i-Lotus RX Oncore User Manual

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is a registered trademark of

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© 2008, i-Lotus Pte Ltd. Printed in Singapore.

If you require any assistance or have any queries regarding any of the i-Lotus products,
contact your regional i-Lotus customer representative.

Contents

Page

1 Introduction ..................................................................................................................................................................... 1

1.1 Overview ................................................................................................................................................................ 1

1.2 Key Features ......................................................................................................................................................... 1

2 Performance Specifications ........................................................................................................................................... 2

3 Hardware Overview ......................................................................................................................................................... 4

3.1 Overview ................................................................................................................................................................ 5

3.2 Feature Summary .................................................................................................................................................. 5

3.3 Hardware Interface Overview ................................................................................................................................. 6

3.4 Power Modes ......................................................................................................................................................... 6

3.4.1 Tracking ................................................................................................................................................................. 6

3.4.2 Sleep mode ............................................................................................................................................................ 7

3.4.3 Standby ................................................................................................................................................................. 7

3.5 GPS Antenna detection .......................................................................................................................................... 7

3.6 Inbuilt Module Information ...................................................................................................................................... 8

3.7 Satellite Based Augmentation System (SBAS) ................................ ....................................................................... 8

3.8 NMEA Protocol Support ......................................................................................................................................... 8

4 Module Pin Layout .......................................................................................................................................................... 9

5 Pin Definition ..................................................................................................................................................................10

6 Mechanical Dimensions .................................................................................................................................................12

7 Packaging Detail.............................................................................................................................................................13

8 Electrical Specifications ................................................................................................................................................14

8.1 VCC ..................................................................................................................................................................... 14

8.2 VBATT ................................................................................................................................................................. 15

9 Antenna circuitry ............................................................................................................................................................16

9.1 GPS Antenna detection ........................................................................................................................................ 17

10 SBAS ...............................................................................................................................................................................18

10.1 Available SBAS Satellites ..................................................................................................................................... 19

10.2 Supported commands .......................................................................................................................................... 20

10.3 Effectiveness ....................................................................................................................................................... 20

11 Module Installation Considerations ..............................................................................................................................22

11.1 Electrostatic Precautions ...................................................................................................................................... 22

11.2 Electromagnetic Considerations ........................................................................................................................... 22

11.3 RF Shielding ........................................................................................................................................................ 22

11.4 RoHS Consideration ............................................................................................................................................ 23

11.5 SMT Reflow Profile .............................................................................................................................................. 23

12 Module Packaging ..........................................................................................................................................................24

12.1 Tape-and-reel Packaging ..................................................................................................................................... 24

12.2 Carrier Tape Details ............................................................................................................................................. 25

12.3 Plastic Reel Detail ................................................................................................................................................ 26

13 Handling, Shipment & Storage ......................................................................................................................................27

13.1 Handling............................................................................................................................................................... 27

13.2 Shipment: ............................................................................................................................................................. 28

13.3 Storage ................................................................................................................................................................ 30

14 Reference Design ...........................................................................................................................................................31

15 Hardware Recommendations ........................................................................................................................................32

15.1 Oncore Silver GPS Active Antenna ...................................................................................................................... 32

15.2 Technical Specifications ....................................................................................................................................... 33

15.3 Block Diagram ...................................................................................................................................................... 34

15.4 Antenna Gain Pattern ........................................................................................................................................... 35

15.5 Mechanical Dimensions ....................................................................................................................................... 37

15.6 Antenna Placement .............................................................................................................................................. 37

16 Ordering Information......................................................................................................................................................38

1 Introduction

Fig. 1.1 RX Oncore module

 Miniature Size (17.0 x 22.4 x 3.0mm)

1

 Low Power Consumption
 Tracking Sensitivity up to -159 dBm
 16 satellite simultaneous tracking
 Auto NMEA output
 1/30 to 4Hz Configurable Output Rate
 Horizontal Accuracy of <2.0m (Unassisted

2D Position accuracy)

 Supports AGPS, SBAS (WAAS, EGNOS,

MSAS)

 Supports UART, USB, SPI

2

, CAN2 interfaces

 RoHS Compliant

1.1 Overview

The RX Oncore is a high performance GPS receiver featuring the ALL NEW Smart-StartTM Technology and
supporting AGPS and SBAS augmentation systems. With a sensitivity of up to -159 dBm, this industrial grade
receiver features Auto-Startup and is capable of tracking 16 satellites simultaneously. This cost effective solution is
custom designed to be applied in an extensive variety of GPS applications where superior performance, precise
location, reliability and easy integration are paramount.

Extending the intelligence, quality, and market impact our current technological advances have on the industry, the
RX Oncore uniquely defines a balance between high-performance and cost-effectiveness in the development of this
complete and vastly flexible GPS receiver.

1.2 Key Features

1

With shield

2

Optional

Document Number: 403 – GPS – 070 Page | 1

2 Performance Specifications

PARAMETERS

SPECIFICATIONS

General Characteristics

Receiver Architecture

16 Channels

L1 1575.42 MHz

C/A Code (1.023 MHz chip rate)

Code plus carrier tracking (carrier aided tracking)

Signal Tracked

L1, C/A Code, AGPS, SBAS (WAAS, EGNOS, MSAS)

Tracking Capability

16 simultaneous satellite vehicles

Dimensions

Length

17.0 mm

Width

22.4 mm

Height

3.5 mm (with shield)

Shielded

Yes

Performance Characteristics

Acquisition Time (TTFF)

Autonomous Mode

Cold Start

< 32.0 s

Warm Start

< 21.0 s

Hot Start

< 1.5 s

Accuracy

Autonomous Mode

Horizontal Position Error at 50% probable

< 2.5 m, 1-sigma

< 2.0 m, SBAS

Altitude

-1,500 m to 18,000 m

Velocity

515 m/sec

Sensitivity

Acquisition

-146 dBm

Tracking

-159 dBm

Max Update Rate

4 Hz

1PPS Timing

Not Supported

Electrical Characteristics

Main Power Supply (Vcc)

Voltage Range

3.0 to 3.6 VDC : (Nominal 3.3 VDC)

Power Consumption

Acquisition Mode

75 mA @3.3V

Standby Mode

55 uA @3.3V

Digital I/O Interface (VIO=3.3V)

Input High Voltage (VIH)

0.7*VCC to VCC+0.3V

Input Low Voltage (VIL)

-0.3 to 0.3*VCC

Input Hysteresis CMOS Schmitt Trigger

Min. 400mV

Output High Voltage @ 4mA (VOH)

Min. VCC-0.8V

Output Low Voltage @ 4mA (VOL)

Max. 0.4V

Document Number: 403 – GPS – 070 Page | 2

Interface

Communication port

UART

USB
SPI (Optional)
CAN (Optional)

Antenna

Support Active/Passive

Both

Bias Voltage : 3.0 ~ 5.5V (6V max)

Bias current : 120mA

Antenna Sense Circuit

Output Sentences

Latitude, longitude, height, velocity, heading, time
NMEA 0183 (GGA, GLL, GSA, GSV, RMC, VTG, ZDA)

Commands Supported

STM NMEA
i-Lotus NMEA

Environmental Characteristics

Operating Temperature

-40 to +85⁰C

Storage Temperature

-40 to +105⁰C

Humidity (Moisture)

Humidity RH(1'25g/m3)

ROHS compliant

Yes

RTC

32.768KHz RTC

Internal

Standard Features

NMEA Output

Auto NMEA output up to 1Hz

Setup Configuration

Saved to flash (non-volatile memory)

Memory

Built-in flash memory (256 KB + 16 KB)

Document Number: 403 – GPS – 070 Page | 3

LNA

RF

IN

ANT

DET

TCXO

RF Circuitry

Clock

Generator

SPI

Bus

RF Front-End

SAW Filter

RF Gnd

RX Oncore Module

Antenna Protection
& Sensing Circuitry

Antenna Sensing

Circuit

Fault

V

ANT

ANT

DET

V

ANT

Digital Gnd

Antenna

LNA

Active Antenna

3 Hardware Overview

Below is a simplified functional block diagram of the RX Oncore receiver.

Fig 3.1 Functional Block Diagram

Document Number: 403 – GPS – 070 Page | 4

3.1 Overview

By combining the ARM7TDMI microcontroller core with on-chip Flash and RAM, 16-Channel correlator DSP, RF
Front-end and an extensive range of interfaces on a single module solution, the RX Oncore provides a highly­flexible and cost-effective solution for any GPS application.

3.2 Feature Summary

 ARM7TDMI 16/32 bit RISC CPU based host microcontroller running at a frequency up to 66 MHz.
 Complete Embedded Memory System:

 FLASH 256 Kbytes + 16 Kbytes (100K erasing/programming cycles)

 RAM 64 Kbytes.
 16 channel High performance GPS correlation DSP
 ST Proprietary Technology:

 CMOS Flash Embedded Technology for Baseband

 BiCMOS Sige for Radio Front-end
 -40

o

C to 85oC Operating temperature range

 SBAS (WAAS and EGNOS) supported
 Power Supply:

 3.0V to 3.6V operating supply range for Input/output periphery

 3.0V to 3.6V operating supply range for A/D Converter reference

 1.8V operating supply range for core supply provided by internal Voltage Regulator

 2.7V operating supply range for RF Front-end section
 Reset and Clock Control Unit able to provide low power modes:
 Real time clock module with 32KHz low power oscillator and separate power supply to continue running

during stand-by mode.

 16-bit Watchdog Timer with 8 bits prescaler for system reliability and integrity.
 Extensive Range of Interface:

 Serial Communication Interfaces (UART) allow full duplex, asynchronous, communications with

external devices, independently programmable RX and RX baud rates up to 625K.

Document Number: 403 – GPS – 070 Page | 5

 Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) allows full duplex, synchronous communications with external devices,

slave operation, maximum baud rate of 5.5Mb/s.

 USB unit V1.1 compliant, software configurable endpoint setting, USB Suspend/Resume support.

 Controller Area Network Interface (CAN) compliant with the CAN specification V2.0 part B (active) and

bit rate can be programmed up to 1 MBaud. (Optional, with this option, this feature shares the same
hardware pins as USB interface)

 Inter-IC Interface (I

2

C) Interface provides multi-master and slave functions, support normal and fast

I2C mode (400 KHz), 7/10 bit addressing modes. (Optional)

 RF Front-end Features:

 LOW IF (4MHz) architecture

 Compatible with GPS L1 signal

 VGA Gain internally regulated

 On-chip programmable PLL

3.3 Hardware Interface Overview

The RX Oncore GPS module uses the STA8058 fully embedded GPS engine core chip set. This chipset features 64KB
RAM and 256 KB + 16 KB Flash Memory in a single chip BGA package.

The GPS IC contains a 66-MHz ARM7TDMI 32 bit processor. The RX Oncore uses an internal frequency synthesizer
to create all internal clocks from the 16.368MHz GPS clock. A 32 KHz oscillator is utilized as the real-time-clock
(RTC).

3.4 Power Modes

 Software command to drive the device to sleep mode (low power wait for interrupt).
 RF will be disabled when device enters sleep mode and is enabled when it wakes up.
 To wake up, a command is sent through UART.
 Wake up procedure: send any command and wait for device response.

3.4.1 Tracking

Upon power up, the RX Oncore will run in Full Power Mode, and will immediately search for all visible satellites
available.

Document Number: 403 – GPS – 070 Page | 6

3.4.2 Sleep mode

The RX Oncore can be toggled between Sleep Mode and Full Power Mode by entering a software command.

When the RX Oncore is in Full Power Mode, it can be set to Sleep Mode by entering the $PSTMiMPM,2 software
command.

When the RX Oncore is in Sleep Mode, it can be restored to Full Power Mode by entering the $SPTMiMPM,0
software command.

3.4.3 Standby

The RX Oncore can only be toggled between Full Power Mode and Standby Mode by pulling the hardware control
on the WAKEUP pin.

When the RX Oncore is in Full Power Mode, it can be set to Standby Mode by pulling the hardware control on the
WAKEUP pin LOW.

When the RX Oncore is in Standby Mode, it can be restored to Full Power Mode by pulling the hardware control on
the WAKEUP pin HIGH.

3.5 GPS Antenna detection

 To support active GPS antenna (5V), V

antenna only.

Detection status:

 Active antenna connected
 No active antenna connected

 Antenna short circuit
 To support passive GPS Antenna, tie V
 Antenna sense circuitry detects the following conditions:

connected to 3~5V supply. RX Oncore supports 3V or 5V active

ANT

to GND

ANT

Document Number: 403 – GPS – 070 Page | 7

3.6 Inbuilt Module Information

Product details stored in flash (Non-Volatile Memory, Write Protected)

 Product ID

 Hardware drawing part number

 Serial Number

 Manufacturing date

 GPS Library Version

3.7 Satellite Based Augmentation System (SBAS)

The following settings should be used in each respective country:

<%d> = 0 for the receiver to auto search for the SBAS satellite

In WAAS system region, (USA, Canada and Mexico)

<%d> = 122 for Inmarsat 3F4 AOR-W 54.0 West

<%d> = 134 for Inmarsat 3F3 POR 178.0 East

In EGNOS system region (Europe and Africa)

<%d> = 120 for Inmarsat 3F2 AOR-E 15.5 West

<%d> = 124 for Artemis 21.5 East

<%d> = 126 for Inmarsat 3F5 IOR-W 25.0 East

In MSAS system region (Japan, Australia and Hawaii)

<%d> = 129 for MTSAT 1
<%d> = 137 for MTSAT 2

3.8 NMEA Protocol Support

The RX Oncore Positioning Receiver firmware supports the NMEA 0183 format for GPS data output. Output of data
in the NMEA-0183 standard format allows a direct interface via the serial port to electronic navigation instruments
that support the specific output messages. NMEA formatted messages may also be used with most commercially
available mapping and tracking programs. Please refer to the i-Lotus NMEA Protocol Specifications document.

Document Number: 403 – GPS – 070 Page | 8

4 Module Pin Layout

The RX Oncore receives electrical power and input/output signals (including RF_in) through an array of 54 gold

pads. Below are illustrations of the pin layout, orientation, and numbering. It is recommended that the user solder

the 16 ground pads in the center.

Fig 4.1 54 pin layout (Bottom view)

Document Number: 403 – GPS – 070 Page | 9

5 Pin Definition

Pin

Tech Name

Function

Type

1

SDA2

DDC Data

I/O

2

SCL2

DDC Clock

I/O

3

TXD1

Serial Port

O

4

RxD1

Serial Port

I

5

NC/VDDIO

Supply Voltage

I

6

VCC

Supply Voltage

I

7

GND

Ground (Digital)

I

8

VCC_OUT

Out Voltage

O

9

Reserved/MISO

SPI MISO

Reserved

10

RESET_N

Reset

I

11

V_BCKP

Backup Voltage Supply

I

12

Reserved

Reserved

Reserved

13

GND

Ground

I

14

GND

Ground

I

15

GND

Ground

I

16

RF_IN

GPS Signal Input

I

17

GND

Ground

I

18

VCC_RF

Output Voltage RF Section

O

19

V_ANT

Antenna Bias Voltage

I

20

AADET_IN

Active Antenna Detect

I

21

NC/MOSI

SOI MOSI

Reserved

22

NC/SS_N

SPI Slave Select

Reserved

23

NC/SCK

SPI Clock

24

VDDUSB

USB Supply

I

25

USB_DM

USB Data

I/O

26

USB_DP

USB Data

I/O

27

EXTINT0

External Interrupt Pin

I

28

Reserved

Reserved

X

29

Reserved

Reserved

X

30

Reserved

Reserved

X

31

Reserved

Reserved

X

32

Reserved

Reserved

X

33

Reserved

Reserved

X

34

ADC

Analog Digital Convertor

I/O

35

Standby Mode Select

0 = Standby, 1 = Normal (Default)

I

36

Sleep Mode Disable

0 = Sleep, 1 = Normal (Default)

O

37

V

ANT

Disabled

Type C Only

O

38

NC

NC

X

39

Interface Select

00 = I2C, 01 = USB/CAN,

I

Document Number: 403 – GPS – 070 Page | 10

40

Interface Select

10 = SPI,11 = UART (Default)

I

41

USB Reset

0 = Reset, 1 = Nomal (Default)

O

42

NC

NC X 43

Firmware

Firmware Reflash

I

44

Reserved

Reserved

X

45

Reserved

Reserved

X

46

Reserved

Reserved

X

47

Reserved

Reserved

X

48

Reserved

Reserved

X

49

Reserved

Reserved

X

50

Reserved

Reserved

X

51

Reserved

Reserved

X

52

NC

NC X 53

Reserved

Reserved

X

54

Reserved

Reserved

X

Table 5.1 Pin Definition

Document Number: 403 – GPS – 070 Page | 11

6 Mechanical Dimensions

Fig 6.1 Mechanical Dimensions

Document Number: 403 – GPS – 070 Page | 12

7 Packaging Detail

Fig 7.1 Packaging Dimensions

Document Number: 403 – GPS – 070 Page | 13

8 Electrical Specifications

8.1 VCC

VCC is the main power supply of the RX Oncore. An input voltage of 3.3V must be connected to the VCC pin (pin 6)
to supply all the power requirements of the module. See Fig. 1. This is also being fed back to the VCC_OUT pin (pin

8). VCC is also an input to an LDO (U7) which outputs 2.7V to supply the VCCRF pin (pin 18) and be able to support
an external LNA.

Fig 8.1 VCC power supply

Document Number: 403 – GPS – 070 Page | 14

8.2 VBATT

Fig 8.2 VBATT voltage input

VBATT is a 1.8V input that ensures the RTC, TCXO and the Wakeup Controller remains powered and active in the
event of a failure in VCC Power Supply.

Document Number: 403 – GPS – 070 Page | 15

9 Antenna circuitry

The RX Oncore is able to support both passive and active antennas.

It receives the L1 band signals at frequency 1575.42 MHz via the RFIN pin.

When designing the RF portion of any application with our module, the following considerations are necessary:

 All PCB trace from RFIN pin is required to have 50  impedance: with passive matching circuitry.
 For active antenna, the required voltage is to be catered by the host via VANT pin.
 Active antenna gain should not exceed 50 dB, and the noise figure should not exceed 3 dB.

Fig 9.1 Antenna block diagram

The built-in antenna sensing circuitry coupled with the host’s ANTDET control the power supply to the active
antenna.

The sensing circuitry provides the following:

 Active antenna sensing
 Detection of short-circuit
 Report the fault to the module MCU

Document Number: 403 – GPS – 070 Page | 16

9.1 GPS Antenna detection

 To support active GPS antenna (5V), V

connected to 3~5V supply. RX Oncore supports 3V or 5V active

ANT

antenna only.

 To support passive GPS Antenna, tie V

to GND

ANT

 When short circuit was detected, the voltage supply to the antenna will be automatically shut down.
 Antenna sense circuitry detects the following conditions:

 Active antenna connected
 No active antenna connected
 Antenna short circuit

Document Number: 403 – GPS – 070 Page | 17

10 SBAS

Fig 10.1 SBAS system

SBAS is a system consisting of three groups of geostationary satellites located over three world regions that provide
every visible GPS satellite with one single correction to have a more accurate user position. This correction is
compound by three contributions that permit to correct the error due to three different effects related to the
ionosphere, the troposphere and the satellite, respectively.

The SBAS signal is acquired and elaborated by the RX Oncore receiver in two phases:

 Front – End
 Back – End

The Front – End phase is used to search the correction messages received from the SBAS system by using a GPS
channel dedicated to the SBAS satellite signal receipt. It is composed of the Viterbi module and Framer module.

The First module uses the Viterbi algorithm to decode the input stream. The second module uses a state machine
and pattern matching algorithm (Knuth Morris Pratt) to search the SBAS message in the input stream.

The Back – End inputs are a sequence of 250-bit messages provided every second. There are 62 SBAS message
types but the system elaborates just 10 message types. The SBAS message is decoded by the SBAS message
decoder and then the information is stored in two databases, depending on the type of the correction contained in
the message.

Document Number: 403 – GPS – 070 Page | 18

The ionosphere data are stored in Iono DB by using the SBAS Iono Correction module to elaborate the SBAS
message. The data related to the satellite correction (fast/slow/clock correction) are elaborated by the SBAS
Satellite Correction module and then stored in Satellite DB.

Every 30 seconds the Correction Generator module gets data from the database and elaborates them to provide
the total correction for every GPS satellite by using a GPS library function.

10.1 Available SBAS Satellites

In WAAS system region, (USA, Canada and Mexico)

122 for Inmarsat 3F4 AOR-W 54.0 West

http://www.lyngsat.com/tracker/inmar3f4.shtml

134 for Inmarsat 3F3 POR 178.0 East

http://www.lyngsat.com/tracker/inmar3f3.shtml

In EGNOS system region (Europe and Africa)

120 for Inmarsat 3F2 AOR-E 15.5 West

http://www.lyngsat.com/tracker/inmar3f2.shtml

124 for Artemis 21.5 East

http://www.lyngsat.com/tracker/artemis.shtml

126 for Inmarsat 3F5 IOR-W 25.0 East

http://www.lyngsat.com/tracker/inmar3f5.shtml

In MSAS system region (Japan, Australia and Hawaii)

129 for MTSAT 1
137 for MTSAT 2

Document Number: 403 – GPS – 070 Page | 19

10.2 Supported commands

 $PSTMSBAS – SBAS information about the status, azimuth, elevation and power of the SBAS satellite

tracked

 $PSTMSBASONOFF – Enable/Disable the SBAS function
 $PSTMSBASSAT – Change the SBAS Satellite PRN ID

10.3 Effectiveness

With the implementation of SBAS functionalities in the RX Oncore module, the positional accuracy is able to be
improved upon drastically. The following 2 figures show the improvement of the GPS position with SBAS versus
non-SBAS using the same RX Oncore module.

In Europe using prn 131:

Fig 10.2 SBAS Europe effectiveness

Document Number: 403 – GPS – 070 Page | 20

In United States of America, using prn 122:

Fig 10.3 SBAS USA effectiveness

Document Number: 403 – GPS – 070 Page | 21

11 Module Installation Considerations

Every RX Oncore receiver has been carefully inspected and packaged to ensure optimum performance and quality
assurance. As with any piece of electronic equipment, proper installation is essential before you can use the
equipment. When mounting the RX Oncore receiver board into your housing system, special precautions need to
be considered. Before you install the receiver, please review the following:

11.1 Electrostatic Precautions

The RX Oncore printed circuit boards (PCBs) contain parts and assemblies sensitive to damage by electrostatic
discharge (ESD). Use ESD precautionary procedures when handling the PCB. Grounding wristbands and anti-static
bags are considered standard equipment in protecting against ESD damage.

11.2 Electromagnetic Considerations

The RX Oncore receiver PC boards contain a very sensitive RF receiver; therefore you must observe certain
precautions to prevent possible interference from the host system. Because the electromagnetic environment will
vary for each OEM application, it is not possible to define exact guidelines to assure electromagnetic compatibility.
The frequency of GPS is 1.575 GHz. Frequencies or harmonics close to the GPS frequency may interfere with the
operation of the receiver, desensitizing the performance. Symptoms include lower signal to noise values, longer
TTFFs and the inability to acquire and track signals. In cases where RF interference is suspected, common remedies
are to provide the receiver with additional RF shielding and/or moving the antenna away from the source of the
interference.

11.3 RF Shielding

The RF circuitry sections on the RX Oncore are surrounded with an RF dam to provide some protection against
potential interference from external sources. When a design calls for the RX Oncore to be near or around RF
sources such as radios, switching power supplies, microprocessor clocks, etc., it is recommended that the RX
Oncore be tested in the target environment to identify potential interference issues prior to final design. RX Oncore
PCB has an additional metal shield to eliminate electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) problems.

Document Number: 403 – GPS – 070 Page | 22

11.4 RoHS Consideration

As an ISO 9001 certified company, i-Lotus takes great precautions in industrial health and safety. The RX Oncore has
been officially certified as a RoHS compliant module. If required, all supporting documents regarding the RoHS
material used on RX Oncore will be given upon request.

11.5 SMT Reflow Profile

The RX Oncore module is a surface mount device. It has the capability to be manually soldered or mounted using a
Solder Reflow Process. Below is the recommended lead Free Solder Reflow Profile.

Fig 11.1 Reflow solder profile

Document Number: 403 – GPS – 070 Page | 23

12 Module Packaging

TRANSPARENT COVER TAPE

(SECURE MODULE IN CAVITY)

RX ONCORE AM-70

MODULE

CARRIER TAPE (HOLDS

MODULE)

SPROCKET HOLES (GUIDE TAPE IN

PICK-AND-PLACE MACHINE)

The following chapter describes the packaging details of RX Oncore module.

12.1 Tape-and-reel Packaging

The RX Oncore module is most commonly delivered in Tape-and-Reel form factor. This approach simplifies the
handling of semiconductors for the automated circuit board assembly systems. Each reel contains a maximum of
500pcs of RX Oncore modules, which enables the pick-and-place automated machines reloaded less frequently. In
turn, this saves labor and will further reduce the manufacturing costs for the overall automated circuit board
assembly.

Fig 12.1 Carrier tape overview

Document Number: 403 – GPS – 070 Page | 24

12.2 Carrier Tape Details

Fig 12.2 Carrier tape dimensions

NOTES: 1) CARRIER TAPE MATERIAL: HIGH IMPACT POLYSTYRENE, CONDUCTIVE, BLACK

2) DRAWING UNITS: IN MM.

3) DIMENSION GENERAL TOLERANCE: ±0.10mm UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED.

4) THE MAXIMUM CUMULATIVE TOLERANCE IS ±0.20mm FOR “10” SPROCKET HOLE PITCH

Document Number: 403 – GPS – 070 Page | 25

12.3 Plastic Reel Detail

A

(REEL SIZE)

W

(WIDTH

SIZE)

B

(HUB SIZE)

C D E F G

COLOUR

MATERIAL

Ø330.00m

m

(13”)

32.00mm

Ø100.00m

m

(4”)

21.10mm

13.00mm

2.00mm

2.20mm

90°

WHITE

HIGH

IMPACT

POLYSTYR

ENE

Fig 12.3 Reel dimensions

Document Number: 403 – GPS – 070 Page | 26

13 Handling, Shipment & Storage

This chapter describes the methods for protection of RX Oncore against ESD damage or degradation during the
manufacturing operations to ESD exposure.

13.1 Handling

1) DO NOT allow anyone who is not properly grounded to touch RX Oncore module. To be

grounded, they must be standing on a conductive floor mat with conductive heel straps attached
to footwear or must wear a grounded wrist strap.

2) DO NOT touch the RX Oncore module by the pins or leads unless it is properly grounded since

most ESD damage is done at these points.

3) DO NOT handle the RX Oncore module during transport from work station to work station unless

protected by shielding bags. The RX Oncore module must never be directly handled by anyone
who is not grounded.

4) DO NOT wax grounded static controlled conductive floor and bench top mats. This would allow

build-up of an insulating layer and thus defeating the purpose of a conductive work surface.

5) DO NOT touch the RX Oncore module with clothing or textiles even though grounded wrist strap

is worn. This does not apply if conductive coats are worn.

6) DO check the grounded wrist strap connections daily before starting work with the RX Oncore.

7) DO use ionizing air blowers in static controlled areas when the use of plastic (nonconductive)

material cannot be avoided.

8) DO remove RX Oncore module from shielding bags only when grounded via wrist strap at

grounded work station.

9) The diagram below shows an example of a work bench properly equipped to control electro-static

discharge. Please note that the wrist strap is connected to a 1 Mohm resistor. This resistor can be
omitted in the setup if the wrist strap has a 1 Mohm assembled on the cable attached.

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13.2 Shipment:

Product Label with
MSL level shown.

Caution Label to describe the handling
requirement to prevent from humidity
intake.

Humidity Indicator

Silica gel (Dry pack)

Product label with MSL level
shown.

“QA ACCEPTANCE”

Label

Caution label.

The RX Oncore modules are delivered on tape-and-reels in a hermetically sealed package to prevent moisture
intake and protect against electrostatic discharge. A “Caution Label” is pasted to the reel to define the handling
requirements and shelf life. A “Product Label” (with MSL level) is pasted on reel to describe the product
information. An “Humidity Indicator” will be paste on reel to tell the condition.

Fig 13.1 Tape and reel shipment

For protection from physical damage, the reels are individually packed in a pizza box.

Fig 13.2 ESD packaging and box

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Diagram below shows the dimension of pizza box.

Fig 13.3 Box dimensions

Each carton box contains of 4 pizza box. A carton box will be sealed with “RPG” tape at both top and bottom side.

Fig 13.4 Carton dimensions

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13.3 Storage

As shown on the “Caution Label”, the shelf life is 12 months at <40°c and <90% Relative Humidity (RH).

Fig 13.5 Caution label

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14 Reference Design

Fig 14.1 Reference design

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15 Hardware Recommendations

15.1 Oncore Silver GPS Active Antenna

Oncore Silver GPS Active antenna is the qualified and recommended GPS active antenna for use with the RX Oncore
receiver.

The small footprint, low profile package and the shielded LNA (low noise amplifier) offer significantly enhanced
performance while operating in a variety of GPS environments. Furthermore, magnetic and blind-hole direct
mounting options and waterproof shell make the antenna suitable for a number of different installation
configurations.

Fig 15.1 GPS Active Antenna

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15.2 Technical Specifications

Table 15.1 OncoreM Silver GPS Active antenna

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15.3 Block Diagram

Fig 15.2 Block Diagram of GPS Active Antenna

GPS (Global Positioning System) is a satellite-based navigation system. In an unobstructed clear
view of the sky, GPS works anywhere in the world, and 24 hours a day.

GPS is developed and operated by the government of United States. Under the policy of the
government, the degradation in accuracy shall occur without prior warnings, and sometimes
satellites don’t transmit signal due to adjustment, test, and orbital revision.

Also, please note:

1. Products such as motors, computer, and RF devices, which emit high levels of magnetic field
and interference, that may cause the performance of the GPS unit to drop.

2. The optimal position during automobile applications is on the roof top of the vehicles. If the
GPS antenna unit is to be placed inside the car, be certain to avoid coverage by metal objects for
optimal performance

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15.4 Antenna Gain Pattern

The sensitivity of an antenna as a function of elevation angle is represented by the gain pattern.
Some directions are much more appropriate for signal reception than others, so the gain
characteristics of an antenna play a significant role in the antenna's overall performance. A cross­sectional view of the antenna gain pattern along a fixed azimuth (in a vertical cut) is displayed in
the following figure. The gain pattern clearly indicates that the Hawk antenna is designed for full,
upper hemispherical coverage, with the gain diminishing at low elevations. This cross-section is
representative of any vertical cross section over a full 360 degree azimuth range and thus, the 3
dimensional gain patterns is a symmetric spheroid surface. It is important to note that this gain
pattern varies in elevation angle, but not in horizontal azimuth. This design is well-suited for
many GPS applications, accommodating full sky coverage above the local horizon and minimizing
ground reflected multipath effects.

Fig 15.3 Active antenna gain pattern

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Fig 15.4 Active antenna gain pattern

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15.5 Mechanical Dimensions

All dimensions are in mm and are for reference purposes only.

Fig 15.5 Active antenna dimensions

15.6 Antenna Placement

When mounting the Hawk antenna module, it is important to remember that GPS positioning
performance will be optimal when the antenna patch plane is level with the local geographic
horizon, and the antenna has full view of the sky ensuring direct line-of-sight to all visible
satellites over head.

Fig 15.3 Correct antenna placements

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16 Ordering Information

The RX Oncore module can be ordered using the following part number:

 IL-GPS-0070-B

The RX Oncore Evaluation Kit can be ordered using the following part number:

 IL- GPS-EVK-0070-UA (UART/USB)
 IL- GPS-EVK-0070-UB (USB ONLY)

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