This document describes the features and the system integration
of SARA-G3 series GSM/GPRS wireless modules.
These modules are complete and cost efficient solutions offering
up to quad-band GSM/GPRS voice and/or data transmission
technology in a compact form factor.
www.u-blox.com
26.0 x 16.0 x 3.0 mm
UBX-13000995 - R06
SARA-G3 series
GSM/GPRS modules
System Integration Manual
SARA-G3 series - System Integration Manual
Document Information
Title
SARA-G3 series
Subtitle
GSM/GPRS modules
Document type
System Integration Manual
Document number
UBX-13000995
Revision, date
R06
29-Nov-2013
Document status
Objective Specification
Document status information
Objective
Specification
This document contains target values. Revised and supplementary data will be
published later.
Advance
Information
This document contains data based on early testing. Revised and supplementary data
will be published later.
Early Production
Information
This document contains data from product verification. Revised and supplementary data
may be published later.
Production
Information
This document contains the final product specification.
Microsoft and Windows are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other
countries. All other registered trademarks or trademarks mentioned in this document are property of their respective owners.
UBX-13000995 Objective Specification Page 3
SARA-G3 series - System Integration Manual
Preface
u-blox Technical Documentation
As part of our commitment to customer support, u-blox maintains an extensive volume of technical
documentation for our products. In addition to our product-specific technical data sheets, the following
manuals are available to assist u-blox customers in product design and development.
AT Commands Manual: This document provides the description of the supported AT commands by the
SARA-G3 series modules to verify all implemented functionalities.
System Integration Manual: This manual provides hardware design instructions and information on how to
set up production and final product tests.
Application Note: document provides general design instructions and information that applies to all u-blox
Wireless modules. See Related documents section for a list of Application Notes related to your
Wireless Module.
How to use this Manual
The SARA-G3 series System Integration Manual provides the necessary information to successfully design
in and configure these u-blox wireless modules.
This manual has a modular structure. It is not necessary to read it from the beginning to the end.
The following symbols are used to highlight important information within the manual:
An index finger points out key information pertaining to module integration and performance.
A warning symbol indicates actions that could negatively impact or damage the module.
Questions
If you have any questions about u-blox Wireless Integration:
Read this manual carefully.
Contact our information service on the homepage http://www.u-blox.com
Read the questions and answers on our FAQ database on the homepage http://www.u-blox.com
Technical Support
Worldwide Web
Our website (www.u-blox.com) is a rich pool of information. Product information, technical documents and
helpful FAQ can be accessed 24h a day.
By E-mail
Contact the nearest of the Technical Support offices by email. Use our service pool email addresses rather
than any personal email address of our staff. This makes sure that your request is processed as soon as
possible. You will find the contact details at the end of the document.
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Helpful Information when Contacting Technical Support
When contacting Technical Support, have the following information ready:
Module type (e.g. SARA-G350) and firmware version
Module configuration
Clear description of your question or the problem
A short description of the application
Your complete contact details
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SARA-G3 series - System Integration Manual
1 System description
1.1 Overview
SARA-G3 series are versatile 2.5G GSM/GPRS wireless modules in a miniature LGA (Land Grid Array)
form factor.
SARA-G350 is a full feature quad-band GSM/GPRS wireless module with a comprehensive feature set
including an extensive set of internet protocols. SARA-G350 also provides fully integrated access to u-blox
GNSS positioning chips and modules, with embedded A-GPS (AssistNow Online and AssistNow Offline)
functionality.
SARA-G310 and SARA-G300 are respectively quad-band and dual-band GSM/GPRS wireless modules
targeted for high volume cost sensitive applications, providing GSM/GPRS functionalities with a reduced set
of additional features to minimize the customer’s total cost of ownership.
SARA-G3 wireless modules are certified and approved by the main regulatory bodies and operators, and
RIL software for Android and Embedded Windows are available free of charge. SARA-G3 modules are
manufactured in ISO/TS 16949 certified sites. Each module is tested and inspected during production. The
modules are qualified according to ISO 16750 – Environmental conditions and electrical testing for electrical
and electronic equipment for road vehicles.
Table 1Table 1 describes a summary of interfaces and features provided by SARA-G3 modules.
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Module
Data
Rate
Bands
Interfaces
Audio
Functions
GPRS multi-slot class 10
GSM/GPRS quad-band
GSM/GPRS dual-band
(900/1800)
UART
SPI
USB
DDC for u-blox GNSS receivers
GPIO
Analog Audio
Digital Audio
Network indication
Antenna detection
Jamming detection
Embedded TCP/UDP
FTP, HTTP, SMTP
SSL
GNSS via Modem
AssistNow software
FW update over AT (FOAT)
FW update over the air
(FOTA)
In-band modem
CellLocate
TM
Low power idle-mode
ATEX certification
SARA-G300
• • 2 • E
SARA-G310
• • 2 • E
SARA-G350
• • 2 • 4 • • • • • • • • • • A • • •
SARA-G350 ATEX
• • 2 • 4 • • • • • • • • • • A • • •
•
A = available upon request
E = 32 kHz signal at EXT32K input pin is required for low power idle-mode
Class 4 (33 dBm) for 900
Class 1 (30 dBm) for 1800
Class 4 (33 dBm) for
850/900
Class 1 (30 dBm) for
1800/1900
Class 4 (33 dBm) for
850/900
Class 1 (30 dBm) for
1800/1900
Packet Switched Data Rate
GPRS multi-slot class 103
Coding scheme CS1-CS4
Up to 85.6 kb/s DL4
Up to 42.8 kb/s UL4
GPRS multi-slot class 103
Coding scheme CS1-CS4
Up to 85.6 kb/s DL4
Up to 42.8 kb/s UL4
GPRS multi-slot class 103
Coding scheme CS1-CS4
Up to 85.6 kb/s DL4
Up to 42.8 kb/s UL4
1
2
3
4
SARA-G3 series - System Integration Manual
Table 2Table 2 reports a summary of GSM/GPRS characteristics of SARA-G3 series modules.
SARA-G350 ATEX modules provide the same feature set of the SARA-G350 modules plus the certification for use in potentially
explosive atmospheres. Unless otherwise specified, SARA-G350 refers to all SARA-G350 ATEX modules and SARA-G350 modules.
Device can be attached to both GPRS and GSM services (i.e. Packet Switch and Circuit Switch mode) using one service at a
time.
GPRS multi-slot class 10 implies a maximum of 4 slots in DL (reception) and 2 slots in UL (transmission) with 5 slots in
total.
The maximum bit rate of the module depends on the current network settings.
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Item
SARA-G300
SARA-G310
SARA-G350
Circuit Switched Data Rate
Up to 9.6 kb/s DL/UL4
Transparent mode
Non transparent mode
Up to 9.6 kb/s DL/UL4
Transparent mode
Non transparent mode
Up to 9.6 kb/s DL/UL4
Transparent mode
Non transparent mode
Network Operation Modes
I to III
I to III
I to III
Table 2: SARA-G3 series GSM/GPRS characteristics summary
SARA-G3 series - System Integration Manual
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1.2Architecture
Memory
V_BCKP (RTC)
V_INT (I/O)
32 kHz
26 MHz
RF
Transceiver
Power
Management
Baseband
ANT
SAW
Filter
Sw itch
PA
VCC (Supply)
32 kHz
Auxiliary UART
SIM Card
UART
Power-On
Reset
Memory
V_BCKP (RTC)
V_INT (I/O)
26 MHz
32.768 kHz
RF
Transceiver
Power
Management
Baseband
ANT
SAW
Filter
Switch
PA
VCC (Supply)
Auxiliary UART
DDC (for GNSS)
SIM Card Detection
SIM Card
UART
Power-On
Reset
Digital Audio
Analog Audio
GPIO
Antenna Detection
SARA-G3 series - System Integration Manual
Figure 1: SARA-G300 and SARA-G310 modules block diagram
Figure 2: SARA-G350 modules block diagram
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1.2.1 Internal blocks
SARA-G3 modules consist of the following internal sections: RF, Baseband and Power Management.
RF section
The RF section is composed of the following main elements:
RF transceiver performing modulation, up-conversion of the baseband I/Q signals, down-conversion and
demodulation of the RF received signals. The RF transceiver includes:
Constant gain direct conversion receiver with integrated LNAs
Highly linear RF quadrature GMSK demodulator
Digital Sigma-Delta transmitter GMSK modulator
Fractional-N Sigma-Delta RF synthesizer
3.8 GHz VCO
Digital controlled crystal oscillator
Transmit module, which amplifies the signals modulated by the RF transceiver and connects the single
antenna input/output pin (ANT) of the module to the suitable RX/TX path, via its integrated parts:
Power amplifier
Antenna switch
RX diplexer SAW (band pass) filters
26 MHz crystal, connected to the digital controlled crystal oscillator to perform the clock reference in
active-mode or connected-mode
Baseband and Power Management section
The Baseband and Power Management section is composed of the following main elements:
Baseband processor, a mixed signal ASIC which integrates:
Microprocessor for controller functions
DSP core for GSM/GPRS Layer 1 and audio processing
Dedicated peripheral blocks for parallel control of the digital interfaces
Audio analog front-end
Memory system in a multi-chip package integrating two devices:
NOR flash non-volatile memory
PSRAM volatile memory
Voltage regulators to derive all the system supply voltages from the module supply VCC
SARA-G350 modules have an internal 32.768 kHz crystal connected to the oscillator of the RTC (Real
Time Clock) block that gives the RTC clock reference needed to provide the RTC functions as well as to
reach the very low power idle-mode (with power saving configuration enabled by the AT+UPSV
command).
SARA-G300 and SARA-G310 modules do not have an internal 32.768 kHz crystal: a proper 32 kHz
signal must be provided at the EXT32K input pin of the modules to give the RTC clock reference and to
provide the RTC functions as well as to reach the very low power idle-mode (with power saving
configuration enabled by the AT+UPSV command). The 32K_OUT output pin of SARA-G300 and SARA-
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G310 modules provides a 32 kHz reference signal suitable only to feed the EXT32K input pin, furnishes
the reference clock for the RTC, and allows low power idle-mode and RTC functions support with modules
switched on.
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Function
Pin Name
Module
Pin No
I/O
Description
Remarks
Power
VCC
All
51, 52,
53
I
Module supply
input
VCC pins are internally connected each other.
VCC supply circuit affects the RF performance
and compliance of the device integrating the
module with applicable required certification
schemes.
See section 1.5.11.5.1 for functional description
and requirements for the VCC module supply.
See section 2.1.12.1.1 for external circuit designin.
GND pins are internally connected each other.
External ground connection affects the RF and
thermal performance of the device.
See section 1.5.11.5.1 for functional description.
See section 2.1.12.1.1 for external circuit designin.
V_BCKP
All 2 I/O
Real Time Clock
supply
input/output
V_BCKP = 2.3 V (typical) generated by
internal regulator when valid VCC supply is
present.
See section 1.5.21.5.2 for functional description.
See section 2.1.22.1.2 for external circuit designin.
V_INT
All 4 O
Digital Interfaces
supply output
V_INT = 1.8 V (typical) generated by internal
regulator when the module is switched on.
See section 1.5.31.5.3 for functional description.
See section 2.1.32.1.3 for external circuit designin.
System
PWR_ON
All
15 I Power-on input
High input impedance: input voltage level has to
be properly fixed, e.g. adding external pull-up.
See section 1.6.11.6.1 for functional description.
See section 2.2.12.2.1 for external circuit designin.
RESET_N
All
18 I External reset
input
A series Schottky diode is integrated in the
module as protection, and then an internal 10
k pull-up resistor to V_INT is provided.
See section 1.6.31.6.3 for functional description.
See section 2.2.22.2.2 for external circuit
design-in.
EXT32K
SARA-G300
SARA-G310
31 I 32 kHz input
Input for RTC reference clock, needed to enter
the low power idle-mode and provide RTC
functions.
See section 1.6.41.6.4 for functional description.
See section 2.2.32.2.3 for external circuit
design-in.
1.3 Pin-out
Table 3Table 3 lists the pin-out of the SARA-G3 modules, with pins grouped by function.
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Function
Pin Name
Module
Pin No
I/O
Description
Remarks
32K_OUT
SARA-G300
SARA-G310
24 O 32 kHz output
32 kHz output suitable only to feed the EXT32K
input giving the RTC reference clock, allowing
low power idle-mode and RTC functions support.
See section 1.6.51.6.5 for functional description.
See section 2.2.32.2.3 for external circuit
design-in.
Antenna
ANT
All
56
I/O
RF input/output
for antenna
50 nominal characteristic impedance.
Antenna circuit affects the RF performance and
compliance of the device integrating the module
with applicable required certification schemes.
See section 1.7 for functional description and
requirements for the antenna RF interface.
See section 2.32.3 for external circuit design-in.
ANT_DET
SARA-G350
62 I Input for antenna
detection
ADC input for antenna detection function.
See section 1.7.2 for functional description.
See section 2.3.2 for external circuit design-in.
SIM
VSIM
All
41 O SIM supply
output
VSIM = 1.80 V typ. or 2.85 V typ.
automatically generated according to the connected
SIM type.
See section 1.81.8 for functional description.
See section 2.42.4 for external circuit design-in.
SIM_IO
All
39
I/O
SIM data
Data input/output for 1.8 V / 3 V SIM
Internal 4.7 k pull-up to VSIM.
See section 1.81.8 for functional description.
See section 2.42.4 for external circuit design-in.
SIM_CLK
All
38 O SIM clock
3.25 MHz clock output for 1.8 V / 3 V SIM
See section 1.81.8 for functional description.
See section 2.42.4 for external circuit design-in.
SIM_RST
All
40 O SIM reset
Reset output for 1.8 V / 3 V SIM
See section 1.81.8 for functional description.
See section 2.42.4 for external circuit design-in.
SIM_DET
All
42 I SIM detection
1.8 V input for SIM presence detection function.
See section 1.8.2 for functional description.
See section 2.4 for external circuit design-in.
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Function
Pin Name
Module
Pin No
I/O
Description
Remarks
UART
RXD
All
13 O UART data
output
1.8 V output, Circuit 104 (RXD) in ITU-T
V.24,
for AT command, data communication, FOAT.
See section 1.9.11.9.1 for functional description.
See section 2.5.12.5.1 for external circuit designin.
TXD
All
12 I UART data input
1.8 V input, Circuit 103 (TXD) in ITU-T V.24,
for AT command, data communication, FOAT.
Internal active pull-up to V_INT.
See section 1.9.11.9.1 for functional description.
See section 2.5.12.5.1 for external circuit designin.
CTS
All
11 O UART clear to
send output
1.8 V output, Circuit 106 (CTS) in ITU-T
V.24,
for AT command, Data communication, FOAT.
See section 1.9.11.9.1 for functional description.
See section 2.5.12.5.1 for external circuit designin.
RTS
All
10 I UART ready to
send input
1.8 V input, Circuit 105 (RTS) in ITU-T V.24,
for AT command, data communication, FOAT.
Internal active pull-up to V_INT.
See section 1.9.11.9.1 for functional description.
See section 2.5.12.5.1 for external circuit designin.
DSR
All 6 O
UART data set
ready output
1.8 V output, Circuit 107 (DSR) in ITU-T
V.24,
for AT command, data communication, FOAT.
See section 1.9.11.9.1 for functional description.
See section 2.5.12.5.1 for external circuit designin.
RI
All 7 O
UART ring
indicator output
1.8 V output, Circuit 125 (RI) in ITU-T V.24,
for AT command, data communication, FOAT.
See section 1.9.11.9.1 for functional description.
See section 2.5.12.5.1 for external circuit designin.
DTR
All 9 I
UART data
terminal ready
input
1.8 V input, Circuit 108/2 (DTR) in ITU-T
V.24,
for AT command, data communication, FOAT.
Internal active pull-up to V_INT.
See section 1.9.11.9.1 for functional description.
See section 2.5.12.5.1 for external circuit designin.
DCD
All 8 O
UART data
carrier detect
output
1.8 V input, Circuit 109 (DCD) in ITU-T V.24,
for AT command, data communication, FOAT.
See section 1.9.11.9.1 for functional description.
See section 2.5.12.5.1 for external circuit designin.
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Function
Pin Name
Module
Pin No
I/O
Description
Remarks
Auxiliary
UART
RXD_AUX
All
28 O Auxiliary UART
data output
1.8 V output, Circuit 104 (RXD) in ITU-T
V.24,
for FW upgrade and trace log capture.
Access by external test-point is recommended.
See section 1.9.21.9.2 for functional description.
See section 2.5.22.5.2 for external circuit
design-in.
TXD_AUX
All
29 I Auxiliary UART
data input
1.8 V input, Circuit 103 (TXD) in ITU-T V.24,
for FW upgrade and trace log capture.
Access by external test-point is recommended.
Internal active pull-up to V_INT.
See section 1.9.21.9.2 for functional description.
See section 2.5.22.5.2 for external circuit
design-in.
DDC
SCL
SARA-G350
27 O I2C bus clock
line
1.8 V open drain, for the communication with
u-blox positioning modules and chips.
External pull-up required.
See section 1.9.31.9.3 for functional description.
See section 2.5.32.5.3 for external circuit
design-in.
SDA
SARA-G350
26
I/O
I2C bus data line
1.8 V open drain, for the communication with
u-blox positioning modules and chips.
External pull-up required.
See section 1.9.31.9.3 for functional description.
See section 2.5.32.5.3 for external circuit
design-in.
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Function
Pin Name
Module
Pin No
I/O
Description
Remarks
Analog
Audio
MIC_BIAS
SARA-G350
46 O Microphone
supply output
Supply output (2.2 V typ) for external
microphone.
See section 1.10.11.10.1 for functional description.
See section 2.6.12.6.1 for external circuit designin.
MIC_GND
SARA-G350
47 I Microphone
analog reference
Local ground for the external microphone
(reference for the analog audio uplink path).
See section 1.10.11.10.1 for functional description.
See section 2.6.12.6.1 for external circuit designin.
MIC_N
SARA-G350
48 I Differential analog
audio input
(negative)
Differential analog audio signal input (negative)
shared for all the analog uplink path modes:
handset, headset, hands-free mode.
No internal DC blocking capacitor.
See section 1.10.11.10.1 for functional description.
See section 2.6.12.6.1 for external circuit designin.
MIC_P
SARA-G350
49 I Differential analog
audio input
(positive)
Differential analog audio signal input (positive)
shared for all the analog uplink path modes:
handset, headset, hands-free mode.
No internal DC blocking capacitor.
See section 1.10.11.10.1 for functional description.
See section 2.6.12.6.1 for external circuit designin.
SPK_P
SARA-G350
44 O Differential analog
audio output
(positive)
Differential analog audio signal output (positive)
shared for all the analog downlink path modes:
earpiece, headset and loudspeaker mode.
See section 1.10.11.10.1 for functional description.
See section 2.6.12.6.1 for external circuit designin.
SPK_N
SARA-G350
45 O Differential analog
audio output
(negative)
Differential analog audio signal output (negative)
shared for all the analog downlink path modes:
earpiece, headset and loudspeaker mode.
See section 1.10.11.10.1 for functional description.
See section 2.6.12.6.1 for external circuit designin.
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Function
Pin Name
Module
Pin No
I/O
Description
Remarks
Digital
Audio
I2S_CLK
SARA-G350
36 O I2S clock
1.8 V clock output for PCM / normal I2S
modes.
See section 1.10.21.10.2 for functional description.
See section 2.6.22.6.2 for external circuit
design-in.
I2S_RXD
SARA-G350
37 I I2S receive data
1.8 V data input for PCM / normal I2S modes.
Internal active pull-down to GND.
See section 1.10.21.10.2 for functional description.
See section 2.6.22.6.2 for external circuit
design-in.
I2S_TXD
SARA-G350
35 O I2S transmit data
1.8 V data output for PCM / normal I2S modes.
See section 1.10.21.10.2 for functional description.
See section 2.6.22.6.2 for external circuit
design-in.
I2S_WA
SARA-G350
34 O I2S word
alignment
1.8 V word al. output for PCM / normal I2S
modes
See section 1.10.21.10.2 for functional description.
See section 2.6.22.6.2 for external circuit
design-in.
GPIO
GPIO1
SARA-G350
16
I/O
GPIO
1.8 V GPIO by default configured as pad
disabled.
See section 1.111.11 for functional description.
See section 2.72.7 for external circuit design-in.
GPIO2
SARA-G350
23
I/O
GPIO
1.8 V GPIO by default configured to provide the
custom GNSS supply enable function.
See section 1.111.11 for functional description.
See section 2.72.7 for external circuit design-in.
GPIO3
SARA-G350
24
I/O
GPIO
1.8 V GPIO by default configured to provide the
custom GNSS data ready function.
See section 1.111.11 for functional description.
See section 2.72.7 for external circuit design-in.
GPIO4
SARA-G350
25
I/O
GPIO
1.8 V GPIO by default configured to provide the
custom GNSS RTC sharing function.
See section 1.111.11 for functional description.
See section 2.72.7 for external circuit design-in.
Reserved
RSVD
All
33
N/A
RESERVED pin
This pin must be connected to ground.
See section 2.82.8
RSVD
All
17, 19
N/A
RESERVED pin
Leave unconnected.
See section 2.82.8
RSVD
SARA-G350
31
N/A
RESERVED pin
Internally not connected. Leave unconnected.
See section 2.82.8
RSVD
SARA-G300
SARA-G310
16, 23,
25-27,
34-37
N/A
RESERVED pin
Pad disabled. Leave unconnected.
See section 2.82.8
RSVD
SARA-G300
SARA-G310
44-49,
62
N/A
RESERVED pin
Leave unconnected.
See section 2.82.8
Table 3: SARA-G3 series modules pin definition, grouped by function
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General Status
Operating Mode
Definition
Power-down
Not-Powered Mode
VCC supply not present or below operating range: module is switched off.
Power-Off Mode
VCC supply within operating range and module is switched off.
Normal Operation
Idle-Mode
Module processor core runs with 32 kHz reference, that is generated by:
The internal 32 kHz oscillator (SARA-G350)
The 32 kHz signal provided at the EXT32K pin (SARA-G300 and SARA-
G310)
Active-Mode
Module processor core runs with 26 MHz reference generated by the internal
oscillator.
Connected-Mode
Voice or data call enabled and processor core runs with 26 MHz reference.
Operating Mode
Description
Transition between operating modes
Not-Powered Mode
Module is switched off.
Application interfaces are not accessible.
Internal RTC timer operates on SARA-G350
modules only if a valid voltage is applied to
V_BCKP pin. Additionally, a proper external 32 kHz
signal must be fed to EXT32K pin on SARA-G300
/ SARA-G310 to let RTC timer running that
otherwise is not in operation.
When VCC supply is removed, the module enters
not-powered mode.
When in not-powered mode, the module cannot be
switched on by a low level on PWR_ON input or by
a preset RTC alarm.
When in not-powered mode, the module can be
switched on applying VCC supply (refer to 2.2.1) so
that the module switches from not-powered to activemode.
Power-Off Mode
Module is switched off: normal shutdown by an
appropriate power-off event (refer to 1.6.2).
Application interfaces are not accessible.
Internal RTC timer operates on SARA-G350
modules.
A proper external 32 kHz signal must be fed to the
EXT32K pin on SARA-G300 / SARA-G310 to let
RTC timer running that otherwise is not in
operation.
When the module is switched off by an appropriate
power-off event (refer to 1.6.2), the module enters
power-off mode from active-mode.
When in power-off mode, the module can be
switched on by a low level on PWR_ON input or by
a preset RTC alarm (refer to 2.2.1): module
switches from power-off to active-mode.
When VCC supply is removed, the module switches
from power-off mode to not-powered mode.
1.4 Operating modes
SARA-G3 modules have several operating modes. The operating modes defined in Table 4Table 4 and
described in detail in Table 5Table 5 provide general guidelines for operation.
Table 4: Module operating modes definition
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Operating Mode
Description
Transition between operating modes
Idle-Mode
The module is not ready to communicate with an
external device by means of the application
interfaces since configured to reduce power
consumption.
The module automatically enters idle-mode whenever
possible if power saving is enabled by the
AT+UPSV command (refer to
u-blox AT Commands
Manual
[2]), reducing power consumption (refer to
1.5.1.3).
The CTS output line indicates when the UART
interface is disabled/enabled due to the module
idle/active-mode according to power saving and
hardware flow control settings (refer to 1.9.1.3,
1.9.1.4).
Power saving configuration is not enabled by default:
it can be enabled by the AT+UPSV command (see
u-blox AT Commands Manual
[2]).
A proper 32 kHz signal must be fed to the EXT32K
pin of SARA-G300 and SARA-G310 modules to let
idle-mode that otherwise cannot be reached (this is
not needed for the other SARA-G3 series
modules).
The module automatically switches from active-mode
to idle-mode whenever possible if power saving is
enabled (refer to sections 1.5.1.3, 1.9.1.4 and to the
u-blox AT Commands Manual
[2], AT+UPSV).
The module wakes up from idle-mode to active-mode
in the following events:
Automatic periodic monitoring of the paging
channel for the paging block reception according
to network conditions (refer to 1.5.1.3, 1.9.1.4)
Automatic periodic enable of the UART interface
to receive and send data, if the power saving
AT command is set to 1 (refer to 1.9.1.4)
RTC alarm occurs (refer to
u-blox AT
Commands Manual
[2], AT+CALA command)
Data received on UART interface (refer to
1.9.1.4)
RTS input line set to the ON state by the DTE
if hardware flow control has been disabled by
AT&K3 and the power saving AT command is
set to 2 (refer to 1.9.1.4)
GNSS data ready: when the GPIO3 pin is
informed by the connected u-blox GNSS receiver
that it is ready to send data via the DDC
(I2C) interface (refer to 1.11, 1.9.3)
Active-Mode
The module is ready to communicate with an
external device by means of the application
interfaces unless power saving configuration is
enabled by the AT+UPSV command (refer to
sections 1.5.1.3, 1.9.1.4 and to the
u-blox AT
Commands Manual
[2]).
When the module is switched on by an appropriate
power-on event (refer to 2.2.1), the module enters
active-mode from not-powered or power-off mode.
If power saving configuration is enabled by the
AT+UPSV command, the module automatically
switches from active to idle-mode whenever possible
and the module wakes up from idle to active-mode
in the events listed above (refer to idle to active
transition description).
When a voice call or a data call is initiated, the
module switches from active-mode to connectedmode.
Connected-Mode
A voice call or a data call is in progress.
The module is ready to communicate with an
external device by means of the application
interfaces unless power saving configuration is
enabled by the AT+UPSV command (see sections
1.5.1.3, 1.9.1.4 and the
u-blox AT Commands
Manual
[2][2]).
When a voice call or a data call is initiated, the
module enters connected-mode from active-mode.
When a voice call or a data call is terminated, the
module returns to the active-mode.
Table 5: Module operating modes description
Figure 3Figure 3 describes the transition between the different operating modes.
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Switch ON:
• Apply VCC
If power saving is enabled
and there is no activity for
a defined time interval
Any wake up event described
in the module operating
modes summary table above
Incoming/outgoing call or
other dedicated device
network communication
Call terminated,
communication dropped
Remove VCC
Switch ON:
• PWR_ON
• RTC Alarm
Not
powered
Power off
ActiveConnectedIdle
Switch OFF:
• AT+CPWROFF
Figure 3: Operating modes transition
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Item
Requirement
Remark
VCC nominal voltage
Within VCC normal operating range:
3.35 V min. / 4.50 V max.
The module cannot be switched on if VCC voltage
value is below the normal operating range minimum
limit.
Ensure that the input voltage at VCC pins is above
the minimum limit of the normal operating range for at
least more than 3 s after the module switch-on.
VCC voltage during
normal operation
Within VCC extended operating range:
3.00 V min. / 4.50 V max.
The module may switch off when VCC voltage drops
below the extended operating range minimum limit.
Operation above extended operating range maximum
limit is not recommended and exposure beyond it may
affect device reliability.
VCC average current
Considerably withstand maximum average current
consumption value in connected-mode conditions
specified in
SARA-G3 series Data Sheet
[1][1].
The maximum average current consumption can be
greater than the specified value according to the actual
antenna mismatching, temperature and VCC voltage.
Section 1.5.1.21.5.1.2 describes connected-mode
current.
1.5 Supply interfaces
1.5.1 Module supply input (VCC)
SARA-G3 modules must be supplied via the three VCC pins that represent the module power supply
input.
The VCC pins are internally connected to the RF power amplifier and to the integrated Power Management
Unit: all supply voltages needed by the module are generated from the VCC supply by integrated voltage
regulators, including V_BCKP Real Time Clock supply, V_INT digital interfaces supply and VSIM SIM card
supply.
During operation, the current drawn by the SARA-G3 series modules through the VCC pins can vary by
several orders of magnitude. This ranges from the high peak of current consumption during GSM
transmitting bursts at maximum power level in connected-mode (as described in section 1.5.1.2), to the
low current consumption during low power idle-mode with power saving enabled (as described in section
1.5.1.3).
1.5.1.1 VCC supply requirements
Table 6Table 6 summarizes the requirements for the VCC module supply. Refer to section 2.1.1 for all
the suggestions to properly design a VCC supply circuit compliant to the requirements listed in Table
6Table 6.
The VCC supply circuit affects the RF compliance of the device integrating SARA-G3 series module with
applicable required certification schemes as well as antenna circuit design. Compliance is guaranteed if
the VCC requirements summarized in the Table 6Table 6 are fulfilled.
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Formatted: Font: 8 pt
Formatted: Font: 8 pt, French
(France)
Item
Requirement
Remark
VCC peak current
Withstand the maximum peak current consumption
specified in the
SARA-G3 series Data
Sheet
[1][1].
The specified maximum peak of current consumption
occurs during GSM single transmit slot in 850/900
MHz connected-mode, in case of mismatched antenna.
Section1.5.1.21.5.1.2 describes connected-mode
current.
VCC voltage drop
during Tx slots
Lower than 400 mV
VCC voltage drop values greater than recommended
during 2G TDMA transmission slots directly affect the
RF compliance with applicable certification schemes.
Figure 5Figure 5 describes VCC voltage drop during
Tx slots.
VCC voltage ripple
during Tx slots
Lower than 30 mVpp if f
ripple
≤ 200 kHz
Lower than 10 mVpp if 200 kHz < f
ripple
≤ 400
kHz
Lower than 2 mVpp if f
ripple
> 400 kHz
VCC voltage ripple values higher than recommended
during 2G transmission directly affect the RF
compliance with applicable certification schemes.
Figure 5Figure 5 describes VCC voltage ripple during
Tx slots.
VCC under/over-shoot
at start/end of Tx
slots
Absent or at least minimized
VCC under/over-shoot higher than recommended at
the start/end of 2G TDMA transmission slots directly
affect the RF compliance with applicable certification
schemes.
Figure 5Figure 5 describes VCC voltage under/over-
shoot at the start/end of Tx slots
Table 6: Summary of VCC supply requirements
SARA-G3 series - System Integration Manual
Formatted: Font: 8 pt
Formatted: Font: 8 pt, French
(France)
Formatted: Font: 8 pt
Formatted: Font: 8 pt
Formatted: Font: 8 pt
For the additional specific requirement for SARA-G350 ATEX modules integration in potentially
explosive atmospheres applications, refer to section 2.13.
1.5.1.2 VCC current consumption in connected-mode
When a GSM call is established, the VCC consumption is determined by the current consumption profile
typical of the GSM transmitting and receiving bursts.
The current consumption peak during a transmission slot is strictly dependent on the transmitted power,
which is regulated by the network. If the module is transmitting in GSM talk mode in the 850 or 900
MHz bands, at the maximum RF power control level (approximately 2 W or 33 dBm in the allocated
transmit slot/burst) the current consumption can reach up to 1900 mA (with a highly unmatched
antenna) for 576.9 µs (width of the transmit slot/burst) with a periodicity of 4.615 ms (width of 1
frame = 8 slots/burst), so with a 1/8 duty cycle according to GSM TDMA (Time Division Multiple
Access). If the module is in GSM connected-mode in the 1800 or 1900 MHz bands, the current
consumption figures are lower than the one in the 850 or 900 MHz bands, due to 3GPP transmitter
output power specifications (refer to
During a GSM call, current consumption is in the order of 60-120 mA in receiving or in monitor bursts
and is about 10-40 mA in the inactive unused bursts (low current period). The more relevant factor for
determining the average current consumption, is the transmitted power in the transmit slot.
Figure 4Figure 4 shows an example of the module current consumption profile versus time in GSM talk
mode.
SARA-G3 series Data Sheet
[1]).
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Time [ms]
RX
slot
unused
slot
unused
slot
TX
slot
unused
slot
unused
slot
MON
slot
unused
slot
RX
slot
unused
slot
unused
slot
TX
slot
unused
slot
unused
slot
MON
slot
unused
slot
GSM frame
4.615 ms
(1 frame = 8 slots)
Current [A]
200 mA
60-120 mA
1900 mA
Peak current
depends on
TX power
GSM frame
4.615 ms
(1 frame = 8 slots)
1.5
1.0
0.5
0.0
2.0
60-120 mA
10-40 mA
Time
undershoot
overshoot
ripple
drop
Voltage
3.8 V
(typ)
RX
slot
unused
slot
unused
slot
TX
slot
unused
slot
unused
slot
MON
slot
unused
slot
RX
slot
unused
slot
unused
slot
TX
slot
unused
slot
unused
slot
MON
slot
unused
slot
GSM frame
4.615 ms
(1 frame = 8 slots)
GSM frame
4.615 ms
(1 frame = 8 slots)
Figure 4: VCC current consumption profile versus time during a GSM call (1 TX slot, 1 RX slot)
Figure 5Figure 5 illustrates VCC voltage profile versus time during a GSM call, according to the relative
VCC current consumption profile described in Figure 4Figure 4.
Figure 5: Description of the VCC voltage profile versus time during a GSM call
When a GPRS connection is established, more than one slot can be used to transmit and/or more than
one slot can be used to receive. The transmitted power depends on network conditions, which set the
peak current consumption, but following the GPRS specifications the maximum transmitted RF power is
reduced if more than one slot is used to transmit, so the maximum peak of current is not as high as
can be in case of a GSM call.
If the module transmits in GPRS multi-slot class 10, in the 850 or 900 MHz bands, at the maximum
power control level, the consumption can reach up to 1600 mA (with highly unmatched antenna). This
happens for 1.154 ms (width of the 2 Tx slots/bursts) with a periodicity of 4.615 ms (width of 1 frame
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Time [ms]
RX
slot
unused
slot
unused
slot
TX
slot
TX
slot
unused
slot
MON
slot
unused
slot
RX
slot
unused
slot
unused
slot
TX
slot
TX
slot
unused
slot
MON
slot
unused
slot
GSM frame
4.615 ms
(1 frame = 8 slots)
Current [A]
60-120mA
GSM frame
4.615 ms
(1 frame = 8 slots)
1.5
1.0
0.5
0.0
2.0
60-120mA
10-40mA
200mA
Peak current
depends on
TX power
1600 mA
= 8 slots/bursts), so with a 1/4 duty cycle, according to GSM TDMA. If the module is in GPRS
connected-mode in 1800 or 1900 MHz bands, consumption figures are lower than in the 850 or 900
MHz band, due to 3GPP Tx power specifications.
Figure 6Figure 6 reports the current consumption profiles in GPRS connected-mode, in the 850 or 900
MHz bands, with 2 slots used to transmit and 1 slot used to receive.
Figure 6: VCC current consumption profile versus time during a GPRS connection (2 TX slots, 1 RX slot)
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