u blox SARAU280 User Manual

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SARA-G3 and SARA-U2 series
GSM/GPRS and GSM/EGPRS/HSPA Cellular Modules
System Integration Manual
Abstract
These modules are complete and cost efficient solutions offering voice and/or data communication over diverse cellular radio access technologies in the same compact SARA form factor: the SARA­series support up to 4-band GSM/GPRS while the SARA­support 2-band high-speed HSPA and up to 2-band GSM/EGPRS.
-blox.com
-13000995 - R11
SARA-G3 and SARA-U2 series - System Integration Manual
Document Information
Title SARA-G3 and SARA-U2 series
Subtitle
GSM/GPRS and GSM/EGPRS/HSPA Cellular Modules
Document type System Integration Manual
Document number UBX-13000995
Revision, date R12 30-Jan-2015
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.
This document applies to the following products:
Name Type number Modem version Application version SDN / IN / PCN
SARA-G300 SARA-G300-00S-00 08.58 GSM.G2-TN-13007 SARA-G310 SARA-G310-00S-00 08.58 GSM.G2-TN-13007 SARA-G340 SARA-G340-00S-00 08.49 UBX-14000382 SARA-G340-01S-00 08.70 A00.02 UBX-14039634 SARA-G350 SARA-G350-00S-00 08.49 GSM.G2-TN-13002 SARA-G350-01S-00 08.70 A00.02 UBX-14039634 SARA-G350-01B-00 08.70 A00.02 TBD SARA-G350 ATEX SARA-G350-00X-00 08.49 GSM.G2-TN-13002 SARA-U260 SARA-U260-00S-00 23.20 A01.00 UBX-14015739 SARA-U270 SARA-U270-00S-00 23.20 A01.00 UBX-14015739 SARA-U270 ATEX SARA-U270-00X-00 23.20 A01.00 TBD SARA-U280 SARA-U280-00S-00 23.28 A01.00 TBD
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 parties 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, please visit www.u-blox.com.
Copyright © 2015, u-blox AG
Trademark Notice
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.
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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 AT commands supported by the
u-blox cellular modules.
System Integration Manual: This document provides the description of u-blox cellular modules’ system
from the hardware and the software point of view, it provides hardware design guidelines for the optimal integration of the cellular modules in the application device and it provides information on how to set up production and final product tests on application devices integrating the cellular modules.
Application Notes: These documents provide guidelines and information on specific hardware and/or
software topics on u-blox cellular modules. See Related documents for a list of application notes related to your cellular module.
How to use this Manual
The SARA-G3 and SARA-U2 series System Integration Manual provides the necessary information to successfully design in and configure these u-blox cellular 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 cellular Integration:
Read this manual carefully.
Contact our information service on the homepage
http://www.u-blox.com
Technical Support
Worldwide Web
Our website ( can be accessed 24h a day.
By E-mail
If you have technical problems or cannot find the required information in the provided documents, contact the closest Technical Support office. To ensure that we process your request as soon as possible, use our service pool email addresses rather than personal staff email addresses. Contact details are at the end of the document.
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
http://www.u-blox.com) is a rich pool of information. Product information and technical documents
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Contents

Preface ................................................................................................................................ 3
Contents .............................................................................................................................. 4
1 System description ....................................................................................................... 8
1.1 Overview .............................................................................................................................................. 8
1.2 Architecture ........................................................................................................................................ 10
1.2.1 Internal blocks ............................................................................................................................. 12
1.3 Pin-out ............................................................................................................................................... 13
1.4 Operating modes ................................................................................................................................ 18
1.5 Supply interfaces ................................................................................................................................ 20
1.5.1 Module supply input (VCC) ......................................................................................................... 20
1.5.2 RTC supply input/output (V_BCKP) .............................................................................................. 28
1.5.3 Generic digital interfaces supply output (V_INT) ........................................................................... 29
1.6 System function interfaces .................................................................................................................. 30
1.6.1 Module power-on ....................................................................................................................... 30
1.6.2 Module power-off ....................................................................................................................... 33
1.6.3 Module reset ............................................................................................................................... 35
1.6.4 External 32 kHz signal input (EXT32K) ......................................................................................... 36
1.6.5 Internal 32 kHz signal output (32K_OUT) .................................................................................... 36
1.7 Antenna interface ............................................................................................................................... 37
1.7.1 Antenna RF interface (ANT) ......................................................................................................... 37
1.7.2 Antenna detection interface (ANT_DET) ...................................................................................... 39
1.8 SIM interface ...................................................................................................................................... 39
1.8.1 (U)SIM card interface ................................................................................................................... 39
1.8.2 SIM card detection interface (SIM_DET) ....................................................................................... 39
1.9 Serial interfaces .................................................................................................................................. 40
1.9.1 Asynchronous serial interface (UART)........................................................................................... 40
1.9.2 Auxiliary asynchronous serial interface (UART AUX) ..................................................................... 53
1.9.3 USB interface............................................................................................................................... 53
1.9.4 DDC (I2C) interface ...................................................................................................................... 55
1.10 Audio interface ............................................................................................................................... 57
1.10.1 Analog audio interface ................................................................................................................ 57
1.10.2 Digital audio interface ................................................................................................................. 59
1.10.3 Voice-band processing system ..................................................................................................... 61
1.11 General Purpose Input/Output (GPIO) ............................................................................................. 64
1.12 Reserved pins (RSVD) ...................................................................................................................... 68
1.13 System features............................................................................................................................... 69
1.13.1 Network indication ...................................................................................................................... 69
1.13.2 Antenna detection ...................................................................................................................... 69
1.13.3 Jamming detection ...................................................................................................................... 69
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1.13.4
TCP/IP and UDP/IP ....................................................................................................................... 70
1.13.5 FTP .............................................................................................................................................. 70
1.13.6 HTTP ........................................................................................................................................... 70
1.13.7 SMTP ........................................................................................................................................... 70
1.13.8 SSL .............................................................................................................................................. 71
1.13.9 Dual stack IPv4/IPv6 ..................................................................................................................... 72
1.13.10 Smart temperature management ............................................................................................. 73
1.13.11 AssistNow clients and GNSS integration ................................................................................... 76
1.13.12 Hybrid positioning and CellLocate® .......................................................................................... 76
1.13.13 Firmware upgrade Over AT (FOAT) .......................................................................................... 79
1.13.14 Firmware upgrade Over The Air (FOTA) .................................................................................... 79
1.13.15 In-Band modem (eCall / ERA-GLONASS) .................................................................................. 80
1.13.16 SIM Access Profile (SAP) ........................................................................................................... 80
1.13.17 Power saving ........................................................................................................................... 82
2 Design-in ..................................................................................................................... 83
2.1 Overview ............................................................................................................................................ 83
2.2 Supply interfaces ................................................................................................................................ 84
2.2.1 Module supply (VCC) .................................................................................................................. 84
2.2.2 RTC supply (V_BCKP) ................................................................................................................... 96
2.2.3 Interface supply (V_INT) ............................................................................................................... 98
2.3 System functions interfaces ................................................................................................................ 99
2.3.1 Module power-on (PWR_ON) ...................................................................................................... 99
2.3.2 Module reset (RESET_N) ............................................................................................................ 100
2.3.3 32 kHz signal (EXT32K and 32K_OUT) ....................................................................................... 101
2.4 Antenna interface ............................................................................................................................. 103
2.4.1 Antenna RF interface (ANT) ....................................................................................................... 103
2.4.2 Antenna detection interface (ANT_DET) .................................................................................... 110
2.5 SIM interface .................................................................................................................................... 113
2.6 Serial interfaces ................................................................................................................................ 119
2.6.1 Asynchronous serial interface (UART)......................................................................................... 119
2.6.2 Auxiliary asynchronous serial interface (UART AUX) ................................................................... 125
2.6.3 Universal Serial Bus (USB) .......................................................................................................... 127
2.6.4 DDC (I2C) interface .................................................................................................................... 129
2.7 Audio interface ................................................................................................................................. 135
2.7.1 Analog audio interface .............................................................................................................. 135
2.7.2 Digital audio interface ............................................................................................................... 141
2.8 General Purpose Input/Output (GPIO) ............................................................................................... 144
2.9 Reserved pins (RSVD) ........................................................................................................................ 145
2.10 Module placement ........................................................................................................................ 145
2.11 Module footprint and paste mask ................................................................................................. 146
2.12 Thermal guidelines ........................................................................................................................ 147
2.13 ESD guidelines .............................................................................................................................. 149
2.13.1 ESD immunity test overview ...................................................................................................... 149
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2.13.2
ESD immunity test of u-blox SARA-G3 and SARA-U2 reference designs..................................... 149
2.13.3 ESD application circuits .............................................................................................................. 150
2.14 SARA-G350 ATEX and SARA-U270 ATEX integration in explosive atmospheres applications ......... 152
2.14.1 General guidelines ..................................................................................................................... 152
2.14.2 Guidelines for VCC supply circuit design ................................................................................... 153
2.14.3 Guidelines for antenna RF interface design ................................................................................ 154
2.15 Schematic for SARA-G3 and SARA-U2 series module integration .................................................. 156
2.15.1 Schematic for SARA-G300 / SARA-G310 modules integration ................................................... 156
2.15.2 Schematic for SARA-G340 / SARA-G350 modules integration ................................................... 157
2.15.3 Schematic for SARA-U2 series modules integration ................................................................... 158
2.16 Design-in checklist ........................................................................................................................ 159
2.16.1 Schematic checklist ................................................................................................................... 159
2.16.2 Layout checklist ......................................................................................................................... 160
2.16.3 Antenna checklist ...................................................................................................................... 160
3 Handling and soldering ........................................................................................... 161
3.1 Packaging, shipping, storage and moisture preconditioning ............................................................. 161
3.2 Handling ........................................................................................................................................... 161
3.3 Soldering .......................................................................................................................................... 162
3.3.1 Soldering paste.......................................................................................................................... 162
3.3.2 Reflow soldering ....................................................................................................................... 162
3.3.3 Optical inspection ...................................................................................................................... 163
3.3.4 Cleaning .................................................................................................................................... 163
3.3.5 Repeated reflow soldering ......................................................................................................... 164
3.3.6 Wave soldering.......................................................................................................................... 164
3.3.7 Hand soldering .......................................................................................................................... 164
3.3.8 Rework ...................................................................................................................................... 164
3.3.9 Conformal coating .................................................................................................................... 164
3.3.10 Casting ...................................................................................................................................... 164
3.3.11 Grounding metal covers ............................................................................................................ 164
3.3.12 Use of ultrasonic processes ........................................................................................................ 164
4 Approvals .................................................................................................................. 165
4.1 Product certification approval overview ............................................................................................. 165
4.2 Federal Communications Commission and Industry Canada notice ................................................... 166
4.2.1 Safety warnings review the structure ......................................................................................... 166
4.2.2 Declaration of conformity .......................................................................................................... 166
4.2.3 Modifications ............................................................................................................................ 167
4.3 R&TTED and European conformance CE mark .................................................................................. 168
4.4 Anatel certification ........................................................................................................................... 169
4.5 CCC mark ........................................................................................................................................ 170
4.6 SARA-G350 ATEX and LISA-U270 ATEX conformance for use in explosive atmospheres ................... 170
5 Product testing ......................................................................................................... 172
5.1 u-blox in-series production test ......................................................................................................... 172
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5.2
Test parameters for OEM manufacturer ............................................................................................ 172
5.2.1 “Go/No go” tests for integrated devices .................................................................................... 173
5.2.2 Functional tests providing RF operation ..................................................................................... 173
Appendix ........................................................................................................................ 176
A Migration between LISA and SARA-G3 modules ................................................... 176
A.1 Overview .......................................................................................................................................... 176
A.2 Checklist for migration ..................................................................................................................... 177
A.3 Software migration ........................................................................................................................... 178
A.4 Hardware migration.......................................................................................................................... 178
A.4.1 Supply interfaces ....................................................................................................................... 178
A.4.2 System functions interfaces ....................................................................................................... 179
A.4.3 Antenna interface ..................................................................................................................... 180
A.4.4 SIM interface ............................................................................................................................. 181
A.4.5 Serial interfaces ......................................................................................................................... 181
A.4.6 Audio interfaces ........................................................................................................................ 182
A.4.7 GPIO pins .................................................................................................................................. 182
A.4.8 Reserved pins ............................................................................................................................ 182
A.4.9 Pin-out comparison between LISA and SARA-G3 ....................................................................... 183
B Migration between SARA-G3 and SARA-U2 ........................................................... 188
B.1 Overview .......................................................................................................................................... 188
B.2 Pin-out comparison between SARA-G3 and SARA-U2 ...................................................................... 189
B.3 Schematic for SARA-G3 and SARA-U2 integration ............................................................................ 191
C Glossary .................................................................................................................... 192
Related documents......................................................................................................... 194
Revision history .............................................................................................................. 195
Contact ............................................................................................................................ 196
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3G Up
3G Down
2G Up
2G Down
3G bands [MHz] 2G bands [MHz] UART USB DDC
GPIO Analog
Digital audio Network indication Antenna
Jamming detection Embedded TCP
Embedded
Embedded
GNSS via Modem AssistNow
CellLocate
®
FW update
FOTA
eCall / ERA
Low power idle
Dual stack IPv4/IPv6 ATEX certification Standard
Professional
Automotive
42.8
42.8
42.8
42.8
42.8
85.6
85.6
85.6
A = available upon request
E = 32 kHz signal at EXT32K input pin is required for low power idle-mode

1 System description

1.1 Overview

SARA-G3 series GSM/GPRS cellular modules and SARA-U2 series GSM/EGPRS/HSPA cellular modules are versatile solutions offering voice and/or data communication over diverse radio access technologies in the same miniature SARA LGA form factor (26 x 16 mm) that allows seamless drop-in migration between the two SARA-G3 and SARA-U2 series and easy migration to u-blox LISA-U series GSM/EGPRS/HSPA+ modules, LISA-C2 series CDMA modules, TOBY-L1 series LTE modules and to TOBY-L2 series GSM/EGPRS/DC-HSPA+/LTE modules.
SARA-G350 and SARA-G340 are respectively quad-band and dual-band full feature GSM/GPRS cellular modules with a comprehensive feature set including an extensive set of internet protocols and 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 cellular 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-U2 series include variants supporting band combination for North America and band combination for Europe, Asia and other countries. For each combination, a complete UMTS/GSM variant and a cost-saving UMTS-only variant are available. All SARA-U2 series modules provide a rich feature set including an extensive set of internet protocols, dual-stack IPv4 / IPv6 and access to u-blox GNSS positioning chips and modules, with embedded A-GPS (AssistNow Online and AssistNow Offline) functionality.
Table 1 describes a summary of interfaces and features provided by SARA-G3 and SARA-U2 series modules.
Module Data rate Bands Interfaces Audio
SARA-G300
SARA-G310
SARA-G340
SARA-G350
SARA-G350 ATEX
SARA-U260 5.76 7.2
SARA-U270
SARA-U270 ATEX 5.76 7.2
SARA-U280
V = available from product version “01” onwards
Table 1: SARA-G3 and SARA-U2 series1 features summary
-Link [Mb/s]
-Link [Mb/s]
5.76 7.2
5.76 7.2 850/1900 1 1 1 9 1
-Link [kb/s]
-Link [kb/s]
85.6 900/1800 2 E
85.6 4-band 2 E
85.6 900/1800 2 1 4 1 1 V • •
85.6 4-band 2 1 4 1 1 V A • •
85.6 4-band 2 1 4 1 1 • • •
236.8 850/1900 850/1900 1 1 1 9 1
236.8 900/2100 900/1800 1 1 1 9 1 • • •
236.8 900/2100 900/1800 1 1 1 9 1 • • • •
Functions Grade
/ UDP
SSL / TLS
audio
C)
2
(I
supervisor
HTTP, FTP
via serial
Software
-mode
-GLONASS
1
SARA-G350 ATEX modules provide the same feature set of the SARA-G350 modules plus the certification for use in potentially explosive atmospheres; the same applies for SARA-U270 ATEX modules and SARA-U270 modules. Unless otherwise specified, SARA-G350 refers to all SARA-G350 ATEX and SARA-G350 modules, whereas SARA-U270 refers to all SARA-U270 ATEX modules and SARA-U270 modules.
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Protocol stack
3GPP Release 7
3GPP Release 7
3GPP Release 99
3GPP Release 99
Table 2 reports a summary of 2G cellular characteristics of SARA-G3 and SARA-U2 series modules.
Item SARA-U260 SARA-U270 SARA-G300 / SARA-G340 SARA-G310 / SARA-G350
MS class Class B2 Class B2 Class B2 Class B2
Bands3 GSM 850 MHz
PCS 1900 MHz
Power class Class 4 (33 dBm)
for 850 band Class 1 (30 dBm) for 1900 band
PS data rate4 GPRS multi-slot class 125
CS 1-4, 85.6 kb/s DL CS 1-4, 85.6 kb/s UL EDGE multi-slot class 12 MCS 1-9, 236.8 kb/s DL MCS 1-4, 70.4 kb/s UL
CS data rate4 Up to 9.6 kb/s DL/UL
Transparent mode Non transparent mode
Table 2: SARA-G3 series and SARA-U2 series 2G characteristics summary
E-GSM 900 MHz DCS 1800 MHz
Class 4 (33 dBm) for 900 band Class 1 (30 dBm) for 1800 band
GPRS multi-slot class 12 CS 1-4, 85.6 kb/s DL CS 1-4, 85.6 kb/s UL
5
EDGE multi-slot class 12 MCS 1-9, 236.8 kb/s DL MCS 1-4, 70.4 kb/s UL
Up to 9.6 kb/s DL/UL Transparent mode Non transparent mode
E-GSM 900 MHz DCS 1800 MHz
Class 4 (33 dBm) for 900 band Class 1 (30 dBm) for 1800 band
5
GPRS multi-slot class 10 CS 1-4, 85.6 kb/s DL CS 1-4, 42.8 kb/s UL
5
Up to 9.6 kb/s DL/UL Transparent mode Non transparent mode
GSM 850 MHz E-GSM 900 MHz DCS 1800 MHz PCS 1900 MHz
Class 4 (33 dBm) for 850/900 bands Class 1 (30 dBm) for 1800/1900 bands
6
GPRS multi-slot class 10 CS 1-4, 85.6 kb/s DL
4
CS 1-4, 42.8 kb/s UL
Up to 9.6 kb/s DL/UL Transparent mode Non transparent mode
6
Table 3 reports a summary of 3G cellular characteristics of SARA-U2 series modules.
Item SARA-U260 SARA-U270 SARA-U280
Protocol stack 3GPP Release 7 3GPP Release 7 3GPP Release 7
UE class Class A
Bands Band V (850 MHz)
Power class Class 3 (24 dBm)
PS data rate4 HSUPA category 6
7
Class A7 Class A7
Band VIII (900 MHz)
Band II (1900 MHz)
Band I (2100 MHz)
Class 3 (24 dBm)
for all bands
for all bands
HSUPA category 6
5.76 Mb/s UL HSDPA category 8
7.2 Mb/s DL
5.76 Mb/s UL HSDPA category 8
7.2 Mb/s DL
Band V (850 MHz) Band II (1900 MHz)
Class 3 (24 dBm) for all bands
HSUPA category 6
5.76 Mb/s UL HSDPA category 8
7.2 Mb/s DL
CS data rate4 Up to 64 kb/s DL/UL Up to 64 kb/s DL/UL Up to 64 kb/s DL/UL
Table 3: SARA-U2 series 3G characteristics summary
2
Device can be attached to both GPRS and GSM services (i.e. Packet Switch and Circuit Switch mode) using one service at a time.
3
The 2G 850 / 1900 MHz and 3G 850 / 1900 MHz bands are mainly operative in America. The 2G 900 / 1800 MHz and 3G 900 / 2100 MHz bands are mainly operative in Europe, Asia and other countries.
4
The maximum bit rate of the module depends on the actual network environmental conditions and settings.
5
GPRS/EDGE multi-slot class 12 implies a maximum of 4 slots in DL (reception) and 4 slots in UL (transmission) with 5 slots in total.
6
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.
7
Device can work simultaneously in Packet Switch and Circuit Switch mode: voice calls are possible while the data connection is active without any interruption in service.
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Memory
V_BCKP (RTC)
V_INT (I/O)
32 kHz
26 MHz
RF
Transceiver
Power
Management
ANT
SAW Filter
Switch
VCC (Supply)
32 kHz
Auxiliary UART
SIM
UART
Power-On
Reset
Cellular BaseBand Processor
PA
Memory
V_BCKP (RTC)
V_INT (I/O)
26 MHz
32.768 kHz
RF
Transceiver
Power
Management
Cellular BaseBand Processor
ANT
SAW Filter
Switch
PA
VCC (Supply)
Auxiliary UART
DDC (for GNSS)
SIM Card Detection
SIM
UART
Power-On
Reset
Digital Audio
Analog Audio
GPIO
Antenna Detection

1.2 Architecture

Figure 1 summarizes the architecture of SARA-G300 and SARA-G310 modules, while Figure 2 summarizes the architecture of SARA-G340 and SARA-G350 modules, describing the internal blocks of the modules, consisting of the RF, Baseband and Power Management main sections, and the available interfaces.
Figure 1: SARA-G300 and SARA-G310 modules block diagram
Figure 2: SARA-G340 and SARA-G350 modules block diagram
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Memory
V_BCKP (RTC)
V_INT (I/O)
RF
Transceiver
Power
Management
Cellular BaseBand Processor
ANT
VCC (Supply)
USB
DDC (I2C)
SIM card detection
SIM
UART
Power
-On
Reset
Digital audio (I2S)
GPIO
Antenna detection
3G PA
26 MHz
Duplexer
Filter
Switch
2G PA
LNA
32.768 kHz
Memory
V_BCKP (RTC)
V_INT (I/O)
RF
Transceiver
Power
Management
Cellular
BaseBand
Processor
ANT
VCC (Supply)
USB
DDC (I2C)
SIM card detection
SIM
UART
Power-On
Reset
Digital audio (I2S)
GPIO
Antenna detection
3G PA
26 MHz
Duplexer
Filter
Switch
LNA
32.768 kHz
Figure 3 summarizes the architecture of SARA-U260 and SARA-U270 modules, while Figure 4 summarizes the architecture of SARA-U280 modules, describing the internal blocks of the modules, consisting of the RF, Baseband and Power Management main sections, and the available interfaces.
Figure 3: SARA-U260 and SARA-U270 modules block diagram
Figure 4: SARA-U280 modules block diagram
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1.2.1 Internal blocks

SARA-G3 and SARA-U2 series modules internally consist of the RF, Baseband and Power Management sections here described with more details than the simplified block diagrams of Figure 1, Figure 2, Figure 3 and Figure 4.
RF section
The RF section is composed of the following main elements:
2G / 3G 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
2G / 3G Power Amplifier, which amplifies the signals modulated by the RF transceiver
RF switch, which connects the antenna input/output pin (ANT) of the module to the suitable RX/TX path
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 2G / 3G 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 RAM volatile memory
Voltage regulators to derive all the system supply voltages from the module supply VCC
Circuit for the RTC clock reference in low power idle-mode:
SARA-G340, SARA-G350 and SARA-U2 series modules are equipped with 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 are not equipped with 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 AT+UPSV). The 32K_OUT output pin of SARA-G300 and SARA-G310 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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5, 14,
22, 30,
,

1.3 Pin-out

Table 4 lists the pin-out of the SARA-G3 and SARA-U2 series modules, with pins grouped by function.
Function Pin Name Module Pin No I/O Description Remarks
Power VCC All 51, 52, 53 I Module supply
GND All 1, 3,
V_BCKP All 2 I/O Real Time Clock
V_INT All 4 O Generic Digital
System PWR_ON All 15 I Power-on input High input impedance: input voltage level has to be
RESET_N All 18 I External reset
EXT32K SARA-G300
SARA-G310
32K_OUT SARA-G300
SARA-G310
Antenna ANT All 56 I/O RF input/output
ANT_DET SARA-G340
SARA-G350 SARA-U2
20­32, 43, 50 54, 55, 57-61, 63-96
31 I 32 kHz input Input for RTC reference clock, needed to enter the
24 O 32 kHz output 32 kHz output suitable only to feed the EXT32K
62 I Input for antenna
input
N/A Ground GND pins are internally connected each other.
supply input/output
Interfaces supply output
input
for antenna
detection
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 1.5.1 for functional description and requirements for the VCC module supply. See section 2.2.1 for external circuit design-in.
External ground connection affects the RF and thermal performance of the device. See section 1.5.1 for functional description. See section 2.2.1 for external circuit design-in.
V_BCKP = 2.3 V (typical) on SARA-G3 series. V_BCKP = 1.8 V (typical) on SARA-U2 series. V_BCKP is generated by internal low power linear
regulator when valid VCC supply is present. See section 1.5.2 for functional description. See section 2.2.2 for external circuit design-in.
V_INT = 1.8 V (typical), generated by internal DC/DC regulator when the module is switched on.
See section 1.5.3 for functional description. See section 2.2.3 for external circuit design-in.
properly fixed, e.g. adding external pull-up. See section 1.6.1 for functional description. See section 2.3.1 for external circuit design-in.
A series Schottky diode is integrated in the module as protection, and then an internal 10 kpull-up resistor to V_INT is provided. See section 1.6.3 for functional description. See section 2.3.2 for external circuit design-in.
low power idle-mode and provide RTC functions. See section 1.6.4 for functional description. See section 2.3.3 for external circuit design-in.
input giving the RTC reference clock, allowing low power idle-mode and RTC functions support. See section 1.6.5 for functional description. See section 2.3.3 for external circuit design-in.
50 Ω 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 2.4 for external circuit design-in.
ADC input for antenna detection function. See section 1.7.2 for functional description. See section 2.4.2 for external circuit design-in.
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Function Pin Name Module Pin No I/O Description Remarks
SIM VSIM All 41 O SIM supply output VSIM = 1.80 V typ. or 2.85 V typ. automatically
SIM_IO All 39 I/O SIM data Data input/output for 1.8 V / 3 V SIM
SIM_CLK All 38 O SIM clock 3.25 MHz clock output for 1.8 V / 3 V SIM
SIM_RST All 40 O SIM reset Reset output for 1.8 V / 3 V SIM
SIM_DET All 42 I /
UART RXD All 13 O UART data output 1.8 V output, Circuit 104 (RXD) in ITU-T V.24,
TXD All 12 I UART data input 1.8 V input, Circuit 103 (TXD) in ITU-T V.24,
CTS All 11 O UART clear to
RTS All 10 I UART ready to
DSR All 6 O UART data set
RI All 7 O UART ring
DTR All 9 I UART data
DCD All 8 O UART data carrier
I/O
SIM detection / GPIO
send output
send input
ready output
indicator output
terminal ready input
detect output
generated according to the connected SIM type. See section 1.8 for functional description. See section 2.5 for external circuit design-in.
Internal 4.7 kpull-up to VSIM. See section 1.8 for functional description. See section 2.5 for external circuit design-in.
See section 1.8 for functional description. See section 2.5 for external circuit design-in.
See section 1.8 for functional description. See section 2.5 for external circuit design-in.
1.8 V input for SIM presence detection function. Pin configurable also as GPIO on SARA-U2 series. See section 1.8.2 for functional description. See section 2.5 for external circuit design-in.
for AT, data, FOAT on SARA-G3 series modules, for AT, data, FOAT, FW upgrade via EasyFlash tool and diagnostic on SARA-U2 series modules. See section 1.9.1 for functional description. See section 2.6.1 for external circuit design-in.
for AT, data, FOAT on SARA-G3 series modules, for AT, data, FOAT, FW upgrade via EasyFlash tool and diagnostic on SARA-U2 series modules.
Internal active pull-up to V_INT. See section 1.9.1 for functional description. See section 2.6.1 for external circuit design-in.
1.8 V output, Circuit 106 (CTS) in ITU-T V.24. See section 1.9.1 for functional description. See section 2.6.1 for external circuit design-in.
1.8 V input, Circuit 105 (RTS) in ITU-T V.24. Internal active pull-up to V_INT. See section 1.9.1 for functional description. See section 2.6.1 for external circuit design-in.
1.8 V output, Circuit 107 (DSR) in ITU-T V.24. See section 1.9.1 for functional description. See section 2.6.1 for external circuit design-in.
1.8 V output, Circuit 125 (RI) in ITU-T V.24. See section 1.9.1 for functional description. See section 2.6.1 for external circuit design-in.
1.8 V input, Circuit 108/2 (DTR) in ITU-T V.24. Internal active pull-up to V_INT. See section 1.9.1 for functional description. See section 2.6.1 for external circuit design-in.
1.8 V input, Circuit 109 (DCD) in ITU-T V.24. See section 1.9.1 for functional description. See section 2.6.1 for external circuit design-in.
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Function Pin Name Module Pin No I/O Description Remarks
Auxiliary UART
RXD_AUX SARA-G3 28 O Auxiliary UART
data output
1.8 V output, Circuit 104 (RXD) in ITU-T V.24, for FW upgrade via EasyFlash tool and diagnostic.
Access by external test-point is recommended. See section 1.9.2 for functional description. See section 2.6.2 for external circuit design-in.
TXD_AUX SARA-G3 29 I Auxiliary UART
data input
1.8 V input, Circuit 103 (TXD) in ITU-T V.24, for FW upgrade via EasyFlash tool and diagnostic. Access by external test-point is recommended. Internal active pull-up to V_INT.
See section 1.9.2 for functional description. See section 2.6.2 for external circuit design-in.
USB VUSB_DET SARA-U2 17 I USB detect input High-Speed USB 2.0 interface input for VBUS (5 V
typical) USB supply sense. USB available for AT, data, FOAT, FW upgrade via EasyFlash tool and diagnostic. See section 1.9.3 for functional description. See section 2.6.3 for external circuit design-in.
USB_D- SARA-U2 28 I/O USB Data Line D- High-Speed USB 2.0 interface data line for AT, data,
FOAT, FW upgrade via EasyFlash tool and diagnostic. 90 Ω nominal differential impedance. Pull-up, pull-down and series resistors as required by
USB 2.0 specifications [14] are part of the USB pin driver and need not be provided externally. See section 1.9.3 for functional description. See section 2.6.3 for external circuit design-in.
USB_D+ SARA-U2 29 I/O USB Data Line D+ High-Speed USB 2.0 interface data line for AT, data,
FOAT, FW upgrade via EasyFlash tool and diagnostic. 90 Ω nominal differential impedance. Pull-up, pull-down and series resistors as required by
USB 2.0 specifications [14] are part of the USB pin driver and need not be provided externally. See section 1.9.3 for functional description. See section 2.6.3 for external circuit design-in.
DDC SCL SARA-G340
SARA-G350 SARA-U2
27 O I
2
C bus clock line 1.8 V open drain, for the communication with the
u-blox positioning modules / chips. Communication with other external I
2
C-slave devices as an audio codec is additionally supported by SARA-U2 series. External pull-up required. See section 1.9.4 for functional description. See section 2.6.4 for external circuit design-in.
SDA SARA-G340
SARA-G350 SARA-U2
26 I/O I
2
C bus data line 1.8 V open drain, for the communication with
u-blox positioning modules / chips. Communication with other external I
2
C-slave devices as an audio codec is additionally supported by SARA-U2 series. External pull-up required. See section 1.9.4 for functional description. See section 2.6.4 for external circuit design-in.
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/
Function Pin Name Module Pin No I/O Description Remarks
Analog Audio
MIC_BIAS SARA-G340
SARA-G350
46 O Microphone
supply output
Supply output (2.2 V typ) for external microphone. See section 1.10.1 for functional description. See section 2.7.1 for external circuit design-in.
MIC_GND SARA-G340
SARA-G350
47 I Microphone
analog reference
Local ground for the external microphone (reference for the analog audio uplink path). See section 1.10.1 for functional description. See section 2.7.1 for external circuit design-in.
MIC_N SARA-G340
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 1.10.1 for functional description. See section 2.7.1 for external circuit design-in.
MIC_P SARA-G340
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 1.10.1 for functional description. See section 2.7.1 for external circuit design-in.
SPK_P SARA-G340
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 1.10.1 for functional description. See section 2.7.1 for external circuit design-in.
SPK_N SARA-G340
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 1.10.1 for functional description. See section 2.7.1 for external circuit design-in.
Digital Audio
I2S_CLK SARA-G340
SARA-G350 SARA-U2
36 O /
I/O
2
I
S clock /
GPIO
1.8 V serial clock for PCM / normal I2S modes. Pin configurable also as GPIO on SARA-U2 series. See section 1.10.2 for functional description. See section 2.7.2 for external circuit design-in.
I2S_RXD SARA-G340
SARA-G350 SARA-U2
37 I /
I/O
2
I
S receive data /
GPIO
1.8 V data input for PCM / normal I2S modes. Pin configurable also as GPIO on SARA-U2 series. Internal active pull-down to GND. See section 1.10.2 for functional description. See section 2.7.2 for external circuit design-in.
I2S_TXD SARA-G340
SARA-G350 SARA-U2
35 O /
I/O
2
I
S transmit data /
GPIO
1.8 V data output for PCM / normal I2S modes. Pin configurable also as GPIO on SARA-U2 series. See section 1.10.2 for functional description. See section 2.7.2 for external circuit design-in.
I2S_WA SARA-G340
SARA-G350 SARA-U2
34 O /
I/O
I2S word alignment GPIO
1.8 V word alignment for PCM / normal I2S modes Pin configurable also as GPIO on SARA-U2 series. See section 1.10.2 for functional description. See section 2.7.2 for external circuit design-in.
CODEC_CLK SARA-U2 19 O Clock output 1.8 V master clock output for external audio codec
See section 1.10.2 for functional description. See section 2.7.2 for external circuit design-in
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See section 2.8 for external circuit design-in.
SARA-G310
See section 2.9
Function Pin Name Module Pin No I/O Description Remarks
GPIO GPIO1 SARA-G340
SARA-G350 SARA-U2
GPIO2 SARA-G340
SARA-G350 SARA-U2
GPIO3 SARA-G340
SARA-G350 SARA-U2
GPIO4 SARA-G340
SARA-G350 SARA-U2
Reserved RSVD All 33 N/A RESERVED pin This pin must be connected to ground.
RSVD SARA-G3 17, 19 N/A RESERVED pin Leave unconnected.
RSVD SARA-G340
SARA-G350 SARA-U2
RSVD SARA-G300
SARA-G310
RSVD SARA-G300
SARA-G310 SARA-U2
RSVD SARA-G300
16 I/O GPIO 1.8 V GPIO by default configured as pin disabled.
See section 1.11 for functional description. See section 2.8 for external circuit design-in.
23 I/O GPIO 1.8 V GPIO by default configured to provide the
24 I/O GPIO 1.8 V GPIO by default configured to provide the
25 I/O GPIO 1.8 V GPIO by default configured to provide the
31 N/A RESERVED pin Internally not connected. Leave unconnected.
16, 23, 25-27, 34-37
44-49 N/A RESERVED pin Leave unconnected.
62 N/A RESERVED pin Leave unconnected.
N/A RESERVED pin Pin disabled. Leave unconnected.
custom GNSS supply enable function. See section 1.11 for functional description. See section 2.8 for external circuit design-in.
custom GNSS data ready function. See section 1.11 for functional description.
custom GNSS RTC sharing function. See section 1.11 for functional description. See section 2.8 for external circuit design-in.
See section 2.9
See section 2.9
See section 2.9
See section 2.9
See section 2.9
Table 4: SARA-G3 and SARA-U2 series modules pin definition, grouped by function
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1.4 Operating modes

SARA-G3 modules have several operating modes. The operating modes defined in Table 5 and described in detail in Table 6 provide general guidelines for operation.
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-G340, SARA-G350 and SARA-U2 series)
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.
Table 5: Module operating modes definition
Operating Mode
Not-Powered Module is switched off.
Power-Off Module is switched off: normal shutdown by an
Idle The module is not ready to communicate with
Description Transition between operating modes
When VCC supply is removed, the module enters not-powered mode. Application interfaces are not accessible. Internal RTC operates on SARA-G340/G350,
SARA-U2 if a valid voltage is applied to V_BCKP. Additionally, a proper external 32 kHz signal must be fed to EXT32K on SARA-G300/G310
When in not-powered mode, the modules cannot be switched on by
PWR_ON, RESET_N or RTC alarm.
When in not-powered mode, the modules can be switched on applying
VCC supply (see 2.3.1) so that the module switches from not-powered
to active-mode. modules to let internal RTC timer running.
When the module is switched off by an appropriate power-off event appropriate power-off event (see 1.6.2).
Application interfaces are not accessible. Internal RTC operates on SARA-G340/G350,
SARA-U2 as V_BCKP is internally generated. A proper external 32 kHz signal must be fed to the EXT32K pin on SARA-G300/G310 to let RTC
(see 1.6.2), the module enters power-off mode from active-mode.
When in power-off mode, the modules can be switched on by
PWR_ON, RESET_N or RTC alarm (see 2.3.1): the module switches
from power-off to active-mode.
When VCC supply is removed, the module switches from power-off
mode to not-powered mode. timer running that otherwise is not in operation.
The module automatically switches from active-mode to idle-mode an external device by means of the application interfaces as configured to reduce consumption.
The module automatically enters idle-mode whenever possible if power saving is enabled by the AT+UPSV command (see u-blox AT Commands Manual [3]), reducing power consumption (see section 1.5.1.4).
The CTS output line indicates when the UART interface is disabled/enabled due to the module idle/active-mode according to power saving and HW flow control settings (see 1.9.1.3, 1.9.1.4).
Power saving configuration is not enabled by default: it can be enabled by AT+UPSV (see the u-blox AT Commands Manual [3]).
A proper 32 kHz signal must be fed to the EXT32K pin of SARA-G300/G310 modules to let idle-mode that otherwise cannot be reached (this is not needed for the other SARA-G3 and SARA-U2 series modules).
whenever possible if power saving is enabled (see sections 1.5.1.4,
1.9.1.4 and to the u-blox AT Commands Manual [3], AT+UPSV).
The module wakes up from idle to active mode in the following events:
Automatic periodic monitoring of the paging channel for the
paging block reception according to network conditions (see
1.5.1.4, 1.9.1.4)
Automatic periodic enable of the UART interface to receive and
send data, if AT+UPSV=1 power saving is set (see 1.9.1.4)
RTC alarm occurs (see u-blox AT Commands Manual [3], +CALA)
Data received on UART interface, according to HW flow control
(AT&K) and power saving (AT+UPSV) settings (see 1.9.1.4)
RTS input line set to the ON state by the DTE, if HW flow control
is disabled by AT&K3 and AT+UPSV=2 is set (see 1.9.1.4)
DTR input line set to the ON state by the DTE, if AT+UPSV=3
power saving is set (see 1.9.1.4)
USB detection, applying 5 V (typ.) to VUSB_DET input (see 1.9.3)
The connected USB host forces a remote wakeup of the module
as USB device (see 1.9.3)
GNSS data ready: when the GPIO3 pin is informed by the
connected u-blox GNSS receiver that it is ready to send data over the DDC (I
2
C) communication interface (see 1.11, 1.9.4)
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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
No RF Tx/Rx in progress, Call terminated, Communication dropped
Remove VCC
Switch ON:
PWR_ON
RTC alarm
RESET_N
(SARA-U2)
Not
powered
Power off
ActiveConnected Idle
Switch OFF:
AT+CPWROFF
PWR_ON
(SARA-U2)
Operating Mode
Active The module is ready to communicate with an
Connected A voice call or a data call is in progress.
Table 6: Module operating modes description
Description Transition between operating modes
external device by means of the application interfaces unless power saving configuration is enabled by the AT+UPSV command (see sections 1.5.1.4, 1.9.1.4 and to the u-blox AT Commands Manual [3]).
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 1.5.1.4, 1.9.1.4 and the u-blox AT Commands Manual [3]).
When the module is switched on by an appropriate power-on event (see 2.3.1), 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 (see idle to active transition description).
When a voice call or a data call is initiated, the module switches from active-mode to connected-mode.
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.
Figure 5 describes the transition between the different operating modes.
Figure 5: Operating modes transition
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ripple

1.5 Supply interfaces

1.5.1 Module supply input (VCC)

The 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 and SARA-U2 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 1.5.1.4).
1.5.1.1 VCC supply requirements
Table 7 summarizes the requirements for the VCC module supply. See section 2.2.1 for all the suggestions to properly design a VCC supply circuit compliant to the requirements listed in Table 7.
VCC supply circuit affects the RF compliance of the device integrating SARA-G3 and SARA-U2
series modules with applicable required certification schemes as well as antenna circuit design. Compliance is guaranteed if the VCC requirements summarized in the Table 7 are fulfilled.
For the additional specific requirements for SARA-G350 ATEX and SARA-U270 ATEX modules integration
in potentially explosive atmospheres applications, see section 2.14.
Item Requirement Remark
VCC nominal voltage Within VCC normal operating range:
3.35 V min. / 4.50 V max for SARA-G3 series
3.30 V min. / 4.40 V max for SARA-U2 series
VCC voltage during normal operation
VCC average current Support with adequate margin the highest averaged
VCC peak current Support with margin the highest peak VCC current
VCC voltage drop
during 2G Tx slots
VCC voltage ripple during 2G/3G Tx
VCC under/over-shoot at start/end of Tx slots
Within VCC extended operating range:
3.00 V min. / 4.50 V max for SARA-G3 series
3.10 V min. / 4.50 V max for SARA-U2 series
VCC current consumption value in connected-mode conditions specified in SARA-G3 series Data Sheet [1] and in SARA-U2 series Data Sheet [2].
consumption value specified in SARA-G3 series Data Sheet [1] and in SARA-U2 series Data Sheet [2].
Lower than 400 mV VCC voltage drop directly affects the RF compliance with
Lower than 50 mVpp if f Lower than 10 mVpp if 200 kHz < f Lower than 2 mVpp if f
Absent or at least minimized VCC under/over-shoot directly affects the RF compliance
≤ 200 kHz
ripple
> 400 kHz
400 kHz
ripple
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.
The module may switch off when VCC voltage drops below the extended operating range minimum limit. Operation above extended operating range limit is not recommended and may affect device reliability.
The highest averaged VCC current consumption can be greater than the specified value according to the actual antenna mismatching, temperature and VCC voltage.
See 1.5.1.2, 1.5.1.3 for connected-mode current profiles.
The specified highest peak of VCC current consumption occurs during GSM single transmit slot in 850/900 MHz connected-mode, in case of mismatched antenna.
See
1.5.1.2 for 2G connected-mode current profiles.
applicable certification schemes. Figure 7 describes VCC voltage drop during Tx slots.
VCC voltage ripple directly affects the RF compliance with applicable certification schemes. Figure 7 describes VCC voltage ripple during Tx slots.
with applicable certification schemes. Figure 7 describes VCC voltage under/over-shoot.
Table 7: Summary of VCC supply requirements
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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 and
actual antenna load
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)
1.5.1.2 VCC current consumption in 2G 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. The transmitted power in the transmit slot is also the more relevant factor for determining the average current consumption.
If the module is transmitting in 2G single-slot mode (as 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 Tx slot/burst), the current consumption can reach an high peak / pulse (see SARA-G3 series Data Sheet [1] and SARA-U2 series Data Sheet [2])
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 transmitting in 2G single-slot mode in the 1800 or 1900 MHz bands, the current consumption figures are quite less high than the one in the low bands, due to 3GPP transmitter output power specifications.
During a GSM call, current consumption is not so significantly high in receiving or in monitor bursts and it is low in the bursts unused to transmit / receive.
Figure 6 shows an example of the module current consumption profile versus time in GSM talk mode.
Figure 6: VCC current consumption profile versus time during a GSM call (1 TX slot, 1 RX slot)
Figure 7 illustrates VCC voltage profile versus time during a GSM call, according to the related VCC current consumption profile described in Figure 6.
Figure 7: Description of the VCC voltage profile versus time during a GSM call (1 TX slot, 1 RX slot)
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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
60-120mA
10-40mA
200mA
Peak current depends
on TX power and
actual antenn a load
1600 mA
Time [ms]
RX
slot
unused
slot
TX
slot
TX
slot
TX
slot
TX slot
MON
slot
unused
slot
RX
slot
unused
slot
TX
slot
TX
slot
TX slot
TX
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
60-120mA
10-40mA
200mA
Peak current depends
on TX power and
actual antenna load
1600 mA
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 or 12, in 850 or 900 MHz bands, at maximum RF power level, the consumption can reach a quite high peak but lower than the one achievable in 2G single-slot mode. This happens for 1.154 ms (width of the 2 Tx slots/bursts) in case of multi-slot class 10 or for 2.308 ms (width of the 4 Tx slots/bursts) in case of multi-slot class 12, with a periodicity of 4.615 ms (width of 1 frame = 8 slots/bursts), so with a 1/4 or 1/2 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 8 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, as for the GPRS multi-slot class 10.
Figure 8: VCC current consumption profile versus time during a GPRS multi-slot class 10 connection (2 TX slots, 1 RX slot)
Figure 9 reports the current consumption profiles in GPRS connected-mode, in the 850 or 900 MHz bands, with 4 slots used to transmit and 1 slot used to receive, as for the GPRS multi-slot class 12.
Figure 9: VCC current consumption profile versus time during a GPRS multi-slot class 12 connection (4 TX slots, 1 RX slot)
For detailed current consumption values during 2G single-slot or multi-slot connection see SARA-G3 series Data Sheet [1] and SARA-U2 series Data Sheet [2].
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Time
[ms]
3G frame
10 ms
(1 frame = 15 slots)
Current [mA]
Current consumption
depends on TX power and
actual antenna load
170 mA
1 slot
666 µs
850 mA
0
300
200
100
500
400
600
700
800
1.5.1.3 VCC current consumption in 3G connected mode
During a 3G connection, the SARA-U2 modules can transmit and receive continuously due to the Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) mode of operation with the Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA).
The current consumption depends again on output RF power, which is always regulated by network commands. These power control commands are logically divided into a slot of 666 µs, thus the rate of power change can reach a maximum rate of 1.5 kHz.
There are no high current peaks as in the 2G connection, since transmission and reception are continuously enabled due to FDD WCDMA implemented in the 3G that differs from the TDMA implemented in the 2G case.
In the worst scenario, corresponding to a continuous transmission and reception at maximum RF output power (approximately 250 mW or 24 dBm), the average current drawn by the module at the VCC pins is high (see the SARA-U2 series Data Sheet [2]).
Even at lowest RF output power level (approximately 0.01 µW or -50 dBm), the
average current is still not so low as in the equivalent 2G case, also due to module continuous baseband processing and transceiver activity.
Figure 10 shows an example of current consumption profile of SARA-U2 series modules in 3G WCDMA/HSPA continuous transmission and reception mode. For detailed current consumption values during a 3G connection see the SARA-U2 series Data Sheet [2].
Figure 10: VCC current consumption profile versus time during a 3G connection (TX and RX continuously enabled)
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20-30 ms
IDLE MODE
ACTIVE MODE IDLE MODE
300-600 µA
Active Mode
Enabled
Idle Mode
Enabled
300-600 µA
60-120 mA
2G case: 0.44
-2.09 s
3G case: 0.61-5.09 s
IDLE MODE
20-30 ms
ACTIVE MODE
Time [s]
Current [mA]
100
50
0
Time [ms]
Current [mA]
100
50
0
4-5 mA
60-120 mA
RX
Enabled
20-40 mA
DSP
Enabled
1.5.1.4 VCC current consumption in cyclic idle/active-mode (power saving enabled)
The power saving configuration is by default disabled, but it can be enabled using the appropriate AT command (see u-blox AT Commands Manual [3], AT+UPSV command). When power saving is enabled, the module automatically enters low power idle-mode whenever possible, reducing current consumption.
During idle-mode, the module processor runs with 32 kHz reference clock:
the internal oscillator automatically generates the 32 kHz clock on SARA-G340, SARA-G350, SARA-U2 series
a valid 32 kHz signal must be properly provided to the EXT32K input pin of the SARA-G300 and
SARA-G310 modules to let low power idle-mode, that otherwise cannot be reached by these modules.
When the power saving configuration is enabled and the module is registered or attached to a network, the module automatically enters the low power idle-mode whenever possible, but it must periodically monitor the paging channel of the current base station (paging block reception), in accordance to the 2G or 3G system requirements, even if connected-mode is not enabled by the application. When the module monitors the paging channel, it wakes up to the active-mode, to enable the reception of paging block. In between, the module switches to low power idle-mode. This is known as discontinuous reception (DRX).
The module processor core is activated during the paging block reception, and automatically switches its reference clock frequency from 32 kHz to the 26 MHz used in active-mode.
The time period between two paging block receptions is defined by the network. This is the paging period parameter, fixed by the base station through broadcast channel sent to all users on the same serving cell.
In case of 2G radio access technology, the paging period varies from 470.8 ms (DRX = 2, length of 2 x 51
2G frames = 2 x 51 x 4.615 ms) up to 2118.4 ms (DRX = 9, length of 9 x 51 2G frames = 9 x 51 x 4.615 ms)
In case of 3G radio access technology, the paging period can vary from 640 ms (DRX = 6, i.e. length of 26
3G frames = 64 x 10 ms) up to 5120 ms (DRX = 9, length of 29 3G frames = 512 x 10 ms).
Figure 11 roughly describes the current consumption profile of SARA-G300 and SARA-G310 modules (when their EXT32K input pin is fed by an external 32 kHz signal with characteristics compliant to the one specified in SARA-G3 series Data Sheet [1]), or the SARA-G340 and SARA-G350 modules, or the SARA-U2 modules, when power saving is enabled. The module is registered with the network, automatically enters the very low power idle-mode, and periodically wakes up to active-mode to monitor the paging channel for paging block reception.
Figure 11: VCC current consumption profile versus time of the SARA-G300 and SARA-G310 modules (with the EXT32K input fed by a proper external 32 kHz signal), or the SARA-G340 and SARA-G350 modules, or the SARA-U2 modules, when registered with the network, with power saving enabled: the very low power idle-mode is reached and periodical wake up to active-mode are performed to monitor the paging channel
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20-30 ms
IDLE MODE ACTIVE MODE IDLE MODE
3-4 mA
Active Mode
Enabled
Idle Mode
Enabled
3-4 mA
60-120 mA
0.44-2.09 s
IDLE MODE
20-30 ms
ACTIVE MODE
Time [s]
Current [mA]
100
50
0
Time [ms]
Current [mA]
100
50
0
4-5 mA
60-120 mA
RX
Enabled
20-40 mA
DSP
Enabled
Figure 12 roughly describes the current consumption profile of SARA-G300 and SARA-G310 modules when the EXT32K input pin is fed by the 32K_OUT output pin provided by these modules, when power saving is enabled. The module is registered with the network, automatically enters the low power idle-mode and periodically wakes up to active-mode to monitor the paging channel for paging block reception.
Figure 12: VCC current consumption profile versus time of the SARA-G300 and SARA-G310 modules (with the EXT32K input pin fed by the 32K_OUT output pin provided by these modules), when registered with the network, with power saving enabled: the low power idle-mode is reached and periodical wake up to active-mode are performed to monitor the paging channel
For detailed current consumption values with the module registered with 2G or 3G network with power saving enabled (cyclic idle/active-mode) see SARA-G3 series Data Sheet [1] and SARA-U2 series Data Sheet [2].
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ACTIVE MODE
60-120 mA
0.47-2.12 s
Paging period
Time [s]
Current [mA]
100
50
0
Time [ms]
Current [mA]
100
50
0
3-5 mA
60-120 mA
RX
Enabled
20-40 mA
DSP
Enabled
3
-5 mA
3-5 mA
1.5.1.5 VCC current consumption in fixed active-mode (power saving disabled)
Power saving configuration is by default disabled, or it can be disabled using the appropriate AT command (see u-blox AT Commands Manual [3], AT+UPSV command). When power saving is disabled, the module does not automatically enter idle-mode whenever possible: the module remains in active-mode.
The module processor core is activated during active-mode, and the 26 MHz reference clock frequency is used. Figure 13 roughly describes the current consumption profile of the SARA-G300 and SARA-G310 modules (when
the EXT32K input pin is fed by external 32 kHz signal with characteristics compliant to the one specified in SARA-G3 series Data Sheet [1], or by the 32K_OUT output pin provided by these modules), or the SARA-G340 and SARA-G350 modules (except ‘00’ versions), when power saving is disabled: the module is registered with the network, active-mode is maintained, and the receiver and the DSP are periodically activated to monitor the paging channel for paging block reception.
Figure 13: VCC current consumption profile versus time of the SARA-G300 and SARA-G310 modules (with the EXT32K input pin fed by proper external 32 kHz signal or by 32K_OUT output pin), or SARA-G340 and SARA-G350 modules (except ‘00’ versions), when registered with the network, with power saving disabled: the active-mode is always held, and the receiver and the DSP are periodically activated to monitor the paging channel
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ACTIVE MODE
10-18 mA
60-120 mA
2G case: 0.47-2.12 s 3G case: 0.64-5.12 s
Paging period
Time [s]
Current [mA]
100
50
0
Time [ms]
Current [mA]
100
50
0
10-18 mA
60-120 mA
RX
Enabled
20-40 mA
DSP
Enabled
10-18 mA
Figure 14 roughly describes the current consumption profile of the SARA-G300 and SARA-G310 modules (when their EXT32K input is not fed by a signal, i.e. left unconnected), or the SARA-G340 and SARA-G350 modules (‘00’ versions only), or the SARA-U2 modules, when power saving is disabled: the module is registered with the network, active-mode is maintained, and the receiver and the DSP are periodically activated to monitor the paging channel for paging block reception.
Figure 14: VCC current consumption profile versus time of the SARA-G300 and SARA-G310 modules (when their EXT32K input is not fed by a signal), or the SARA-G340 and SARA-G350 modules (‘00’ versions only), or the SARA-U2 modules, when registered with the network, with power saving disabled: the active-mode is always held, and the receiver and the DSP are periodically activated to monitor the paging channel
For detailed current consumption values with the module registered with 2G or 3G network with power saving disabled (fixed active-mode) see the SARA-G3 series Data Sheet [1] and SARA-U2 series Data Sheet [2].
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Baseband Processor
51
VCC
52
VCC
53
VCC
2
V_BCKP
Linear
LDO
RTC
Power
Management
SARA-G340 / SARA-G350
SARA-U2 series
32 kHz
Baseband
Processor
51
VCC
52
VCC
53
VCC
2
V_BCKP
Linear
LDO
RTC
Power
Management
SARA-G300 / SARA-G310
32 kHz
31
EXT32K

1.5.2 RTC supply input/output (V_BCKP)

The V_BCKP pin of SARA-G3 and SARA-U2 series modules connects the supply for the Real Time Clock (RTC) and Power-On internal logic. This supply domain is internally generated by a linear LDO regulator integrated in the Power Management Unit, as described in Figure 15. The output of this linear regulator is always enabled when the main voltage supply provided to the module through the VCC pins is within the valid operating range, with the module switched off or switched on.
Figure 15: RTC supply input/output (V_BCKP) and 32 kHz RTC timing reference clock simplified block diagram
The RTC provides the module time reference (date and time) that is used to set the wake-up interval during the idle-mode periods between network paging, and is able to make available the programmable alarm functions.
The RTC functions are available also in power-down mode when the V_BCKP voltage is within its valid range (specified in the “Input characteristics of Supply/Power pins” table in the SARA-G3 series Data Sheet [1] and SARA-U2 series Data Sheet [2]) and, for SARA-G300 / SARA-G310 modules only, when their EXT32K input pin is fed by an external 32.768 kHz signal with proper characteristics (specified in the “EXT32K pin characteristics” table in SARA-G3 series Data Sheet [1]). See the u-blox AT Commands Manual [3] for more details.
The RTC can be supplied from an external back-up battery through the V_BCKP, when the main voltage supply is not provided to the module through VCC. This lets the time reference (date and time) run until the V_BCKP voltage is within its valid range, even when the main supply is not provided to the module.
The RTC oscillator does not necessarily stop operation (i.e. the RTC counting does not necessarily stop) when V_BCKP voltage value drops below the specified operating range minimum limit (1.00 V): the RTC value read after a system restart could be not reliable, as explained in Table 8.
V_BCKP voltage value RTC value reliability Notes
1.00 V < V_BCKP < 2.40 V RTC oscillator does not stop operation RTC value read after a restart of the system is reliable
0.05 V < V_BCKP < 1.00 V RTC oscillator does not necessarily stop operation RTC value read after a restart of the system is not reliable
0.00 V < V_BCKP < 0.05 V RTC oscillator stops operation RTC value read after a restart of the system is reliable
V_BCKP within operating range
V_BCKP below operating range
V_BCKP below operating range
Table 8: RTC value reliability as function of V_BCKP voltage value
Consider that the module cannot switch on if a valid voltage is not present on VCC even when the RTC is supplied through V_BCKP (meaning that VCC is mandatory to switch on the module).
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Baseband
Processor
51
VCC
52
VCC
53
VCC
4
V_INT
Switching
Step-Down
Digital I/O
Interfaces
Power
Management
SARA-G3 / SARA
-U2 series
The RTC has very low power consumption, but is highly temperature dependent. For example at 25 °C, with the V_BCKP voltage equal to the typical output value, the current consumption is approximately 2 µA (see the “Input characteristics of Supply/Power pins” table in the SARA-G3 series Data Sheet [1] and SARA-U2 series Data Sheet [2] for the detailed specification), whereas at 70 °C and an equal voltage the current consumption increases to 5-10 µA.
If V_BCKP is left unconnected and the module main voltage supply is removed from VCC, the RTC is supplied from the bypass capacitor mounted inside the module. However, this capacitor is not able to provide a long buffering time: within few milliseconds the voltage on V_BCKP will go below the valid range (1 V min). This has no impact on cellular connectivity, as all the module functionalities do not rely on date and time setting.

1.5.3 Generic digital interfaces supply output (V_INT)

The same 1.8 V voltage domain used internally to supply the generic digital interfaces of SARA-G3 and SARA-U2 series modules is also available on the V_INT supply output pin, as described in Figure 16.
Figure 16: SARA-G3 and SARA-U2 series interfaces supply output (V_INT) simplified block diagram
The internal regulator that generates the V_INT supply is a switching step-down converter that is directly supplied from VCC. The voltage regulator output is set to 1.8 V (typical) when the module is switched on and it is disabled when the module is switched off.
The switching regulator operates in Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) for greater efficiency at high output loads when the module is in active-mode or in connected-mode. When the module is in low power idle-mode between paging periods and with power saving configuration enabled by the appropriate AT command, it automatically switches to Pulse Frequency Modulation (PFM) for greater efficiency at low output loads. See the u-blox AT Commands Manual [3], +UPSV command.
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Baseband
Processor
15
PWR_ON
SARA-G3 / SARA-U2 series
Power-on
Power
Management
Power-on

1.6 System function interfaces

1.6.1 Module power-on

1.6.1.1 Switch-on events
Table 9 summarizes the possible switch-on events for the SARA-G3 and SARA-U2 series modules.
SARA-G3 SARA-U2
From Not-Powered Mode
From Power-Off Mode
Table 9: Summary of SARA-G3 and SARA-U2 modules’ switch-on events
Applying valid VCC supply voltage (i.e. VCC rise edge), ramping from 2.5 V to 3.2 V within 4 ms
Low level on PWR_ON pin for 5 ms min. Low pulse on PWR_ON pin for 50 µs min. / 80 µs max.
RTC alarm programmed by AT+CALA command (Not supported by SARA-G300 / SARA-G310)
RESET_N pin released from low level
Applying valid VCC supply voltage (i.e. VCC rise edge), ramping from 2.5 V to 3.2 V within 1 ms
RTC alarm programmed by AT+CALA command
When the SARA-G3 and SARA-U2 series modules are in the not-powered mode (i.e. switched off with the VCC module supply not applied), they can be switched on by:
Rising edge on the VCC supply input to a valid voltage for modules supply: the modules switch on applying
VCC supply starting from a voltage value lower than 2.25 V, providing a fast VCC voltage slope, as it must ramp from 2.5 V to 3.2 V within 4 ms on SARA-G3 modules and within 1 ms on SARA-U2 modules, and reaching a proper nominal VCC voltage value within the normal operating range.
Alternately, the RESET_N pin can be held low during the VCC rising edge, so that the module switches on
by releasing the RESET_N pin when the VCC voltage stabilizes at its nominal value within the normal range.
The status of the PWR_ON input pin of SARA-G3 and SARA-U2 series modules while applying the VCC module supply is not relevant: during this phase the PWR_ON pin can be set high or low by the external circuit.
When the SARA-G3 and SARA-U2 series modules are in the power-off mode (i.e. switched off by means of the AT+CPWROFF command, with valid VCC module supply applied), they can be switched on by:
Low level / pulse on PWR_ON pin, which is normally set high by an external pull-up, for a valid time period.
As described in Figure 17, there is no internal pull-up resistor on the PWR_ON pin of the modules: the pin has high input impedance and is weakly pulled high by the internal circuit. Therefore the external circuit must be able to hold the high logic level stable, e.g. providing an external pull-up resistor (for design-in see section 2.3.1).
The PWR_ON input voltage thresholds are different from the other generic digital interfaces of the modules: refer to SARA-G3 series Data Sheet [1] and SARA-U2 series Data Sheet [2] for detailed electrical characteristics.
Figure 17: PWR_ON input description
The SARA-G340, SARA-G350 and SARA-U2 series can be also switched on from power-off mode by:
RTC alarm pre-programmed by AT+CALA command at specific time (see u-blox AT Commands Manual [3]).
The SARA-U2 series modules can be also switched on from power-off mode by:
Low pulse on the RESET_N pin, which is normally set high by an internal pull-up (refer to section 1.6.3 and
to the SARA-U2 series Data Sheet [2] for the description of the RESET_N input electrical characteristics).
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VCC
V_BCKP
PWR_ON
SARA-U2 RESET_N
V_INT
SARA-G3 RESET_N
Internal Reset
System State
Digital Pins State
Internal Reset
Operational
Operational
Tristate / Floating
OFF
ON
Internal Reset
Sta rt of interfa ce
configuration
Module interfaces
are configured
Sta rt-up
event
1.6.1.2 Switch-on sequence from not-powered mode
Figure 18 shows the modules power-on sequence from the not-powered mode, describing the following phases:
The external supply is applied to the VCC module supply inputs, representing the start-up event.
The status of the PWR_ON input pin while applying the VCC module supply is not relevant: during this
phase the PWR_ON pin can be set high or low by the external circuit, but in Figure 18 it is assumed that the PWR_ON line rise suddenly to high logic level due to external pull-up connected to V_BCKP or VCC.
The V_BCKP RTC supply output is suddenly enabled by the module as VCC reaches a valid voltage value.
The RESET_N line of SARA-U2 series rise suddenly to high logic level due to internal pull-up to V_BCKP.
All the generic digital pins of the modules are tri-stated until the switch-on of their supply source (V_INT):
any external signal connected to the generic digital pins must be tri-stated or set low at least until the activation of the V_INT supply output to avoid latch-up of circuits and allow a proper boot of the module.
The V_INT generic digital interfaces supply output is enabled by the integrated power management unit.
The RESET_N line of SARA-G3 series rise suddenly to high logic level due to internal pull-up to V_INT.
The internal reset signal is held low by the integrated power management unit: the baseband processor core
and all the digital pins of the modules are held in reset state.
When the internal reset signal is released by the integrated power management unit, the processor core
starts to configure the digital pins of the modules to each default operational state.
The duration of this pins’ configuration phase differs within generic digital interfaces (3 s typical) and the
USB interface due to specific host / device enumeration timings (5 s typical, see section 1.9.3). The host application processor should not send any AT command over the AT interfaces (USB, UART) of the modules until the end of this interfaces’ configuration phase to allow a proper boot of the module.
After the interfaces’ configuration phase, the application can start sending AT commands, and the following
starting procedure is suggested to check the effective completion of the module internal boot sequence: send AT and wait for the response with a 30 s timeout, iterate it 4 times without resetting or removing the
VCC supply of the module, and then run the application
Figure 18: SARA-G3 and SARA-U2 series power-on sequence from not-powered mode
The Internal Reset signal is not available on a module pin, but the application can monitor the V_INT pin Before the switch-on of the generic digital interface supply source (V_INT) of the module, no voltage
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to sense the start of the power-on sequence.
driven by an external application should be applied to any generic digital interface of the modules.
SARA-G3 and SARA-U2 series - System Integration Manual
VCC
V_BCKP
PWR_ON
SARA-U2 RESET_N
V_INT
SARA-G3 RESET_N
Internal Reset
System State
Digital Pins State
Internal Reset Operational Operational
Tristate / Floating
OFF
ON
Internal Reset
Sta rt of interfa ce
configuration
Module interfaces
are configured
Sta rt-up
event
1.6.1.3 Switch-on sequence from power-off mode
Figure 19 shows the modules power-on sequence from the power-off mode, describing the following phases:
The external supply is still applied to the VCC inputs as it is assumed that the module has been previously
switched off by means of the AT+CPWROFF command: the V_BCKP output is internally enabled as proper VCC is present, the RESET_N of SARA-U2 series is set to high logic level due to internal pull-up to V_BCKP, the PWR_ON is set to high logic level due to external pull-up connected to V_BCKP or VCC.
The PWR_ON input pin is set low for a valid time period, representing the start-up event.
All the generic digital pins of the modules are tri-stated until the switch-on of their supply source (V_INT):
any external signal connected to the generic digital pins must be tri-stated or set low at least until the activation of the V_INT supply output to avoid latch-up of circuits and allow a proper boot of the module.
The V_INT generic digital interfaces supply output is enabled by the integrated power management unit.
The RESET_N line of SARA-G3 series rise suddenly to high logic level due to internal pull-up to V_INT.
The internal reset signal is held low by the integrated power management unit: the baseband processor core
and all the digital pins of the modules are held in reset state.
When the internal reset signal is released by the integrated power management unit, the processor core
starts to configure the digital pins of the modules to each default operational state.
The duration of this pins’ configuration phase differs within generic digital interfaces (3 s typical) and the
USB interface due to specific host / device enumeration timings (5 s typical, see section 1.9.3). The host application processor should not send any AT command over the AT interfaces (USB, UART) of the modules until the end of this interfaces’ configuration phase to allow a proper boot of the module.
After the interfaces’ configuration phase, the application can start sending AT commands, and the following
starting procedure is suggested to check the effective completion of the module internal boot sequence: send AT and wait for the response with a 30 s timeout, iterate it 4 times without resetting or removing the
VCC supply of the module, and then run the application.
Figure 19: SARA-G3 and SARA-U2 series power-on sequence from power-off mode
The Internal Reset signal is not available on a module pin, but the application can monitor the V_INT pin Before the switch-on of the generic digital interface supply source (V_INT) of the module, no voltage
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to sense the start of the power-on sequence.
driven by an external application should be applied to any generic digital interface of the modules.
SARA-G3 and SARA-U2 series - System Integration Manual

1.6.2 Module power-off

1.6.2.1 Switch-off events
The SARA-G3 and SARA-U2 series modules can be properly switched off by:
AT+CPWROFF command (more details in u-blox AT Commands Manual [3]).
The SARA-U2 series modules can be properly switched off also by:
Low pulse on the PWR_ON pin, which is normally set high by an external pull-up, for a valid time period
(see the SARA-U2 series Data Sheet [2] for the detailed electrical characteristics of the PWR_ON input).
In both the cases listed above, the current parameter settings are saved in the module’s non-volatile memory and a proper network detach is performed: these are the correct ways to switch off the modules.
An abrupt under-voltage shutdown occurs on SARA-G3 and SARA-U2 series modules when the VCC module supply is removed, but in this case the current parameter settings are not saved in the module’s non-volatile memory and a proper network detach cannot be performed.
It is highly recommended to avoid an abrupt removal of the VCC supply during SARA-G3 and SARA-U2
series modules normal operations: the power off procedure must be properly started by the appplication, as by the AT+CPWROFF command, waiting the command response for a proper time period (see u-blox AT Commands Manual [3]), and then a proper VCC supply must be held at least until the end of the modules’ internal power off sequence, which occurs when the generic digital interfaces supply output (V_INT) is switched off by the module.
An abrupt hardware shutdown occurs on SARA-U2 modules when a low level is applied to the RESET_N input. In this case, the current parameter settings are not saved in the module’s non-volatile memory and a proper network detach is not performed.
It is highly recommended to avoid an abrupt hardware shutdown of the module by forcing a low level on
the RESET_N input pin during module normal operation: the RESET_N line should be set low only if reset or shutdown via AT commands fails or if the module does not reply to a specific AT command after a time period longer than the one defined in the u-blox AT Commands Manual [3].
An over-temperature or an under-temperature shutdown occurs on SARA-G3 and SARA-U2 series modules when the temperature measured within the cellular module reaches the dangerous area, if the optional Smart Temperature Supervisor feature is enabled and configured by the dedicated AT command. For more details see section 1.13.10 and to the u-blox AT Commands Manual [3], +USTS AT command.
The Smart Temperature Supervisor feature is not supported by SARA-G300 and SARA-G310.
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VCC
V_BCKP
PWR_ON
SARA-U2 RESET_N
V_INT
SARA-G3 RESET_N
Internal Reset
System State
Digital Pins State Operational
OFF
Tristate / Floating
ON
Operational
Tristate
AT+CPWROFF
sent to the module
OK
replied by the module
VCC
can be removed
1.6.2.2 Switch-off sequence by AT+CPWROFF
Figure 20 describes the SARA-G3 and SARA-U2 series modules power-off sequence, properly started sending the AT+CPWROFF command, allowing storage of current parameter settings in the module’s non-volatile memory and a proper network detach, with the following phases:
When the +CPWROFF AT command is sent, the module starts the switch-off routine.
The module replies OK on the AT interface: the switch-off routine is in progress.
At the end of the switch-off routine, all the digital pins are tri-stated and all the internal voltage regulators
are turned off, including the generic digital interfaces supply (V_INT), except the RTC supply (V_BCKP).
Then, the module remains in power-off mode as long as a switch on event does not occur (e.g. applying a
proper low level to the PWR_ON input, or applying a proper low level to the RESET_N input), and enters not-powered mode if the supply is removed from the VCC pins.
Figure 20: SARA-G3 and SARA-U2 series power-off sequence description
The Internal Reset signal is not available on a module pin, but the application can monitor the V_INT pin The duration of each phase in the SARA-G3 and SARA-U2 series modules’ switch-off routines can largely
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to sense the end of the SARA-G3 and SARA-U2 series power-off sequence.
vary depending on the application / network settings and the concurrent module activities.
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Baseband Processor
18
RESET_N
SARA-U2 series
Reset
Power
Management
Reset
10k
V_BCKP
Baseband Processor
18
RESET_N
SARA-G3 series
Reset
10k
V_INT

1.6.3 Module reset

SARA-G3 and SARA-U2 series modules can be properly reset (rebooted) by:
AT+CFUN command (see the u-blox AT Commands Manual [3] for more details).
This command causes an “internal” or “software” reset of the module, which is an asynchronous reset of the module baseband processor. The current parameter settings are saved in the module’s non-volatile memory and a proper network detach is performed: this is the proper way to reset the modules.
An abrupt hardware reset occurs on SARA-G3 and SARA-U2 series modules when a low level is applied on the RESET_N input pin for a specific time period. In this case, the current parameter settings are not saved in the module’s non-volatile memory and a proper network detach is not performed.
It is highly recommended to avoid an abrupt hardware reset of the module by forcing a low level on the
RESET_N input during modules normal operation: the RESET_N line should be set low only if reset or shutdown via AT commands fails or if the module does not provide a reply to a specific AT command after a time period longer than the one defined in the u-blox AT Commands Manual [3].
As described in Figure 21, both the SARA-G3 and SARA-U2 series modules are equipped with an internal pull-up resistor which pulls the line to the high logic level when the RESET_N pin is not forced low from the external. The pull-up is internally biased by V_INT on SARA-G3 modules and is biased by V_BCKP on SARA-U2 modules. A series Schottky diode is mounted inside the SARA-G3 modules, increasing the RESET_N input voltage range. Refer to the SARA-G3 series Data Sheet [1] and the SARA-U2 series Data Sheet [2] for the detailed electrical characteristics of the RESET_N input.
Figure 21: RESET_N input description
When a low level is applied to the RESET_N input, it causes an “external” or “hardware” reset of the modules, with the following behavior of SARA-G3 and SARA-U2 series modules due to different internal circuits:
SARA-G3 modules: reset of the processor core, excluding the Power Management Unit and the RTC block.
The V_INT generic digital interfaces supply is switched on and each digital pin is set in its internal reset state. The V_BCKP supply and the RTC block are switched on.
SARA-U2 modules: reset of the processor core and the Power Management Unit, excluding the RTC block.
The V_INT generic digital interfaces supply is switched off and all digital pins are tri-stated (not supplied). The V_BCKP supply and the RTC block are switched on.
Before the switch-on of the generic digital interface supply source (V_INT) of the module, no voltage
driven by an external application should be applied to any generic digital interface of the modules.
The internal reset state of all digital pins is reported in the pin description table in the SARA-G3 series
Data Sheet [1] and in the SARA-U2 series Data Sheet [2].
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1.6.4 External 32 kHz signal input (EXT32K)

The EXT32K pin is not available on SARA-G340, SARA-G350 and SARA-U2 series modules.
The EXT32K pin of SARA-G300 / SARA-G310 modules is an input pin that must be fed by a proper 32 kHz signal to make available the reference clock for the Real Time Clock (RTC) timing, used by the module processor when in the low power idle-mode.
SARA-G300 / SARA-G310 modules can enter the low power idle-mode only if a proper 32 kHz signal is provided at the EXT32K input pin, with power saving configuration enabled by the AT+UPSV command. In this way the different current consumption figures can be reached with the EXT32K input fed by the 32K_OUT output or by a proper external 32 kHz signal (for more details see section 1.5.1.4 and to “Current consumption” section in SARA-G3 series Data Sheet [1]).
SARA-G300 / SARA-G310 modules can provide the RTC functions (as RTC timing by AT+CCLK command and RTC alarm by AT+CALA command) only if a proper 32 kHz signal is provided at the EXT32K input pin. The RTC functions will be available only when the module is switched on if the EXT32K input is fed by the 32K_OUT output, or they will be available also when the module is not powered or switched off if the EXT32K input is fed by a proper external 32 kHz signal.
SARA-G3 series Data Sheet [1] describes the detailed electrical characteristics of the EXT32K input pin. The 32 kHz reference clock for the RTC timing is automatically generated by the internal oscillator provided on
the SARA-G340, SARA-G350 and SARA-U2 series modules: the same pin (31) is a reserved (RSVD) pin internally not connected, since an external 32 kHz signal is not needed to enter the low power idle-mode and to provide the RTC functions.

1.6.5 Internal 32 kHz signal output (32K_OUT)

The 32K_OUT pin is not available on SARA-G340, SARA-G350 and SARA-U2 series modules.
The 32K_OUT pin of SARA-G300 / SARA-G310 modules is an output pin that provides a 32 kHz reference signal generated by the module, suitable only to feed the EXT32K input pin of SARA-G300 / SARA-G310 modules, to make available the reference clock for the Real Time Clock (RTC) timing, so that the modules can enter the low power idle-mode and can provide the RTC functions with modules switched on.
The 32K_OUT pin does not provide the 32 kHz output signal when the SARA-G300 / SARA-G310 modules are in power down mode: the EXT32K input pin must be fed by an external proper 32 kHz signal to make available the RTC functions when the modules are not powered or switched off.
SARA-G340, SARA-G350 and SARA-U2 series modules do not provide the 32K_OUT output, as there is no EXT32K input to feed on the modules: the pin 24 constitute the GPIO3 on these modules.
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1.7 Antenna interface

1.7.1 Antenna RF interface (ANT)

The ANT pin of SARA-G3 and SARA-U2 series modules represents the RF input/output for 2G or 3G cellular RF signals reception and transmission. The ANT pin has a nominal characteristic impedance of 50 and must be connected to the antenna through a 50 transmission line for proper RF signals reception and transmission.
1.7.1.1 Antenna RF interface requirements
Table 10 summarizes the requirements for the antenna RF interface (ANT). See section 2.4.1 for suggestions to properly design an antenna circuit compliant to these requirements.
The antenna circuit affects the RF compliance of the device integrating SARA-G3 and SARA-U2
series module with applicable required certification schemes. Compliance is guaranteed if the antenna RF interface (ANT) requirements summarized in Table 10 are fulfilled.
Item Requirements Remarks
Impedance
Frequency Range See the SARA-G3 series Data Sheet [1] and the
Return Loss S11 < -10 dB (VSWR < 2:1) recommended
Efficiency > -1.5 dB ( > 70% ) recommended
Maximum Gain See section 4.2.2 for maximum gain limits The power gain of an antenna is the radiation efficiency
Input Power > 2 W peak The antenna connected to ANT pin must support the
Detection Application board with antenna detection circuit If antenna detection is required by the custom application,
Antenna assembly with built-in diagnostic circuit If antenna detection is required by the custom application,
Table 10: Summary of antenna RF interface (ANT) requirements
50 nominal characteristic impedance
SARA-U2 series Data Sheet [2]
S
< -6 dB (VSWR < 3:1) acceptable
11
> -3.0 dB ( > 50% ) acceptable
The nominal characteristic impedance of the antenna RF connection must match the ANT pin 50 impedance.
The required frequency range of the antenna depends on the operating bands supported by the cellular module.
The Return loss or the S amount of reflected power, measuring how well the RF antenna connection matches the 50 impedance. The impedance of the antenna RF termination must match as much as possible the 50 impedance of the ANT pin over the operating frequency range, reducing as much as possible the amount of reflected power.
The radiation efficiency is the ratio of the radiated power to the power delivered to antenna input: the efficiency is a measure of how well an antenna receives or transmits. The efficiency needs to be enough high over the operating frequency range to comply with the Over-The-Air radiated performance requirements, as Total Radiated Power and Total Isotropic Sensitivity, specified by certification schemes
multiplied by the directivity: the maximum gain describes how much power is transmitted in the direction of peak radiation to that of an isotropic source. The maximum gain of the antenna connected to ANT pin must not exceed the values stated in section 4.2.2 to comply with regulatory agencies radiation exposure limits.
maximum power transmitted by the modules.
proper antenna detection circuit must be implemented on the application board as described in section 2.4.2.
the external antenna assembly must be provided with proper diagnostic circuit as described in section 2.4.2.
, as the VSWR, refers to the
11
For the additional specific requirements applicable to the integration of SARA-G350 ATEX and
SARA-U270 ATEX modules in applications intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres, see section 2.14.
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1.7.2 Antenna detection interface (ANT_DET)

Antenna detection interface (ANT_DET) is not supported by SARA-G300 and SARA-G310 modules.
The antenna detection is based on ADC measurement. The ANT_DET pin is an Analog to Digital Converter (ADC) provided to sense the antenna presence.
The antenna detection function provided by ANT_DET pin is an optional feature that can be implemented if the application requires it. The antenna detection is forced by the +UANTR AT command. See the u-blox AT Commands Manual [3] for more details on this feature.
The ANT_DET pin generates a DC current (20 µA for 5.4 ms on SARA-G340 / SARA-G350, 10 µA for 128 µs on SARA-U2 modules) and measures the resulting DC voltage, thus determining the resistance from the antenna connector provided on the application board to GND. So, the requirements to achieve antenna detection functionality are the following:
an RF antenna assembly with a built-in resistor (diagnostic circuit) must be used
an antenna detection circuit must be implemented on the application board
See section 2.4.2 for antenna detection circuit on application board and diagnostic circuit on antenna assembly design-in guidelines.

1.8 SIM interface

1.8.1 (U)SIM card interface

SARA-G3 and SARA-U2 series modules provide a high-speed SIM/ME interface, including automatic detection and configuration of the voltage required by the connected (U)SIM card or chip.
Both 1.8 V and 3 V SIM types are supported: activation and deactivation with automatic voltage switch from
1.8 V to 3 V is implemented, according to ISO-IEC 7816-3 specifications. The VSIM supply output pin provides
internal short circuit protection to limit start-up current and protect the device in short circuit situations. The SIM driver supports the PPS (Protocol and Parameter Selection) procedure for baud-rate selection, according
to the values determined by the SIM Card. SIM Application Toolkit is supported by all SARA-G3 and SARA-U2 series except SARA-G300 and SARA-G310.

1.8.2 SIM card detection interface (SIM_DET)

Not supported by SARA-G300-00S and SARA-G310-00S modules.
The SIM_DET pin is configured as an external interrupt to detect the SIM card mechanical / physical presence. The pin is configured as input with an internal active pull-down enabled, and it can sense SIM card presence only if properly connected to the mechanical switch of a SIM card holder as described in section 2.5:
Low logic level at SIM_DET input pin is recognized as SIM card not present
High logic level at SIM_DET input pin is recognized as SIM card present
The SIM card detection function provided by SIM_DET pin is an optional feature that can be implemented / used or not according to the application requirements: an Unsolicited Result Code (URC) is generated each time that there is a change of status (for more details see the u-blox AT Commands Manual [3], “simind” value of the <descr> parameter of the +CIND and +CMER commands.
The optional function “SIM card hot insertion/removal” can be additionally enabled on the SARA-U2 modules’ SIM_DET pin by AT commands (see section 1.11 and u-blox AT C ommands Manual [3], +UGPIOC, +UDCONF).
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1.9 Serial interfaces

SARA-G3 and SARA-U2 series modules provide the following serial communication interfaces:
UART interface: 9-wire unbalanced 1.8 V asynchronous serial interface available for AT commands, data
communication, FW upgrades by means of the FOAT feature (see 1.9.1)
Auxiliary UART interface (not supported by SARA-U2 series): 3-wire unbalanced 1.8 V asynchronous serial
interface available for FW upgrades by means of the u-blox EasyFlash tool and for diagnostic (see 1.9.2)
USB interface (not supported by SARA-G3 series): High-Speed USB 2.0 compliant interface available for AT
commands, data communication, FW upgrades by means of the FOAT feature, FW upgrades by means of the u-blox EasyFlash tool and for diagnostic (see 1.9.3)
DDC interface (not supported by SARA-G300 / SARA-G310): I
communication with u-blox positioning chips / modules and additionally, except for SARA-G3 series, with other external I
2
C devices as an audio codec (see 1.9.4)

1.9.1 Asynchronous serial interface (UART)

1.9.1.1 UART features
The UART interface is a 9-wire 1.8 V unbalanced asynchronous serial interface available for AT commands and for packet-switched / circuit-switched data communication on all the SARA-G3 and SARA-U2 series modules.
The UART interface provides RS-232 functionality conforming to the ITU-T V.24 Recommendation (more details available in ITU Recommendation [10]), with CMOS compatible signal levels: 0 V for low data bit or ON state, and 1.8 V for high data bit or OFF state. For detailed electrical characteristics see SARA-G3 series Data Sheet [1] and SARA-U2 series Data Sheet [2].
SARA-G3 and SARA-U2 series modules are designed to operate as a 2G or 3G cellular modem, which represents the Data Circuit-terminating Equipment (DCE) according to the ITU-T V.24 Recommendation [10]. The application processor connected to the module through the UART interface represents the Data Terminal Equipment (DTE).
2
C compatible 1.8 V interface available for the
The signal names of SARA-G3 and SARA-U2 series modules’ UART interface conform to the ITU-T V.24
Recommendation [10]: e.g. the TXD line represents the data transmitted by the DTE (application
processor data line output) and received by the DCE (module data line input).
All flow control handshakes are supported by the UART interface and can be set by appropriate AT commands (see u-blox AT Commands Manual [3], &K, +IFC, \Q AT commands): hardware flow control (RTS/CTS), software flow control (XON/XOFF), or none flow control.
Hardware flow control is enabled by default.
SARA-G3 modules support the autobauding: the baud rate automatic detection is performed each time the DTE sends AT commands. After the detection the module works at the detected baud rate and the baud rate can be runtime changed by the DTE or by AT command (see u-blox AT Commands Manual [3], +IPR command).
SARA-U2 modules support only the one-shot autobauding: the baud rate automatic detection is performed only once, at module start up. After the detection the module works at the detected baud rate and the baud rate can only be changed by AT command (see u-blox AT Commands Manual [3], +IPR command).
SARA-G3 modules’ autobauding and SARA-U2 modules’ one-shot autobauding are enabled by default.
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D0 D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 D6 D7
Start of 1-Byte transfer
Start Bit (Al ways 0)
Possible Star t of
next transfer
Stop Bit (Al ways 1)
t
bit
= 1/(Baudrate)
Normal Transfer, 8N1
The following baud rates can be configured by AT command (see u-blox AT Commands Manual [3], +IPR):
1200 b/s
2400 b/s
4800 b/s
9600 b/s
19200 b/s
38400 b/s
57600 b/s
115200 b/s, default value when the autobauding or the one-shot autobauding are disabled
230400 b/s
460800 b/s
921600 b/s
460800 b/s and 921600 b/s baud rates are not supported by SARA-G3 series modules. 1200 b/s and 230400 b/s baud rates cannot be automatically detected by SARA-G3 series modules. 460800 b/s and 921600 b/s baud rates cannot be automatically detected by SARA-U2 series modules.
SARA-G3 modules support the automatic frame recognition in conjunction with autobauding. SARA-U2 modules support the one-shot automatic frame recognition in conjunction with one-shot autobauding.
SARA-G3 series modules’ automatic frame recognition and SARA-U2 series modules’ one-shot automatic
frame recognition are enabled by default, as autobauding and one-shot autobauding.
The following frame formats can be configured by AT command (see u-blox AT Commands Manual [3], +ICF):
8N1 (8 data bits, No parity, 1 stop bit), default frame configuration with fixed baud rate
8E1 (8 data bits, even parity, 1 stop bit)
8O1 (8 data bits, odd parity, 1 stop bit)
8N2 (8 data bits, No parity, 2 stop bits)
7E1 (7 data bits, even parity, 1 stop bit)
7O1 (7 data bits, odd parity, 1 stop bit)
Figure 22 describes the 8N1 frame format, which is the default configuration with fixed baud rate.
Figure 22: Description of UART default frame format (8N1) with fixed baud rate
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The module firmware can be updated over the UART interface by means of:
the Firmware upgrade Over AT (FOAT) feature, on all the SARA-G3 and SARA-U2 series modules
the u-blox EasyFlash tool, on SARA-U2 series modules only
For more details on FW upgrade procedures see section 1.13 and Firmware update application note [25].
1.9.1.2 UART AT interface configuration
The UART interface of SARA-G3 and SARA-U2 series modules is available as AT command interface with the default configuration described in Table 11 (for more details and information about further settings, see the u-blox AT Commands Manual [3]).
Interface AT Settings Comments
UART interface AT interface: enabled AT command interface is enabled by default on the UART physical interface
AT+IPR=0 Automatic baud rate detection enabled by default on SARA-G3 series
One-shot automatic baud rate detection enabled by default on SARA-U2 series
AT+ICF=0 Automatic frame format recognition enabled by default on SARA-G3 series
One-shot automatic frame format recognition enabled by default on SARA-U2 series AT&K3 HW flow control enabled by default AT&S1 DSR line set ON in data mode8 and set OFF in command mode8 AT&D1 Upon an ON-to-OFF transition of DTR, the DCE enters online command mode8 and issues
AT&C1 Circuit 109 changes in accordance with the Carrier detect status; ON if the Carrier is
MUX protocol: disabled Multiplexing mode is disabled by default and it can be enabled by AT+CMUX command.
an OK result code
detected, OFF otherwise
The following virtual channels are defined:
Channel 0: control channel
Channel 1: AT and Data
Channel 2: AT and Data
Channel 3: AT and Data (not available on SARA-G300 / SARA-G310 modules)
Channel 4: AT and Data (not available on SARA-G300 / SARA-G310 modules)
Channel 5: AT and Data (not available on SARA-G300 / SARA-G310 modules)
Channel 6: GNSS tunneling (not available on SARA-G300 / SARA-G310 modules)
Channel 7: SIM Access Profile (not available on SARA-G3 series modules)
Table 11: Default UART AT interface configuration
8
Refer to the u-blox AT Commands Manual [3] for the definition of the interface data mode, command mode and online command mode.
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1.9.1.3 UART signal behavior
At the module switch-on, before the UART interface initialization (as described in the power-on sequence reported in Figure 18 or Figure 19), each pin is first tri-stated and then is set to its related internal reset state
9
. At the end of the boot sequence, the UART interface is initialized, the module is by default in active-mode, and the UART interface is enabled as AT commands interface.
The configuration and the behavior of the UART signals after the boot sequence are described below. See section 1.4 for definition and description of module operating modes referred to in this section.
RXD signal behavior
The module data output line (RXD) is set by default to the OFF state (high level) at UART initialization. The module holds RXD in the OFF state until the module does not transmit some data.
TXD signal behavior
The module data input line (TXD) is set by default to the OFF state (high level) at UART initialization. The TXD line is then held by the module in the OFF state if the line is not activated by the DTE: an active pull-up is enabled inside the module on the TXD input.
CTS signal behavior
The module hardware flow control output (CTS line) is set to the ON state (low level) at UART initialization. If the hardware flow control is enabled, as it is by default, the CTS line indicates when the UART interface is
enabled (data can be sent and received). The module drives the CTS line to the ON state or to the OFF state when it is either able or not able to accept data from the DTE over the UART (see 1.9.1.4 for more details).
If hardware flow control is enabled, then when the CTS line is OFF it does not necessarily mean that the
module is in low power idle-mode, but only that the UART is not enabled, as the module could be forced to stay in active-mode for other activities, e.g. related to the network or related to other interfaces.
When the multiplexer protocol is active, the CTS line state is mapped to FCon / FCoff MUX command for
flow control issues outside the power saving configuration while the physical CTS line is still used as a power state indicator. For more details, see Mux Implementation Application Note [23].
The CTS hardware flow control setting can be changed by AT commands (for more details, see u-blox AT Commands Manual [3], AT&K, AT\Q, AT+IFC AT command).
If the hardware flow control is not enabled, the CTS line after the UART initialization behaves as following:
on SARA-U2 modules the CTS line is always held in the ON state
on SARA-G3 modules the CTS line is set in the ON or OFF state accordingly to the power saving state as
illustrated in Figure 25 if AT+UPSV=2 is set, and the CTS line is held in the ON state otherwise
When the power saving configuration is enabled and the hardware flow-control is not implemented in the
DTE/DCE connection, data sent by the DTE can be lost: the first character sent when the module is in the low power idle-mode will not be a valid communication character (see 1.9.1.4 for more details).
9
Refer to the pin description table in the SARA-G3 series Data Sheet [1] and SARA-U2 series Data Sheet [2].
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RTS signal behavior
The hardware flow control input (RTS line) is set by default to the OFF state (high level) at UART initialization. The module then holds the RTS line in the OFF state if the line is not activated by the DTE: an active pull-up is enabled inside the module on the RTS input.
If the HW flow control is enabled, as it is by default, the module monitors the RTS line to detect permission from the DTE to send data to the DTE itself. If the RTS line is set to the OFF state, any on-going data transmission from the module is interrupted until the subsequent RTS line change to the ON state.
The DTE must still be able to accept a certain number of characters after the RTS line is set to the OFF
state: the module guarantees the transmission interruption within two characters from RTS state change.
Module behavior according to RTS hardware flow control status can be configured by AT commands (for more details, see u-blox AT Commands Manual [3], AT&K, AT\Q, AT+IFC command descriptions).
If AT+UPSV=2 is set and HW flow control is disabled, the module monitors the RTS line to manage the power saving configuration:
When an OFF-to-ON transition occurs on the RTS input line, the UART is enabled and the module wakes up
to active-mode: after ~20 ms from the OFF-to-ON transition the UART / module wake up is completed and data can be received without loss. The module cannot enter the low power idle-mode and the UART is kept enabled as long as the RTS input line is held in the ON state
If the RTS input line is set to the OFF state by the DTE, the UART is disabled (held in low power mode) and
the module automatically enters low power idle-mode whenever possible
For more details, see section 1.9.1.4 and u-blox AT Commands Manual [3], AT+UPSV command.
DSR signal behavior
If AT&S1 is set, as it is by default, the DSR module output line is set by default to the OFF state (high level) at UART initialization. The DSR line is then set to the OFF state when the module is in command mode or in online command mode and is set to the ON state when the module is in data mode (see the u-blox AT Commands Manual [3] for the definition of the interface data mode, command mode and online command mode).
If AT&S0 is set, the DSR module output line is set by default to the ON state (low level) at UART initialization and is then always held in the ON state.
DTR signal behavior
The DTR module input line is set by default to the OFF state (high level) at UART initialization. The module then holds the DTR line in the OFF state if the line is not activated by the DTE: an active pull-up is enabled inside the module on the DTR input.
Module behavior according to DTR status can be changed by AT command (for more details, see u-blox AT Commands Manual [3], AT&D command description).
If AT+UPSV=3 is set, the DTR line is monitored by the module to manage the power saving configuration:
When an OFF-to-ON transition occurs on the DTR input line, the UART is enabled and the module wakes up
to active-mode: after ~20 ms from the OFF-to-ON transition the UART / module wake up is completed and data can be received without loss. The module cannot enter the low power idle-mode and the UART is kept enabled as long as the DTR input line is held in the ON state
If the DTR input line is set to the OFF state by the DTE, the UART is disabled (held in low power mode) and
the module automatically enters low power idle-mode whenever possible
For more details, see section 1.9.1.4 and u-blox AT Commands Manual [3], AT+UPSV command.
AT+UPSV=3 power saving configuration control by the DTR input is not supported by SARA-G3 modules.
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DCD signal behavior
If AT&C1 is set, as it is by default, the DCD module output line is set by default to the OFF state (high level) at UART initialization. The module then sets the DCD line according to the carrier detect status: ON if the carrier is detected, OFF otherwise. For voice calls, DCD is set to the ON state when the call is established. For a data call there are the following scenarios (see the u-blox AT Commands Manual [3] for the definition of the interface data mode, command mode and online command mode):
Packet Switched Data call: Before activating the PPP protocol (data mode) a dial-up application must
provide the ATD*99***<context_number># to the module: with this command the module switches from command mode to data mode and can accept PPP packets. The module sets the DCD line to the ON state, then answers with a CONNECT to confirm the ATD*99 command. The DCD ON is not related to the context activation but with the data mode
Circuit Switched Data call: To establish a data call, the DTE can send the ATD<number> command to the
module which sets an outgoing data call to a remote modem (or another data module). Data can be transparent (non reliable) or non transparent (with the reliable RLP protocol). When the remote DCE accepts the data call, the module DCD line is set to ON and the CONNECT <communication baudrate> string is returned by the module. At this stage the DTE can send characters through the serial line to the data module which sends them through the network to the remote DCE attached to a remote DTE
The DCD is set to ON during the execution of the +CMGS, +CMGW, +USOWR, +USODL AT commands
requiring input data from the DTE: the DCD line is set to the ON state as soon as the switch to binary/text input mode is completed and the prompt is issued; DCD line is set to OFF as soon as the input mode is interrupted or completed (for more details see the u-blox AT Commands Manual [3]).
The DCD line is kept in the ON state, even during the online command mode, to indicate that the data
call is still established even if suspended, while if the module enters command mode, the DSR line is set to the OFF state. For more details see DSR signal behavior description.
For scenarios when the DCD line setting is requested for different reasons (e.g. SMS texting during online
command mode), the DCD line changes to guarantee the correct behavior for all the scenarios. For instance, in case of SMS texting in online command mode, if the data call is released, the DCD line is kept to ON till the SMS command execution is completed (even if the data call release would request the DCD setting to OFF).
If AT&C0 is set, the DCD module output line is set by default to the ON state (low level) at UART initialization and is then always held in the ON state.
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SMS arrives
time [s]
0
RI ON
RI OFF
1s
SMS
time [s]
0
RI ON
RI OFF
1s
1s
time [s]
15
1050
RI ON
RI OFF
Call incomes
1s
time [s]
15
1050
RI ON
RI OFF
Call incomes
RI signal behavior
The RI module output line is set by default to the OFF state (high level) at UART initialization. Then, during an incoming call, the RI line is switched from the OFF state to the ON state with a 4:1 duty cycle and a 5 s period (ON for 1 s, OFF for 4 s, see Figure 23), until the DTE attached to the module sends the ATA string and the module accepts the incoming data call. The RING string sent by the module (DCE) to the serial port at constant time intervals is not correlated with the switch of the RI line to the ON state.
Figure 23: RI behavior during an incoming call
The RI line can notify an SMS arrival. When the SMS arrives, the RI line switches from OFF to ON for 1 s (see Figure 24), if the feature is enabled by the AT+CNMI command (see the u-blox AT Commands Manual [3]).
Figure 24: RI behavior at SMS arrival
This behavior allows the DTE to stay in power saving mode until the DCE related event requests service. For SMS arrival, if several events coincidently occur or in quick succession each event independently triggers the RI line, although the line will not be deactivated between each event. As a result, the RI line may stay to ON for more than 1 s.
If an incoming call is answered within less than 1 s (with ATA or if auto-answering is set to ATS0=1) than the RI line is set to OFF earlier.
As a result:
RI line monitoring cannot be used by the DTE to determine the number of received SMSes. For multiple events (incoming call plus SMS received), the RI line cannot be used to discriminate the two
events, but the DTE must rely on the subsequent URCs and interrogate the DCE with proper commands.
The RI line can additionally notify all the URCs and all the incoming data (PPP, Direct Link, sockets, FTP), if the feature is enabled by the AT+URING command (for more details see u-blox AT Commands Manual [3]): the RI line is asserted when one of the configured events occur and it remains asserted for 1 s unless another configured event will happen, with the same behavior described in Figure 24.
The AT+URING command for the notification of all the URCs and all the incoming data (PPP, Direct Link,
sockets, FTP) over the RI line output is not supported by SARA-G3 modules.
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1.9.1.4 UART and power-saving
The power saving configuration is controlled by the AT+UPSV command (for the complete description, see u-blox AT Commands Manual [3]). When power saving is enabled, the module automatically enters low power idle-mode whenever possible, and otherwise the active-mode is maintained by the module (see section 1.4 for definition and description of module operating modes referred to in this section).
The AT+UPSV command configures both the module power saving and also the UART behavior in relation to the power saving. The conditions for the module entering idle-mode also depend on the UART power saving configuration.
Three different power saving configurations can be set by the AT+UPSV command:
AT+UPSV=0, power saving disabled: module forced on active-mode and UART interface enabled (default)
AT+UPSV=1, power saving enabled: module cyclic active / idle-mode and UART enabled / disabled
AT+UPSV=2, power saving enabled and controlled by the UART RTS input line
AT+UPSV=3, power saving enabled and controlled by the UART DTR input line
The AT+UPSV=3 power saving configuration is not supported by SARA-G3 modules.
The different power saving configurations that can be set by the +UPSV AT command are described in details in the following subsections. Table 12 summarizes the UART interface communication process in the different power saving configurations, in relation with HW flow control settings and RTS input line status. For more details on the +UPSV AT command description, refer to u-blox AT commands Manual [3].
AT+UPSV HW flow control RTS line DTR line Communication during idle-mode and wake up
0 Enabled (AT&K3) ON ON or OFF Data sent by the DTE are correctly received by the module.
Data sent by the module is correctly received by the DTE.
0 Enabled (AT&K3) OFF ON or OFF Data sent by the DTE should be buffered by the DTE and will be correctly
0 Disabled (AT&K0) ON or OFF ON or OFF Data sent by the DTE is correctly received by the module.
1 Enabled (AT&K3) ON ON or OFF Data sent by the DTE should be buffered by the DTE and will be correctly
1 Enabled (AT&K3) OFF ON or OFF Data sent by the DTE should be buffered by the DTE and will be correctly
1 Disabled (AT&K0) ON or OFF ON or OFF The first character sent by the DTE is lost, but after ~20 ms the UART and the
2 Enabled (AT&K3) ON or OFF ON or OFF Not Applicable: HW flow control cannot be enabled with AT+UPSV=2. 2 Disabled (AT&K0) ON ON or OFF Data sent by the DTE is correctly received by the module.
2 Disabled (AT&K0) OFF ON or OFF Data sent by the DTE is lost by SARA-U2 modules.
received by the module when RTS is set to ON. Data sent by the module is buffered by the module and will be correctly received by the DTE when it is ready to receive data (i.e. RTS line will be ON).
Data sent by the module is correctly received by the DTE if it is ready to receive data, otherwise data is lost.
received by the module when active-mode is entered. Data sent by the module is correctly received by the DTE.
received by the module when active-mode is entered. Data sent by the module is buffered by the module and will be correctly received by the DTE when it is ready to receive data (i.e. RTS line will be ON).
module are waked up: recognition of subsequent characters is guaranteed after the complete UART / module wake-up. Data sent by the module is correctly received by the DTE if it is ready to receive data, otherwise data is lost.
Data sent by the module is correctly received by the DTE if it is ready to receive data, otherwise data is lost.
The first character sent by the DTE is lost by SARA-G3 modules, but after ~20 ms the UART and the module are waked up: recognition of subsequent characters is guaranteed after the complete UART / module wake-up. Data sent by the module is correctly received by the DTE if it is ready to receive data, otherwise data is lost.
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received by the DTE when it is ready to receive data (i.e. RTS line will be ON).
AT+UPSV HW flow control RTS line DTR line Communication during idle-mode and wake up
3 Enabled (AT&K3) ON ON Data sent by the DTE is correctly received by the module.
Data sent by the module is correctly received by the DTE.
3 Enabled (AT&K3) ON OFF Data sent by the DTE is lost by the module.
Data sent by the module is correctly received by the DTE.
3 Enabled (AT&K3) OFF ON Data sent by the DTE is correctly received by the module.
Data sent by the module is buffered by the module and will be correctly
3 Enabled (AT&K3) OFF OFF Data sent by the DTE is lost by the module.
Data sent by the module is buffered by the module and will be correctly received by the DTE when it is ready to receive data (i.e. RTS line will be ON).
3 Disabled (AT&K0) ON or OFF ON Data sent by the DTE is correctly received by the module.
Data sent by the module is correctly received by the DTE if it is ready to receive data, otherwise data are lost.
3 Disabled (AT&K0) ON or OFF OFF Data sent by the DTE is lost by the module.
Data sent by the module is correctly received by the DTE if it is ready to receive data, otherwise data are lost.
Table 12: UART and power-saving summary
AT+UPSV=0: power saving disabled, fixed active-mode
The module does not enter idle-mode and the UART interface is enabled (data can be sent and received): the
CTS line is always held in the ON state after UART initialization. This is the default configuration.
AT+UPSV=1: power saving enabled, cyclic idle/active-mode
On SARA-G3 modules, when the AT+UPSV=1 command is issued by the DTE, the UART is disabled after the timeout set by the second parameter of the +UPSV AT command (for more details see u-blox AT commands Manual [3]).
On SARA-U2 modules, when the AT+UPSV=1 command is issued by the DTE, the UART is immediately disabled. Afterwards, the UART of SARA-G3 and SARA-U2 series modules is periodically enabled to receive or send data
and, if data has not been received or sent over the UART, the interface is automatically disabled whenever possible according to the timeout configured by the second parameter of the +UPSV AT command.
The module automatically enters the low power idle-mode whenever possible but it wakes up to active-mode according to the UART periodic wake up so that the module cyclically enters the low power idle-mode and the active-mode. Additionally, the module wakes up to active-mode according to any required activity related to the network or any other required activity related to the functions / interfaces of the module.
The UART is enabled, and the module does not enter low power idle-mode, in the following cases:
During the periodic UART wake up to receive or send data
If the module needs to transmit some data over the UART (e.g. URC)
On SARA-G3 modules, during a CSD data call and a PSD data call with external context activation
On SARA-G3 modules, during a voice call
If a character is sent by the DTE with HW flow control disabled, the first character sent causes the system
wake-up due to the “wake up via data reception” feature described in the following subsection, and the UART will be then kept enabled after the last data received according to the timeout set by the second parameter of the AT+UPSV=1 command
The module, outside an active call, periodically wakes up from idle-mode to active-mode to monitor the paging channel of the current base station (paging block reception), according to 2G or 3G discontinuous reception (DRX) specification.
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time [s]
CTS O N
CTS O FF
UART disabled
~10 ms (min)
UART enabled
~9.2 s (default)
UART enabled
Data input
0.47- 2.10 s
The time period between two paging receptions is defined by the current base station (i.e. by the network):
If the module is registered with a 2G network, the paging reception period can vary from ~0.47 s (DRX = 2,
i.e. 2 x 51 2G-frames) up to ~2.12 s (DRX = 9, i.e. 9 x 51 2G-frames)
If the module is registered with a 3G network, the paging reception period can vary from 0.64 s (DRX = 6,
6
i.e. 2
3G-frames) up to 5.12 s (DRX = 9, i.e. 29 3G-frames)
The time period of the UART enable/disable cycle is configured differently when the module is registered with a 2G network compared to when the module is registered with a 3G network:
2G: the UART is synchronously enabled to every paging reception on SARA-G3 modules, whereas the UART
is not necessarily enabled at every paging reception on SARA-U2 modules: the UART is enabled concurrently to a paging reception, and then, as data has not been received or sent, the UART is disabled until the first paging reception that occurs after a timeout of 2.0 s, and therefore the interface is enabled again
3G: the UART is asynchronously enabled to paging receptions, as the UART is enabled for ~20 ms, and then,
if data are not received or sent, the UART is disabled for 2.5 s, and afterwards the interface is enabled again
Not registered: when a module is not registered with a network, the UART is enabled for ~20 ms, and then,
if data has not been received or sent, the UART is disabled for ~2.1 s on SARA-G3 modules or for 2.5 s on SARA-U2 modules, and afterwards the interface is enabled again
The module active-mode duration outside an active call depends on:
Network parameters, related to the time interval for the paging block reception (minimum of ~11 ms)
Duration of UART enable time in absence of data reception (~20 ms)
The time period from the last data received at the serial port during the active-mode: the module does not
enter idle-mode until a timeout expires. The second parameter of the +UPSV AT command configures this timeout, from 40 2G-frames (i.e. 40 x 4.615 ms = 184 ms) up to 65000 2G-frames (i.e. 65000 x 4.615 ms = 300 s). Default value is 2000 2G-frames (i.e. 2000 x 4.615 ms = 9.2 s)
The active-mode duration can be extended indefinitely since every subsequent character received during the active-mode, resets and restarts the timer.
The timeout is ignored only by SARA-U2 modules immediately after AT+UPSV=1 has been sent, so that the UART interface is disabled and the module may enter idle-mode immediately after the AT+UPSV=1 is sent
The hardware flow-control output (CTS line) indicates when the UART interface is enabled (data can be sent and received over the UART), if HW flow control is enabled, as illustrated in Figure 25.
Figure 25: CTS behavior with power saving enabled (AT+UPSV=1) and HW flow control enabled: the CTS output line indicates when the UART interface of the module is enabled (CTS = ON = low level) or disabled (CTS = OFF = high level)
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AT+UPSV=2: power saving enabled and controlled by the RTS line
This configuration can only be enabled with the module hardware flow control disabled by AT&K0 command. The UART interface is immediately disabled after the DTE sets the RTS line to OFF. Then, the module automatically enters idle-mode whenever possible according to any required activity related to
the network or any other required activity related to the functions / interfaces of the module. The UART is disabled as long as the RTS line is held to OFF, but the UART is enabled in the following cases:
If the module needs to transmit some data over the UART (e.g. URC)
On SARA-G3 modules, during a CSD data call and a PSD data call with external context activation
On SARA-G3 modules, during a voice call
On SARA-G3 modules, if a data is sent by the DTE, it causes the system wake-up due to the “wake up via
data reception” feature described in the following subsection, and the UART will be then kept enabled after the last data received according to the timeout previously set with the AT+UPSV=1 configuration
When an OFF-to-ON transition occurs on the RTS input line, the UART is re-enabled and the module, if it was in idle-mode, switches from idle to active-mode after ~20 ms: this is the UART and module “wake up time”.
If the RTS line is set to ON by the DTE the module is not allowed to enter the low power idle-mode and the UART is kept enabled.
On SARA-G3 modules, the CTS output line indicates the power saving state as illustrated in Figure 25,
even with AT+UPSV=2.
AT+UPSV=3: power saving enabled and controlled by the DTR line
The AT+UPSV=3 power saving configuration is not supported by SARA-G3 modules.
The AT+UPSV=3 configuration can be enabled regardless the flow control setting on UART. In particular, the HW flow control can be enabled (AT&K3) or disabled (AT&K0) on UART during this configuration.
The UART interface is immediately disabled after the DTE sets the DTR line to OFF. Then, the module automatically enters idle-mode whenever possible according to any required activity related to
the network or any other required activity related to the functions / interfaces of the module. The UART is disabled as long as the DTR line is set to OFF, but the UART is enabled in the following cases:
If the module needs to transmit some data over the UART (e.g. URC)
When an OFF-to-ON transition occurs on the DTR input line, the UART is re-enabled and the module, if it was in idle-mode, switches from idle to active mode after 20 ms: this is the UART and module “wake up time”.
If the DTR line is set to ON by the DTE, the module is not allowed to enter idle-mode and the UART is kept enabled until the DTR line is set to OFF.
When the AT+UPSV=3 configuration is enabled, the DTR input line can still be used by the DTE to control the module behavior according to AT&D command configuration (see u-blox AT Commands Manual [3]).
The CTS output line indicates the UART power saving state as illustrated in Figure 25, if HW flow control
is enabled with AT+UPSV=3.
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OFF
ON
DCE UART is enabled for 2000 GSM frames (~9.2 s)
time
Wake up time: ~20 ms
time
TXD input
Wake up character
Not recognized by DCE
UART
OFF
ON
Wake up via data reception
The UART wake up via data reception consists of a special configuration of the module TXD input line that causes the system wake-up when a low-to-high transition occurs on the TXD input line. In particular, the UART is enabled and the module switches from the low power idle-mode to active-mode within ~20 ms from the first character received: this is the system “wake up time”.
As a consequence, the first character sent by the DTE when UART is disabled (i.e. the wake up character) is not a valid communication character even if the wake up via data reception configuration is active, because it cannot be recognized, and the recognition of the subsequent characters is guaranteed only after the complete system wake-up (i.e. after ~20 ms).
The UART wake up via data reception configuration is active in the following cases:
On SARA-G3 series, the TXD input line is configured to wake up the system via data reception if:
o AT+UPSV=1 is set with HW flow control disabled o AT+UPSV=2 is set with HW flow control disabled, and the RTS line is set OFF
On SARA-U2 series, the TXD input line is configured to wake up the system via data reception only if
o AT+UPSV=1 is set with hardware flow control disabled
On SARA-U2 series, the UART wake up via data reception configuration is not active on the TXD input,
and therefore all the data sent by the DTE is lost, if:
o AT+UPSV=2 is set with HW flow control disabled, and the RTS line is set OFF o AT+UPSV=3 is set, regardless HW flow control setting, and the DTR line is set OFF
Figure 26 and Figure 27 show examples of common scenarios and timing constraints:
AT+UPSV=1 power saving configuration is active and the timeout from last data received to idle-mode start
is set to 2000 frames (AT+UPSV=1,2000)
Hardware flow control is disabled
Figure 26 shows the case where the module UART is disabled and only a wake-up is forced. In this scenario the only character sent by the DTE is the wake-up character; as a consequence, the DCE module UART is disabled when the timeout from last data received expires (2000 frames without data reception, as the default case).
Figure 26: Wake-up via data reception without further communication
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DCE UART is enabled for 2000 GSM frames (~9.2s)
after the last data received
time
Wake up time: ~20 ms
time
Wake up character
Not recognized by DCE
Valid characters Recognized by DCE
OFF
ON
TXD input
UART
OFF
ON
Figure 27 shows the case where in addition to the wake-up character further (valid) characters are sent. The wake up character wakes-up the module UART. The other characters must be sent after the “wake up time” of ~20 ms. If this condition is satisfied, the module (DCE) recognizes characters. The module will disable the UART after 2000 GSM frames from the latest data reception.
Figure 27: Wake-up via data reception with further communication
The “wake-up via data reception” feature cannot be disabled. In command mode
DTE must always send a character to the module before the “AT” prefix set at the beginning of each command line: the first character is ignored if the module is in active-mode, or it represents the wake-up character if the module is in idle-mode.
In command mode
command line: the first character is not ignored if the module is in active-mode (i.e. the module replies “OK”), or it represents the wake up character if the module is in low power idle-mode (i.e. the module does not reply).
10
, if autobauding is enabled and the DTE does not implement HW flow control, the
10
, if autobauding is disabled, the DTE must always send a dummy “AT” before each
No wake-up character or dummy “AT” is required from the DTE during a voice or data call since the
module UART interface continues to be enabled and does not need to be woken-up. Furthermore in data
10
a dummy “AT” would affect the data communication.
mode
Additional considerations for SARA-U2 modules
SARA-U2 modules are forced to stay in active-mode if the USB is connected and not suspended, and therefore the AT+UPSV=1, AT+UPSV=2 or AT+UPSV=3 settings are overruled but they have effect on the UART behavior: they configure UART interface power saving, so that UART is enabled / disabled according to the AT+UPSV=1, AT+UPSV=2 or AT+UPSV=3 settings.
To set the AT+UPSV=1, AT+UPSV=2 or AT+UPSV=3 configuration over the USB interface of SARA-U2 modules, the autobauding must be previously disabled on the UART by the +IPR AT command over the used AT interface (the USB), and this +IPR AT command configuration must be saved in the module’ non-volatile memory (see u-blox AT Commands Manual [3]). Then, after the subsequent module re-boot, AT+UPSV=1, AT+UPSV=2 or AT+UPSV=3 can be issued over the used AT interface (the USB): all the AT profiles are updated accordingly.
10
Refer to the u-blox AT Commands Manual [3] for the definition of the interface data mode, command mode and online command mode.
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1.9.1.5 Multiplexer protocol (3GPP 27.010)
SARA-G3 and SARA-U2 series modules have a software layer with MUX functionality, the 3GPP TS 27.010 Multiplexer Protocol [13], available on the UART physical link. The auxiliary UART, the USB and the DDC (I
serial interfaces do not support the multiplexer protocol. This is a data link protocol (layer 2 of OSI model) which uses HDLC-like framing and operates between the
module (DCE) and the application processor (DTE) and allows a number of simultaneous sessions over the used physical link (UART or SPI): the user can concurrently use AT command interface on one MUX channel and Packet-Switched / Circuit-Switched Data communication on another multiplexer channel. Each session consists of a stream of bytes transferring various kinds of data such as SMS, CBS, PSD, GNSS, AT commands in general. This permits, for example, SMS to be transferred to the DTE when a data connection is in progress.
The following virtual channels are defined:
Channel 0: control channel
Channel 1: AT and Data
Channel 2: AT and Data
Channel 3: AT and Data (not available on SARA-G300 / SARA-G310 modules)
Channel 4: AT and Data (not available on SARA-G300 / SARA-G310 modules)
Channel 5: AT and Data (not available on SARA-G300 / SARA-G310 modules)
Channel 6: GNSS tunneling (not available on SARA-G300 / SARA-G310 modules)
Channel 7: SIM Access Profile (not available on SARA-G3 series modules)
For more details, refer to Mux implementation Application Note [23].
2
C)

1.9.2 Auxiliary asynchronous serial interface (UART AUX)

The auxiliary UART interface is not available on SARA-U2 series modules.
SARA-G3 modules provide the auxiliary UART interface: it is a 3-wire unbalanced 1.8 V asynchronous serial interface (only the RXD_AUX data output and TXD_AUX data input are provided), available for module FW upgrade by means of the u-blox EasyFlash tool and for diagnostic purpose.
The AT commands interface is not available on the auxiliary UART interface.

1.9.3 USB interface

The USB interface is not available on SARA-G3 series modules.
1.9.3.1 USB features
SARA-U2 modules include a High-Speed USB 2.0 compliant interface with maximum data rate of 480 Mb/s between the module and a host processor.
The module itself acts as a USB device and can be connected to any USB host such as a Personal Computer or an embedded application microprocessor for AT commands, data communication, FW upgrade by means of the FOAT feature, FW upgrade by means of the u-blox EasyFlash tool and for diagnostic purpose.
The USB_D+/USB_D- pins carry USB serial data and signaling while the VUSB_DET input pin senses the VBUS USB supply presence (nominally +5 V at the source) to detect the host connection and enable the interface.
The USB interface of the module is enabled only if a valid voltage is detected by the VUSB_DET input (see the SARA-U2 series Data Sheet [2]). Neither the USB interface, nor the whole module is supplied by the VUSB_DET input: the VUSB_DET senses the USB supply voltage and absorbs few microamperes.
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SARA-U2 modules provide by default the following USB profile with the listed set of available USB functions (USB CDCs, Communications Device Classes):
USB1: AT and Data (AT command interface and packet-switched / circuit-switched data communication)
USB2: AT and Data (AT command interface and packet-switched / circuit-switched data communication)
USB3: AT and Data (AT command interface and packet-switched / circuit-switched data communication)
USB4: GPS (tunneling communication with the u-blox GNSS receiver connected over I
2
C interface)
USB5: Primary Log (diagnostic purpose)
USB6: Secondary Log (diagnostic purpose)
USB7: SAP (SIM Access Profile)
The user can concurrently use the AT command interface on one CDC, and packet-switched / circuit-switched data communication on another CDC.
The module firmware can be upgraded over the USB interface using the u-blox EasyFlash tool or by means of AT command (for more details see section 1.13.13 and Firmware update application note [25]).
For more details on the configuration of the USB interface of SARA-U2 modules, see the u-blox AT
Commands Manual [3], +UUSBCONF AT command.
USB CDC/ACM drivers are available for the following operating system platforms:
Windows 2000
Windows XP
Windows Vista
Windows 7
Windows 8
Windows CE 5.0
Windows Embedded CE 6.0
Windows Embedded Compact 7
Windows Embedded Automotive 7
Windows Mobile 5
Windows Mobile 6
Windows Mobile 6.1
Windows Mobile 6.5
SARA-U2 modules are compatible with standard Linux/Android USB kernel drivers.
The USB profile of SARA-U2 module identifies itself by its VID (Vendor ID) and PID (Product ID) combination, included in the USB device descriptor according to the USB 2.0 specifications [14].
VID and PID of the SARA-U2 module USB profile with the set of USB functions described in details above (AT and Data, GNSS tunneling, Diagnostic, SAP) are the following:
VID = 0x1546
PID = 0x1102
If the USB interface of a SARA-U2 module is connected to the host before the module switch on, or if the module is reset with the USB interface connected to the host, the VID and PID are automatically updated runtime, after the USB detection. First, VID and PID are the following:
VID = 0x058B
PID = 0x0041
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This VID and PID combination identifies a USB profile where the set of USB functions described in details above (AT and Data, GNSS tunneling, Diagnostic, SAP) are not available: AT commands must not be sent to the module over the USB profile identified by this VID and PID combination.
Then, after a time period (roughly 5 s, depending on the host / device enumeration timings), the VID and PID are updated to the following ones, which are related to the SARA-U2 module USB profile with the set of USB functions described in details above (AT and Data, GNSS tunneling, Diagnostic, SAP):
VID = 0x1546
PID = 0x1102
1.9.3.2 USB and power saving
If power saving is enabled by the AT+UPSV command, the modules automatically enter the USB suspended state when the device has observed no bus traffic for a specified time period (see the USB 2.0 specifications [14]). In suspended state, the module maintains any USB internal status as device. In addition, the module enters the suspended state when the hub port it is attached to is disabled. This is referred to as USB selective suspend.
The module exits suspend mode when there is bus activity. If the USB is connected and not suspended, the module is forced to stay in active-mode, therefore the AT+UPSV settings are overruled but they have effect on the power saving configuration of the other interfaces.
The modules are capable of USB remote wake-up signaling: i.e. it may request the host to exit suspend mode or selective suspend by using electrical signaling to indicate remote wake-up. This notifies the host that it should resume from its suspended mode, if necessary, and service the external event. Remote wake-up is accomplished using electrical signaling described in the USB 2.0 specifications [14].
For the module current consumption description with power saving enabled and USB suspended, or with power saving disabled and USB not suspended, see sections 1.5.1.4, 1.5.1.5 and SARA-U2 series Data Sheet [2].
1.9.4 DDC (I
SARA-G300 and SARA-G310 modules do not support DDC (I
2
C) interface
2
C) interface.
An I2C bus compatible Display Data Channel (DDC) interface for communication with u-blox GNSS receivers is available on SDA and SCL pins of SARA-G340, SARA-G350 and SARA-U2 modules. Only this interface provides the communication between the u-blox cellular module and u-blox positioning chips and modules.
2
SARA-U2 modules additionally support the communication with other external I The AT commands interface is not available on the DDC (I
2
DDC (I u-blox GNSS receiver or any other external I
C) slave-mode operation is not supported: the cellular module can act as master only, and the connected
2
C devices acts as slave in the DDC (I2C) communication.
Two lines, serial data (SDA) and serial clock (SCL), carry information on the bus. SCL is used to synchronize data transfers, and SDA is the data line. To be compliant to the I
2
C) interface.
2
C bus specifications, the module interface pins are
open drain output and pull up resistors must be externally provided conforming to the I
C devices as an audio codec.
2
C bus specifications [15].
u-blox has implemented special features in SARA-G340, SARA-G350 and SARA-U2 modules to ease the design effort required for the integration of a u-blox cellular module with a u blox GNSS receiver.
Combining a u-blox cellular module with a u-blox GNSS receiver allows designers to have full access to the positioning receiver directly via the cellular module: it relays control messages to the GNSS receiver via a dedicated DDC (I
2
C) interface. A 2nd interface connected to the positioning receiver is not necessary: AT commands via the UART or USB serial interface of the cellular module allows a fully control of the GNSS receiver from any host processor.
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SARA-G340, SARA-G350 and SARA-U2 modules feature embedded GNSS aiding that is a set of specific features developed by u-blox to enhance GNSS performance, decreasing the Time To First Fix (TTFF), thus allowing to calculate the position in a shorter time with higher accuracy.
SARA-G340, SARA-G350 and SARA-U2 modules support these GNSS aiding types:
Local aiding
AssistNow Online
AssistNow Offline
AssistNow Autonomous
The embedded GNSS aiding features can be used only if the DDC (I
2
C) interface of the cellular module is
connected to the u-blox GNSS receivers.
SARA-G340, SARA-G350 and SARA-U2 cellular modules provide additional custom functions over GPIO pins to improve the integration with u-blox positioning chips and modules. GPIO pins can handle:
GNSS receiver power-on/off: “GNSS supply enable” function provided by GPIO2 improves the positioning
receiver power consumption. When the GNSS functionality is not required, the positioning receiver can be completely switched off by the cellular module that is controlled by AT commands
The wake up from idle-mode when the GNSS receiver is ready to send data: “GNSS data ready” function
provided by GPIO3 improves the cellular module power consumption. When power saving is enabled in the cellular module by the AT+UPSV command and the GNSS receiver does not send data by the DDC (I interface, the module automatically enters idle-mode whenever possible. With the “GNSS data ready” function the GNSS receiver can indicate to the cellular module that it is ready to send data by the DDC (I
2
2
C)
C) interface: the positioning receiver can wake up the cellular module if it is in idle-mode, so the cellular module does not lose the data sent by the GNSS receiver even if power saving is enabled
The RTC synchronization signal to the GNSS receiver: “GNSS RTC sharing” function provided by GPIO4
improves GNSS receiver performance, decreasing the Time To First Fix (TTFF), and thus allowing to calculate the position in a shorter time with higher accuracy. When GPS local aiding is enabled, the cellular module automatically uploads data such as position, time, ephemeris, almanac, health and ionospheric parameter from the positioning receiver into its local memory, and restores this to the GNSS receiver at the next power up of the positioning receiver
For more details regarding the handling of the DDC (I
2
C) interface, the GNSS aiding features and the GNSS related functions over GPIOs, see section 1.11, to the u-blox AT Commands Manual [3] (AT+UGPS, AT+UGPRF, AT+UGPIOC AT commands) and the GNSS Implementation Application Note [24].
“GNSS data ready” and “GNSS RTC sharing” functions are not supported by all u-blox GNSS receivers
HW or ROM/FW versions. See the GNSS Implementation Application Note [24] or to the Hardware Integration Manual of the u-blox GNSS receivers for the supported features.
As additional improvement for the GNSS receiver performance, the V_BCKP supply output of SARA-G340, SARA-G350 and SARA-U2 modules can be connected to the V_BCKP supply input pin of u-blox positioning chips and modules to provide the supply for the GNSS real time clock and backup RAM when the VCC supply of the cellular module is within its operating range and the VCC supply of the GNSS receiver is disabled.
This enables the u-blox positioning receiver to recover from a power breakdown with either a hot start or a warm start (depending on the duration of the GNSS receiver VCC outage) and to maintain the configuration settings saved in the backup RAM.
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1.10 Audio interface

SARA-G300 and SARA-G310 modules do not support audio interface.
The following audio interfaces are provided by SARA-G3 and SARA-U2 series modules:
SARA-G340 and SARA-G350 modules provide one analog audio interface and one digital audio interface
SARA-U2 modules provide one digital audio interface
The audio interfaces can be selected and set by the dedicated AT command +USPM (refer to the u-blox AT Commands Manual [3]): this command allows setting the audio path mode, composed by the uplink audio path
and the downlink audio path. Each uplink path mode defines the physical input (i.e. the analog or the digital audio input) and the set of
parameters to process the uplink audio signal (uplink gains, uplink digital filters, echo canceller parameters). For example the “Headset microphone” uplink path uses the differential analog audio input with the default parameters for the headset profile.
Each downlink path mode defines the physical output (i.e. the analog or the digital audio output) and the set of parameters to process the downlink audio signal (downlink gains, downlink digital filters and sidetone). For example the “Mono headset” downlink path uses the differential analog audio output with the default parameters for the headset profile.
The set of parameters to process the uplink or the downlink audio signal can be changed with dedicated AT commands for each uplink or downlink path and then stored in two profiles in the non volatile memory (refer to u-blox AT Commands Manual [3] for Audio parameters tuning commands).

1.10.1 Analog audio interface

SARA-U2 modules do not provide analog audio interface.
1.10.1.1 Uplink path
SARA-G340 / SARA-G350 pins related to the analog audio uplink path are:
MIC_P / MIC_N: Differential analog audio signal inputs (positive/negative). These two pins are internally
directly connected to the differential input of an integrated Low Noise Amplifier, without any internal series capacitor for DC blocking. The LNA output is internally connected to the digital processing system by an integrated sigma-delta analog-to-digital converter
MIC_BIAS: Supply output for an external microphone. The pin is internally connected to the output of a low
noise LDO linear regulator provided with proper internal bypass capacitor to guarantee stable operation of the linear regulator
MIC_GND: Local ground for the external microphone. The pin is internally connected to ground as a sense
line as the reference for the analog audio input
The analog audio input is selected when the parameter <main_uplink> in AT+USPM command is set to “Headset microphone”, “Handset microphone” or “Hands-free microphone”: the uplink analog path profiles use the same physical input but have different sets of audio parameters (for more details, refer to u-blox AT
Commands Manual [3], AT+USPM, AT+UMGC, AT+UUBF, AT+UHFP commands). SARA-G3 series Data Sheet [1] provides the detailed electrical characteristics of the analog audio uplink path.
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1.10.1.2 Downlink path
SARA-G340 / SARA-G350 pins related to the analog audio downlink path are:
SPK_P / SPK_N: Differential analog audio signal output (positive/negative). These two pins are directly
connected internally to the differential output of a low power audio amplifier, for which the input is connected internally to the digital processing system by to an integrated digital-to-analog converter.
The analog audio output is selected when the parameter <main_downlink> in AT+USPM command is set to “Normal earpiece”, “Mono headset” or “Loudspeaker”: the downlink analog path profiles use the same physical output but have different sets of audio parameters (for more details, refer to the u-blox AT Commands Manual [3], AT+USPM, AT+USGC, AT+UDBF, AT+USTN commands).
The differential analog audio output of SARA-G340 and SARA-G350 modules (SPK_P / SPK_N) is able to directly drive loads with resistance rating greater than 14 : it can be directly connected to a headset earpiece or handset earpiece but cannot directly drive a 8 or 4 loudspeaker for the hands-free mode.
SARA-G3 series Data Sheet [1] provides the detailed electrical characteristics of the analog audio downlink path.
Warning: excessive sound pressure from headphones can cause hearing loss.
1.10.1.3 Headset mode
Headset mode is the default audio operating mode of the modules. The headset profile is configured when the uplink audio path is set to “Headset microphone” and the downlink audio path is set to “Mono headset” (refer to u-blox AT Commands Manual [3]: AT+USPM command: <main_uplink>, <main_downlink> parameters).
1.10.1.4 Handset mode
The handset profile is configured when the uplink audio path is set to “Handset microphone” and the downlink audio path is set to “Normal earpiece” (refer to u-blox AT commands manual [3]: AT+USPM command: <main_uplink>, <main_downlink> parameters).
1.10.1.5 Hands-free mode
The hands-free profile is configured when the uplink audio path is set to “Hands-free microphone” and the downlink audio path is set to “Loudspeaker” (refer to u-blox AT commands manual [3]: AT+USPM command: <main_uplink>, <main_downlink> parameters).
Hands-free functionality is implemented using appropriate digital signal processing algorithms for voice-band handling (echo canceller and automatic gain control), managed via software (refer to u-blox AT commands manual [3], AT+UHFP command).
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1.10.2 Digital audio interface

SARA-G3 and SARA-U2 series - System Integration Manual
SARA-G340, SARA-G350 and SARA-U2 modules provide one 1.8 V bidirectional 4-wire (I2S_TXD data output, I2S_RXD data input, I2S_CLK clock, I2S_WA world alignment) I
2
S digital audio interface that can be used for
digital audio communication with external digital audio devices as an audio codec.
2
S interface can be set to two modes, by the <I2S_mode> parameter of the AT+UI2S command:
The I
PCM mode
Normal I
2
The I
S interface can be set to two configurations, by the <I2S_Master_Slave> parameter of AT+UI2S:
2
S mode
Master mode
Slave mode
SARA-G340 and SARA-G350 modules do not support I
2
S slave mode: module acts as master only.
The sample rate of transmitted/received words can be set, by the <I2S_sample_rate> parameter of AT+UI2S, to:
8 kHz
11.025 kHz
12 kHz
16 kHz
22.05 kHz
24 kHz
32 kHz
44.1 kHz
48 kHz
SARA-G340 and SARA-G350 modules do not support the <I2S_sample_rate> parameter of AT+UI2S: the
sample rate is fixed at 8 kHz only.
The <main_uplink> and <main_downlink> parameters of the AT+USPM command must be properly configured to select the I
<main_uplink> must be properly set to select:
<main_downlink> must be properly set to select:
Parameters of digital path can be configured and saved as described in the u-blox AT C ommands Manual [3], +USGC, +UMGC, +USTN AT commands. Analog gain parameters are not used when digital path is selected.
2
S receive data input and the I2S transmit data output signals are respectively connected in parallel to the
The I analog microphone input and speaker output signals, so resources available for analog path can be shared:
Digital filters and digital gains are available in both uplink and downlink direction
Ringer tone and service tone are mixed on the TX path when active (downlink)
The HF algorithm acts on I
Refer to the u-blox AT Commands Manual [3]: AT+UI2S command for possible settings of I
2
S digital audio interfaces paths (for more details, refer to u-blox AT Commands Manual [3]):
o the I
o the I
2
S interface (using I2S_RXD module input)
2
S interface (using I2S_TXD module output)
2
S path
2
S interface.
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2
1.10.2.1 I
Main features of the I
S interface – PCM mode
2
S interface in PCM mode, which are configurable via a specific AT command (for further
details see the related section in the u-blox AT Commands Manual [3], +UI2S AT command):
2
I
S runs in PCM – short alignment mode
2
I
S word alignment signal is configured by the <I2S_sample_rate> parameter
2
I
S word alignment is set high for 1 or 2 clock cycles for the synchronization, and then is set low for 16 clock cycles of sample width. The frame length, according to the length of the high pulse for the synchronization, can be 1 + 16 = 17 bits or 2 + 16 = 18 bits
2
S clock frequency depends on the frame length and the sample rate. It can be 17 x <I2S_sample_rate> or
I
18 x <I2S_sample_rate>
2
I
S transmit and I2S receive data are 16 bit words long with the same sampling rate as I2S word alignment, mono. Data is in 2’s complement notation. MSB is transmitted first
When I
bit (present only in case of 2 bit long I
2
S word alignment toggles high, the first synchronization bit is always low. Second synchronization
2
S word alignment configuration) is MSB of the transmitted word (MSB
is transmitted twice in this case)
2
I
S transmit data changes on I2S clock rising edge, I2S receive data changes on I2S clock falling edge
2
1.10.2.2 I
Normal I
S interface – Normal I2S mode
2
S supports:
16 bits word
Mono interface
Sample rate: <I2S_sample_rate> parameter
Main features of I
2
S interface in normal I2S mode, which are configurable via a specific AT command (for further
details see the related section in the u-blox AT Commands Manual [3], +UI2S AT command):
2
I
S runs in normal I2S – long alignment mode
2
I
S word alignment signal always runs at the <I2S_sample_rate> and synchronizes 2 channels (timeslots on word alignment high, word alignment low)
2
I
S transmit data is composed of 16 bit words, dual mono (the words are written on both channels). Data are in 2’s complement notation. MSB is transmitted first. The bits are written on I
2
S clock rising or falling
edge (configurable)
2
I
S receive data is read as 16 bit words, mono (words are read only on the timeslot with WA high). Data is read in 2’s complement notation. MSB is read first. The bits are read on the I
2
S clock edge opposite to I2S
transmit data writing edge (configurable)
2
I
S clock frequency is 16 bits x 2 channels x <I2S_sample_rate>
Additionally, the following parameters can be set by means of the +UI2S AT command:
MSB can be 1 bit delayed or non-delayed on I
2
I
S transmit data can change on rising or falling edge of I2S clock signal
2
I
S receive data are read on the opposite front of I2S clock signal
2
S word alignment edge
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I2S_RXD
Switch
MIC
Uplink
Analog Gain
Uplink Filter 2
Uplink Filter 1
To
Radio TX
Uplink
Digital Gain
Downlink
Filter 1
Downlink
Filter 2
MIDI
Player
SPK
Switch
I2Sx TX
I2S_TXD
Scal_Rec
Digital Gain
SPK
Analog Gain
Gain_Out
Digital Gain
From
Radio RX
Speech
Level
I2Sx RX
Sample Based Processing Frame Based Processing
Circular
Buffer
Sidetone
Digital Gain
DAC
ADC
Tone
Generator
AMR
Player
Hands-Free
Voiceband Sam ple Buffer

1.10.3 Voice-band processing system

1.10.3.1 SARA-G340 / SARA-G350 modules audio processing
The voice-band processing on the SARA-G340 / SARA-G350 modules is implemented in the DSP core inside the baseband chipset. The analog audio front-end of the chipset is connected to the digital system through 16 bit ADC converters in the uplink path, and through 16 bit DAC converters in the downlink path. External digital audio devices can directly be interfaced to the DSP digital processing part via the I amplifiers are skipped in this case.
The voice-band processing system can be split up into three different blocks:
Sample-based Voice-band Processing (single sample processed at 8 kHz, every 125 µs)
Frame-based Voice-band Processing (frames of 160 samples are processed every 20 ms)
MIDI synthesizer running at 47.6 kHz
These three blocks are connected by buffers and sample rate converters (for 8 to 47.6 kHz conversion)
2
S digital interface. The analog
Figure 28: SARA-G340 / SARA-G350 modules audio processing system block diagram
The sample-based voice-band processing main task is to transfer the voice-band samples from either analog audio front-end uplink path or I2Sx RX path to the Voice-band Sample Buffer and from the Voice-band Sample Buffer to the analog audio front-end downlink path and/or I2Sx TX path. While doing this the samples are scaled by digital gains and processed by digital filters both in the uplink and downlink direction and the sidetone is generated mixing scaled uplink samples to the downlink samples (refer to the u-blox AT Commands Manual [3], +UUBF, +UDBF, +UMGC, +USGC, +USTN commands).
The frame-based voice-band processing implements the Hands-Free algorithm. This consists of the Echo Canceller, the Automatic Gain Control and the Noise Suppressor. Hands-Free algorithm acts on the uplink signal only. Algorithms are configurable with AT commands (refer to the u-blox AT Commands Manual [3], +UHFP command). The frame-based voice-band processing also implements an AMR player. The speech uplink path final block before radio transmission is the speech encoder. Symmetrically, on downlink path, the starting block is the speech decoder which extracts speech signal from the radio receiver.
The circular buffer is a 3000 word buffer to store and mix the voice-band samples from Midi synthesizer. The buffer has a circular structure, so that when the write pointer reaches the end of the buffer, it is wrapped to the begin address of the buffer.
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Switch
I2S_RXD
UBF
2/6
UBF
1/5
Hands-
free
To
Radio TX
Uplink
Digital Gain
I2S_TXD
Switch
Scal_Rec
Digital Gain
Tone
Generator
I2Sx RX
UBF
4/8
UBF
3/7
DBF
3/7
DBF
4/8
DBF
1/5
DBF 2/6
Legend: UBF= Uplink Biquad Filter DBF = Downlink Biquad Filter
I2Sx TX
Sidetone
From
Radio RX
Speech level
PCM
Player
Mix_Afe
Two different sample-based sample rate converters are used: an interpolator, required to convert the sample-based voice-band processing sampling rate of 8 kHz to the analog audio front-end output rate of
47.6 kHz; a decimator, required to convert the circular buffer sampling rate of 47.6 kHz to the I2Sx TX or the uplink path sample rate of 8 kHz.
The following speech codecs are supported by SARA-G340 / SARA-G350 firmware on the DSP:
GSM Half Rate (TCH/HS)
GSM Full Rate (TCH/FS)
GSM Enhanced Full Rate (TCH/EFR)
3GPP Adaptive Multi Rate (AMR) (TCH/AFS+TCH/AHS)
o In AMR Full Rate (AFS) the Active CODEC Set is selected from an overall set of 8 data rates:
12.2 – 10.2 – 7.95 – 7.40 – 6.70 – 5.90 – 5.15 – 4.75 kb/s
o In AMR Half Rate (AHS) the overall set comprises 6 different data rates:
7.95 – 7.40 – 6.70 – 5.90 – 5.15 – 4.75 kb/s
1.10.3.2 SARA-U2 modules audio processing system
The voiceband processing on the SARA-U2 modules is implemented in the DSP core inside the baseband chipset. The external digital audio devices can be interfaced directly to the DSP digital processing part via the I
2
S digital
interface. With exception of the speech encoder/decoder, audio processing can be controlled by AT commands.
The audio processing is implemented within the different blocks of the voiceband processing system:
Sample-based Voice-band Processing (single sample processed at 16 kHz for Wide Band AMR codec or
8 kHz for all other speech codecs)
Frame-based Voice-band Processing (frames of 320 samples for Wide Band AMR codec or 160 samples for
all other speech codecs are processed every 20 ms)
These blocks are connected by buffers (circular buffer and voiceband sample buffer) and sample rate converters (for 8 / 16 to 47.6 kHz conversion).
The voiceband audio processing implemented in the DSP core of SARA-U2 modules is summarized in Figure 29.
Figure 29: SARA-U2 modules audio processing system block diagram
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SARA-U2 modules audio signal processing algorithms are:
Speech encoding (uplink) and decoding (downlink).The following speech codecs are supported in firmware
on the DSP for speech encoding and decoding: GERAN GMSK codecs
o GSM HR (GSM Half Rate) o GSM FR (GSM Full Rate) o GSM EFR (GSM Enhanced Full Rate) o HR AMR (GSM Half Rate Adaptive Multi Rate - Narrow Band) o FR AMR (GSM Full Rate Adaptive Multi Rate - Narrow Band) o FR AMR-WB (GSM Full Rate Adaptive Multi Rate - Wide Band)
UTRAN codecs:
o UMTS AMR2 (UMTS Adaptive Multi Rate version 2 – Narrow Band) o UMTS AMR-WB (UMTS Adaptive Multi Rate – Wide Band)
Mandatory sub-functions:
o Discontinuous transmission, DTX (GSM 46.031, 46.041, 46.081 and 46.093 standards) o Voice activity detection, VAD (GSM 46.032, 46.042, 46.082 and 46.094 standards) o Background noise calculation (GSM 46.012, 46.022, 46.062 and 46.092 standards)
Function configurable via specific AT commands (refer to the u-blox AT Commands Manual [3])
o Signal routing: +USPM command o Analog amplification, digital amplification: +USGC, +CLVL, +CRSL, +CMUT command o Digital filtering: +UUBF, +UDBF commands o Hands-free algorithms (echo cancellation, Noise suppression, Automatic Gain control) +UHFP
command
o Sidetone generation (feedback of uplink speech signal to downlink path): +USTN command o Playing/mixing of alert tones:
Service tones: Tone generator with 3 sinus tones +UPAR command User generated tones: Tone generator with a single sinus tone +UTGN command PCM audio files (for prompting): The storage format of PCM audio files is 8 kHz sample rate, signed
16 bits, little endian, mono
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1.11 General Purpose Input/Output (GPIO)

SARA-G300 and SARA-G310 modules do not support GPIOs.
SARA-G340, SARA-G350 and SARA-U2 modules provide pins which can be configured as general purpose input or output, or can be configured to provide special functions via u-blox AT commands (for further details refer to the u-blox AT Commands Manual [3], +UGPIOC, +UGPIOR, +UGPIOW, +UGPS, +UGPRF):
SARA-G340 and SARA-G350 modules provide 4 configurable GPIO pins: GPIO1, GPIO2, GPIO3, GPIO4
SARA-U2 modules provide 9 configurable GPIO pins: GPIO1, GPIO2, GPIO3, GPIO4, I2S_RXD, I2S_TXD,
I2S_CLK, I2S_WA, SIM_DET
The following functions are available:
Network status indication:
The GPIO1, or the GPIO2, GPIO3, GPIO4 and, on SARA-U2 series only, the SIM_DET, alternatively from their default settings, can be configured to indicate network status (i.e. no service, registered home network, registered visitor network, voice or data call enabled), setting the parameter <gpio_mode> of AT+UGPIOC command to 2.
No GPIO pin is by default configured to provide the “Network status indication” function. The “Network status indication” mode can be provided only on one pin per time: it is not possible to
simultaneously set the same mode on another pin. The pin configured to provide the “Network status indication” function is set as
o Continuous Low,
if no service (no network coverage or not registered)
o Cyclically High for 100 ms, Low for 2 s,
if registered home 2G network
o Cyclically High for 50 ms, Low for 50 ms, High for 50 ms, Low for 2 s,
if registered home 3G network
o Cyclically High for 100 ms, Low for 100 ms, High for 100 ms, Low for 2 s,
if registered visitor 2G network (roaming)
o Cyclically High for 50 ms, Low for 50 ms, High for 50 ms, Low for 100 ms,
if registered visitor 3G network (roaming)
o Continuous High,
if voice or data 2G/3G call enabled
GSM Tx burst indication:
GPIO1 pin can be configured by AT+UGPIOC to indicate when a GSM Tx burst/slot occurs, setting the parameter <gpio_mode> of AT+UGPIOC command to 9.
No GPIO pin is by default configured to provide the “GSM Tx burst indication” function. The pin configured to provide the “GSM Tx burst indication” function is set as
o High, since ~10 µs before the start of first Tx slot, until ~5 µs after the end of last Tx slot o Low, otherwise
SARA-U280 module does not support the “GSM Tx burst indication” function on GPIO1, as the module
does not support 2G radio access technology.
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GNSS supply enable:
The GPIO2 is by default configured by AT+UGPIOC command to enable or disable the supply of the u-blox GNSS receiver connected to the cellular module.
The GPIO1, GPIO3, GPIO4 pins and, on SARA-U2 series only, also the SIM_DET pin, can be configured to provide the “GNSS supply enable” function, alternatively to the default GPIO2 pin, setting the parameter <gpio_mode> of AT+UGPIOC command to 3. The “GNSS supply enable” mode can be provided only on one pin per time: it is not possible to simultaneously set the same mode on another pin.
The pin configured to provide the “GNSS supply enable” function is set as
o High, to switch on the u-blox GNSS receiver, if AT+UGPS parameter <mode> is set to 1 o Low, to switch off the u-blox GNSS receiver, if AT+UGPS parameter <mode> is set to 0 (default)
GNSS data ready:
Only the GPIO3 pin provides the “GNSS data ready” function, to sense when a u-blox GNSS receiver connected to the cellular module is ready to send data via the DDC (I
2
C) interface, setting the parameter
<gpio_mode> of AT+UGPIOC command to 4. The pin configured to provide the “GNSS data ready” function is set as
o Input, to sense the line status, waking up the cellular module from idle-mode when the u-blox
GNSS receiver is ready to send data via the DDC (I
2
C) interface, if the first AT+UGPS parameter is
set to 1 and the first AT+UGPRF parameter is set to 16
o Tri-state with an internal active pull-down enabled, otherwise (default setting)
GNSS RTC sharing:
Only the GPIO4 pin provides the “GNSS RTC sharing” function, to provide an RTC (Real Time Clock) synchronization signal to the u-blox GNSS receiver connected to the cellular module, setting the parameter <gpio_mode> of AT+UGPIOC command to 5.
The pin configured to provide the “GNSS RTC sharing” function is set as
o Output, to provide an RTC (Real Time Clock) synchronization signal to the u-blox GNSS receiver if
the first AT+UGPS parameter is set to 1 and the first AT+UGPRF parameter is set to 32
o Low, otherwise (default setting)
SIM card detection:
The SIM_DET pin of SARA-G3 modules is by default configured to detect SIM card mechanical presence and this configuration cannot be changed by AT command.
The SIM_DET pin of SARA-U2 modules is by default configured to detect SIM card mechanical presence as default setting of the AT+UGPIOC command: the “SIM card detection” function is enabled as the parameter <gpio_mode> of AT+UGPIOC command is set to 7 (default setting).
The SIM_DET pin configured to provide the “SIM card detection” function is set as
o Input with an internal active pull-down enabled, to sense SIM card mechanical presence
The SIM_DET pin can sense the SIM card mechanical presence only if properly connected to the mechanical switch of a SIM card holder as described in section 2.5:
o Low logic level at SIM_DET input pin is recognized as SIM card not present o High logic level at SIM_DET input pin is recognized as SIM card present
SARA-U2 modules provide the additional function “SIM card hot insertion/removal” on the SIM_DET pin, which can be enabled using the AT+UDCONF=50 command if the “SIM card detection” function is enabled by AT+UGPIOC (for more details see u-blox AT Commands Manual [3]): in this case the SIM interface of the SARA-U2 modules is disabled when a Low logic level is recognized at SIM_DET input pin (within 20 ms from the start of the Low level) and it is enabled when an High logic level at SIM_DET input pin is recognized.
SARA-G3 series do not support the additional function “SIM card hot insertion/removal”
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Module status indication:
The GPIO1 pin of SARA-U2 modules can be configured to indicate module status (power-off mode, i.e. module switched off, versus idle, active or connected mode, i.e. module switched on), by properly setting the parameter <gpio_mode> of AT+UGPIOC command to 10.
No GPIO pin is by default configured to provide the “Module status indication”. The pin configured to provide the “Module status indication” function is set as
o High, when the module is switched on (any operating mode during module normal operation) o Low, when the module is switched off (power off mode)
SARA-G3 series do not support “Module status indication” function.
Module operating mode indication:
The SIM_DET pin of SARA-U2 modules can be configured to indicate module operating mode status (the low power idle-mode versus active or connected mode), by properly setting the parameter <gpio_mode> of AT+UGPIOC command to 11.
No GPIO pin is by default configured to provide the “Module operating mode indication”. The pin configured to provide the “Module operating mode indication” function is set as
o Output / High, when the module is in active or connected mode o Output / Low, when the module is in idle-mode (that can be reached if power saving is enabled by
+UPSV AT command: for further details see u-blox AT Commands Manual [3])
SARA-G3 series do not support “Module operating mode indication”.
2
I
S digital audio interface: The I2S_RXD, I2S_TXD, I2S_CLK, I2S_WA pins of SARA-U2 modules are by default configured as the I
digital audio interface. Only these pins of SARA-U2 modules can be configured as the I
the parameter <gpio_mode> of AT+UGPIOC command to 12 (default setting).
SARA-G3 series do not support the I
2
S digital audio interface over GPIOs.
General purpose input:
All the GPIOs can be configured as input to sense high or low digital level through AT+UGPIOR command, setting the parameter <gpio_mode> of AT+UGPIOC command to 1.
The “General purpose input” mode can be provided on more than one pin at a time. No GPIO pin is by default configured as “General purpose input”. The pin configured to provide the “General purpose input” function is set as
o Input, to sense high or low digital level by AT+UGPIOR command.
General purpose output:
All the GPIOs can be configured as output to set the high or the low digital level through AT+UGPIOW command, setting the parameter <gpio_mode> of +UGPIOC AT command to 0.
The “General purpose output” mode can be provided on more than one pin per time. No GPIO pin is by default configured as “General purpose output”. The pin configured to provide the “General purpose output” function is set as
o Output / Low, if the parameter <gpio_out_val> of AT+UGPIOW command is set to 0 o Output / High, if the parameter <gpio_out_val> of AT+UGPIOW command is set to 1
2
S digital audio interface, by correctly setting
2
S
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Pin disabled:
All the GPIOs can be configured in tri-state with an internal active pull-down enabled, as a not used pin, setting the parameter <gpio_mode> of +UGPIOC AT command to 255.
The “Pin disabled” mode can be provided on more than one pin per time: it is possible to simultaneously set the same mode on another pin (also on all the GPIOs).
The pin configured to provide the “Pin disabled” function is set as
o Tri-state with an internal active pull-down enabled
Table 13 describes the configurations of all SARA-G340, SARA-G350 and SARA-U2 modules’ GPIO pins.
Pin Module Name Description Remarks
16 SARA-G340
SARA-G350
SARA-U260
SARA-U270
SARA-U280 GPIO1 GPIO By default, the pin is configured as Pin disabled.
23 SARA-G340
SARA-G350 SARA-U2 series
24 SARA-G340
SARA-G350 SARA-U2 series
25 SARA-G340
SARA-G350 SARA-U2 series
GPIO1 GPIO By default, the pin is configured as Pin disabled.
Can be alternatively configured by the AT+UGPIOC command as
Output
Input
Network Status Indication
GNSS Supply Enable
GSM Tx Burst Indication
GPIO1 GPIO By default, the pin is configured as Pin disabled.
Can be alternatively configured by the AT+UGPIOC command as
Output
Input
Network Status Indication
GNSS Supply Enable
GSM Tx Burst Indication
Module Status Indication
Can be alternatively configured by the AT+UGPIOC command as
Output
Input
Network Status Indication
GNSS Supply Enable
Module Status Indication
GPIO2 GPIO By default, the pin is configured to provide GNSS Supply Enable function.
Can be alternatively configured by the +UGPIOC command as
Output
Input
Network Status Indication
Pin disabled
GPIO3 GPIO By default, the pin is configured to provide GNSS Data Ready function.
Can be alternatively configured by the +UGPIOC command as
Output
Input
Network Status Indication
GNSS Supply Enable
Pin disabled
GPIO4 GPIO By default, the pin is configured to provide GNSS RTC sharing function.
Can be alternatively configured by the +UGPIOC command as
Output
Input
Network Status Indication
GNSS Supply Enable
Pin disabled
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Pin Module Name Description Remarks
42 SARA-G340
SARA-G350
SARA-U2 series SIM_DET GPIO By default, the pin is configured to provide SIM card detection function.
34 SARA-U2 series I2S_WA GPIO By default, the pin is configured to provide I2S word alignment function.
35 SARA-U2 series I2S_TXD GPIO By default, the pin is configured to provide I2S data output function.
36 SARA-U2 series I2S_CLK GPIO By default, the pin is configured to provide I2S clock function.
37 SARA-U2 series I2S_RXD GPIO By default, the pin is configured to provide I2S data input function.
Table 13: GPIO pins configurations
SIM_DET SIM detection By default, the pin is configured to provide SIM card detection function.
The pin cannot be alternatively configured by the +UGPIOC command.
Can be alternatively configured by the +UGPIOC command as
Output
Input
Network Status Indication
GNSS Supply Enable
Module Operating Mode Indication
Pin disabled
Can be alternatively configured by the +UGPIOC command as
Output
Input
Pin disabled
Can be alternatively configured by the +UGPIOC command as
Output
Input
Pin disabled
Can be alternatively configured by the +UGPIOC command as
Output
Input
Pin disabled
Can be alternatively configured by the +UGPIOC command as
Output
Input
Pin disabled

1.12 Reserved pins (RSVD)

SARA-G3 and SARA-U2 series modules have pins reserved for future use: they can all be left unconnected on the application board, except the RSVD pin number 33 that must be externally connected to ground.
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1.13 System features

1.13.1 Network indication

Not supported by SARA-G300 and SARA-G310 modules.
The GPIO1, or the GPIO2, GPIO3, GPIO4 and, on SARA-U2 series only, the SIM_DET, alternatively from their default settings, can be configured to indicate network status (i.e. no service, registered home network, registered visitor network, voice or data call enabled), by means of the AT+UGPIOC command.
For the detailed description, see section 1.11 and to u-blox AT Commands Manual [3], GPIO commands.

1.13.2 Antenna detection

Not supported by SARA-G300 and SARA-G310 modules.
ANT_DET pin of SARA-G340, SARA-G350 and SARA-U2 series modules is an Analog to Digital Converter (ADC) provided to sense the presence of an external antenna when optionally set by the +UANTR AT command.
The external antenna assembly must be provided with a built-in resistor (diagnostic circuit) to be detected, and an antenna detection circuit must be implemented on the application board properly connecting the antenna detection input (ANT_DET) to the antenna RF interface (ANT).
For more details regarding feature description and detection / diagnostic circuit design-in see sections 1.7.2 and
2.4.2, and to the u-blox AT Commands Manual [3].

1.13.3 Jamming detection

Not supported by SARA-G300 and SARA-G310 modules.
In real network situations modules can experience various kind of out-of-coverage conditions: limited service conditions when roaming to networks not supporting the specific SIM, limited service in cells which are not suitable or barred due to operators’ choices, no cell condition when moving to poorly served or highly interfered areas. In the latter case, interference can be artificially injected in the environment by a noise generator covering a given spectrum, thus obscuring the operator’s carriers entitled to give access to the cellular service.
The Jamming Detection Feature detects such “artificial” interference and reports the start and stop of such conditions to the client, which can react appropriately by e.g. switching off the radio transceiver to reduce power consumption and monitoring the environment at constant periods.
The feature detects, at radio resource level, an anomalous source of interference and signals it to the client with an unsolicited indication when the detection is entered or released. The jamming condition occurs when:
The module has lost synchronization with the serving cell and cannot select any other cell
The band scan reveals at least n carriers with power level equal or higher than threshold
On all such carriers, no synchronization is possible
The client can configure the number of minimum disturbing carriers and the power level threshold by using the AT+UCD command [3].
The jamming condition is cleared when any of the above mentioned statements does not hold. The congestion (i.e. jamming) detection feature can be enabled and configured by the +UCD AT command (for
more details see the u-blox AT Commands Manual [3]).
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1.13.4 TCP/IP and UDP/IP

Not supported by SARA-G300 and SARA-G310 modules.
Via the AT commands it is possible to access the embedded TCP/IP and UDP/IP stack functionalities over the Packet Switched data connection. For more details about AT commands see u-blox AT Commands Manual [3].
Direct Link mode for TCP and UDP sockets is supported. Sockets can be set in Direct Link mode to establish a transparent end-to-end communication with an already connected TCP or UDP socket via serial interface. In Direct Link mode, data sent to the serial interface from an external application processor is forwarded to the network and vice-versa.
To avoid data loss while using Direct Link, enable HW flow control on the serial interface.

1.13.5 FTP

Not supported by SARA-G300 and SARA-G310 modules.
SARA-G340, SARA-G350 and SARA-U2 series modules support the File Transfer Protocol functionalities via AT commands. Files are read and stored in the local file system of the module.
SARA-U2 series modules support also Secure File Transfer Protocol functionalities providing SSL encryption. For more details about AT commands see the u-blox AT Commands Manual [3].

1.13.6 HTTP

Not supported by SARA-G300 and SARA-G310 modules.
SARA-G340, SARA-G350 and SARA-U2 modules support Hyper-Text Transfer Protocol functionalities as an HTTP client is implemented: HEAD, GET, POST, DELETE and PUT operations are available. The file size to be uploaded / downloaded depends on the free space available in the local file system (FFS) at the moment of the operation. Up to 4 HTTP client contexts can simultaneously be used.
SARA-U2 modules support also Secure Hyper-Text Transfer Protocol functionalities providing SSL encryption. For more details about AT commands see the u-blox AT Commands Manual [3].

1.13.7 SMTP

Not supported by SARA-G300, SARA-G310 and SARA-U2 modules.
SARA-G340 and SARA-G350 modules support SMTP client functionalities. It is possible to specify the common parameters (e.g. server data, authentication method, etc. can be specified), to send an email to a SMTP server. Emails can be sent with or without attachment. Attachments are stored in the module local file system.
For more details about AT commands see the u-blox AT Commands Manual [3].
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1.13.8 SSL

Not supported by SARA-G300 and SARA-G310 modules. Not supported by SARA-G340-00S and SARA-G350-00S / SARA-G350-00X modules.
The modules support the Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) / Transport Layer Security (TLS) with certificate key sizes up to 4096 bits to provide security over the FTP and HTTP protocols.
The modules:
o support the server authentication without the root certificate verification o do not support the mutual authentication (use of client certificates)
SSL/TLS Version SARA-U series SARA-G series
SSL 2.0 NO NO SSL 3.0 YES NO TLS 1.0 YES YES TLS 1.1 NO NO TLS 1.2 NO NO
Table 14: SSL/TLS version support
Algorithm SARA-U series SARA-G series
RSA YES YES PSK NO YES
Table 15: Authentication
Algorithm SARA-U series SARA-G series
RC4 YES YES DES NO YES 3DES NO YES AES128 YES YES AES256 NO YES
Table 16: Encryption
Algorithm SARA-U series SARA-G series
MD5 YES YES SHA/SHA1 YES YES SHA256 NO YES SHA384
Table 17: Message digest
NO YES
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TLS_RSA_WITH_RC4_128_MD5
0x00,0x04
YES
YES
Description Registry value SARA-U series SARA-G series
TLS_RSA_WITH_AES_128_CBC_SHA 0x00,0x2F YES YES TLS_RSA_WITH_AES_128_CBC_SHA256 0x00,0x3C NO YES TLS_RSA_WITH_AES_256_CBC_SHA 0x00,0x35 NO YES TLS_RSA_WITH_AES_256_CBC_SHA256 0x00,0x3D NO YES TLS_RSA_WITH_3DES_EDE_CBC_SHA 0x00,0x0A NO YES TLS_RSA_WITH_DES_CBC_SHA 0x00,0x09 NO YES
TLS_RSA_WITH_RC4_128_SHA 0x00,0x05 YES YES TLS_PSK_WITH_AES_128_CBC_SHA 0x00,0x8C NO YES TLS_PSK_WITH_AES_256_CBC_SHA 0x00,0x8D NO YES TLS_PSK_WITH_3DES_EDE_CBC_SHA 0x00,0x8B NO YES TLS_RSA_PSK_WITH_AES_128_CBC_SHA 0x00,0x94 NO YES TLS_RSA_PSK_WITH_AES_256_CBC_SHA 0x00,0x95 NO YES TLS_RSA_PSK_WITH_3DES_EDE_CBC_SHA 0x00,0x93 NO YES TLS_PSK_WITH_AES_128_CBC_SHA256 0x00,0xAE NO YES TLS_PSK_WITH_AES_256_CBC_SHA384 0x00,0xAF NO YES TLS_RSA_PSK_WITH_AES_128_CBC_SHA256 0x00,0xB6 NO YES TLS_RSA_PSK_WITH_AES_256_CBC_SHA384 0x00,0xB7 NO YES
Table 18: TLS cipher suite registry

1.13.9 Dual stack IPv4/IPv6

Not supported by SARA-G3 modules.
SARA-U2 modules support both Internet Protocol version 4 and Internet Protocol version 6. For more details about dual stack IPv4/IPv6 see the u-blox AT C ommands Manual [3].
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Warning
area
t
-1
t
+1
t
+2
t
-2
Valid temperature range
Safe
area
Dangerous
area
Dangerous
area
Warning
area

1.13.10 Smart temperature management

Not supported by SARA-G300 and SARA-G310 modules.
Cellular modules – independent of the specific model – always have a well-defined operating temperature range. This range should be respected to guarantee full device functionality and long life span.
Nevertheless there are environmental conditions that can affect operating temperature, e.g. if the device is located near a heating/cooling source, if there is/is not air circulating, etc.
The module itself can also influence the environmental conditions; such as when it is transmitting at full power. In this case its temperature increases very quickly and can raise the temperature nearby.
The best solution is always to properly design the system where the module is integrated. Nevertheless an extra check/security mechanism embedded into the module is a good solution to prevent operation of the device outside of the specified range.
Smart Temperature Supervisor (STS)
The Smart Temperature Supervisor is activated and configured by a dedicated AT+USTS command. See u-blox AT Commands Manual [3] for more details.
The cellular module measures the internal temperature (Ti) and its value is compared with predefined thresholds to identify the actual working temperature range.
Temperature measurement is done inside the module: the measured value could be different from the
environmental temperature (Ta).
Figure 30: Temperature range and limits
The entire temperature range is divided into sub-regions by limits (see Figure 30) named t-2, t-1, t+1 and t+2.
Within the first limit, (t
In the Warning Area, (t
< Ti < t+1), the cellular module is in the normal working range, the Safe Area
-1
< Ti < t.1) or (t+1 < Ti < t+2), the cellular module is still inside the valid temperature
-2
range, but the measured temperature approaches the limit (upper or lower). The module sends a warning to the user (through the active AT communication interface), which can take, if possible, the necessary actions to return to a safer temperature range or simply ignore the indication. The module is still in a valid and good working condition
Outside the valid temperature range, (Ti < t
) or (Ti > t+2), the device is working outside the specified range
-2
and represents a dangerous working condition. This condition is indicated and the device shuts down to avoid damage
For security reasons the shutdown is suspended in case an emergency call in progress. In this case the
device switches off at call termination.
The user can decide at anytime to enable/disable the Smart Temperature Supervisor feature. If the feature
is disabled there is no embedded protection against disallowed temperature conditions.
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IF STS
enabled
Read
temperature
IF
(t-1<Ti<t+1)
IF
(t-2<Ti<t+2)
Send
notification
(warning)
Send
notification
(dangerous)
Wait emergency
call
termination
IF
emerg.
call in
progress
Shut the device
down
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
Send
shutdown
notification
Feature enabled (full logic or
indication only)
IF
Full Logic
Enabled
Feature d isabled:
no action
Temperature is within normal operating range
Yes
Tempetature is within warning area
Tempetature is outside valid temperature range
No
Featuere enabled in full logic mode
Feature enabled in indication only mode: no further actions
Send
notification
(safe)
Previously
outside of
Safe Area
Tempetature is back to safe area
No
No further actions
Yes
Figure 31 shows the flow diagram implemented in the SARA-G340 and SARA-G350 modules for the Smart Temperature Supervisor.
Figure 31: Smart Temperature Supervisor (STS) flow diagram
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Threshold definitions
When the module application operates at extreme temperatures with Smart Temperature Supervisor enabled, the user should note that outside the valid temperature range the device automatically shuts down as described above.
The input for the algorithm is always the temperature measured within the cellular module (Ti, internal). This value can be higher than the working ambient temperature (Ta, ambient), since (for example) during transmission at maximum power a significant fraction of DC input power is dissipated as heat. This behavior is partially compensated by the definition of the upper shutdown threshold (t
) that is slightly higher than the
+2
declared environmental temperature limit.
Table 19 defines the temperature thresholds for SARA-G340 and SARA-G350 modules.
Symbol Parameter Temperature Remarks
t-2 Low temperature shutdown –40 °C
t-1 Low temperature warning –30 °C 10 °C above t-2
t+1 High temperature warning +85 °C
t+2 High temperature shutdown +95 °C
(*) SARA-G340 / SARA-G350 module mounted on a 79 x 62 x 1.41 mm 4-Layers PCB with a high coverage of copper
Table 19: Thresholds definition for Smart Temperature Supervisor on the SARA-G340 and SARA-G350 modules
Equal to the absolute minimum temperature rating for the cellular module (the lower limit of the extended temperature range)
10 °C below t that any countermeasures used to limit the thermal heating will become effective, even considering some thermal inertia of the complete assembly.
Equal to the internal temperature Ti measured in the worst case operating condition at typical supply voltage when the ambient temperature Ta in the reference setup (*) equals the absolute maximum temperature rating (upper limit of the extended temperature range)
. The higher warning area for upper range ensures
+2
Table 20 defines the temperature thresholds for SARA-U2 modules.
Symbol Parameter Temperature Remarks
t-2 Low temperature shutdown –40 °C
t-1 Low temperature warning –30 °C 10 °C above t-2
t+1 High temperature warning +77 °C
t+2 High temperature shutdown +97 °C
(*) SARA-U2 module mounted on a 79 x 62 x 1.41 mm 4-Layers PCB with a high coverage of copper
Table 20: Thresholds definition for Smart Temperature Supervisor on the SARA-U2 modules
Equal to the absolute minimum temperature rating for the cellular module (the lower limit of the extended temperature range)
20 °C below t that any countermeasures used to limit the thermal heating will become effective, even considering some thermal inertia of the complete assembly.
Equal to the internal temperature Ti measured in the worst case operating condition at typical supply voltage when the ambient temperature Ta in the reference setup (*) equals the absolute maximum temperature rating (upper limit of the extended temperature range)
. The higher warning area for upper range ensures
+2
The sensor measures board temperature inside the shields, which can differ from ambient temperature.
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1.13.11 AssistNow clients and GNSS integration

Not supported by SARA-G300 and SARA-G310 modules.
For customers using u-blox GNSS receivers, SARA-G340, SARA-G350 and SARA-U2 modules feature embedded AssistNow clients. AssistNow A-GPS provides better GNSS performance and faster Time-To-First-Fix. The clients can be enabled and disabled with an AT command (see the u-blox AT Commands Manual [3]).
SARA-G340, SARA-G350 and SARA-U2 modules act as a stand-alone AssistNow client, making AssistNow available with no additional requirements for resources or software integration on an external host micro controller. Full access to u-blox positioning receivers is available via the cellular modules, through a dedicated
2
C) interface, while the available GPIOs can handle the positioning chipset / module power-on/off. This
DDC (I means that the cellular module and the positioning chips and modules can be controlled through a single serial port from any host processor.
1.13.12 Hybrid positioning and CellLocate
®
Not supported by SARA-G300 and SARA-G310 versions.
Although GNSS is a widespread technology, reliance on the visibility of extremely weak GNSS satellite signals means that positioning is not always possible, particularly in shielded environments such as indoors and enclosed park houses, or when a GNSS jamming signal is present. The situation can be improved by augmenting GNSS receiver data with network cell information to provide a level of redundancy that can benefit numerous applications.
®
Positioning through cellular information: CellLocate
u-blox CellLocate
®
enables the device position estimation based on the parameters of the mobile network cells visible to the specific device. To estimate its position the module sends the CellLocate network cells visible to it using a UDP connection. In return the server provides the estimated position based on the CellLocate
®
database. SARA-G340, SARA-G350 and SARA-U2 modules can either send the parameters of the visible home network cells only (normal scan) or the parameters of all surrounding cells of all mobile operators (deep scan).
®
The CellLocate
database is compiled from the position of devices which observed, in the past, a specific cell or set of cells (historical observations) as follows:
®
server the parameters of
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1. Several devices reported their position to the CellLocate
®
server when observing a specific cell (the As in the
picture represent the position of the devices which observed the same cell A)
®
2. CellLocate
server defines the area of Cell A visibility
3. If a new device reports the observation of Cell A CellLocate
the area of visibility
®
is able to provide the estimated position from
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4. The visibility of multiple cells provides increased accuracy based on the intersection of areas of visibility.
®
CellLocate
is implemented using a set of two AT commands that allow configuration of the CellLocate® service (AT+ULOCCELL) and requesting position according to the user configuration (AT+ULOC). The answer is provided in the form of an unsolicited AT command including latitude, longitude and estimated accuracy.
The accuracy of the position estimated by CellLocate
®
depends on the availability of historical observations
in the specific area.
Hybrid positioning
With u-blox hybrid positioning technology, u-blox cellular modules can be triggered to provide their current position using either a u-blox GNSS receiver or the position estimated from CellLocate
®
. The choice depends on which positioning method provides the best and fastest solution according to the user configuration, exploiting the benefit of having multiple and complementary positioning methods.
Hybrid positioning is implemented through a set of three AT commands that allow GNSS receiver configuration (AT+ULOCGNSS), CellLocate the user configuration (AT+ULOC). The answer is provided in the form of an unsolicited AT command including latitude, longitude and estimated accuracy (if the position has been estimated by CellLocate
®
service configuration (AT+ULOCCELL), and requesting the position according to
®
), and additional
parameters if the position has been computed by the GNSS receiver. The configuration of mobile network cells does not remain static (e.g. new cells are continuously added or
existing cells are reconfigured by the network operators). For this reason, when a hybrid positioning method has been triggered and the GNSS receiver calculates the position, a database self-learning mechanism has been implemented so that these positions are sent to the server to update the database and maintain its accuracy.
2
The use of hybrid positioning requires a connection via the DDC (I
C) bus between the cellular modules and the
u-blox GNSS receiver (see section 2.6.4). See GNSS Implementation Application Note [24] for the complete description of the feature.
u-blox is extremely mindful of user privacy. When a position is sent to the CellLocate
®
server u-blox is
unable to track the SIM used or the specific device.
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1.13.13 Firmware upgrade Over AT (FOAT)

Overview
This feature allows upgrading the module Firmware over the AT interface of the module (the UART for SARA-G3 modules, the UART or the USB for SARA-U2 modules), using AT Commands.
The AT+UFWUPD command triggers a reboot followed by the upgrade procedure at specified a baud rate
(see u-blox AT Commands Manual [3] for more details)
A special boot loader on the module performs firmware installation, security verifications and module reboot
Firmware authenticity verification is performed via a security signature during the download. The firmware is
then installed, overwriting the current version. In case of power loss during this phase, the boot loader detects a fault at the next wake-up, and restarts the firmware download from the Xmodem-1k handshake. After completing the upgrade, the module is reset again and wakes-up in normal boot
FOAT procedure
The application processor must proceed in the following way:
Send the AT+UFWUPD command through the AT interface, specifying file type and desired baud rate
Reconfigure serial communication at selected baud rate, with the used protocol
Send the new FW image via the used protocol
For more details, see the Firmware Update Application Note [25].

1.13.14 Firmware upgrade Over The Air (FOTA)

Not supported by SARA-G300 and SARA-G310 modules and SARA-U2 series. Supported upon request on SARA-G340 and SARA-G350 modules.
This feature allows upgrading the module firmware over the air, i.e. over the cellular network. The main idea with updating firmware over the air is to reduce the amount of data required for transmission to the module. This is achieved by downloading only a “delta file” instead of the full firmware. The delta contains only the differences between the two firmware versions (old and new), and is compressed.
For more details, see the Firmware Update Application Note [25].
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1.13.15 In-Band modem (eCall / ERA-GLONASS)

Not supported by SARA-G300 / SARA-G310 / SARA-U260 / SARA-U280 modules.
SARA-G340, SARA-G350 and SARA-U2 modules support an In-Band modem solution for the European eCall and the Russian ERA-GLONASS emergency call applications over cellular networks, implemented according to 3GPP TS 26.267 [22], BS EN 16062:2011 [30] and ETSI TS 122 101 [31] specifications.
eCall (European) and ERA-GLONASS (Russian) are initiatives to combine mobile communications and satellite positioning to provide rapid assistance to motorists in the event of a collision. The eCall automated emergency response system is based on GPS, and the ERA-GLONASS is based on the GLONASS positioning system.
When activated, the in-vehicle systems (IVS) automatically initiate an emergency call carrying both voice and data (including location data) directly to the nearest Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) to determine whether rescue services should be dispatched to the known position.
Figure 32: eCall and ERA-GLONASS automated emergency response systems diagram flow
For more details regarding the In-Band modem solution for the European eCall and the Russian ERA-GLONASS emergency call applications see the u-blox eCall / ERA-GLONASS Application Note [29].

1.13.16 SIM Access Profile (SAP)

Not supported by SARA-G3 modules.
SIM access profile (SAP) feature allows SARA-U2 modules to access and use a remote (U)SIM card instead of the local SIM card directly connected to the module (U)SIM interface.
SARA-U2 modules provide a dedicated USB SAP channel and dedicated multiplexer SAP channel over UART for communication with the remote (U)SIM card.
The communication between SARA-U2 modules and the remote SIM is conformed to client-server paradigm: the SARA-U2 module is the SAP client establishing a connection and performing data exchange to an SAP server directly connected to the remote SIM that is used by SARA-U2 module for GSM/UMTS network operations. The SAP communication protocol is based on the SIM Access Profile Interoperability Specification [28].
SARA-U2 modules do not support SAP server role: the module acts as SAP client only.
A typical application using the SAP feature is the scenario where a device such as an embedded car-phone with an integrated SARA-U2 module uses a remote SIM included in an external user device (e.g. a simple SIM card reader or a portable phone), which is brought into the car. The car-phone accesses the GSM/UMTS network using the remote SIM in the external device.
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Device including SARA-U2
GSM/UMTS
Interface
SAP
Serial Interface
(SAP channel over
USB o r UART)
Local SIM
(op tional)
SARA-U2
SAP Client
Application
Processor
Device including SIM
SAP
Serial Interface
Remote SIM
Mobile
Equipment
SAP Server
Device including SARA-U2
SAP
Serial Interface
(SAP channel
ov er
USB or UART )
GSM/UMTS
Interface
Local SIM
(op tional)
SARA-U2
SAP Client
Application
Processor
SAP
Bluetooth
Interface
Bluetooth
Transceiver
Device including SIM
Remote SIM
Mobile
Equipment
SAP Server
Bluetooth
Transceiver
SARA-U2 modules, acting as an SAP client, can be connected to an SAP server by a completely wired connection, as shown in Figure 33.
Figure 33: Remote SIM access via completely wired connection
As stated in the SIM Access Profile Interoperability Specification [28], the SAP client can be connected to the SAP server by means of a Bluetooth wireless link, using additional Bluetooth transceivers. In this case, the application processor wired to SARA-U2 modules establishes and controls the Bluetooth connection using the SAP profile, and routes data received over a serial interface channel to data transferred over a Bluetooth interface and vice versa, as shown in Figure 34.
Figure 34: Remote SIM access via Bluetooth and wired connection
The application processor can start an SAP connection negotiation between SARA-U2 module SAP client and an SAP server using custom AT command (for more details refer to u-blox AT Commands Manual [3]).
While the connection with the SAP server is not fully established, the SARA-U2 module continues to operate with the attached (local) SIM, if present. Once the connection is established and negotiated, the SARA-U2 module performs a detach operation from the local SIM followed by an attach operation to the remote one. Then the remotely attached SIM is used for any GSM/UMTS network operation.
URC indications are provided to inform the user about the state of both the local and remote SIM. The insertion and the removal of the local SIM card are notified if a proper card presence detection circuit using the SIM_DET pin of SARA-U2 modules is implemented as shown in the section 2.5, and if the related “SIM card detection” and “SIM hot insertion/removal” functions are enabled by AT commands (for more details see u-blox AT Commands Manual [3], +UGPIOC, +UDCONF=50 AT commands).
Upon SAP deactivation, the SARA-U2 modules perform a detach operation from the remote SIM followed by an attach operation to the local one, if present.
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1.13.17 Power saving

The power saving configuration is by default disabled, but it can be enabled using the AT+UPSV command. When power saving is enabled, the module automatically enters the low power idle-mode whenever possible, reducing current consumption.
During low power idle-mode, the module is not ready to communicate with an external device by means of the application interfaces, since it is configured to reduce power consumption. It can be woken up from idle-mode to active-mode by the connected application processor, by the connected u-blox positioning receiver or by network activities, as described in Table 6.
During idle-mode, the module processor core runs with the RTC 32 kHz reference clock, which is generated by:
The internal 32 kHz oscillator, in case of SARA-G340, SARA-G350 and SARA-U2 modules
The 32 kHz signal provided at the EXT32K input pin, in case of SARA-G300 and SARA-G310 modules
SARA-G300 and SARA-G310 need a 32 kHz signal at EXT32K input to reach the low power idle-mode.
For the complete description of the AT+UPSV command, refer to the u-blox AT Commands Manual [3]. For the definition and the description of SARA-G3 and SARA-U2 series modules operating modes, including the
events forcing transitions between the different operating modes, refer to section 1.4. For the description of current consumption in idle and active operating modes, refer to sections 1.5.1.4, 1.5.1.5. For the description of the UART settings related to module power saving configuration, refer to section 1.9.1.4. For the description of the USB settings related to module power saving configuration, refer to section 1.9.3.2. For the description of the EXT32K input and related application circuit design-in, refer to sections 1.6.4, 2.3.3.
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2 Design-in

2.1 Overview

For an optimal integration of SARA-G3 and SARA-U2 series modules in the final application board follow the design guidelines stated in this section.
Every application circuit must be properly designed to guarantee the correct functionality of the related interface, however a number of points require higher attention during the design of the application device.
The following list provides a ranking of importance in the application design, starting from the highest relevance:
1. Module antenna connection: ANT and ANT_DET pins. Antenna circuit directly affects the RF compliance of
the device integrating a SARA-G3 and SARA-U2 series module with the applicable certification schemes. Very carefully follow the suggestions provided in section 2.4 for schematic and layout design.
2. Module supply: VCC and GND pins. The supply circuit affects the RF compliance of the device integrating a
SARA-G3 and SARA-U2 series module with applicable certification schemes as well as antenna circuit design. Very carefully follow the suggestions provided in section 2.2.1 for schematic and layout design.
3. USB interface: USB_D+, USB_D- and VUSB_DET pins. Accurate design is required to guarantee USB 2.0
high-speed interface functionality. Carefully follow the suggestions provided in the related section 2.6.1 for schematic and layout design.
4. SIM interface: VSIM, SIM_CLK, SIM_IO, SIM_RST, SIM_DET pins. Accurate design is required to guarantee
SIM card functionality and compliance with applicable conformance standards, reducing also the risk of RF coupling. Carefully follow the suggestions provided in section 2.5 for schematic and layout design.
5. System functions: RESET_N, PWR_ON pins. Accurate design is required to guarantee that the voltage level
is well defined during operation. Carefully follow the suggestions provided in section 2.3 for schematic and layout design.
6. Analog audio interface: MIC_BIAS, MIC_GND, MIC_P, MIC_N uplink and SPK_P, SPK_N downlink pins.
Accurate design is required to obtain clear and high quality audio reducing the risk of noise from audio lines due to both supply burst noise coupling and RF detection. Carefully follow the suggestions provided in section 2.7.1 for schematic and layout design.
7. Other digital interfaces: UART and auxiliary UART interfaces, DDC I
interface and GPIOs. Accurate design is required to guarantee proper functionality and reduce the risk of digital data frequency harmonics coupling. Follow the suggestions provided in sections 2.6.1, 2.6.2, 2.6.4,
2.7.2 and 2.8 for schematic and layout design.
8. 32 kHz signal: the EXT32K input pin and the 32K_OUT output pin of SARA-G300 and SARA-G310 modules
require accurate layout design as it may affect the stability of the RTC reference. Follow the suggestions provided in section
9. Other supplies: the V_BCKP RTC supply input/output and the V_INT digital interfaces supply output.
Accurate design is required to guarantee proper functionality. Follow the suggestions provided in sections
2.2.2 and 2.2.3 for schematic and layout design.
2.3.3 for schematic and layout design.
2
C-compatible interface, digital audio
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Main Supply
Available?
Battery
Li-Ion 3.7 V
Linear LDO
Regulator
Main Supply
Voltage > 5V?
Switching Step-Down
Regulator
No, portable device
No, less than 5 V
Yes, greater than 5 V
Yes, always available

2.2 Supply interfaces

2.2.1 Module supply (VCC)

2.2.1.1 General guidelines for VCC supply circuit selection and design
VCC pins are internally connected, but connect all the available pins to the external supply to minimize the
power loss due to series resistance. GND pins are internally connected but connect all the available pins to solid ground on the application board,
since a good (low impedance) connection to external ground can minimize power loss and improve RF and thermal performance.
SARA-G3 and SARA-U2 series modules must be supplied through the VCC pins by a proper DC power supply that should comply with the module VCC requirements summarized in Table 7.
The proper DC power supply can be selected according to the application requirements (see Figure 35) between the different possible supply sources types, which most common ones are the following:
Switching regulator
Low Drop-Out (LDO) linear regulator
Rechargeable Lithium-ion (Li-Ion) or Lithium-ion polymer (Li-Pol) battery
Primary (disposable) battery
Figure 35: VCC supply concept selection
The DC/DC switching step-down regulator is the typical choice when the available primary supply source has a nominal voltage much higher (e.g. greater than 5 V) than the modules VCC operating supply voltage. The use of switching step-down provides the best power efficiency for the overall application and minimizes current drawn from the main supply source. Refer to sections 2.2.1.2 and 2.2.1.6, 2.2.1.9, 2.2.1.10 for specific design-in.
The use of an LDO linear regulator becomes convenient for a primary supply with a relatively low voltage (e.g. less than 5 V). In this case the typical 90% efficiency of the switching regulator diminishes the benefit of voltage step-down and no true advantage is gained in input current savings. On the opposite side, linear regulators are not recommended for high voltage step-down as they dissipate a considerable amount of energy in thermal power. Refer to sections 2.2.1.3 and 2.2.1.6, 2.2.1.9, 2.2.1.10 for specific design-in.
If the modules are deployed in a mobile unit where no permanent primary supply source is available, then a battery will be required to provide VCC. A standard 3-cell Li-Ion or Li-Pol battery pack directly connected to VCC is the usual choice for battery-powered devices. During charging, batteries with Ni-MH chemistry typically reach a maximum voltage that is above the maximum rating for VCC, and should therefore be avoided. Refer to sections 2.2.1.4 and 2.2.1.6, 2.2.1.9, 2.2.1.10 for specific design-in.
Keep in mind that the use of rechargeable batteries requires the implementation of a suitable charger circuit which is not included in SARA-G3 and SARA-U2 series modules. The charger circuit has to be designed to prevent over-voltage on VCC pins of the module, and it should be selected according to the application requirements: a DC/DC switching charger is the typical choice when the charging source has an high nominal
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voltage (e.g. ~12 V), whereas a linear charger is the typical choice when the charging source has a relatively low nominal voltage (~5 V). If both a permanent primary supply / charging source (e.g. ~12 V) and a rechargeable back-up battery (e.g. 3.7 V Li-Pol) are available at the same time in the application as possible supply source, then a proper charger / regulator with integrated power path management function can be selected to supply the module while simultaneously and independently charging the battery. Refer to sections 2.2.1.7, 2.2.1.8,
2.2.1.6, 2.2.1.9, and 2.2.1.10 for specific design-in. The use of a primary (not rechargeable) battery is in general uncommon, but appropriate parts can be selected
given that the most cells available are seldom capable of delivering the burst peak current for a GSM call due to high internal resistance. Refer to sections 2.2.1.5, 2.2.1.6, 2.2.1.9, and 2.2.1.10 for specific design-in.
The usage of more than one DC supply at the same time should be carefully evaluated: depending on the supply source characteristics, different DC supply systems can result as mutually exclusive.
The usage of a regulator or a battery not able to support the highest peak of VCC current consumption specified in the SARA-G3 series Data Sheet [1] and in the SARA-U2 series Data Sheet [2] is generally not recommended. However, if the selected regulator or battery is not able to support the highest peak current of the module, it must be able to support at least the highest averaged current consumption value specified in the SARA-G3 series Data Sheet [1] and in the SARA-U2 series Data Sheet [2]. The additional energy required by the module during a 2G Tx slot can be provided by an appropriate bypass tank capacitor or supercapacitor with very large capacitance and very low ESR placed close to the module VCC pins. Depending on the actual capability of the selected regulator or battery, the required capacitance can be considerably larger than 1 mF and the required ESR can be in the range of few tens of mΩ. Carefully evaluate the implementation of this solution since aging and temperature conditions significantly affect the actual capacitor characteristics.
The following sections highlight some design aspects for each of the supplies listed above providing application circuit design-in compliant with the module VCC requirements summarized in Table 7.
For the additional specific guidelines for SARA-G350 ATEX and SARA-U270 ATEX modules integration in
potentially explosive atmospheres applications, refer to section 2.14.
2.2.1.2 Guidelines for VCC supply circuit design using a switching regulator
The use of a switching regulator is suggested when the difference from the available supply rail to the VCC value is high: switching regulators provide good efficiency transforming a 12 V or greater voltage supply to the typical
3.8 V value of the VCC supply. The characteristics of the switching regulator connected to VCC pins should meet the following prerequisites to
comply with the module VCC requirements summarized in Table 7:
Power capability: the switching regulator with its output circuit must be capable of providing a voltage
value to the VCC pins within the specified operating range and must be capable of delivering to VCC pins the specified maximum peak / pulse current with 1/8 duty cycle (refer to the SARA-G3 series Data Sheet [1] or the SARA-U2 series Data Sheet [2]).
Low output ripple: the switching regulator together with its output circuit must be capable of providing a
clean (low noise) VCC voltage profile.
High switching frequency: for best performance and for smaller applications select a switching frequency
600 kHz (since L-C output filter is typically smaller for high switching frequency). The use of a switching regulator with a variable switching frequency or with a switching frequency lower than 600 kHz must be carefully evaluated since this can produce noise in the VCC voltage profile and therefore negatively impact GSM modulation spectrum performance. An additional L-C low-pass filter between the switching regulator output to VCC supply pins can mitigate the ripple on VCC, but adds extra voltage drop due to resistive losses on series inductors.
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SARA-G3 / SARA-U2
12V
C5
R3
C4
R2
C2
C1
R1
VIN
RUN
VC
RT
PG
SYNC
BD
BOOST
SW
FB
GND
6
7
10
9
5
C6
1
2
3
8
11
4
C7 C8
D1
R4
R5
L1
C3
U1
52
VCC
53
VCC
51
VCC
GND
15 kResistor 0402 5% 0.1 W
PWM mode operation: it is preferable to select regulators with Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) mode.
While in connected-mode Pulse Frequency Modulation (PFM) mode and PFM/PWM mode, transitions must be avoided to reduce the noise on the VCC voltage profile. Switching regulators that are able to switch between low ripple PWM mode and high efficiency burst or PFM mode can be used, provided the mode transition occurs when the module changes status from idle/active-mode to connected-mode (where current consumption increases to a value greater than 100 mA): it is permissible to use a regulator that switches from the PWM mode to the burst or PFM mode at an appropriate current threshold (e.g. 60 mA).
Output voltage slope: the use of the soft start function provided by some voltage regulators should be
carefully evaluated, since the VCC pins voltage must ramp from 2.5 V to 3.2 V in less than 1 ms to switch on the SARA-U2 modules or in less than 4 ms to switch on the SARA-G3 modules by applying VCC supply, that otherwise can be switched on by forcing a low level on the RESET_N pin during the VCC rising edge and then releasing the RESET_N pin when the VCC supply voltage stabilizes at its proper nominal value.
Figure 36 and the components listed in Table 21 show an example of a high reliability power supply circuit, where the module VCC is supplied by a step-down switching regulator capable of delivering to VCC pins the specified maximum peak / pulse current, with low output ripple and with fixed switching frequency in PWM mode operation greater than 1 MHz.
Figure 36: Suggested schematic design for the VCC voltage supply application circuit using a step-down regulator
Reference Description Part Number - Manufacturer
C1 10 µF Capacitor Ceramic X7R 5750 15% 50 V C5750X7R1H106MB - TDK C2 10 nF Capacitor Ceramic X7R 0402 10% 16 V GRM155R71C103KA01 - Murata C3 680 pF Capacitor Ceramic X7R 0402 10% 16 V GRM155R71H681KA01 - Murata C4 22 pF Capacitor Ceramic C0G 0402 5% 25 V GRM1555C1H220JZ01 - Murata C5 10 nF Capacitor Ceramic X7R 0402 10% 16 V GRM155R71C103KA01 - Murata C6 470 nF Capacitor Ceramic X7R 0603 10% 25 V GRM188R71E474KA12 - Murata C7 22 µF Capacitor Ceramic X5R 1210 10% 25 V GRM32ER61E226KE15 - Murata C8
330 µF Capacitor Tantalum D_SIZE 6.3 V 45 m
T520D337M006ATE045 - KEMET
D1 Schottky Diode 40 V 3 A MBRA340T3G - ON Semiconductor L1 10 µH Inductor 744066100 30% 3.6 A 744066100 - Wurth Electronics R1
470 kResistor 0402 5% 0.1 W R2
R3
R4
R5
22 k Resistor 0402 5% 0.1 W
390 kΩ Resistor 0402 1% 0.063 W
100 kResistor 0402 5% 0.1 W U1 Step-Down Regulator MSOP10 3.5 A 2.4 MHz LT3972IMSE#PBF - Linear Technology
Table 21: Suggested components for the VCC voltage supply application circuit using a step-down regulator
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2322-705-87474-L - Yageo
2322-705-87153-L - Yageo
2322-705-87223-L - Yageo
RC0402FR-07390KL - Yageo
2322-705-70104-L - Yageo
SARA-G3 and SARA-U2 series - System Integration Manual
SARA-G3 / SARA
-U2
12V
R5
C6C1
VCC
INH
FSW
SYNC
OUT
GND
2
6
3
1
7
8
C3
C2
D1
R1
R2
L1
U1
GND
FB
COMP
5
4
R3
C4
R4
C5
52
VCC
53
VCC
51
VCC
Figure 37 and the components listed in Table 22 show an example of a low cost power supply circuit, where the VCC module supply is provided by a step-down switching regulator capable of delivering to VCC pins the specified maximum peak / pulse current, transforming a 12 V supply input.
Figure 37: Suggested low cost solution for the VCC voltage supply application circuit using step-down regulator
Reference Description Part Number - Manufacturer
C1 22 µF Capacitor Ceramic X5R 1210 10% 25 V GRM32ER61E226KE15 – Murata
C2 C3 5.6 nF Capacitor Ceramic X7R 0402 10% 50 V GRM155R71H562KA88 – Murata C4 6.8 nF Capacitor Ceramic X7R 0402 10% 50 V GRM155R71H682KA88 – Murata C5 56 pF Capacitor Ceramic C0G 0402 5% 50 V GRM1555C1H560JA01 – Murata C6 220 nF Capacitor Ceramic X7R 0603 10% 25 V GRM188R71E224KA88 – Murata D1 Schottky Diode 25V 2 A STPS2L25 – STMicroelectronics
L1
R1
R2
R3
R4
R5 U1 Step-Down Regulator 8-VFQFPN 3 A 1 MHz L5987TR – ST Microelectronics
Table 22: Suggested components for low cost solution VCC voltage supply application circuit using a step-down regulator
100 µF Capacitor Tantalum B_SIZE 20% 6.3V 15m
5.2 µH Inductor 30% 5.28A 22 m
4.7 kResistor 0402 1% 0.063 W
910 Resistor 0402 1% 0.063 W
82 Resistor 0402 5% 0.063 W
8.2 kResistor 0402 5% 0.063 W
39 kResistor 0402 5% 0.063 W
T520B107M006ATE015 – Kemet
MSS1038-522NL – Coilcraft
RC0402FR-074K7L – Yageo
RC0402FR-07910RL – Yageo
RC0402JR-0782RL – Yageo
RC0402JR-078K2L – Yageo
RC0402JR-0739KL – Yageo
2.2.1.3 Guidelines for VCC supply circuit design using a Low Drop-Out (LDO) linear regulator
The use of a linear regulator is suggested when the difference from the available supply rail and the VCC value is low: linear regulators provide high efficiency when transforming a 5 V supply to a voltage value within the module VCC normal operating range.
The characteristics of the LDO linear regulator connected to the VCC pins should meet the following prerequisites to comply with the module VCC requirements summarized in Table 7:
Power capabilities: the LDO linear regulator with its output circuit must be capable of providing a proper
voltage value to the VCC pins and of delivering to VCC pins the specified maximum peak / pulse current with 1/8 duty cycle (refer to the SARA-G3 series Data Sheet [1] or the SARA-U2 series Data Sheet [2]).
Power dissipation: the power handling capability of the LDO linear regulator must be checked to limit its
junction temperature to the maximum rated operating range (i.e. check the voltage drop from the max input voltage to the min output voltage to evaluate the power dissipation of the regulator).
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5V
C1
IN OUT
ADJ
GND
1
2
4
5
3
C2R1
R2
U1
SHDN
SARA-G3 / SARA-U2
52
VCC
53
VCC
51
VCC
GND
Output voltage slope: the use of the soft start function provided by some voltage regulator should be
carefully evaluated, since the VCC pins voltage must ramp from 2.5 V to 3.2 V in less than 1 ms to switch on the SARA-U2 modules or in less than 4 ms to switch on the SARA-G3 modules by applying VCC supply, that otherwise can be switched on by forcing a low level on the RESET_N pin during the VCC rising edge and then releasing the RESET_N pin when the VCC supply voltage stabilizes at its proper nominal value.
Figure 38 and the components listed in Table 23 show an example of a high reliability power supply circuit, where the VCC module supply is provided by an LDO linear regulator capable of delivering the specified highest peak / pulse current, with proper power handling capability. The regulator described in this example supports a wide input voltage range, and it includes internal circuitry for reverse battery protection, current limiting, thermal limiting and reverse current protection.
It is recommended to configure the LDO linear regulator to generate a voltage supply value slightly below the maximum limit of the module VCC normal operating range (e.g. ~4.1 V as in the circuit described in Figure 38 and Table 23). This reduces the power on the linear regulator and improves the whole thermal design of the supply circuit.
Figure 38: Suggested schematic design for the VCC voltage supply application circuit using an LDO linear regulator
Reference Description Part Number - Manufacturer
C1, C2 10 µF Capacitor Ceramic X5R 0603 20% 6.3 V GRM188R60J106ME47 - Murata R1
R2
U1 LDO Linear Regulator ADJ 3.0 A LT1764AEQ#PBF - Linear Technology
Table 23: Suggested components for VCC voltage supply application circuit using an LDO linear regulator
9.1 kResistor 0402 5% 0.1 W
3.9 kResistor 0402 5% 0.1 W
RC0402JR-079K1L - Yageo Phycomp
RC0402JR-073K9L - Yageo Phycomp
Figure 39 and the components listed in Table 24 show an example of a low cost power supply circuit, where the VCC module supply is provided by an LDO linear regulator capable of delivering the specified highest peak / pulse current, with proper power handling capability. The regulator described in this example supports a limited input voltage range and it includes internal circuitry for current and thermal protection.
It is recommended to configure the LDO linear regulator to generate a voltage supply value slightly below the maximum limit of the module VCC normal operating range (e.g. ~4.1 V as in the circuit described in Figure 39 and Table 24). This reduces the power on the linear regulator and improves the whole thermal design of the supply circuit.
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5V
C1
IN OUT
ADJ
GND
1
2
4
5
3
C2R1
R2
U1
EN
SARA-G3 / SARA-U2
52
VCC
53
VCC
51
VCC
GND
Figure 39: Suggested schematic design for the VCC voltage supply application circuit using an LDO linear regulator
Reference Description Part Number - Manufacturer
C1, C2 10 µF Capacitor Ceramic X5R 0603 20% 6.3 V GRM188R60J106ME47 - Murata R1
R2
U1 LDO Linear Regulator ADJ 3.0 A LP38501ATJ-ADJ/NOPB - Texas Instrument
Table 24: Suggested components for VCC voltage supply application circuit using an LDO linear regulator
27 k Resistor 0402 5% 0.1 W
4.7 k Resistor 0402 5% 0.1 W
RC0402JR-0727KL - Yageo Phycomp
RC0402JR-074K7L - Yageo Phycomp
2.2.1.4 Guidelines for VCC supply circuit design using a rechargeable Li-Ion or Li-Pol battery
Rechargeable Li-Ion or Li-Pol batteries connected to the VCC pins should meet the following prerequisites to comply with the module VCC requirements summarized in Table 7:
Maximum pulse and DC discharge current: the rechargeable Li-Ion battery with its output circuit must be
capable of delivering to VCC pins the specified maximum peak / pulse current with 1/8 duty cycle, and a DC current greater than the module maximum average current consumption (refer to the SARA-G3 series Data Sheet [1] or the SARA-U2 series Data Sheet [2]). The maximum pulse discharge current and the maximum DC discharge current are not always reported in battery data sheets, but the maximum DC discharge current is typically almost equal to the battery capacity in Amp-hours divided by 1 hour.
DC series resistance: the rechargeable Li-Ion battery with its output circuit must be capable of avoiding a
VCC voltage drop greater than 400 mV during transmit bursts.
2.2.1.5 Guidelines for VCC supply circuit design using a primary (disposable) battery
The characteristics of a primary (non-rechargeable) battery connected to VCC pins should meet the following prerequisites to comply with the module VCC requirements summarized in Table 7:
Maximum pulse and DC discharge current: the non-rechargeable battery with its output circuit must be
capable of delivering to VCC pins the specified maximum peak / pulse current with 1/8 duty cycle, and a DC current greater than the module maximum average current consumption (refer to the SARA-G3 series Data Sheet [1] or the SARA-U2 series Data Sheet [2]). The maximum pulse and the maximum DC discharge current is not always reported in battery data sheets, but the maximum DC discharge current is typically almost equal to the battery capacity in Amp-hours divided by 1 hour.
DC series resistance: the non-rechargeable battery with its output circuit must be capable of avoiding a
VCC voltage drop greater than 400 mV during transmit bursts.
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C4
GND
C3 C2
SARA-G3 / SARA
-U2
52
VCC
53
VCC
51
VCC
3V8
C1
+
C5
2.2.1.6 Additional guidelines for VCC supply circuit design
To reduce voltage drops, use a low impedance power source. The resistance of the power supply lines (connected to the VCC and GND pins of the module) on the application board and battery pack should also be considered and minimized: cabling and routing must be as short as possible to minimize power losses.
Three pins are allocated for VCC supply. Another twenty pins are designated for GND connection. Even if all the VCC pins and all the GND pins are internally connected within the module, it is recommended to properly connect all of them to supply the module to minimize series resistance losses.
To avoid voltage drop undershoot and overshoot at the start and end of a transmit burst during a single-slot 2G voice/data call (when current consumption on the VCC supply can rise up to the maximum peak / pulse current specified in the SARA-G3 series Data Sheet [1] or in the SARA-U2 series Data Sheet [2]), place a bypass capacitor with large capacitance (more than 100 µF) and low ESR near the VCC pins, for example:
330 µF capacitance, 45 mΩ ESR (e.g. KEMET T520D337M006ATE045, Tantalum Capacitor)
The use of very large capacitors (i.e. greater then 1000 µF) on the VCC line should be carefully evaluated, since the voltage at the VCC pins voltage must ramp from 2.5 V to 3.2 V in less than 1 ms to switch on the SARA-U2 modules or in less than 4 ms to switch on the SARA-G3 modules by applying VCC supply, that otherwise can be switched on by forcing a low level on the RESET_N pin during the VCC rising edge and then releasing the RESET_N pin when the VCC supply voltage stabilizes at its proper nominal value.
To reduce voltage ripple and noise, especially if the application device integrates an internal antenna, place the following bypass capacitors near the VCC pins:
100 nF capacitor (e.g Murata GRM155R61C104K) to filter digital logic noise from clocks and data sources
10 nF capacitor (e.g. Murata GRM155R71C103K) to filter digital logic noise from clocks and data sources
56 pF capacitor with Self-Resonant Frequency in 800/900 MHz range (e.g. Murata GRM1555C1E560J) to
filter transmission EMI in the GSM/EGSM bands
15 pF capacitor with Self-Resonant Frequency in 1800/1900 MHz range (e.g. Murata GRM1555C1E150J) to
filter transmission EMI in the DCS/PCS bands
A series ferrite bead for GHz band noise (e.g. Murata BLM18EG221SN1) can be placed close to the VCC pins of the module for additional noise filtering, but in general it is not strictly required.
Figure 40 shows the complete configuration but the mounting of each single component depends on the
Figure 40: Suggested schematic and layout design for the VCC bypass capacitors to reduce ripple / noise on VCC voltage profile and to avoid undershoot / overshoot on VCC voltage drops
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application design: it is recommended to provide all the VCC bypass capacitors as described in Figure 40 and Table 25 if the application device integrates an internal antenna.
SARA-G3 and SARA-U2 series - System Integration Manual
Reference Description Part Number - Manufacturer
C1
C2 100 nF Capacitor Ceramic X7R 0402 10% 16 V GRM155R71C104KA01 - Murata C3 10 nF Capacitor Ceramic X7R 0402 10% 16 V GRM155R71C103KA01 - Murata C4 56 pF Capacitor Ceramic C0G 0402 5% 25 V GRM1555C1E560JA01 - Murata C5 15 pF Capacitor Ceramic C0G 0402 5% 25 V GRM1555C1E150JA01 - Murata
Table 25: Suggested components to reduce ripple / noise on VCC and to avoid undershoot/ overshoot on VCC voltage drops
330 µF Capacitor Tantalum D_SIZE 6.3 V 45 m
T520D337M006ATE045 - KEMET
ESD sensitivity rating of the VCC supply pins is 1 kV (Human Body Model according to JESD22-A114).
Higher protection level can be required if the line is externally accessible on the application board, e.g. if accessible battery connector is directly connected to VCC pins. Higher protection level can be achieved by mounting an ESD protection (e.g. EPCOS CA05P4S14THSG varistor array) close to accessible point.
2.2.1.7 Guidelines for external battery charging circuit
Application devices that are powered by a Li-Ion (or Li-Polymer) battery pack should implement a suitable battery charger design as SARA-G3 and SARA-U2 series modules do not have an on-board charging circuit.
In the application circuit example described in Figure 41, a rechargeable Li-Ion (or Li-Polymer) battery pack, that features proper pulse and DC discharge current capabilities and proper DC series resistance, is directly connected to the VCC supply input of the module. Battery charging is fully managed by the STMicroelectronics L6924U Battery Charger IC that, from a USB source (5.0 V typ.), charges as a linear charger the battery, in three phases:
Pre-charge constant current (active when the battery is deeply discharged): the battery is charged with a
low current, set to 10% of the fast-charge current
Fast-charge constant current: the battery is charged with the maximum current, configured by the value
of an external resistor to a value suitable for USB power source (~500 mA)
Constant voltage: when the battery voltage reaches the regulated output voltage (4.2 V), the L6924U
starts to reduce the current until the charge termination is done. The charging process ends when the charging current reaches the value configured by an external resistor to ~15 mA or when the charging timer reaches the value configured by an external capacitor to ~9800 s
Using a battery pack with an internal NTC resistor, the L6924U can monitor the battery temperature to protect the battery from operating under unsafe thermal conditions.
The L6924U, as linear charger, is more suitable for applications where the charging source has a relatively low nominal voltage (~5 V), so that a switching charger is suggested for applications where the charging source has a relatively high nominal voltage (e.g. ~12 V, refer to the following section 2.2.1.8 for specific design-in), even if the L6924U can also charge from an AC wall adapter as its input voltage range is tolerant up to 12 V: when a current-limited adapter is used, it can operate in quasi-pulse mode, reducing power dissipation.
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C5 C8
GND
C7C6 C9
SARA
-G3 / SARA-U2
52
VCC
53
VCC
51
VCC
+
USB
Supply
C3
R4
θ
U1
I
USB
I
AC
I
END
T
PRG
SD
V
IN
V
INSNS
MODE
ISEL
C2C1
5V
TH
GND
V
OUT
V
OSNS
V
REF
R1
R2
R3
Li-Ion/Li -Pol Battery Pack
D1
B1
C4
Li-Ion/Li
-Polymer
Battery Charger IC
D2
Figure 41: Li-Ion (or Li-Polymer) battery charging application circuit
Reference Description Part Number - Manufacturer
B1
Li-Ion (or Li-Polymer) battery pack with 470 NTC C1, C4 1 µF Capacitor Ceramic X7R 0603 10% 16 V GRM188R71C105KA12 - Murata C2, C6 10 nF Capacitor Ceramic X7R 0402 10% 16 V GRM155R71C103KA01 - Murata C3 1 nF Capacitor Ceramic X7R 0402 10% 50 V GRM155R71H102KA01 - Murata C5
330 µF Capacitor Tantalum D_SIZE 6.3 V 45 m C7 100 nF Capacitor Ceramic X7R 0402 10% 16 V GRM155R61A104KA01 - Murata C8 56 pF Capacitor Ceramic C0G 0402 5% 25 V GRM1555C1E560JA01 - Murata C9 15 pF Capacitor Ceramic C0G 0402 5% 25 V GRM1555C1E150JA01 - Murata D1, D2 Low Capacitance ESD Protection CG0402MLE-18G - Bourns R1, R2
R3
R4
24 kResistor 0402 5% 0.1 W
3.3 kResistor 0402 5% 0.1 W
1.0 kResistor 0402 5% 0.1 W
U1 Single Cell Li-Ion (or Li-Polymer) Battery Charger IC
for USB port and AC Adapter
Table 26: Suggested components for Li-Ion (or Li-Polymer) battery charging application circuit
Various manufacturer
T520D337M006ATE045 - KEMET
RC0402JR-0724KL - Yageo Phycomp
RC0402JR-073K3L - Yageo Phycomp
RC0402JR-071K0L - Yageo Phycomp
L6924U - STMicroelectronics
2.2.1.8 Guidelines for external battery charging and power path management circuit
Application devices where both a permanent primary supply / charging source (e.g. ~12 V) and a rechargeable back-up battery (e.g. 3.7 V Li-Pol) are available at the same time as possible supply source should implement a suitable charger / regulator with integrated power path management function to supply the module and the whole device while simultaneously and independently charging the battery.
Figure 42 reports a simplified block diagram circuit showing the working principle of a charger / regulator with integrated power path management function. This component allows the system to be powered by a permanent primary supply source (e.g. ~12 V) using the integrated regulator which simultaneously and independently recharges the battery (e.g. 3.7 V Li-Pol) that represents the back-up supply source of the system: the power path management feature permits the battery to supplement the system current requirements when the primary supply source is not available or cannot deliver the peak system currents.
A power management IC should meet the following prerequisites to comply with the module VCC requirements summarized in Table 7:
High efficiency internal step down converter, compliant with the performances specified in section 2.2.1.2
Low internal resistance in the active path Vout – Vbat, typically lower than 50 m
High efficiency switch mode charger with separate power path control
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GND
Power path management IC
VoutVin
θ
Li-Ion/Li-Pol Battery Pack
GND
System
12 V
Primary
Source
Charge
contr oller
DC/DC converter
and battery FET
contr ol logic
Vbat
SARA-G3 and SARA-U2 series - System Integration Manual
Figure 42: Charger / regulator with integrated power path management circuit block diagram
Figure 43 and the components listed in Table 27 provide an application circuit example where the MPS MP2617 switching charger / regulator with integrated power path management function provides the supply to the cellular module while concurrently and autonomously charging a suitable Li-Ion (or Li-Polymer) battery with proper pulse and DC discharge current capabilities and proper DC series resistance according to the rechargeable battery recommendations described in section 2.2.1.4.
The MP2617 IC constantly monitors the battery voltage and selects whether to use the external main primary supply / charging source or the battery as supply source for the module, and starts a charging phase accordingly.
The MP2617 IC normally provides a supply voltage to the module regulated from the external main primary source allowing immediate system operation even under missing or deeply discharged battery: the integrated switching step-down regulator is capable to provide up to 3 A output current with low output ripple and fixed
1.6 MHz switching frequency in PWM mode operation. The module load is satisfied in priority, then the integrated switching charger will take the remaining current to charge the battery.
Additionally, the power path control allows an internal connection from battery to the module with a low series internal ON resistance (40 m typical), in order to supplement additional power to the module when the current demand increases over the external main primary source or when this external source is removed.
Battery charging is managed in three phases:
Pre-charge constant current (active when the battery is deeply discharged): the battery is charged with a
low current, set to 10% of the fast-charge current
Fast-charge constant current: the battery is charged with the maximum current, configured by the value
of an external resistor to a value suitable for the application
Constant voltage: when the battery voltage reaches the regulated output voltage (4.2 V), the current is
progressively reduced until the charge termination is done. The charging process ends when the charging current reaches the 10% of the fast-charge current or when the charging timer reaches the value configured by an external capacitor
Using a battery pack with an internal NTC resistor, the MP2617 can monitor the battery temperature to protect the battery from operating under unsafe thermal conditions.
Several parameters as the charging current, the charging timings, the input current limit, the input voltage limit, the system output voltage can be easily set according to the specific application requirements, as the actual electrical characteristics of the battery and the external supply / charging source: proper resistors or capacitors have to be accordingly connected to the related pins of the IC.
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C9 C12
GND
C11C10 C13
SARA-G3 / SARA-U2
52
VCC
53
VCC
51
VCC
+
Primary
Source
R3
U1
EN
ILIM
ISET
TMR
AGND
VIN
C2C1
12V
NTC
PGND
SW
SYS
BAT
C4
R1
R2
D1
θ
Li-Ion/Li -Pol Battery Pack
B1
C5
Li-Ion/Li -Polymer Battery Charger / Regulator with Power Path Managment
VCC
C3 C6
L1
BST
D2
VLIM
R4
R5
C7 C8
Figure 43: Li-Ion (or Li-Polymer) battery charging and power path management application circuit
Reference Description Part Number - Manufacturer
B1
Li-Ion (or Li-Polymer) battery pack with 10 k NTC C1, C5, C6 22 µF Capacitor Ceramic X5R 1210 10% 25 V GRM32ER61E226KE15 - Murata C2, C4, C10 100 nF Capacitor Ceramic X7R 0402 10% 16 V GRM155R61A104KA01 - Murata C3 1 µF Capacitor Ceramic X7R 0603 10% 25 V GRM188R71E105KA12 - Murata C7, C12 56 pF Capacitor Ceramic C0G 0402 5% 25 V GRM1555C1E560JA01 - Murata C8, C13 15 pF Capacitor Ceramic C0G 0402 5% 25 V GRM1555C1E150JA01 - Murata C9
330 µF Capacitor Tantalum D_SIZE 6.3 V 45 m C11 10 nF Capacitor Ceramic X7R 0402 10% 16 V GRM155R71C103KA01 - Murata D1, D2 Low Capacitance ESD Protection CG0402MLE-18G - Bourns R1, R3, R5
R2
R4
L1
10 kResistor 0402 5% 1/16 W
1.0 kResistor 0402 5% 0.1 W
22 kResistor 0402 5% 1/16 W
1.2 µH Inductor 6 A 21 m 20%
U1 Li-Ion/Li-Polymer Battery DC/DC Charger / Regulator
with integrated Power Path Management function
Table 27: Suggested components for Li-Ion (or Li-Polymer) battery charging and power path management application circuit
Various manufacturer
T520D337M006ATE045 - KEMET
RC0402JR-0710KL - Yageo Phycomp
RC0402JR-071K0L - Yageo Phycomp
RC0402JR-0722KL - Yageo Phycomp
7447745012 - Wurth
MP2617 - Monolithic Power Systems (MPS)
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2.2.1.9 Guidelines for VCC supply layout design
Good connection of the module VCC pins with DC supply source is required for correct RF performance. Guidelines are summarized in the following list:
All the available VCC pins must be connected to the DC source.
VCC connection must be as wide as possible and as short as possible.
Any series component with Equivalent Series Resistance (ESR) greater than few milliohms must be avoided.
VCC connection must be routed through a PCB area separated from sensitive analog signals and sensitive
functional units: it is good practice to interpose at least one layer of PCB ground between VCC track and other signal routing.
Coupling between VCC and audio lines (especially microphone inputs) must be avoided, because the typical
GSM burst has a periodic nature of approx. 217 Hz, which lies in the audible audio range.
The tank bypass capacitor with low ESR for current spikes smoothing described in Figure 40 and Table 25
should be placed close to the VCC pins. If the main DC source is a switching DC-DC converter, place the large capacitor close to the DC-DC output and minimize the VCC track length. Otherwise consider using separate capacitors for DC-DC converter and cellular module tank capacitor.
The bypass capacitors in the pF range described in Figure 40 and Table 25 should be placed as close as
possible to the VCC pins. This is highly recommended if the application device integrates an internal antenna.
Since VCC is directly connected to RF Power Amplifiers, voltage ripple at high frequency may result in
unwanted spurious modulation of transmitter RF signal. This is more likely to happen with switching DC-DC converters, in which case it is better to select the highest operating frequency for the switcher and add a large L-C filter before connecting to the SARA-G3 and SARA-U2 series modules in the worst case.
If VCC is protected by transient voltage suppressor to ensure that the voltage maximum ratings are not
exceeded, place the protecting device along the path from the DC source toward the cellular module, preferably closer to the DC source (otherwise protection functionality may be compromised).
2.2.1.10 Guidelines for grounding layout design
Good connection of the module GND pins with application board solid ground layer is required for correct RF performance. It significantly reduces EMC issues and provides a thermal heat sink for the module.
Connect each GND pin with application board solid GND layer. It is strongly recommended that each GND
pin surrounding VCC pins have one or more dedicated via down to the application board solid ground layer.
The VCC supply current flows back to main DC source through GND as ground current: provide adequate
return path with suitable uninterrupted ground plane to main DC source.
It is recommended to implement one layer of the application board as ground plane as wide as possible.
If the application board is a multilayer PCB, then all the board layers should be filled with GND plane as
much as possible and each GND area should be connected together with complete via stack down to the main ground layer of the board.
If the whole application device is composed by more than one PCB, then it is required to provide a good and
solid ground connection between the GND areas of all the different PCBs.
Good grounding of GND pins also ensures thermal heat sink. This is critical during call connection, when the
real network commands the module to transmit at maximum power: proper grounding helps prevent module overheating.
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SARA-G3 series SARA-U2 series
C1
(a)
2
V_BCKP
R2
SARA-G3 series SARA-U2 series
C2
(superCap)
(b)
2
V_BCKP
D3
SARA-G3 series SARA-U2 series
B3
(c)
2
V_BCKP

2.2.2 RTC supply (V_BCKP)

2.2.2.1 Guidelines for V_BCKP circuit design
If RTC timing is required to run for a time interval of T [s] at 25 °C when VCC supply is removed, place a capacitor with a nominal capacitance of C [µF] at the V_BCKP pin. Choose the capacitor using the following formula:
C [µF] = (Current_Consumption [µA] x T [s]) / Voltage_Drop [V]
= 1.5 x T [s] for SARA-G3 series = 2.5 x T [s] for SARA-U2 series
For example, a 100 µF capacitor (such as the Murata GRM43SR60J107M) can be placed at V_BCKP to provide a long buffering time. This capacitor holds V_BCKP voltage within its valid range for around 70 s (SARA-G3 series) or for around 40 s (SARA-U2 series) at 25 °C, after the VCC supply is removed.
If a very long buffering time is required, a 70 mF super-capacitor (e.g. Seiko Instruments XH414H-IV01E) can be placed at V_BCKP, with a 4.7 kseries resistor to hold the V_BCKP voltage within its valid range for ~13 hours (SARA-G3 series) or for ~8 hours (SARA-U2 series) at 25 °C, after the VCC supply is removed. The purpose of the series resistor is to limit the capacitor charging current due to the large capacitor specifications, and also to let a fast rise time of the voltage value at the V_BCKP pin after VCC supply has been provided. These capacitors allow the time reference to run during battery disconnection.
Figure 44: Real time clock supply (V_BCKP) application circuits: (a) using a 100 µF capacitor to let the RTC run for ~1 minute after VCC removal; (b) using a 70 mF capacitor to let RTC run for ~10 hours after VCC removal; (c) using a non-rechargeable battery
Reference Description Part Number - Manufacturer
C1 100 µF Tantalum Capacitor GRM43SR60J107M - Murata R2
C2 70 mF Capacitor XH414H-IV01E - Seiko Instruments
Table 28: Example of components for V_BCKP buffering
4.7 kResistor 0402 5% 0.1 W
RC0402JR-074K7L - Yageo Phycomp
If longer buffering time is required to allow the RTC time reference to run during a disconnection of the VCC supply, then an external battery can be connected to V_BCKP pin. The battery should be able to provide a proper nominal voltage and must never exceed the maximum operating voltage for V_BCKP (specified in the Input characteristics of Supply/Power pins table in the SARA-G3 series Data Sheet [1] or in the SARA-U2 series Data Sheet [2]). The connection of the battery to V_BCKP should be done with a suitable series resistor for a rechargeable battery, or with an appropriate series diode for a non-rechargeable battery. The purpose of the series resistor is to limit the battery charging current due to the battery specifications, and also to allow a fast rise time of the voltage value at the V_BCKP pin after the VCC supply has been provided. The purpose of the series diode is to avoid a current flow from the module V_BCKP pin to the non-rechargeable battery.
If the RTC timing is not required when the VCC supply is removed, it is not needed to connect the
V_BCKP pin to an external capacitor or battery. In this case the date and time are not updated when VCC
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is disconnected. If VCC is always supplied, then the internal regulator is supplied from the main supply and there is no need for an external component on V_BCKP.
Combining a SARA-G3 or a SARA-U2 cellular module with a u-blox GNSS positioning receiver, the positioning receiver VCC supply is controlled by the cellular module by means of the “GNSS supply enable” function provided by the GPIO2 of the cellular module. In this case the V_BCKP supply output of the cellular module can be connected to the V_BCKP backup supply input pin of the GNSS receiver to provide the supply for the positioning real time clock and backup RAM when the VCC supply of the cellular module is within its operating range and the VCC supply of the GNSS receiver is disabled. This enables the u-blox GNSS receiver to recover from a power breakdown with either a hot start or a warm start (depending on the duration of the positioning VCC outage) and to maintain the configuration settings saved in the backup RAM. Refer to section 2.6.4 for more details regarding the application circuit with a u-blox GNSS receiver.
On SARA-G300 and SARA-G310 modules, the V_BCKP supply output can be used to supply an external 32 kHz oscillator which provides a 32 kHz signal to the EXT32K input pin as reference clock for the RTC timing, so that the modules can enter the low power idle-mode and can make available the RTC functions.
The internal regulator for V_BCKP is optimized for low leakage current and very light loads. Do not apply
loads which might exceed the limit for maximum available current from V_BCKP supply, as this can cause malfunctions in the module. SARA-G3 series Data Sheet [1] and SARA-U2 series Data Sheet [2] describe the detailed electrical characteristics.
V_BCKP supply output pin provides internal short circuit protection to limit start-up current and protect the device in short circuit situations. No additional external short circuit protection is required.
ESD sensitivity rating of the V_BCKP supply pin is 1 kV (Human Body Model according to JESD22-A114).
Higher protection level can be required if the line is externally accessible on the application board, e.g. if an accessible back-up battery connector is directly connected to V_BCKP pin, and it can be achieved by mounting an ESD protection (e.g. EPCOS CA05P4S14THSG varistor array) close to the accessible point.
2.2.2.2 Guidelines for V_BCKP layout design
RTC supply (V_BCKP) requires careful layout: avoid injecting noise on this voltage domain as it may affect the stability of the 32 kHz oscillator.
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2.2.3 Interface supply (V_INT)

2.2.3.1 Guidelines for V_INT circuit design
The V_INT digital interfaces 1.8 V supply output can be mainly used to:
Pull-up DDC (I
Pull-up SIM detection signal (see section 2.5 for more details)
Supply voltage translators to connect digital interfaces of the module to a 3.0 V device (see section 2.6.1)
Supply a 1.8 V u-blox 6 or subsequent GNSS receiver (see section 2.6.4 for more details)
Indicate when the module is switched on (see sections 1.6.1, 1.6.2 for more details)
2
C) interface signals (see section 2.6.4 for more details)
Do not apply loads which might exceed the limit for maximum available current from V_INT supply, as
this can cause malfunctions in internal circuitry supplies to the same domain. The SARA-G3 series Data Sheet [1] and the SARA-U2 series Data Sheet [2] describe the detailed electrical characteristics.
V_INT can only be used as an output; do not connect any external regulator on V_INT.
Since the V_INT supply is generated by an internal switching step-down regulator, the V_INT voltage ripple can range from 15 mVpp during active-mode or connected-mode (when the switching regulator operates in PWM mode), to 90 mVpp (SARA-G3 series) or 70 mVpp (SARA-U2 series) in low power idle-mode (when the switching regulator operates in PFM mode).
It is not recommended to supply sensitive analog circuitry without adequate filtering for digital noise.
V_INT supply output pin provides internal short circuit protection to limit start-up current and protect the device in short circuit situations. No additional external short circuit protection is required.
ESD sensitivity rating of the V_INT supply pin is 1 kV (Human Body Model according to JESD22-A114).
Higher protection level could be required if the line is externally accessible on the application board. Higher protection level can be achieved by mounting an ESD protection (e.g. EPCOS CA05P4S14THSG varistor array) close to accessible point.
If the V_INT supply output is not required by the customer application, since DDC (I
detection functions are not used, voltage translations of digital interfaces are not needed and sensing when the module is switched on is not needed, the V_INT pin can be left unconnected to external components, but it is recommended providing direct access on the application board by means of accessible testpoint directly connected to the V_INT pin.
2.2.3.2 Guidelines for V_INT layout design
V_INT digital interfaces supply output is generated by an integrated switching step-down converter, used
internally to supply the digital interfaces. Because of this, it can be a source of noise: avoid coupling with sensitive signals.
2
C) interface and SIM
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SARA-G3 series SARA-U2 series
Rext
2
V_BCKP
15
PWR_ON
Power-on
push button
ESD
Open Drain Output
Application
Processor
SARA-G3 series SARA-U2 series
Rext
2
V_BCKP
15
PWR_ON
TP
TP

2.3 System functions interfaces

2.3.1 Module power-on (PWR_ON)

2.3.1.1 Guidelines for PWR_ON circuit design
Connecting the PWR_ON input to a push button that shorts the PWR_ON pin to ground, provide an external pull-up resistor (e.g. 100 k) biased by the V_BCKP supply pin of the module, as described in Figure 45 and Table 29. Connecting the PWR_ON input to a push button, the pin will be externally accessible on the application device: according to EMC/ESD requirements of the application, provide an additional ESD protection (e.g. EPCOS CA05P4S14THSG varistor array) on the line connected to this pin, close to accessible point.
The PWR_ON pin has high input impedance and is weakly pulled to the high level on the module. Avoid
keeping it floating in a noisy environment. To hold the high logic level stable, the PWR_ON pin must be connected to a pull-up resistor (e.g. 100 k) biased by the V_BCKP supply pin of the module.
ESD sensitivity rating of the PWR_ON pin is 1 kV (Human Body Model according to JESD22-A114). Higher
protection level can be required if the line is externally accessible on the application board, e.g. if an accessible push button is directly connected to PWR_ON pin. Higher protection level can be achieved by mounting an ESD protection (e.g. EPCOS CA05P4S14THSG varistor array) close to accessible point.
When connecting the PWR_ON input to an external device (e.g. application processor), use an open drain output on the external device with an external pull-up resistor (e.g. 100 k) biased by the V_BCKP supply pin of the module, as described in Figure 45 and Table 29.
A compatible push-pull output of an application processor can also be used: in this case the pull-up can be provided to pull the PWR_ON level high when the application processor is switched off. If the high-level voltage of the push-pull output pin of the application processor is greater than the maximum input voltage operating range of the V_BCKP pin (refer to the SARA-G3 series Data Sheet [1] and the SARA-U2 series Data Sheet [2]), the V_BCKP supply cannot be used to bias the pull-up resistor: the supply rail of the application processor or the module VCC supply could be used, but this increases the V_BCKP (RTC supply) current consumption when the module is in not-powered mode (VCC supply not present). Using a push-pull output of the external device, take care to fix the proper level in all the possible scenarios to avoid an inappropriate module switch-on.
Figure 45: PWR_ON application circuits using a push button and an open drain output of an application processor
Reference Description Remarks
Rext 100 k Resistor 0402 5% 0.1 W External pull-up resistor ESD CT0402S14AHSG - EPCOS Varistor array for ESD protection
Table 29: Example of pull-up resistor and ESD protection for the PWR_ON application circuit
It is recommended to provide direct access to the PWR_ON pin on the application board by means of
accessible testpoint directly connected to the PWR_ON pin.
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SARA-G3 and SARA-U2 series - System Integration Manual
SARA-G3 series SARA
-U2 series
18
RESET_N
Reset
push button
ESD
Open Drain Output
Application
Processor
SARA-G3 series SARA-U2 series
18
RESET_N
TP
TP
2.3.1.2 Guidelines for PWR_ON layout design
The power-on circuit (PWR_ON) requires careful layout since it is the sensitive input available to switch on the SARA-G3 and SARA-U2 series modules until a valid VCC supply is provided after that the module has been switched off by the AT+CPWROFF command: ensure that the voltage level is well defined during operation and no transient noise is coupled on this line, otherwise the module might detect a spurious power-on request.

2.3.2 Module reset (RESET_N)

2.3.2.1 Guidelines for RESET_N circuit design
As described in Figure 21, the module has an internal pull-up resistor on the reset input line: an external pull-up is not required on the application board.
Connecting the RESET_N input to a push button that shorts the RESET_N pin to ground, the pin will be externally accessible on the application device: according to EMC/ESD requirements of the application, provide an additional ESD protection (e.g. EPCOS CA05P4S14THSG varistor array) on the line connected to this pin, close to accessible point, as described in Figure 46 and Table 30.
ESD sensitivity rating of the RESET_N pin is 1 kV (Human Body Model according to JESD22-A114). Higher
protection level can be required if the line is externally accessible on the application board, e.g. if an accessible push button is directly connected to RESET_N pin. Higher protection level can be achieved by mounting an ESD protection (e.g. EPCOS CA05P4S14THSG varistor array) close to accessible point.
Connecting the RESET_N input to an external device (e.g. application processor), an open drain output can be directly connected without any external pull-up, as described in Figure 46 and Table 30: the internal pull-up resistor provided by the module pulls the line to the high logic level when the RESET_N pin is not forced low by the application processor. A compatible push-pull output of an application processor can be used too.
Figure 46: RESET_N application circuits using a push button and an open drain output of an application processor
Reference Description Remarks
ESD Varistor for ESD protection CT0402S14AHSG - EPCOS
Table 30: Example of ESD protection component for the RESET_N application circuit
If the external reset function is not required by the customer application, the RESET_N input pin can be
left unconnected to external components, but it is recommended providing direct access on the application board by means of accessible testpoint directly connected to the RESET_N pin.
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