Ublox EVK-7, EVK-M8, EVK-8 User Manual
EVK-7 / EVK-8 / EVK-M8
Evaluation Kits (PCB Version C/D)
User Guide
Abstract
This document describes the structure and use of the EVK-7 / EVK-8 /
EVK-M8 evaluation kits and provides information for evaluating and testing
u-blox 7, u-blox 8 and u-blox M8 positioning technology.
www.u-blox.com
UBX-14002502 - R09
EVK-7 / EVK-8 / EVK-M8 - User Guide
UBX-14002502 - R09 Page 2 of 28
Document Information
Title
EVK-7 / EVK-8 / EVK-M8
Subtitle
Evaluation Kits (PCB Version C/D)
Document type
User Guide
Document number
UBX-14002502
Revision and Date
R09
05-Dec-2017
Document status
Early Production Information
Document status explanation
Objective Specification
Document contains target values. Revised and supplementary data will be published later.
Advance Information
Document contains data based on early testing. Revised and supplementary data will be published later.
Early Production Information
Document contains data from product verification. Revised and supplementary data may be published later.
Production Information
Document contains the final product specification.
European Union regulatory compliance
EVK-7P, EVK-M8N, EVK-M8C, EVK-M8MEVA, EVK-M8QEVA and EVK-8N comply with all relevant requirements for RED 2014/53/EU. The
relevant Declaration of Conformity (DoC) is available at www.u-blox.com within Support > Product resources > Conformity Declaration.
This document applies to the following products:
Product name
Type number
Hardware Version
ROM/FLASH version
EOL/PCN reference
EVK-7N
EVK-7N-0-001
C
ROM 1.00 Flash FW1.00
UBX-17049159 (EOL)
EVK-7C
EVK-7C-0-001
C
ROM 1.00, 1.01, Flash FW1.00
UBX-17049159 (EOL)
EVK-7P
EVK-7P-0-001
C
ROM 1.00 PPP1.01, Flash FW1.00
N/A
EVK-7EVA
EVK-7EVA-0-000
C
ROM 1.00
UBX-17049159 (EOL)
EVK-M8N
EVK-M8N-0-01
D
Flash SPG 3.01
N/A
EVK-M8C
EVK-M8C-0-01
D
Flash SPG 3.01
N/A
EVK-M8MEVA
EVK-M8MEVA-0-01
D
ROM SPG 3.01
N/A
EVK-M8QEVA
EVK-M8QEVA-0-00
D
ROM SPG 3.01
N/A
EVK-8N
EVK-8N-0-00
D
ROM SPG 3.01
N/A
u-blox reserves all rights to this document and the information contained herein. Products, names, logos and designs described herein
may in whole or in part be subject to intellectual property rights. Reproduction, use, modification or disclosure to third pa rties of this
document or any part thereof without the express permission of u-blox is strictly prohibited.
The information contained herein is provided “as is” and u-blox assumes no liability for the use of the information. No warranty, either
express or implied, is given, including but not limited, with respect to the accuracy, correctness, reliability and fitness for a particular
purpose of the information. This document may be revised by u-blox at any time. For most recent documents, visit www.u-blox.com.
Copyright © 2017, u-blox AG.
u-blox is a registered trademark of u-blox Holding AG in the EU and other countries.
EVK-7 / EVK-8 / EVK-M8 User Guide
UBX-14002502 - R09 Early Production Information Preface
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Preface
Using this guide
This guide assumes, the user has basic computer skills and is familiar with the Windows Graphical User Interface
(GUI) and GNSS receiver environments.
The following symbols are used in the document to highlight information:
A warning symbol indicates actions that could negatively impact or damage the device.
An index finger points out key information pertaining to device operation and performance.
Warnings and certifications
CAUTION! IN THE UNLIKELY EVENT OF A FAILURE IN THE INTERNAL PROTECTION
CIRCUITRY THERE IS A RISK OF AN EXPLOSION WHEN CHARGING FULLY OR
PARTIALLY DISCHARGED BATTERIES. REPLACE THE BATTERY IF IT NO LONGER
HAS SUFFICIENT CHARGE FOR UNIT OPERATION. CONTROL THE BATTERY BEFORE
USING IF THE DEVICE HAS NOT BEEN OPERATED FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF
TIME.
Products marked with this lead-free symbol on the product label 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).
EVK-7 / EVK-8 / EVK-M8 evaluation kits are RoHS compliant and green (no halogens).
EVK-7 / EVK-8 / EVK-M8 User Guide
UBX-14002502 - R09 Early Production Information Contents
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Contents
Preface ................................................................................................................................ 3
Using this guide ............................................................................................................................................... 3
Warnings and certifications ............................................................................................................................. 3
Contents .............................................................................................................................. 4
1 Product description ...................................................................................................... 6
1.1 Overview .............................................................................................................................................. 6
1.2 Kit includes ........................................................................................................................................... 6
1.3 Software and documentation ............................................................................................................... 6
1.3.1 u-center GNSS evaluation software ............................................................................................... 6
1.4 System requirements ............................................................................................................................ 7
2 Specifications ................................................................................................................ 8
2.1 Safety precautions ................................................................................................................................ 8
3 Getting Started ............................................................................................................. 9
3.1 Software installation ............................................................................................................................. 9
3.2 Hardware installation ............................................................................................................................ 9
3.3 Serial port default configuration ........................................................................................................... 9
4 Device description ...................................................................................................... 10
4.1 Interface connection and measurement .............................................................................................. 10
4.2 Active antenna ................................................................................................................................... 10
4.3 Evaluation unit .................................................................................................................................... 10
4.3.1 Antenna connector ..................................................................................................................... 11
4.3.2 USB ............................................................................................................................................. 11
4.3.3 UART ........................................................................................................................................... 11
4.3.4 Time Pulse ................................................................................................................................... 11
4.3.5 RST button .................................................................................................................................. 12
4.3.6 Safe boot button ......................................................................................................................... 12
4.3.7 Slide Switch ................................................................................................................................. 12
4.3.8 Test Connector ............................................................................................................................ 12
4.3.9 LED ............................................................................................................................................. 13
4.3.10 Backup Battery ............................................................................................................................ 13
4.3.11 GNSS Configuration .................................................................................................................... 13
4.3.12 RTC Configuration (EVK-7EVA and EVK-M8MEVA) ..................................................................... 13
5 Measuring tracking current ....................................................................................... 14
6 Testing Power Save Mode ......................................................................................... 15
7 Block diagram ............................................................................................................. 16
EVK-7 / EVK-8 / EVK-M8 User Guide
UBX-14002502 - R09 Early Production Information Contents
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8 Board layout ............................................................................................................... 17
8.1 PCB Version C .................................................................................................................................... 17
8.2 PCB Version D .................................................................................................................................... 19
9 Schematic .................................................................................................................... 21
10 Battery replacement ................................................................................................... 22
11 Troubleshooting ......................................................................................................... 23
12 Common evaluation pitfalls ...................................................................................... 25
Related documents........................................................................................................... 26
Revision history ................................................................................................................ 27
Contact .............................................................................................................................. 28
EVK-7 / EVK-8 / EVK-M8 User Guide
UBX-14002502 - R09 Early Production Information Product description
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1 Product description
1.1 Overview
EVK-7 / EVK-8 / EVK-M8 evaluation kits make evaluating the high performance u-blox 7, u-blox 8 and u-blox M8
positioning products simple. The built-in USB interface provides both power supply and high-speed data transfer,
and eliminates the need for an external power supply. The u-blox evaluation kits are compact, and their user
friendly interface and power supply make them ideally suited for use in laboratories, vehicles and outdoor
locations. Furthermore, they can be used with a PDA or a notebook PC, making them the perfect companion
through all stages of design-in projects.
Evaluation Kit
Description
Suitable for
EVK-7N
u-blox 7 Evaluation Kit with TCXO
MAX-7Q; MAX-7W; NEO-7N
u-blox 7 GNSS chips with TCXO
EVK-7C
u-blox 7 Evaluation Kit with Crystal
MAX-7C; NEO-7M
u-blox 7 GNSS chips with Crystal
EVK-7P
u-blox 7 Evaluation Kit with Precise Point Positioning
NEO-7P
EVK-7EVA
u-blox 7 Evaluation Kit with EVA-7M
EVA-7M
EVK-M8N
u-blox M8 Evaluation Kit with TCXO
MAX-M8Q;MAX-M8W; NEO-M8N; NEO-M8Q; LEA-M8S
u-blox M8 concurrent GNSS chips with TCXO
EVK-M8C
u-blox M8 Evaluation Kit with Crystal
MAX-M8C; NEO-M8M
u-blox M8 concurrent GNSS chips with Crystal
MAX-8C, u-blox 8 GNSS chips with Crystal
EVK-M8MEVA
u-blox M8 Evaluation Kit with EVA-M8M-0
EVA-M8M, EVA-8M
EVK-M8QEVA
u-blox M8 Evaluation Kit with EVA-M8Q
EVA-M8Q
EVK-8N
u-blox 8 Evaluation Kit with TCXO
MAX-8Q; NEO-8Q
u-blox 8 GNSS chips with TCXO
Table 1: List of available EVK-7 / EVK-8 / EVK-M8 evaluation kits
The EVK may have features not available on the real product. Refer to the product data sheet to see if a
feature is available on the specific product.
EVK-M8C and EVK-M8MEVA to be set in single GPS or single GLONASS mode for evaluating MAX-8C,
u-blox 8 chip with crystal or EVA-8M. More information about GNSS configuration, see section 4.3.11.
1.2 Kit includes
Evaluation unit
USB cable
antenna with 3 m cable
o For u-blox 7 and 8 EVK: Active GPS / GLONASS antenna
o For u-blox M8 EVK: Active GPS / Galileo / GLONASS / BeiDou antenna
Quick Start card
1.3 Software and documentation
The EVK installation software (and documentation) package can be downloaded from the Web; see the Quick
Start card for the URL. Separate installation packages are available for EVK-7, EVK-8 or EVK-M8.
1.3.1 u-center GNSS evaluation software
The installation software includes u-center, an interactive tool for configuration, testing, visualization and data
analysis of GNSS receivers. It provides useful assistance during all phases of a system integration project.
EVK-7 / EVK-8 / EVK-M8 User Guide
UBX-14002502 - R09 Early Production Information Product description
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1.4 System requirements
PC with USB interface
Operating system: Windows Vista onwards (x86 and x64 versions)
USB drivers are provided in the evaluation kit installation software
EVK-7 / EVK-8 / EVK-M8 User Guide
UBX-14002502 - R09 Early Production Information Specifications
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2 Specifications
Parameter
Specification
Serial Interfaces
1 USB V2.0
1 RS232, max. baud rate 921,6 kBd
DB9 +/- 12 V level
14 pin – 3.3 V logic
1 DDC (I2C compatible) max. 400 kHz
1 SPI – clock signal max. 5,5 MHz – SPI DATA max. 1 Mbit/s
Timing Interfaces
1 Time pulse output1
Dimensions
105 x 64 x 26 mm
Power Supply
5V via USB or external powered via extra power supply
pin 14 (V5_IN) 13 (GND)
Normal Operating temperature
-40°C to +65°C
Table 2: EVK-7 / EVK-8 / EVK-M8 specifications
2.1 Safety precautions
EVK-7 and EVK-M8 must be supplied by an external limited power source in compliance with clause 2.5 of the
standard IEC 60950-1. In addition to an external limited power source, only separated or Safety Extra-Low
Voltage (SELV) circuits are to be connected to the evaluation kit, including interfaces and antennas.
For more information about SELV circuits see section 2.2 in Safety standard IEC 60950-1 [26].
1
Time pulse not available in all EVK versions. Please refer to section 4.3.4 on how to check availability of Time pulse 1 on your EVK.
EVK-7 / EVK-8 / EVK-M8 User Guide
UBX-14002502 - R09 Early Production Information Getting Started
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3 Getting Started
3.1 Software installation
Installation of the EVK-7, EVK-8 or EVK-M8 software and documentation requires Internet access.
Choose Software only or Software and documentation installation package from u-blox website. Once the zip
file is downloaded and unzipped, unzip the file in Tools folder and double-click the extracted exe file.
The software components will be installed on your system and placed under the “u-blox” folder in the “Start
Programs” menu.
3.2 Hardware installation
1. Connect the unit to a PC running Microsoft Windows. Options:
USB: Connect via USB port.
UART: Connect via RS232. Set slide switch to I2C.
SPI / I2C compliant DDC: Connect corresponding pins (see Table 5 for pin description). Set slide
switch accordingly to SPI or I2C.
Press the RST button after changing the switch.
2. The device must always have power, either via USB on the back or the V5_IN input on the front.
3. Connect the GNSS antenna to the evaluation unit and place the antenna in a location with good sky view.
4. Start the u-center GNSS Evaluation Software and select corresponding COM port and baud rate.
Refer to the u-center User Guide [21] for more information.
3.3 Serial port default configuration
Parameter
Description
Remark
UART Port 1, Input
UBX and NMEA protocol at 9’600 Bd
UART Port 1, Output
UBX and NMEA protocol at 9’600 Bd
Only NMEA messages are activated
USB, Input
UBX and NMEA protocol
USB, Output
UBX and NMEA protocol
Only NMEA messages are activated
Table 3: Default configuration
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