u-blox EVK-R4 User Manual

UBX-16029216 - R06 C1-Public www.u-blox.com

EVK-R4

SARA-R4 series cellular evaluation kits

User guide

Abstract

This guide explains how to set up the EVK-R4 evaluation kits to begin evaluating the u-blox SARA-R4 series cellular modules supporting multi-band LTE Cat M1 / NB1 radio access technology.

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Document information

Title

EVK-R4

Subtitle

SARA-R4 series cellular evaluation kits

Document type

User guide

Document number

UBX-16029216

Revision and date

R06

23-Feb-2021

Disclosure restriction

C1-Public

Product status

Corresponding content status

Functional sample

Draft

For functional testing. Revised and supplementary data will be published later.

In development / Prototype

Objective specification

Target values. Revised and supplementary data will be published later.

Engineering sample

Advance information

Data based on early testing. Revised and supplementary data will be published later.

Initial production

Early production information

Data from product verification. Revised and supplementary data may be published later.

Mass production / End of life

Production information

Document contains the final product specification.

This document applies to the following products:

Product name

Type number

Modem version

Application version

PCN reference

Product status

EVK-R404M

EVK-R404M-00B-00

K0.0.00.00.07.08

UBX-18055331

Obsolete

EVK-R410M

EVK-R410M-01B-00

L0.0.00.00.02.03

UBX-18059854

Obsolete

EVK-R410M-02B-00

L0.0.00.00.05.12

A.02.19

UBX-20058104

Initial production

EVK-R410M-52B-00

L0.0.00.00.06.08

A02.11

UBX-20033274

Obsolete

EVK-R410M-6-00

L0.08.12

A.01.12

UBX-20053055

Initial production

EVK-R410M-7-00

L0.08.12

A.01.12

UBX-20049254

Initial production

EVK-R410M-8-00

L0.08.12

A.01.12

UBX-20049255

Initial production

EVK-R412M

EVK-R412M-02B-00

M0.12.00

A.02.19

UBX-20058105

Initial production

u-blox or third parties may hold intellectual property rights in the products, names, logos and designs included in this document. Copying, reproduction, modification or disclosure to third parties of this document or any part thereof is only permitted with the express written permission of u-blox. The information contained herein is provided “as is” and u-blox assumes no liability for its use. No warranty, either express or implied, is given, including but not limited to, 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 without notice. For the most recent documents, visit www.u-blox.com. Copyright © u-blox AG.

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1 Starting up

1.1 EVK-R4 overview

The EVK-R4 kit is a powerful and easy-to-use tool that simplifies the evaluation of the u-blox SARA-R4 series LTE Cat M1 / NB1 cellular modules.

The following evaluation kits are available with u-blox SARA-R4 cellular modules:

• The EVK-R404M evaluation kit is for evaluation of SARA-R404M modules

• The EVK-R410M evaluation kit is for evaluation of SARA-R410M modules, and more specifically:

o The EVK-R410M-01B evaluation kit is for the SARA-R410M-01B module product version o The EVK-R410M-02B evaluation kit is for the SARA-R410M-02B module product version o The EVK-R410M-52B evaluation kit is for the SARA-R410M-52B module product version o The EVK-R410M-6 evaluation kit is for the SARA-R410M-63B module product version o The EVK-R410M-7 evaluation kit is for the SARA-R410M-73B module product version o The EVK-R410M-8 evaluation kit is for the SARA-R410M-83B module product version

• The EVK-R412M evaluation kit is for evaluation of SARA-R412M modules

All the evaluation kits are identified herein as the EVK-R4.

☞ See the SARA-R4 series data sheet [2] and the SARA-R4 series system integration manual [3] for

the features supported by the u-blox SARA-R4 series cellular modules.

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SIM card holder

J300

Cellular reset

SW303

Cellular power-on

SW302

GND

9 – 18 V

Power input

J400

Cellular

adapter board

DL400

Main power switch

SW400

DL401

SARA-R4

Cellular module

DIL B2B connector

J101

DIL B2B connector

J102

GND

GNSS

J208

GNSS module

GNSS

adapter board

Cellular VCC

supply

jumper J404

Cellular USB

(UART)

J501

Cellular RS232

(UART)

J500

DL501DL403

DL405

GNSS USB

J102

SW403

SW401

DL404

SW300

SW304

SW204

DS132

DS118DS124

DS121

DS107 DS105

DS109

DS103

DS501

DS500

GND

Cellular

antenna connector

ANT1 - J106

BT200

Cellular native

USB J105

Headset jack

J303

DS102

Figure 1: Overview of the EVK-R404M evaluation kit for SARA-R404M modules

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SIM card holder

J300

Cellular reset

SW303

Cellular power-on

SW302

GND

9 – 18 V

Power input

J400

Cellular

adapter board

DL400

Main power switch

SW400

DL401

SARA-R4

Cellular module

DIL B2B connector

J300

J301

GND

GNSS

antenna connector

J208

GNSS module

GNSS

adapter board

Cellular VCC

supply jumper

J404

Cellular USB

(UART)

J501

Cellular RS232

(UART)

J500

DL501DL403

DL405

GNSS USB

J102

SW403

SW401

DL404

SW300

SW304 SW204

DS132

DS118DS124

DS121

DS107

DS105

DS109

DS103

DS501 DS500

GND

Cellular

ANT1 - J103

BT200

Cellular native USB

J104

Headset jack

J303

DS100

Figure 2: Overview of the EVK-R410M evaluation kit for SARA-R410M modules

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SIM card holder

J300

Cellular reset

SW303

Cellular power-on

SW302

GND

9 – 18 V

Power input

J400

Cellular

adapter board

DL400

Main power switch

SW400

DL401

SARA-R4

Cellular module

DIL B2B connector

J300

DIL B2B connector

J301

GND

GNSS

antenna connector

J208

GNSS module

GNSS

adapter board

Cellular VCC

supply jumper

J404

Cellular USB

(UART)

J501

Cellular RS232

(UART)

J500

DL501DL403

DL405

GNSS USB

J102

SW403

SW401

DL404

SW300

SW304

SW204

DS132

DS118DS124

DS121

DS107

DS105

DS109

DS103

DS501

DS500

GND

Cellular

ANT1 - J103

BT200

Cellular native USB

J104

Headset jack

J303

DS100

Figure 3: Overview of the EVK-R412M evaluation kit for SARA-R412M modules

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1.2 EVK-R4 block diagram

Figure 4 shows the main interfaces and internal connections of the EVK-R4 evaluation kit:

SIM

card holder

(J300)

Reset

(SW303)

Power-on

(SW302)

SARA-R4 adapter board

SARA-R4

Cellular

module

42-pin DIL B2B connector

EVB-WL3

GNSS

module

GNSS adapter board

RF

USB

UART

converter

Cellular USB

(UART)

(J501)

Cellular RS232

(UART)

(J500)

RS232

UART

converter

UART

MiniUSB/DB9

switch

(SW403)

On-Board/B2B

switch

(SW401)

USB

I2C

Step - Down

Main power switch

(SW400)

12 V

(J400)

3.8 V

VCC jumper

(J404)

LDO

GPIO2/3/4

GNSS switch

(SW304)

Native

USB

ANT

Figure 4: Block diagram of the EVK-R4 for SARA-R4 modules

The EVK-R4 is formed by three boards:

• The lower one, called EVB-WL3, contains the power supply and other peripherals for the SARA-R4

series cellular module (SIM card holder, Reset button and Power-on button).

• The cellular adapter board, called ADP-R4, contains the SARA-R4 cellular module, the cellular

antenna connector and the USB connector for the cellular module.

• The GNSS adapter board, called ADP-GNSS, contains the u-blox GNSS module, the GNSS antenna

connector and the USB connector for the GNSS module.

The boards are connected by means of male header board-to-board connectors provided on the bottom of the adapter boards and their corresponding female connectors provided on top of the lower board.

The USB interface of the cellular module is available on the native USB connector on the cellular adapter board, while the other peripherals are available on the dual-in-line male board-to-board connectors provided on the top layer of the cellular adapter board, which are pin-to-pin compatible to the connectors on the bottom layer of the adapter board.

The lower board (EVB-WL3) is designed to also be used with other u-blox cellular adapter boards. It contains additional switches, jumpers, connectors, LEDs and parts that are only partially described in

Figure 1, Figure 2, Figure 3, and in this document, because they are intended for use only with other

u-blox cellular modules. It is recommended to leave any additional connector unconnected, and to leave any additional switch in its default configuration.

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1.3 Switches, jumpers and buttons

Function

Description

Name

Board

Main power switch

Power on / off of the whole evaluation kit

SW400

EVB

Cellular VCC

Jumper socket to provide the 3.8 V supply to the cellular module VCC input

J404

EVB

Cellular power on

Push button to switch on the cellular module

SW302

EVB

Cellular reset

Push button to reset the cellular module

SW303

EVB

Cellular UART detach

Slide switch to attach / detach the cellular module UART from the USB / RS232 connectors: when detached, UART signals are available only on the DIL B2B connector on the ADP board

SW401

EVB Cellular UART routing

Slide switch to select cellular module UART routing on the USB or RS232 connector

SW403

EVB

Cellular GPIO detach

Slide switch to attach / detach the cellular module GPIOs, SIM_DET from peripherals: when detached, the signals are available only on the DIL B2B connector on the ADP board

SW300

EVB

Cellular GNSS detach

Slide switch to attach / detach the cellular module to / from the GNSS module (GPIO2-3-4): when detached, the signals are available only on the DIL B2B connector on the ADP board

SW304

EVB GNSS V_BCKP

Slide switch to connect / disconnect backup battery to / from the V_BCKP pin of the GNSS module

SW204

EVB

Table 1: EVK-R4 switch and button descriptions

1.4 LEDs

Function

Description

LED #

Board

Color

Main power

Power supply plugged in the 9 - 18 V Power Input

DL401

EVB Cellular VCC

Cellular module supplied. Main power switch must be switched on

DL400

EVB

Cellular native USB

USB cable plugged in the Cellular native USB connector for USB access

DS102

ADP-R404M

DS100

ADP-R410M ADP-R412M

Cellular USB

USB cable plugged in the Cellular USB connector for UART access

DL501

EVB

Cellular USB / UART

Green light is on when UART is routed to the Cellular USB connector Red light blinks at UART TX or RX data on the Cellular USB connector

DL403

EVB Cellular UART detach

UART signals are available only on the DIL B2B connector on ADP board

DL404

EVB

Cellular RS232 / UART

Green light is on when UART is routed to the Cellular RS232 connector Red light blinks at UART TX / RX data on the Cellular RS232 connector

DL405

EVB Cellular RI indicator

RI line turns ON (active low)

DS501

EVB

Cellular CTS indicator

CTS line turns ON (active low)

DS500

EVB Cellular GPIO1 indicator

Green light is activated when cellular GPIO1 is high

DS107

EVB Cellular GPIO2 indicator

Green light is activated when cellular GPIO2 is high

DS105

EVB Cellular GPIO3 indicator

Green light is activated when cellular GPIO3 is high

DS109

EVB Cellular GPIO4 indicator

Green light is activated when cellular GPIO4 is high

DS103

EVB GNSS VCC supply

GNSS module supply is turned ON

DS118

ADP-GNSS

GNSS USB

USB cable plugged into the GNSS USB connector

DS124

ADP-GNSS

GNSS Timepulse

Pulses at 1 Hz when valid GNSS fix

DS121

ADP-GNSS

Cellular / GNSS DDC

Cellular / GNSS module communication over the DDC (I2C) interface

DS132

ADP-GNSS

Table 2: EVK-R4 LED descriptions

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1.5 Connectors

Function

Description

Name

Board

9 - 18 V Power Input

Connector for the AC / DC power adapter of the EVK AC: 100-240 V, 0.8 A, 50-60 Hz / DC: +12 V, 2.5 A

IEC 60417-5172 Class II equipment

J400 SIM card holder

SIM card holder

J300

EVB

Cellular antenna

SMA connector for the cellular module antenna (ANT, Tx/Rx)

J106

ADP-R404M

J103

ADP-R410M ADP-R412M

Cellular native USB

Mini USB connector for the cellular module native USB interface

J105

ADP-R404M

J104

ADP-R410M ADP-R412M

Cellular USB (UART)

Mini USB connector for the cellular module UART interface converted as a USB interface

J501

EVB

Cellular RS232 (UART)

DB9 connector for the cellular module UART interface converted as an RS232 interface

J500

EVB

DIL B2B headers

Dual-in-line board-to-board connectors for cellular module interfaces

J101, J102

ADP-R404M

J300, J301

ADP-R410M ADP-R412M

Cellular headset

Audio headset jack connector for the cellular module audio interface

J303

EVB

GNSS antenna

SMA connector for the GNSS module antenna (GNSS Antenna)

J208

ADP-GNSS

GNSS USB

Mini USB connector for the GNSS module USB interface

J102

ADP-GNSS

GNSS backup battery

Backup battery socket for the GNSS module (under GNSS adapter board)

BT200

EVB

GND

Ground terminals for the probe reference

J402, J403 J405, J406

EVB

Table 3: EVK-R4 connector descriptions

⚠ CAUTION! IN THE UNLIKELY EVENT OF A FAILURE IN THE INTERNAL PROTECTION CIRCUITRY,

THERE IS A RISK OF AN EXPLOSION WHEN CHARGING A FULLY OR PARTIALLY DISCHARGED BATTERY. REPLACE THE BATTERY WHEN IT NO LONGER HAS A SUFFICIENT CHARGE FOR UNIT OPERATION. CONTROL THE BATTERY BEFORE USE IF THE DEVICE HAS NOT BEEN USED FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME.

⚠ CAUTION! RISK OF EXPLOSION IF THE BATTERY IS REPLACED WITH AN INCORRECT TYPE.

DISPOSE OF USED BATTERIES ACCORDING TO THE INSTRUCTIONS!

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1.6 EVK-R404M pin out

SARA-R404M

DIL B2B

SARA-R404M

DIL B2B

Pin N°

Name

Name / Pin N°

Pin N°

Name

Name / Pin N°

1

GND

J102 pins 7-8-9-10

33

RSVD

Not available

2

RSVD

Not available

34

I2S_WA

J101 pin 25

3

GND

J102 pins 7-8-9-10

35

I2S_TXD

J101 pin 24

4

V_INT

J102 pin 36

36

I2S_CLK

J101 pin 22

5

GND

J102 pins 7-8-9-10

37

I2S_RXD

J101 pin 23

6

DSR

J102 pin 18

38

SIM_CLK

J101 pin 15

7

RI

J102 pin 17

39

SIM_IO

J101 pin 14

8

DCD

J102 pin 11

40

SIM_RST

J101 pin 16

9

DTR

J102 pin 12

41

VSIM

J101 pin 13

10

RTS

J102 pin 13

42

GPIO5

J102 pin 23

11

CTS

J102 pin 14

43

GND

J102 pins 7-8-9-10

12

TXD

J102 pin 15

44

SDIO_D2

J102 pin 30

13

RXD

J102 pin 16

45

SDIO_CLK

J101 pin 19

14

GND

J102 pins 7-8-9-10

46

SDIO_CMD

J101 pin 18

15

PWR_ON

J102 pin 29

47

SDIO_D0

J101 pin 17

16

GPIO1

J102 pin 33

48

SDIO_D3

J102 pin 39

17

VUSB_DET

Not available

49

SDIO_D1

J102 pin 37

18

RESET_N

J101 pin 26

50

GND

J102 pins 7-8-9-10

19

GPIO6

Not available

51

VCC

J101 pins 7-8-9-10

20

GND

J102 pins 7-8-9-10

52

VCC

J101 pins 7-8-9-10

21

GND

J102 pins 7-8-9-10

53

VCC

J101 pins 7-8-9-10

22

GND

J102 pins 7-8-9-10

54

GND

J102 pins 7-8-9-10

23

GPIO2

J102 pin 31

55

GND

J102 pins 7-8-9-10

24

GPIO3

J102 pin 32

56

ANT

Not available

25

GPIO4

J102 pin 25

57

GND

J102 pins 7-8-9-10

26

SDA

J101 pin 21

58

GND

J102 pins 7-8-9-10

27

SCL

J101 pin 20

59

GND

J102 pins 7-8-9-10

28

USB_D-

Not available

60

GND

J102 pins 7-8-9-10

29

USB_D+

Not available

61

GND

J102 pins 7-8-9-10

30

GND

J102 pins 7-8-9-10

62

ANT_DET

Not available

31

RSVD

Not available

63

GND

J102 pins 7-8-9-10

32

GND

J102 pins 7-8-9-10

64

GND

J102 pins 7-8-9-10

Table 4: Interfaces of the SARA-R404M module, as routed on the 42-pin dual-in-line board-to-board connectors (J101, J102) available on the adapter board ADP-R404M of the EVK-R404M evaluation kit

☞ The pins / interfaces that are not supported by a specific SARA-R4 module product version should

be not driven by an external device (see the SARA-R4 series data sheet [2] and the SARA-R4 series system integration manual [3] for the features supported by each SARA-R4 module product version).

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1.7 EVK-R410M pin out

SARA-R410M

DIL B2B SARA-R410M

DIL B2B

Pin N°

Name

Name / Pin N°

Pin N°

Name

Name / Pin N°

1

GND

J301 pins 7-8-9-10

33

RSVD

Not available

2

RSVD

J301 pin 3

34

I2S_WA

Not available

3

GND

J301 pins 7-8-9-10

35

I2S_TXD

Not available

4

V_INT

J301 pin 36

36

I2S_CLK

Not available

5

GND

J301 pins 7-8-9-10

37

I2S_RXD

Not available

6

DSR

J301 pin 18

38

SIM_CLK

J300 pin 15

7

RI

J301 pin 17

39

SIM_IO

J300 pin 14

8

DCD

J301 pin 11

40

SIM_RST

J300 pin 16

9

DTR

J301 pin 12

41

VSIM

J300 pin 13

10

RTS

J301 pin 13

42

GPIO5

J301 pin 23

11

CTS

J301 pin 14

43

GND

J301 pins 7-8-9-10

12

TXD

J301 pin 15

44

SDIO_D2

J301 pin 30

13

RXD

J301 pin 16

45

SDIO_CLK

J300 pin 19

14

GND

J301 pins 7-8-9-10

46

SDIO_CMD

J300 pin 18

15

PWR_ON

J301 pin 29

47

SDIO_D0

J300 pin 17

16

GPIO1

J301 pin 33

48

SDIO_D3

J301 pin 39

17

VUSB_DET

Not available

49

SDIO_D1

J301 pin 37

18

RESET_N

J300 pin 26

50

GND

J301 pins 7-8-9-10

19

GPIO6

Not available

51

VCC

J300 pins 7-8-9-10

20

GND

J301 pins 7-8-9-10

52

VCC

J300 pins 7-8-9-10

21

GND

J301 pins 7-8-9-10

53

VCC

J300 pins 7-8-9-10

22

GND

J301 pins 7-8-9-10

54

GND

J301 pins 7-8-9-10

23

GPIO2

J301 pin 31

55

GND

J301 pins 7-8-9-10

24

GPIO3

J301 pin 32

56

ANT

Not available

25

GPIO4

J301 pin 25

57

GND

J301 pins 7-8-9-10

26

SDA

J300 pin 21

58

GND

J301 pins 7-8-9-10

27

SCL

J300 pin 20

59

GND

J301 pins 7-8-9-10

28

USB_D-

Not available

60

GND

J301 pins 7-8-9-10

29

USB_D+

Not available

61

GND

J301 pins 7-8-9-10

30

GND

J301 pins 7-8-9-10

62

ANT_DET

Not available

31

RSVD

Not available

63

GND

J301 pins 7-8-9-10

32

GND

J301 pins 7-8-9-10

64

GND

J301 pins 7-8-9-10

Table 5: Interfaces of the SARA-R410M module, as routed on the 42-pin dual-in-line board-to-board connectors (J300, J301) available on the adapter board ADP-R410M of the EVK-R410M evaluation kit

☞ The pins / interfaces that are not supported by a specific SARA-R4 module product version should

be not driven by an external device (see the SARA-R4 series data sheet [2] and the SARA-R4 series system integration manual [3] for the features supported by each SARA-R4 module product version).

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1.8 EVK-R412M pin out

SARA-R412M

DIL B2B SARA-R412M

DIL B2B

Pin N°

Name

Name / Pin N°

Pin N°

Name

Name / Pin N°

1

GND

J301 pins 7-8-9-10

33

RSVD

Not available

2

RSVD

J301 pin 3

34

I2S_WA

Not available

3

GND

J301 pins 7-8-9-10

35

I2S_TXD

Not available

4

V_INT

J301 pin 36

36

I2S_CLK

Not available

5

GND

J301 pins 7-8-9-10

37

I2S_RXD

Not available

6

DSR

J301 pin 18

38

SIM_CLK

J300 pin 15

7

RI

J301 pin 17

39

SIM_IO

J300 pin 14

8

DCD

J301 pin 11

40

SIM_RST

J300 pin 16

9

DTR

J301 pin 12

41

VSIM

J300 pin 13

10

RTS

J301 pin 13

42

GPIO5

J301 pin 23

11

CTS

J301 pin 14

43

GND

J301 pins 7-8-9-10

12

TXD

J301 pin 15

44

SDIO_D2

J301 pin 30

13

RXD

J301 pin 16

45

SDIO_CLK

J300 pin 19

14

GND

J301 pins 7-8-9-10

46

SDIO_CMD

J300 pin 18

15

PWR_ON

J301 pin 29

47

SDIO_D0

J300 pin 17

16

GPIO1

J301 pin 33

48

SDIO_D3

J301 pin 39

17

VUSB_DET

Not available

49

SDIO_D1

J301 pin 37

18

RESET_N

J300 pin 26

50

GND

J301 pins 7-8-9-10

19

GPIO6

J301 pin 24

51

VCC

J300 pins 7-8-9-10

20

GND

J301 pins 7-8-9-10

52

VCC

J300 pins 7-8-9-10

21

GND

J301 pins 7-8-9-10

53

VCC

J300 pins 7-8-9-10

22

GND

J301 pins 7-8-9-10

54

GND

J301 pins 7-8-9-10

23

GPIO2

J301 pin 31

55

GND

J301 pins 7-8-9-10

24

GPIO3

J301 pin 32

56

ANT

Not available

25

GPIO4

J301 pin 25

57

GND

J301 pins 7-8-9-10

26

SDA

J300 pin 21

58

GND

J301 pins 7-8-9-10

27

SCL

J300 pin 20

59

GND

J301 pins 7-8-9-10

28

USB_D-

Not available

60

GND

J301 pins 7-8-9-10

29

USB_D+

Not available

61

GND

J301 pins 7-8-9-10

30

GND

J301 pins 7-8-9-10

62

ANT_DET

Not available

31

RSVD

Not available

63

GND

J301 pins 7-8-9-10

32

GND

J301 pins 7-8-9-10

64

GND

J301 pins 7-8-9-10

Table 6: Interfaces of the SARA-R412M module, as routed on the 42-pin dual-in-line board-to-board connectors (J300, J301) available on the adapter board ADP-R412M of the EVK-R412M evaluation kit

☞ The pins / interfaces that are not supported by a specific SARA-R4 product version should be not

driven by an external device (see the SARA-R4 series data sheet [2] and the SARA-R4 series system integration manual [3] for features supported by each SARA-R4 module product version).

1.9 Software installation

The USB drivers for Windows operating systems are available with the EVK-R4. Executable files can be downloaded from www.u-blox.com/evk-downloads and saved to any location on the computer hard drive. The installation can be started by running the executable file on a computer with the Windows operating system.

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1.10 Board setup

1. Insert a SIM card into the SIM card holder (J300 on the EVB).

2. Connect the cellular antenna provided with the evaluation kit box to the Cellular antenna SMA

connector on the ADP-R4 (ANT connector for transmission and reception of LTE RF signals)

3. If the GNSS functionality is required, connect the GNSS antenna provided with the evaluation kit

box to the GNSS antenna SMA connector on the EVB. Place the GNSS antenna in a location with a good view of the sky.

☞ Interface to the GNSS module is not supported by the “00” and “01” product versions of SARA-R4

modules1.

4. Connect the AC / DC +12 V power adapter provided with the evaluation kit box to the 9 – 18 V

Power input connector (J400 on the EVB). The LED DL401 lights blue.

5. Be sure to provide a jumper socket on the Cellular VCC supply jumper (J404 on the EVB). This

provides the connection from the 3.8 V output of the supply circuit on the EVB to the VCC input of the module.

6. To enable the board power supply, turn the Main power switch (SW400 on the EVB) to the ON

position. The LED DL400 lights green.

7. For communication via the cellular module’s USB interface, connect a USB cable to the Cellular

native USB connector on the ADP-R4. The related LED lights blue.

After the end of the module boot (refer to point 9 for the procedure to switch-on the cellular module), the COM ports listed in Table 7 are enabled by the Windows USB driver (details as the numbering of the ports can be seen via the Windows Device Manager):

Type

Remarks

Modems

AT command interface and data communication

Ports (COM & LPT)

Diagnostic purpose

Table 7: Cellular USB interface configuration

Run an AT terminal application (e.g. the u-blox m-center tool) selecting an AT port.

o Data rate: 115,200 bit/s o Data bits: 8 o Parity: N o Stop bits: 1 o Flow control: HW

See Appendix A for how to configure the u-blox m-center AT terminal for Windows.

8. For communication via the cellular module’s UART interface, the following connections are

allowed and can be alternatively enabled in a mutually exclusive way (see Table 8 for the switch position and LED status):

8.1. Connect a USB cable to the mini USB connector (Cellular USB, J501 on EVB). The LED

DL501 lights blue. When a USB cable is connected to the mini USB connector, two COM ports are enabled in Windows (the numbering of the COM ports can be seen via the Windows Device Manager). The serial port for AT commands is available over the first numbered COM port opened by the driver.

8.2. Connect an RS232 cable to the DB9 connector (Cellular RS232, J500 on EVB).

1

Supply for the GNSS module can be provided mounting the 0R jumper R106 and removing the 0R jumper R107 on the

ADP-GNSS

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Type of connections

SW401

SW403

LED

Access to UART over the Cellular USB (UART) mini USB connector (J501)

ON BOARD

MINIUSB

DL403

Access to UART over the Cellular RS232 (UART) DB9 connector (J500)

ON BOARD

DB9

DL405

Access to UART on the DIL Board-to-Board connector on the adapter board: UART detached from USB (UART) J501 and RS232 (UART) J500 connectors

B2B

Do not care

DL404

Table 8: Serial interface configuration

Run an AT terminal application (e.g. the u-blox m-center tool) selecting an AT port, with these settings:

o Data rate: 115,200 bit/s o Data bits: 8 o Parity: N o Stop bits: 1 o Flow control: HW

See Appendix A for how to configure the u-blox m-center AT terminal for Windows.

9. To switch on the cellular module, press the Cellular Power-on button (SW302 on the EVB).

1.11 Enabling error result codes

Command sent by DTE (user)

DCE response (module)

Description

AT+CMEE=2

OK

Enables the cellular module to report verbose error result codes.

1.12 PIN code insertion (when required)

Command sent by DTE (user)

DCE response (module)

Description

AT+CPIN="8180"

OK

Enter the PIN code, if needed (enter the PIN of the SIM card – 8180 is written here as an example).

AT+CLCK="SC",0,"8180"

OK

Unlock the PIN at power-on (the last parameter is the PIN of the SIM card – 8180 is written here as an example).

AT+CLCK="SC",1,"8180"

OK

Lock the PIN at power-on (the last parameter is the PIN of the SIM card – 8180 is written here as an example).

1.13 Registration on a cellular network

Command sent by DTE (user)

DCE response (module)

Description

AT+CEREG?

+CEREG: 0,1

OK

Verify the network registration status.

AT+COPS?

+COPS: 0,0,"Verizon Wireless",7

OK

Read the operator name and radio access technology (RAT).

1.14 Switching off the EVK-R4

To switch off the EVK-R4, send the +CPWROFF AT command. Make sure to use this command before switching off the main power, otherwise settings and configuration parameters may not be saved in the internal non-volatile memory of the cellular module.

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Appendix

A Setting up AT terminal applications for

communication with the EVK-R4

The u-blox m-center cellular module evaluation tool is a powerful platform for evaluating, configuring and testing u-blox cellular products. m-center includes an AT commands terminal for communication with the device and can be downloaded free-of-charge from our website (http://www.u-blox.com).

1. Follow the board setup instructions in section 1.10 to provide all the required connections and

switching on the cellular module.

2. Run the m-center tool: after the m-center start-up, the Home page appears.

3. On the Home page, set up the AT COM port;

for the setting values, see section 1.10. Check with the Windows Device Manager to find out which COM port is being used by the EVK-R4.

Figure 5: “Home” page

4. Enable the connection to the u-blox cellular

module by clicking on the Connect button.

5. Retrieve the module and network information

by clicking on the Get Info button.

6. The module information is retrieved and

displayed on the Home page.

7. Click on the AT Terminal button, found at the

upper right of the Home page. A new window opens and the AT command terminal is now ready for communication with the EVK-R4.

Figure 6: AT terminal window

8. The AT terminal is ready to use.

For the complete list of AT commands supported by the modules and their syntax, see the SARA-R4 series AT commands manual [1].

For more information on using the u-blox m-center cellular module evaluation tool, press the F1 key on the keyboard to open the m-center help window on the computer.

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B Setting up a cellular packet data connection

on a Windows PC

This section describes how to set up a packet data connection with the Windows 7 operating systems (for PC) and EVK-R4, using the TCP/IP stack of the PC (external TCP/IP stack).

The following examples describe how to install and configure two different kinds of modem on Windows:

1. Over the UART interface of the cellular module: connect the Windows PC to the Cellular USB

connector (J501 on EVB) or the Cellular RS232 connector (J500 on the EVB)

2. Over the native USB interface of the cellular module: connect the Windows PC to the Cellular

Native USB connector (J105 on the ADP)

B.1 How to install and configure a modem data connection over

UART

This example describes how to install and configure a data connection on a PC with the Windows 7 operating system. This uses the TCP/IP stack of the PC over the UART interface of the cellular module connected to the Windows PC by the Cellular USB connector (J501 on EVB) or the Cellular RS232 connector (J500 on the EVB).

1. Follow the board setup instructions in section 1.10 to provide the required connections with the

EVK-R4.

2. Select “Control panel > Phones and

Modem > Modems > Add”. This

opens the Install New Modem Wizard.

3. Select the Don’t detect my

modem checkbox.

4. Select the Standard Modem

(33,600 bit/s).

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5. Set the COM port on which the

modem will be installed.

6. From the “Device Manager”>

Modems > Standard Modem 33,600 bps Modem #X (X is the assigned modem number) right click and select “Properties”.

7. Select the “Advanced” tab.

8. Add in the “Extra initialization

commands” string: AT&S0

9. Click on OK.

10. Open the “Control Panel”.

11. Select “Set up a new connection or network”.

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12. Select the modem, if requested (the question

appears only if more than one modem is available).

13. Enter parameters for dial-up connection:

o The module telephone number (*99***1#) o The specific account information for the

network operator (if needed)

o A name for the new connection

14. The packet data connection is now ready to be

used with the EVK-R4. To check the connection, start a browser.

☞ Consult the cellular network operator for the username and password. In most cases, these can

be left empty.

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B.2 How to install and configure a modem data connection over

USB

This example describes how to install and configure a data connection on a PC with the Windows 7 operating system using the TCP/IP stack of the PC, over the native USB interface of the cellular module connected to the Windows PC by the Cellular Native USB connector (J105 on the ADP).

1. Follow the board setup instructions in section 1.10 to provide the required connections with the

EVK-R4.

2. Select: “Control Panel > Network

and Internet > Network and Sharing Center > Setup a new

connection or network” This opens the “Choose a connection option” Wizard.

3. Select Set up a dial-up

connection. Click on Next.

4. Select Qualcomm HS-USB Modem

90B2 #X (X=11 in the picture)

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5. Enter the modem telephone

number (*99***1#), select Allow

other people to use this connection.

☞ Consult the cellular mobile

network operator for the username and the password. In most cases, these can be left empty.

6. From the “Device Manager”, select

the modem Qualcomm HS-USB Modem 90B2 under use and right

click to show the “Properties”

window: Add AT&S0 on the “Extra

Initialization Command” line and

click OK. Then click Connect to finalize the procedure.

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C Examples of AT commands

For the complete description and syntax of the AT commands supported by SARA-R4 series cellular modules, see the u-blox SARA-R4 series AT commands manual [1].

For detailed examples of AT commands used for common operations, see the u-blox SARA-R4 series Application Development Guide [4].

C.1 Data connection using external/internal TCP/IP stack

☞ There is no need to explicitly establish a PSD connection using SARA-R4 series modules. This

device automatically establishes a PSD connection as part of the network registration and the attach procedure.

C.2 Opening a TCP socket

Command sent by DTE (user)

DCE response (module)

Description

AT+CMEE=2

OK

Enables the cellular module to report verbose error result codes.

AT+CGATT?

+CGATT: 1

OK

Verifies the SARA-R4 module is attached to the network.

AT+CEREG?

+CEREG: 0,1

OK

Verify the network registration status.

AT+COPS=0

OK

Register the module on the network. The cellular module automatically registers itself on the cellular network. This command is necessary only if the

automatic registration failed (AT+CREG? returns 0,0).

AT+COPS?

+COPS: 0,0,"Verizon Wireless",7

OK

Read the operator name and radio access technology (RAT).

AT+USOCR=6

+USOCR: 0

OK

Create a TCP socket.

AT+USOCO=0,"195.34.89.241", 7

OK

Connect to the server.

+UUSORD: 0,32

Greeting message.

AT+USORD=0,32

+USORD: 0,32,"u-blox AG TCP/UDP test service"

OK

Retrieving the message.

AT+USOCL=0

OK

Closing the socket.

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C.3 Opening a UDP socket

Command sent by DTE (user)

DCE response (module)

Description

AT+CMEE=2

OK

Enables the cellular module to report verbose error result codes.

AT+CGATT?

+CGATT: 1

OK

Verifies the SARA-R4 module is attached to the network.

AT+CEREG?

+CEREG: 0,1

OK

Verify the network registration status.

AT+COPS=0

OK

Register the module on the network. The cellular module automatically registers itself on the cellular network. This command is necessary only if the

automatic registration failed (AT+CREG? returns 0,0).

AT+COPS?

+COPS: 0,0,"Verizon Wireless",7

OK

Read the operator name and radio access technology (RAT).

AT+USOCR=17

+USOCR: 0

OK

Create a UDP socket.

AT+USOST=0,"195.34.89.241", 7,13,"TestNumberOne"

+USOST: 0,13

OK

Connecting and storing text on the server.

+UUSORF: 0,13

Echo server returning the message.

AT+USORF=0,13

+USORF: 0,"195.34.89.241",7,13,"T estNumberOne"

OK

Reading the message from the server.

AT+USOCL=0

OK

Closing the socket.

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D Current consumption measurement

The current consumption of SARA-R4 series modules can be measured on the EVK-R4 by removing the jumper socket from the Cellular VCC supply jumper (J404 on the EVB), described in Figure 7.

Cellular VCC supply jumper socket (J404)

to be removed for SARA-R4 module

current consumption measurements

Figure 7: Jumper socket to be removed for SARA-R4 series modules current consumption measurement

A suitable external digital multi-meter (as for example the Keysight/Agilent 34465A, 34410A or 34411A) can be used for current consumption measurements. In this case, the 3.8 V supply circuit on the EVB will supply the SARA-R4 module mounted on the adapter board, with the digital multi-meter placed in series as illustrated in Figure 8.

SARA-R4 adapter board

SARA-R4

Cellular module

42-pin DIL B2B connectors

EVB-WL3

Step - down

Main power switch

(SW400)

12 V

(J400)

3.8 V

VCC jumper

(J404)

VCC

Digital multimeter

DCI

+ –

Figure 8: Block diagram of current consumption setup for SARA-R4 series modules

Alternatively, a suitable external DC power supply with the dynamic current measurement capabilities (as for example, the Agilent 66319B/D) can be used for current consumption measurements, acting also as the 3.8 V supply source for the SARA-R4 module mounted on the adapter board.

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E Glossary

Abbreviation

Definition

AC

Alternating current

ADP

Adapter Board

AT

AT Command Interpreter Software Subsystem, or attention

B2B

Board-To-Board

CTS

Clear To Send

DC

Direct Current

DCD

Data Carrier Detect

DCE

Data Communication Equipment

DDC

Display Data Channel interface

DIL

Dual In Line

DSR

DSC transponder response

DTE, TE

Data Terminal Equipment

DTR

Data Terminal Ready

EVB

Evaluation Board

GND

Ground

GNSS

Global Navigation Satellite System

GPIO

General Purpose Input Output

I2C

Inter-Integrated Circuit

IP

Internet Protocol

LED

Light Emitting Diode

LTE

Long Term Evolution

NB1

Narrowband IoT

Personal Identification Number

PSD

Packet-Switched Data

RAT

Radio Access Technology

RF

Radio Frequency

RI

Ring Indicator

RTS

Request To Send

Rx

Receiver

SIM

Subscriber Identity Module

SMA

Sub Miniature version A

TCP

Transfer Control Protocol

Tx

Transmitter

UART

Universal Asynchronous Receiver-Transmitter serial interface

UDP

User Datagram Protocol

USB

Universal Serial Bus

Table 9: Explanation of the abbreviations and terms used

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Declaration of conformities

The equipment is intended for indoor usage. It is the user’s duty to verify if further restrictions apply, such as in airplanes, hospitals or hazardous locations (petrol stations, refineries…).

Any changes or modification made to this equipment will void its compliance to the safety requirements.

Maintenance, inspections and/or repairs of the EVK-R4 shall be performed by u-blox AG.

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Revision history

Revision

Date

Name

Comments

R01

24-May-2017

sfal/sses/acub

Initial release

R02

19-Jul-2017

sses

Added EVK-R410M-02B and updated EVK-R404M-00B product status

R03

17-Aug-2017

sses

Updated EVK-R410M-01B product status

R04

04-Jan-2018

sses

Updated EVK-R410M-01B and EVK-R410M-02B product status

R05

23-Dec-2019

sses

Added EVK-R410M-52B, EVK-R410M-6, EVK-R410M-7, EVK-R412M-02B. Updated EVK-R404M-00B, EVK-R410M-01B, EVK-R410M-02B product status.

R06

23-Feb-2021

sses

Added EVK-R410M-8. Updated EVK-R410M-6, EVK-R410M-7, EVK-R410M-02B-00,

EVK-R412M-02B-00 product status.

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Contact

For complete contact information, visit us at www.u-blox.com.

u-blox Offices

North, Central and South America

u-blox America, Inc.

Phone: +1 703 483 3180 Email: info_us@u-blox.com

Regional Office West Coast:

Phone: +1 408 573 3640 Email: info_us@u-blox.com

Technical Support:

Phone: +1 703 483 3185 Email: support@u-blox.com

Headquarters Europe, Middle East, Africa

u-blox AG

Phone: +41 44 722 74 44 Email: info@u-blox.com Support: support@u-blox.com

Asia, Australia, Pacific

u-blox Singapore Pte. Ltd.

Phone: +65 6734 3811 Email: info_ap@u-blox.com Support: support_ap@u-blox.com

Regional Office Australia:

Phone: +61 3 9566 7255 Email: info_anz@u-blox.com Support: support_ap@u-blox.com

Regional Office China (Beijing):

Phone: +86 10 68 133 545 Email: info_cn@u-blox.com Support: support_cn@u-blox.com

Regional Office China (Chongqing):

Phone: +86 23 6815 1588 Email: info_cn@u-blox.com Support: support_cn@u-blox.com

Regional Office China (Shanghai):

Phone: +86 21 6090 4832 Email: info_cn@u-blox.com Support: support_cn@u-blox.com

Regional Office China (Shenzhen):

Phone: +86 755 8627 1083 Email: info_cn@u-blox.com Support: support_cn@u-blox.com

Regional Office India:

Phone: +91 80 405 092 00 Email: info_in@u-blox.com Support: support_in@u-blox.com

Regional Office Japan (Osaka):

Phone: +81 6 6941 3660 Email: info_jp@u-blox.com Support: support_jp@u-blox.com

Regional Office Japan (Tokyo):

Phone: +81 3 5775 3850 Email: info_jp@u-blox.com Support: support_jp@u-blox.com

Regional Office Korea:

Phone: +82 2 542 0861 Email: info_kr@u-blox.com Support: support_kr@u-blox.com

Regional Office Taiwan:

Phone: +886 2 2657 1090 Email: info_tw@u-blox.com Support: support_tw@u-blox.com

u-blox EVK-R4 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Document information

Contents

1 Starting up

1.1 EVK-R4 overview

1.2 EVK-R4 block diagram

1.3 Switches, jumpers and buttons

1.4 LEDs

1.5 Connectors

1.6 EVK-R404M pin out

1.7 EVK-R410M pin out

1.8 EVK-R412M pin out

1.9 Software installation

1.10 Board setup

1.11 Enabling error result codes

1.12 PIN code insertion (when required)

1.13 Registration on a cellular network

1.14 Switching off the EVK-R4

Appendix

C Examples of AT commands

C.1 Data connection using external/internal TCP/IP stack

C.2 Opening a TCP socket

C.3 Opening a UDP socket

D Current consumption measurement

E Glossary

Declaration of conformities

Related documentation

Revision history

Contact