temperature Operating

–40°C / +85



C



High Temperature Operating Life +85



C



Vibration Variable Frequency



Mechanical Shock

Please contact Maestro for detailed information.

9.3 Production Test

Each module is electrically tested prior to packing and shipping to ensure state of the art GPS receiver performance and accuracy.

V1.5

– Oct-13 User’s Manual

Page 30 of 39

10 Applications and Hints

10.1 Initial Module Start

After initially applying power to the module, it is necessary to start the internal firmware by toggling the ON_OFF pin. Toggling is done by pulling the signal to HIGH for about 200ms. This first toggling can be done after a LOW

– HIGH transmission is detected at the WAKEUP pin or by simply waiting for 1s after power-up. In case of configuration for UART mode, messages should be transmitted afterwards. If no messages should appear, a new toggling should be applied.

10.2 Proper Shutdown

The A2200-A module requires an orderly shutdown process to properly stop internal operation and complete any writes of critical data to BBRAM or EEPROM data area.

Abrupt removal or drop of main power while the system is running has risks ranging from minor impact on TTFF to fatal, permanent corruption of EEPROM code area on the module.

A controlled and orderly shutdown while the A2200-A is running in full power mode can be initiated by



A 200ms pulse on the ON_OFF pin, or



According messages either in NMEA or OSP mode.

The shutdown is completed after maximum 1s. Therefore the module should be supplied with voltage for that time after the shutdown sequence was initiated.

10.3 SiRFaware

TM

Support

SiRFaware

TM

is a low-power operating mode that seeks to maintain low uncertainty in position, time, and frequency, and to maintain valid current Ephemeris using either data collected from satellites in view or Extended Ephemeris methods.

The SiRFaware

TM

mode is entered using the One Socket Protocol, an extension of the SiRF Binary Protocol. Please refer to the appropriate manual. In order to request a fix and to exit SiRFaware

TM

it is necessary to toggle the ON_OFF pin. Toggling is done by pulling the signal to HIGH for about 200ms.

10.4 Push-to-Fix Mode

Push-to-Fix mode is designed for the application that requires infrequent position reporting. The receiver generally stays in a low-power mode, up to 2 hours, but wakes up periodically to refresh position, time, ephemeris data and RTC calibration.

The push-to-fix mode is initialized and entered using the SiRF Binary Protocol.

Please refer to the appropriate manual, paying particular attention to the paragraph titled “Set TricklePower Parameters”. In order to request a fix outside the specified

V1.5

– Oct-13 User’s Manual

Page 31 of 39

duty cycles, it is necessary to toggle the ON_OFF pin. Toggling is done by pulling the signal to HIGH for about 200ms.

10.5 Hibernate Mode

In order to enter Hibernate Mode it is necessary to send a shutdown command or to toggle to ON_OFF pin by pulling the signal to HIGH for about 200ms. Starting with firmware version 4.0.1 the according command is supported in NMEA and SiRF

Binary mode. After a short delay the module will switch into hibernate mode. The

RTC will keep on running and SRAM is backed with the typical current of 20 μA drawn from Vcc. To wake the module up again, toggling the ON_OFF pin is necessary (200ms pulse width).

10.6 Extended Ephemeris

The receiver is capable of supporting two versions of using Extended Ephemeris (EE) data. The first one is the version, where the EE data are calculated on a server, are transmitted to device incorporating the receiver, and are then loaded into the receiver.

These data can be valid for up to seven days.

The second version is the internal extrapolation of available “natural” Ephemeris data.

This is done automatically and no external support is required. The internally calculated EE data are valid for up to 3 days.

The receiver firmware will define which set of EE data to use or will neglect those in case “natural” data are available

(need add an external EEPROM part) . Both versions of EE data will help to further lower power consumption in SiRFaware

TM

mode.

V1.5

– Oct-13 User’s Manual

Page 32 of 39

10.7 Antenna Status Adaptation

This chapter shall give assistance in designing a circuit for detecting if an active antenna is connected to the module. The information about the antenna status can be derived from the ANTSTAT signal generated by this circuit. The examples use values for components that roughly result in the following ANTSTAT output:



Logic low when:



Logic high when:



Logic low when:

Iant < 9mA

9mA > Iant < 16mA

Iant > 16mA

10.7.1 Antenna Sensor

The following circuit is a proposal on how you can feed an antenna with 3.3V and provide an output for the ANTSTAT pin. The value of the components may need an adaptation in the final application. For example, the input current of the chosen comparator goes into that equation. The thresholds defined in this circuit are quite close to the ones described above. Their value is determined by resistors R4, R5, and R3.

We strongly recommend simulating and testing the GPS receiver integrated in your product design before implementing the finalized product in the appropriate market application.

V1.5

– Oct-13

Figure 14: Application note: Antenna sensor adaptation

User’s Manual

Page 33 of 39

10.7.2 Antenna Sensor with Current Limiter

This proposal is similar to the first one, but includes a current limiter. Comments and notes as above apply.

We strongly recommend simulating and testing the GPS receiver integrated in your product design before implementing the finalized product in the appropriate market application. In any case it is the responsibility of the designer to test and verify the implementation.

Current Limiter

Figure 15: Application note: Antenna sensor adaptation with current limiter

V1.5

– Oct-13 User’s Manual

Page 34 of 39

10.8 VANT Pin

The VANT pin is an input pin.

The supply voltage for an active GPS antenna on the ANT input has to be fed into the

Vant pin. The easiest way to do that is to connect Vcc to VANT. The maximum current is 50 mA.

Note: Shortcut between ANT and GND may damage the A2200-A GPS receiver module. This should be avoided by using an antenna current limiter.

The circuit (chapter

“10.7.2 Antenna Sensor with Current Limiter”) works for Vcc from

3V to 5V. The antenna current will be limited to 50 mA approximately.

If other transistors are used, other resistor values may be necessary as well. We strongly recommend simulating and testing your realized version before using it.

10.9 TM_GPIO5 pin (1 pulse per second pin)

The 1PPS pin is an output pin.

In addition to precise positioning, GPS also allows for accurate timing due to the synchronized atomic clocks in the GPS satellites. While the current date and time is transmitted in NMEA sentences (UTC), an exact and accurate timing signal is provided via the 1PPS pin of the A2200 GPS receiver.

Under good signal conditions the 1PPS signal comes between 620ns and 710ns after the full GPS system second which is accurately (around 10ns) synchronized to

UTC. Therefore the 1 second clock can be derived and maintained within around

90ns under good signal conditions.

Note:

The 1PPS clock accuracy directly depends on the position accuracy!

The GPS signals travel at the speed of light, therefore a position inaccuracy directly translates into 1PPS inaccuracies.

10m position deviation ≈ 33ns 1PPS deviation (typically)

100m position deviation ≈ 333ns 1PPS deviation (typically)

The NMEA messages containing absolute timing information (UTC time) are provided around 300ms after the 1PPS signal typically. This may change with the GPS receiver setup.

The 1PPS signal is provided on a “as is” basis with no accuracy specification. It’s

NOT recommended to use 1PPS signal for accurate timing application.

The given values are based on a 10 satellite, static GPS simulator scenario.

V1.5

– Oct-13 User’s Manual

Page 35 of 39

Figure 16: 1PPS waveform (reference)

10.10 5 Hz Navigation Update Rate

User can select 1Hz or 5Hz output rate of navigation computation and message, it supports rapid change of direction and improves accuracy on sport-related applications.1Hz is the default Navigation Update Rate, If the user want to change to 5Hz

Navigation Update Rate, Please refer to command below:

Enable 5Hz Navigation Update Rate command

· NMEA command MID103 ($PSRF103,00,6,00,0*23)

· OSP command MID136 (A0 A2 00 0E 88 00 00 04 04 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 0F

02 00 A1 B0 B3 )

Disable 5Hz and return to 1Hz Navigation Update Rate, command:

·NMEA command MID103 ($PSRF103,00,7,00,0*22)

·OSP command MID136 (A0 A2 00 0E 88 00 00 04 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 0F

02 00 9D B0 B3)

V1.5

– Oct-13 User’s Manual

Page 36 of 39

11 Evaluation Kit EVA2200-A

For demonstration and easy evaluation of GPS performance Maestro offers an evaluation kit (including one GPS A2200-A module). It contains a USB interface with according drivers to connect easily to a PC. The USB interface is an extension of the serial port 0, therefore sending NMEA sentences or binary information and accepting commands. At the same time it provides power to the module. Accompanied by both an active and passive antenna it offers a ready-to-go set.

For the development of new software and applications the Evaluation Kit also provides

NMEA and binary messages on CMOS level via a terminal plug.

Figure 17: Evaluation kit EVA2200-A

For further information please contact Maestro.

V1.5

– Oct-13 User’s Manual

Page 37 of 39

12 Related Information

12.1 Contact

This manual is created with due diligence. We hope that it will be helpful to the user to get the most out of the GPS module.

Inputs regarding errors or mistaken verbalizations and comments or proposals to

Maestro, Hongkong, for further improvements are highly appreciated.

Maestro Wireless Solutions Limited

Address:Unit 3603-09,36/F.,118 Connaught Road West,HK

Main Line: (852) 28690688

Fax: (852)25254701 [email protected] www.maestro-wireless.com

12.2 Related Documents



GPS Evaluation Kit EVA2200-A (Maestro)



GSD4e NMEA Manual (SiRF)



GSD4e OSP Manual (SiRF)



Maxim: MAX809SEUR+T http://datasheets.maxim-ic.com/en/ds/MAX803-MAX810Z.pdf

12.3 Related Tools



GPS Cockpit (Maestro)



SiRFLive (SiRF)

V1.5

– Oct-13 User’s Manual

Page 38 of 39

13 List of Figures

Figure 1: A2200-A label ............................................................................................8

Figure 2: A2200-A tape specifications (1) ...............................................................10

Figure 3: A2200-A tape specifications (2) ...............................................................11

Figure 4: A2200-A tape specifications (3) ...............................................................11

Figure 5: Minimum configuration A2200-A ..............................................................14

Figure 6: RS232 level shifter ...................................................................................15

Figure 7: Self-start configuration A2200-A ..............................................................16

Figure 8: Mechanical outline component side A2200-A ..........................................18

Figure 9: Mechanical outline solder side A2200-A ..................................................19

Figure 10: Pin-out information (bottom view) A2200-A............................................20

Figure 11: Recommended Solder PAD Layout .......................................................25

Figure 12: Antenna connector strip line A2200-A ....................................................27

Figure 13: Strip line parameters A2200-A ...............................................................27

Figure 14: Application note: Antenna sensor adaptation .........................................33

Figure 15: Application note: Antenna sensor adaptation with current limiter ...........34

Figure 16: 1PPS waveform (reference) ...................................................................36

Figure 17: Evaluation kit EVA2200-A ......................................................................37

14 List of Tables

Table 1: A2200-A GPS characteristics ......................................................................9

Table 2: A2200-A dimensions and weight .................................................................9

Table 3: Additional equipment .................................................................................13

Table 4: GPIO 0 and GPIO 1 Settings ....................................................................17

Table 5: Pin description A2200-A ............................................................................22

Table 6: A2200-A electrical characteristics .............................................................23

Table 7: Absolute maximum ratings ........................................................................23

Table 8: DC electrical characteristic A2200-A .........................................................24

Table 9: Reflow soldering profile A2200-A ..............................................................26

Table 10: Environmental conditions ........................................................................30

V1.5

– Oct-13 User’s Manual

Page 39 of 39