u-blox TOBY-L4 User Manual
Abstract
Technical data sheet describing TOBY-L4 series cellular modules. The modules are a complete and
cost efficient LTE-FDD, LTE-TDD, DC-HSPA+, (E)GPRS multi-mode and multi-band solution with
uCPU embedded Linux programming capability. The modules offer up to 301.5 Mb/s download and
up to 51.0 Mb/s upload data rates with Category 6 LTE-Advanced carrier aggregation technology in
the compact TOBY form factor.
TOBY-L4 series
LTE Advanced (Cat 6) modules with 3G and 2G fallback
Data sheet
UBX-16009856 - R09 C1-Public www.u-blox.com
TOBY-L4 series - Data sheet
Title
TOBY-L4 series
Subtitle
LTE Advanced (Cat 6) modules with 3G and 2G fallback
Document type
Data sheet
Document number
UBX-16009856
Revision and date
R09
30-Jul-2020
Disclosure restriction
C1-Public
Product status
Corresponding content status
Functional sample
Draft
For functional testing. Revised and supplementary data will be published later.
In development /
prototype
Objective specification
Target values. Revised and supplementary data will be published later.
Engineering sample
Advance information
Data based on early testing. Revised and supplementary data will be published later.
Initial production
Early production information
Data from product verification. Revised and supplementary data may be published later.
Mass production /
End of life
Production information
Document contains the final product specification.
Product name
Type number
Modem version
Application version
PCN reference
Product status
TOBY-L4006
TOBY-L4006-01A-00
40.35
A10.21
UBX-20032733
Engineering sample
TOBY-L4006-51A-00
40.35
A00.21
UBX-20032733
Engineering sample
TOBY-L4106
TOBY-L4106-01A-00
40.35
A10.21
UBX-20032733
Engineering sample
TOBY-L4106-51A-00
40.35
A00.21
UBX-20032733
Engineering sample
TOBY-L4206
TOBY-L4206-01A-00
40.35
A10.21
UBX-20032733
Engineering sample
TOBY-L4206-51A-00
40.35
A00.21
UBX-20032733
Engineering sample
TOBY-L4906
TOBY-L4906-01A-00
40.35
A10.21
UBX-20032733
Engineering sample
TOBY-L4906-50A-01
40.25
A00.17
UBX-18069505
End of life
TOBY-L4906-50A-02
40.35
A05.25
UBX-20026425
Initial production
TOBY-L4906-51A-00
40.35
A00.21
UBX-20032733
Engineering sample
u-blox or third parties may hold intellectual property rights in the products, names, logos and designs included in this document.
Copying, reproduction, modification or disclosure to third parties of this document or any part thereof is only permitted with the
express written permission of u-blox.
The information contained herein is provided “as is” and u-blox assumes no liability for its use. No warranty, either express or
implied, is given, including but not limited to, with respect to the accuracy, correctness, reliability and fitness for a particular
purpose of the information. This document may be revised by u-blox at any time without notice. For the most recent documents,
visit www.u-blox.com.
Copyright © u-blox AG.
Document information
This document applies to the following products:
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TOBY-L4 series - Data sheet
Contents
Document information ................................................................................................................................ 2
Contents .......................................................................................................................................................... 3
1 Functional description ......................................................................................................................... 5
1.1 Overview ........................................................................................................................................................ 5
1.2 Product features ......................................................................................................................................... 6
1.3 Block diagram .............................................................................................................................................. 7
1.4 Product description .................................................................................................................................... 8
1.5 AT command support ................................................................................................................................ 9
1.6 u-blox uCPU on-chip processor for OEM applications ......................................................................... 9
2 Interfaces ............................................................................................................................................... 10
2.1 Power management ................................................................................................................................. 10
2.1.1 Module supply input (VCC) ............................................................................................................. 10
2.1.2 RTC supply input / output (V_BCKP) ............................................................................................ 10
2.1.3 Generic digital interfaces supply output (V_INT) ....................................................................... 10
2.2 Antenna interfaces ................................................................................................................................... 10
2.2.1 Antenna RF interfaces ..................................................................................................................... 10
2.2.2 Antenna detection ............................................................................................................................ 10
2.3 System functions ...................................................................................................................................... 10
2.3.1 Module power-on .............................................................................................................................. 10
2.3.2 Module power-off ............................................................................................................................... 11
2.3.3 Module reset ....................................................................................................................................... 11
2.3.4 Module configuration selection by host processor ..................................................................... 11
2.4 SIM ................................................................................................................................................................12
2.4.1 SIM interfaces ....................................................................................................................................12
2.4.2 SIM detection .....................................................................................................................................12
2.5 Serial communication ...............................................................................................................................12
2.5.1 USB interface ..................................................................................................................................... 13
2.5.2 UART interfaces ................................................................................................................................ 14
2.5.3 SPI interfaces .................................................................................................................................... 15
2.5.4 DDC (I2C) interfaces ......................................................................................................................... 16
2.5.5 SDIO interface ................................................................................................................................... 16
2.5.6 RGMII interface .................................................................................................................................. 17
2.6 eMMC interface .......................................................................................................................................... 17
2.7 Audio interfaces ........................................................................................................................................ 18
2.8 ADC interfaces ........................................................................................................................................... 19
2.9 GPIO interfaces .......................................................................................................................................... 19
2.10 RSVD pins ................................................................................................................................................... 20
3 Pin definition ......................................................................................................................................... 21
3.1 Pin assignment ...........................................................................................................................................21
4 Electrical specifications ....................................................................................................................29
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TOBY-L4 series - Data sheet
4.1 Absolute maximum rating....................................................................................................................... 29
4.1.1 Maximum ESD ................................................................................................................................... 29
4.2 Operating conditions ................................................................................................................................30
4.2.1 Operating temperature range ........................................................................................................30
4.2.2 Module thermal parameters ...........................................................................................................30
4.2.3 Supply/power pins ............................................................................................................................ 31
4.2.4 Current consumption ....................................................................................................................... 32
4.2.5 LTE RF characteristics .................................................................................................................... 33
4.2.6 3G RF characteristics ...................................................................................................................... 36
4.2.7 2G RF characteristics ...................................................................................................................... 37
4.2.8 PWR_ON pin ....................................................................................................................................... 38
4.2.9 RESET_N pin ...................................................................................................................................... 38
4.2.10 SIM pins .............................................................................................................................................. 39
4.2.11 USB pins ............................................................................................................................................. 39
4.2.12 DDC (I2C) pins .................................................................................................................................... 40
4.2.13 RGMII pins .......................................................................................................................................... 40
4.2.14 eMMC pins ......................................................................................................................................... 41
4.2.15 Generic digital interfaces pins ....................................................................................................... 41
4.2.16 Analog audio pins .............................................................................................................................. 44
4.2.17 ADC pins ............................................................................................................................................. 44
5 Mechanical specifications ............................................................................................................... 45
6 Qualification and approvals.............................................................................................................. 47
6.1 Reliability tests .......................................................................................................................................... 47
6.2 Approvals .................................................................................................................................................... 47
7 Product handling & soldering .......................................................................................................... 48
7.1 Packaging ................................................................................................................................................... 48
7.1.1 Reels .................................................................................................................................................... 48
7.1.2 Tapes ................................................................................................................................................... 49
7.2 Moisture sensitivity levels .......................................................................................................................50
7.3 Reflow soldering ........................................................................................................................................50
7.4 ESD precautions ........................................................................................................................................50
8 Labeling and ordering information ................................................................................................ 51
8.1 Product labeling ......................................................................................................................................... 51
8.2 Explanation of codes ................................................................................................................................ 51
8.3 Ordering information ................................................................................................................................ 52
Appendix ....................................................................................................................................................... 53
A Glossary ................................................................................................................................................. 53
Related documents ................................................................................................................................... 55
Revision history .......................................................................................................................................... 56
Contact .......................................................................................................................................................... 58
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TOBY-L4 series - Data sheet
1
1 Functional description
1.1 Overview
The TOBY-L4 series modules support multi-band LTE-FDD, LTE-TDD, DC-HSPA+ and (E)GPRS radio
access technologies (see Table 1) in the very small TOBY 248-pin LGA form factor (35.6 x 24.8 mm),
which is easy to integrate in compact designs.
TOBY-L4 series modules are form factor compatible with the other u-blox cellular module families
(including SARA, LISA, LARA, and TOBY form factors): this allows customers to take the maximum
advantage of their hardware and software investments, and provides very short time-to-market.
With LTE-Advanced carrier aggregation category 6 data rates up to 301.5 Mb/s (downlink) / 51.0 Mb/s
(uplink), the modules are ideal for applications requiring the highest data-rates and high-speed
internet access. Reduced cost variants supporting LTE Cat 4 or LTE Cat 1 will be available for lower
speed or “pure” telematics devices.
TOBY-L4 series include the following LTE Cat 6 modules with 3G and 2G fallback:
TOBY-L4006 modules, mainly designed for operation in North America
TOBY-L4106 modules, mainly designed for operation in Europe
TOBY-L4206 modules, mainly designed for operation in Asia-Pacific and South America
TOBY-L4906 modules, mainly designed for operation in China
TOBY-L4 series modules include the following product versions:
The "01" product versions, or "smart modem" product versions, which allow customers to run their
own dedicated applications on an embedded Linux distribution based on Yocto, with RILCore
connectivity APIs in the u-blox uCPU on-chip processor 1
The "50" and the "51" product versions, or "slim modem" product versions, which can be controlled
by an external application processor through standard and u-blox proprietary AT commands
described in the u-blox AT commands manual [1]
TOBY-L4 series modules are the ideal product for the development of all kinds of automotive devices,
such as smart antennas and in-dash telematics / infotainment devices. The modules support a
comprehensive set of HW interfaces (including RGMII for Ethernet and analog audio) over an extended
temperature range that allows the establishment of an emergency call up to +95 °C, and
complemented by a set of state-of-the art security features.
TOBY-L4 series modules are also the perfect choice for consumer fixed-wireless terminals, mobile
routers and gateways, applications requiring video streaming, and many other industrial (M2M)
applications.
TOBY-L4 series modules are manufactured in ISO/TS 16949 certified sites, with the highest
production standards and the highest quality and reliability. Each module is fully tested and inspected
during production. Modules are qualified according to automotive requirements as for systems
installed in vehicles.
By default, the "01" product version modules are shipped by u-blox with the "slim modem" firmware, and consequently these
modules behave as the "51" product version unless the factory-programmed firmware is replaced by the uCPU firmware build.
In this document, the "01" product version is described as it behaves with the uCPU firmware build, as it is delivered by u-blox,
without any modifications.
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TOBY-L4 series - Data sheet
Model
Region
Bands
Interfaces
Features
Grade
supervisor
TOBY-L4006-01
North
America
2,4,5
7,12
13,29
2
4,5
850
1900
4 1 1 2 1 1 1 2 2
14
2
● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
●
TOBY-L4006-51
North
America
2,4,5
7,12
13,29
2
4,5
850
1900
1 1 1 1 2 9
● ● ●
●
●
●
●
●
TOBY-L4106-01
EMEA
1,3
7,8
20
38
1,8
900
1800
4 1 1 2 1 1 1 2 2
14
2
● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
●
TOBY-L4106-51
EMEA
1,3
7,8
20
38
1,8
900
1800
1 1 1 1 2 9
● ● ●
●
● ● ●
●
TOBY-L4206-01
APAC,
South
America
1,3,5
7,8,9
19,28
1,5,6
8,19
Quad 4 1 1 2 1 1 1 2 2 14 2 ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
●
TOBY-L4206-51
APAC,
South
America
1,3,5
7,8,9
19,28
1,5,6
8,19
Quad 1 1 1 1 2 9
● ● ●
●
● ● ●
●
TOBY-L4906-01
China
1,3
39
40,41
1,8
900
1800
4 1 1 2 1 1 1 2 2
14 2 ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
●
TOBY-L4906-50
China
1,3
39
40,41
1,8
900
1800
1 1 2 9
● ● ●
●
●
●
●
●
TOBY-L4906-51
China
1,3
39
40,41
1,8
900
1800
1 1 1 1 2 9
● ● ●
●
●
●
●
●
* USB 2.0 host role not supported by "50" and "51" product versions
** USB 3.0 interface supported by future firmware versions
1.2 Product features
Table 1: TOBY-L4 series main features summary
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TOBY-L4 series - Data sheet
Cellular
Base-band
Processor
Memory
Power Management Unit
26 MHz
32.768 kHz
ANT
1
RF
Transceiver
ANT
2
V_INT (I/O)
V_BCKP (RTC)
VCC (Supply)
2 x SIM
USB 2.0 / 3.0
2 x ADC
Power on
External reset
PAs
LNAsFilters
Filter
s
Duplexer
Filters
PAs
LNAsFilter
s
Filter
s
Duplexer
Filters
LNAsFilter
s
Filters
LNAsFiltersFilter
s
Switch
Switch
2 x DDC (I2C)
SDIO
4 x UART
Analog audio
Antenna detection
Host Select
2 x SPI
RGMII
eMCC
2 x Digital audio (I2S)
GPIOs
1.3 Block diagram
Figure 1: TOBY-L4 series block diagram
☞ TOBY-L4 series modules "01" product versions do not support the following interfaces, which
☞ TOBY-L4 series modules "50" product versions do not support the following interfaces, which
☞ TOBY-L4 series modules "51" product versions do not support the following interfaces, which
should be left unconnected and should not be driven by external devices:
o USB 3.0 interface
o Second digital audio interface (I2S1)
should be left unconnected and should not be driven by external devices:
o USB 3.0 interface
o 4 x UART interfaces
o 2 x SPI interfaces
o SDIO interface
o 2 x DDC (I2C) interfaces
o RGMII / RMII interface
o eMMC interface
o Second digital audio interface (I2S1)
o ADC pins
o Host Select pins
should be left unconnected and should not be driven by external devices:
o USB 3.0 interface
o 4 x UART interfaces
o 2 x SPI interfaces
o SDIO interface
o Second DDC (I2C) interface
o eMMC interface
o Second digital audio interface (I2S1)
o ADC pins
o Host Select pins
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TOBY-L4 series - Data sheet
LTE
3G
2G
LTE-Advanced Carrier Aggregation
Frequency Division Duplex (LTE FDD)
Time Division Duplex (LTE TDD)
Down-Link CA / MIMO / Rx diversity
Dual-Cell High Speed Packet Access
Frequency Division Duplex (UMTS FDD)
Down-Link Rx diversity
Enhanced Data rate GSM Evolution (EDGE)
Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA)
DL Advanced Rx Performance Phase 1
LTE FDD Power Class
Class 3 (23 dBm)
LTE TDD Power Class
Class 3 (23 dBm)
UMTS FDD Power Class
Class 3 (24 dBm)
GMSK Power Class
Class 4 (33 dBm) for GSM/E-GSM bands
Class 1 (30 dBm) for DCS/PCS bands
8-PSK Power Class
Class E2 (27 dBm) for GSM/E-GSM bands
Class E2 (26 dBm) for DCS/PCS bands
LTE category 6:
up to 301.5 Mb/s DL
up to 51.0 Mb/s UL
FDD UE categories:
DL cat.24, up to 42.2 Mb/s
UL cat.6, up to 5.76 Mb/s
GPRS multi-slot class 33, CS1-CS4:
up to 107.0 kbit/s DL
up to 85.6 kbit/s UL
EDGE multi-slot class 33, MCS1-MCS9
up to 296.0 kbit/s DL
up to 236.8 kbit/s UL
Module
Region
LTE FDD bands
LTE TDD bands
LTE CA
UMTS FDD bands
GSM bands
TOBY-L4006
North America
12 (700 MHz)
29 (700 MHz)
13 (750 MHz)
5 (850 MHz)
4 (1700 MHz)
2 (1900 MHz)
7 (2600 MHz)
4 + 12
2 + 13
2 + 12
2 + 29
4 + 5
4 + 4
4 + 13
4 + 29
5 (850 MHz)
4 (1700 MHz)
2 (1900 MHz)
GSM 850
PCS 1900
TOBY-L4106
EMEA, APAC
20 (800 MHz)
8 (900 MHz)
3 (1800 MHz)
1 (2100 MHz)
7 (2600 MHz)
38 (2600 MHz)
3 + 20
7 + 20
3 + 3
3 + 7
8 (900 MHz)
1 (2100 MHz)
E-GSM 900
DCS 1800
TOBY-L4206
APAC,
South America
28 (750 MHz)
19 (850 MHz)
5 (850 MHz)
8 (900 MHz)
9 (1800 MHz)
3 (1800 MHz)
1 (2100 MHz)
7 (2600 MHz)
3 + 28
3 + 7
7 + 28
3 + 3
1 + 8
3 + 19
1 + 19
6 (800 MHz)
19 (800 MHz)
5 (850 MHz)
8 (900 MHz)
1 (2100 MHz)
GSM 850
E-GSM 900
DCS 1800
PCS 1900
TOBY-L4906
China
3 (1800 MHz)
1 (2100 MHz)
39 (1900 MHz)
40 (2300 MHz)
41 (2500 MHz)
3 + 3
40 + 40
41 + 41
39 + 41
8 (900 MHz)2
1 (2100 MHz)
E-GSM 900
DCS 1800
2
1.4 Product description
TOBY-L4 series modules provide multi-band 4G / 3G / 2G multi-mode radio access technologies, based
on the 3GPP Release 10 protocol stack, with main characteristics summarized in Table 2 and Table 3.
Table 2: TOBY-L4 series LTE, 3G and 2G main characteristics summary
Table 3: TOBY-L4 series supported Bands and Carrier Aggregation combinations summary
Down-Link Rx diversity not supported on this band
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TOBY-L4 series - Data sheet
Virtual Machine Manager (VM)
On-Chip Peripherals
MODEM VM
• LTE, UMTS, GSM
Protocol Stack
• VoLTE, IMS
Multi-core CPU
Drivers
Security VM
Drivers
• SHA encryption IMS
• Secure boot
• Secure file system
• HSM
• Certificates
• Encryption
• Decryption
• Acceleration
OEM VM
Drivers
• Yocto/Linux BSP
• Customer Application
• u-blox AT commands
• Wi-Fi and GNSS drivers
• Audio, eCall
1.5 AT command support
☞ The TOBY-L4 series modules "01" product versions are intended to be controlled by means of uCPU
programming rather than by AT commands, which are only partially supported.
TOBY-L4 series modules support the standard AT commands according to the 3GPP specifications
TS 27.007 [4], TS 27.005 [5], and u-blox proprietary AT commands.
For the complete list of all supported AT commands and their syntax, see the u-blox AT commands
manual [1].
1.6 u-blox uCPU on-chip processor for OEM applications
☞ The u-blox uCPU on-chip processor for OEM applications is not supported by "50" and "51" product
versions.
The TOBY-L4 series modules "01" product versions integrate the u-blox uCPU on-chip processor,
based on a powerful quad-core CPU, to allow customers to run their dedicated applications on an
embedded Linux distribution based on Yocto, with RIL-Core connectivity APIs.
The Hardware Virtual Machine Manager is implemented for low latency, fault tolerance, security and
protection, providing hardware virtualization between the modem and application systems, including
a dedicated virtual machine for security management (see Figure 2).
Figure 2: TOBY-L4 series SW architecture
Full separation between the modem, security and application virtual machines is implemented, with
the latest Yocto available for customers with full access to the HW and Kernel (Yocto BSP).
Advanced security implementation is available, with
Secure boot and secure update
Crypto HW accelerator / true random number generator
Secure debugging
Secure file system
Secure services provided by dedicated security Virtual Machine / trusted execution environment
For more information regarding u-blox uCPU architecture and OEM applications development, please
contact the u-blox office or sales representative nearest you (for complete contact information, visit
us at www.u-blox.com).
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TOBY-L4 series - Data sheet
2 Interfaces
2.1 Power management
2.1.1 Module supply input (VCC)
TOBY-L4 series modules must be supplied through the VCC pins by a DC power supply. Voltage must
be stable, because the current drawn from VCC can vary significantly during operation, based on the
power consumption profile of the LTE/3G/2G technologies (described in the TOBY-L4 series system
integration manual [2]).
2.1.2 RTC supply input / output (V_BCKP)
When the VCC voltage is within the valid operating range, the internal Power Management Unit (PMU)
supplies the Real Time Clock (RTC) through the rail available at the V_BCKP pin. If the VCC voltage is
under the minimum operating limit (e.g. during not powered mode), the RTC can be externally supplied
through the V_BCKP pin.
2.1.3 Generic digital interfaces supply output (V_INT)
TOBY-L4 series modules provide a 1.8 V supply rail output on the V_INT pin, which is internally
generated when the module is switched on. The same voltage domain is used internally to supply the
generic digital interfaces of the modules. The V_INT supply output can be used in place of an external
discrete regulator.
2.2 Antenna interfaces
2.2.1 Antenna RF interfaces
The modules have two RF pins with a characteristic impedance of 50 . The primary antenna pin
(ANT1) supports both Tx and Rx, providing the main antenna interface, while the secondary antenna
pin (ANT2) supports Rx only for Carrier Aggregation (CA), Multiple-Input Multiple Output (MIMO) and
Rx diversity.
2.2.2 Antenna detection
The ANT_DET pin is an Analog to Digital Converter (ADC) input with a current source provided by the
TOBY-L4 modules to sense the antenna presence (as an optional feature). It evaluates the resistance
from the ANT1 and ANT2 pins to GND by means of an external antenna detection circuit implemented
on the application board. For more details, see the TOBY-L4 series system integration manual [2].
2.3 System functions
2.3.1 Module power-on
TOBY-L4 series can be switched on in the following way:
Low pulse on the PWR_ON pin, which is normally set high by an internal pull-up, for a valid time
period when the applied VCC voltage is within the valid operating range (see section 4.2.8, module
switch-on). The PWR_ON line should be driven by an open drain, open collector or contact switch.
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TOBY-L4 series - Data sheet
3
4
3
4
2.3.2 Module power-off
TOBY-L4 series can be properly switched off, saving current parameter settings in the module’s nonvolatile memory and performing a proper network detach, by:
+CPWROFF AT command
poweroff command on the Linux shell
Low pulse on the PWR_ON pin, which is normally set high by an internal pull-up, for a valid time
period (see section 4.2.8, module normal graceful switch-off)
An abrupt under-voltage shutdown occurs on TOBY-L4 series modules when the VCC supply is
removed. If this occurs, it is not possible to store the current parameter settings in the module’s nonvolatile memory or to perform the proper network detach.
An abrupt emergency shutdown occurs on TOBY-L4 series modules when a sufficiently long low pulse
is set at the PWR_ON pin (see section 4.2.8, module emergency switch-off). In this case, storage of
the current parameter settings in the module’s non-volatile memory and a proper network detach are
not performed.
An over-temperature shutdown occurs on TOBY-L4 modules when the temperature measured within
the cellular module reaches a critical range. For more details, see the TOBY-L4 series system
integration manual [2].
(see the u-blox AT commands manual [1])
2.3.3 Module reset
TOBY-L4 series modules can be properly reset (rebooted), performing an “internal” or “software” reset
of the module, saving current parameter settings in the module’s non-volatile memory and
performing a proper network detach, by:
+CFUN AT command
reboot command on the Linux shell
3
(see the u-blox AT commands manual [1])
4
An abrupt “external” or “hardware” reset occurs when a low level is applied to the RESET_N pin, which
is normally set high by an internal pull-up, for a valid time period (see the section 4.2.9). The current
parameter settings are not saved in the module’s non-volatile memory and a proper network detach
is not performed. The RESET_N line should be driven by an open drain, open collector or contact
switch.
2.3.4 Module configuration selection by host processor
☞ Host Select pins are not supported by the "50" and "51" product version.
TOBY-L4 series modules include two 1.8 V digital pins (HOST_SELECT0, HOST_SELECT1), which can
be configured for External Interrupt detection or as GPIO by means of uCPU application.
Not supported by "01" product version
Not supported by "50" and "51" product version
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TOBY-L4 series - Data sheet
6
8
9
10
5
6
7
8
9
10
2.4 SIM
2.4.1 SIM interfaces
TOBY-L4 series modules provide two SIM interfaces for the direct connection of two external SIM
cards/chips, which can be alternatively used (only one SIM at a time can be used for network access):
SIM0 interface (VSIM, SIM_IO, SIM_CLK, SIM_RST pins), which is enabled by default
SIM1 interface (VSIM1, SIM1_IO, SIM1_CLK, SIM1_RST pins), which can be alternatively enabled by
dedicated AT command (see the u-blox AT commands manual [1]), or by means of uCPU API5.
Both 1.8 V and 3 V SIM types are supported. Activation and deactivation with an automatic voltage
switch from 1.8 V to 3 V is implemented, according to ISO-IEC 7816-3 specifications. The high-speed
SIM/ME interface and PPS procedure for baud rate selection are implemented according to the values
proposed by the SIM card/chip.
2.4.2 SIM detection
TOBY-L4 series modules provide the SIM detection function over GPIO to detect the mechanical /
physical presence of an external SIM card connected to the SIM0 interface (as an optional feature)
when the specific GPIO of the module is properly connected to the mechanical switch of the SIM card
holder (for more details, see the TOBY-L4 series system integration manual [2]).
2.5 Serial communication
TOBY-L4 series provides the following serial communication interfaces:
USB interface: USB Super-Speed 3.0 compliant interface
interface available for communication with an external host application processor or device7
Up to four UART interfaces
: Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter serial interfaces
available for communication with an external host application processor and/or other serial
devices
Up to two SPI interfaces
5
: Serial Peripheral Interfaces available for communication with external
SPI devices
Two DDC interfaces
: I2C bus compatible interfaces available for communication with external
u-blox GNSS positioning chips and modules, and/or other I2C devices as an audio codec
SDIO interface
5
: Secure Digital Input Output interface available for communication with external
u-blox short range radio communication Wi-Fi / Bluetooth modules, or other SDIO devices
RGMII interface
: Reduced Gigabit Media-Independent Interface, where the module represents an
Ethernet MAC, which can be connected to a compatible external Ethernet PHY for communication
with a remote processor
and USB High-Speed 2.0 compliant
Not supported by "50" and "51" product versions
USB 3.0 interface will be supported by future firmware versions
USB 2.0 host role is not supported by "50" and "51" product versions
UART interfaces are not supported by "50" and "51" product version, except for diagnostic purposes and Ring Indicator
function over UART0
I2C interfaces are not supported by "50" product versions. Second I2C interface is not supported by "51" product versions.
Not supported by "50" product versions
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CDC port
Linux VM device
Function on "50" and "51" product versions
Function on "01" product versions
CDC-ACM0
/dev/ttyGS0
AT interface for audio tuning purpose only
Generic serial communication
CDC-ACM1
/dev/ttyGS1
Trace log capture (diagnostic purpose)
Trace log capture (diagnostic purpose)
CDC-ACM2
/dev/ttyGS2
AT interface to control the module
AT interface to control the module
CDC-ACM3
/dev/ttyGS3
Audio parameters tuning and FW update
Linux console
CDC-NCM
usb0
Ethernet-over-USB virtual channel
Ethernet-over-USB virtual channel
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12
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2.5.1 USB interface
☞ USB Super-Speed 3.0 compliant interface will be supported by future firmware version.
☞ USB High-Speed 2.0 host role is not supported by "50" and "51" product versions.
TOBY-L4 series modules include a USB Super-Speed 3.0 compliant interface, supporting up to 5 Gb/s
data rate, and also including a USB High-Speed 2.0 compliant interface, supporting up to 480 Mb/s
data rate.
The USB High-Speed 2.0 compliant interface consists of the following pins:
USB_D+/USB_D–, USB High-Speed differential data lines as per USB 2.0 specification [11]
VUSB_DET input pin, which senses the USB VBUS presence (nominally 5 V at the source) to detect
the host connection and enable the USB 2.0 interface with the module acting as USB device.
Neither the USB interface, nor the whole module is supplied by the VUSB_DET input pin, which
senses the VBUS USB supply voltage presence and absorbs only a few microamperes.
USB_ID pin, available for USB ID resistance measurement:
o if the USB_ID pin is externally connected to GND, then the module acts as a USB host
o if the USB_ID pin is externally left unconnected (floating), than the module acts as a USB device
The USB High-Speed 2.0 compliant interface, with the module acting as a USB device, provides:
AT commands
Generic serial communication
Ethernet-over-USB virtual channel
Auxiliary channel for audio tuning
Trace log capture (diagnostic purpose)
Linux console for uCPU applications development and debug
FW upgrades by means of the +UDWNFILE and +UFWINSTALL AT commands
FW upgrades by means of the u-blox EasyFlash tool
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12
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, and/or the dedicated DownloadTool13
Table 4 shows the USB functions available in module normal operative mode, acting as a USB device.
Table 4: USB functions with the TOBY-L4 series module acting as a USB device
The USB High-Speed 2.0 compliant interface, with the module acting as USB host (OTG), provides:
Communication with external device by means of uCPU application
The USB Super-Speed 3.0 compliant interface as per the USB 3.0 specification [10], with the module
acting as a USB device, consists of the following additional pins:
USB_SSTX+/USB_SSTX–, USB Super-Speed differential transmitter data lines
USB_SSRX+/USB_SSRX–, USB Super-Speed differential receiver data lines
TOBY-L4 series modules are compatible with standard Linux/Android USB kernel drivers.
Partially supported by "01" product version
Not supported by "01" product version
Not supported by "50" and "51" product version
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2.5.2 UART interfaces
☞ UART interfaces are not supported by the "50" and "51" product versions, except for trace logging
(diagnostic purposes) and Ring Indicator functionality over the UART0 interface.
2.5.2.1 UART0 interface
The UART0 Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter serial interface has CMOS compatible
signal levels (0 V for ON / active state and 1.8 V for OFF / idle state), providing:
Communication with external devices by means of the uCPU API, over the following pins:
o RXD module output and TXD module input data lines
o CTS module output and RTS module input hardware flow control lines
Trace logging (diagnostic purpose), over the following pins:
o RXD module output and TXD module input data lines
Ring Indicator functionality, over the following pin:
o RI module output line
UART0 interface can operate at 9.6 kbit/s, 19.2 kbit/s, 38.4 kbit/s, 57.6 kbit/s, 115.2 kbit/s, 230.4 kbit/s,
460.8 kbit/s, 921.6 kbit/s, 3 Mbit/s, 3.25 Mbit/s and 6.5 Mbit/s baud rates, with 8N1 frame format, and
with hardware flow control output (CTS line) driven to OFF state when the module is not prepared to
accept data by the UART0 interface.
The DTR, DSR, DCD and RI pins can be alternatively configured for External Interrupt detection or as
GPIO by means of the uCPU API14. The RI pin can be alternatively configured as GPIO by AT command15.
For more details see the TOBY-L4 series system integration manual [2], and the u-blox AT commands
manual [1] +CNMI, +URING15 AT commands.
2.5.2.2 UART1 interface
The UART1 Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter serial interface has CMOS compatible
signal levels (0 V for ON / active state and 1.8 V for OFF / idle state), providing:
Communication with external devices by means of uCPU API, over the following pins:
o RXD1 module output and TXD1 module input data lines
o CTS1 module output and RTS1 module input hardware flow control lines
UART1 interface can operate at 9.6 kbit/s, 19.2 kbit/s, 38.4 kbit/s, 57.6 kbit/s, 115.2 kbit/s, 230.4 kbit/s,
460.8 kbit/s, 921.6 kbit/s, 3 Mbit/s, 3.25 Mbit/s and 6.5 Mbit/s baud rates, with 8N1 frame format, and
with hardware flow control output (CTS1 line) driven to OFF state when the module is not prepared to
accept data by the UART1 interface.
The UART1 interface can be alternatively, in mutually exclusive way, configured as SPI1 interface by
means of uCPU API, for communication with external devices with the following pins:
RXD1 pin, alternatively configured as SPI1 Master Output Slave Input (module output)
TXD1 pin, alternatively configured as SPI1 Master Input Slave Output (module input)
CTS1 pin, alternatively configured as SPI1 Chip Select (module output)
RTS1 pin, alternatively configured as SPI1 Clock (module output)
Not supported by "50" and "51" product version
Not supported by "01" product version
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2.5.2.3 UART2 interface
The UART2 Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter serial interface has CMOS compatible
signal levels (0 V for ON / active state and 1.8 V for OFF / idle state), providing:
Communication with external devices by means of uCPU API, over the following pins:
o RXD2 module output and TXD2 module input data lines
UART2 interface can operate at 9.6 kbit/s, 19.2 kbit/s, 38.4 kbit/s, 57.6 kbit/s, 115.2 kbit/s, 230.4 kbit/s,
460.8 kbit/s, 921.6 kbit/s, 3 Mbit/s, 3.25 Mbit/s and 6.5 Mbit/s baud rates, with 8N1 frame format.
2.5.2.4 UART3 interface
The UART3 Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter serial interface has CMOS compatible
signal levels (0 V for ON / active state and 1.8 V for OFF / idle state), providing:
Linux console for uCPU API development and debug, over the following pins:
o RXD3 module output and TXD3 module input data lines
UART3 interface can operate at 9.6 kbit/s, 19.2 kbit/s, 38.4 kbit/s, 57.6 kbit/s, 115.2 kbit/s, 230.4 kbit/s,
460.8 kbit/s, 921.6 kbit/s, 3 Mbit/s, 3.25 Mbit/s and 6.5 Mbit/s baud rates, with 8N1 frame format.
2.5.3 SPI interfaces
☞ SPI interfaces are not supported by "50" and "51" product versions.
2.5.3.1 SPI0 interface
The SPI0 1.8 V Serial Peripheral Interface supports communication with an external SPI slave devices,
with the module acting as SPI master, by means of uCPU API, with the following pins:
SPI_MOSI pin, SPI0 Master Output Slave Input (module output)
SPI_MISO pin, SPI0 Master Input Slave Output (module input)
SPI_SCLK pin, SPI0 Serial Clock (module output)
SPI_CS pin, SPI0 Chip Select 0 (module output)
GPIO4 pin, alternatively configured as SPI0 Chip Select 1 (module output)
The SPI0 Serial Clock signal can be configured to different operating frequencies: 26 MHz (maximum
frequency), and 26 / n MHz, where n is 2, 3, 4, etc.
For more details regarding the SPI0 interface usage and the integration with an external application
processor and/or other SPI devices, see the TOBY-L4 series system integration manual [2].
2.5.3.2 SPI1 interface
The SPI1 1.8 V Serial Peripheral Interface supports communication with an external SPI slave devices,
with the module acting as SPI master, by means of the uCPU API, with the following UART1 pins
configured as alternative functions, in a mutually exclusive way:
RXD1 pin, alternatively configured as SPI1 Master Output Slave Input (module output)
TXD1 pin, alternatively configured as SPI1 Master Input Slave Output (module input)
RTS1 pin, alternatively configured as SPI1 Serial Clock (module output)
CTS1 pin, alternatively configured as SPI1 Chip Select (module output)
The SPI1 Serial Clock signal can be configured to various operating frequencies: 26 MHz (maximum
frequency), and (26 / n) MHz, where n is 2, 3, 4, etc.
For more details regarding the SPI1 interface usage and the integration with an external application
processor and/or other SPI devices, see the TOBY-L4 series system integration manual [2].
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2.5.4 DDC (I2C) interfaces
☞ DDC (I2C) interfaces are not supported by the "50" product version.
☞ The second DDC (I2C) interface (I2C1) is not supported by the "51" product version.
2.5.4.1 I2C0 interface
The SDA and SCL pins represent the I2C0 1.8 V I2C bus compatible Display Data Channel (DDC)
interface, with the module acting as I2C master, available for
communication with u-blox GNSS chips / modules by means of uCPU API
communication with external I2C devices by means of uCPU API
16
or AT commands17
I2C0 interface pins of the module are open drain outputs conforming to the I2C bus specifications [12],
supporting up to 100 kbit/s data rate in Standard-mode, and up to 400 kbit/s data rate in Fast-mode.
External pull up resistors to a suitable 1.8 V supply (e.g. V_INT) are required for operations.
For more details regarding the I2C0 interface usage and the integration with a u-blox GNSS receiver,
see the TOBY-L4 series system integration manual [2], and the I2C AT commands description in the
-blox AT commands manual [1].
2.5.4.2 I2C1 interface
The SDA and SCL pins represent the I2C1 I2C bus compatible Display Data Channel (DDC) interface,
with the module acting as I2C master, available for
communication with external I2C devices by means of uCPU API
I2C1 interface pins of the module are open drain outputs conforming to the I2C bus specifications [12],
supporting up to 100 kbit/s data rate in Standard-mode, and up to 400 kbit/s data rate in Fast-mode.
External pull up resistors to a suitable 1.8 V supply (e.g. V_INT) are required for operations.
For more details regarding the I2C1 interface usage, see the TOBY-L4 series system integration
manual [2].
2.5.5 SDIO interface
☞ SDIO interface is not supported by the "50" and "51" product versions.
TOBY-L4 series modules include a 4-bit Secure Digital Input Output interface (SDIO_D0, SDIO_D1,
SDIO_D2, SDIO_D3, SDIO_CLK, SDIO_CMD), where the module acts as an SDIO host controller
designed to:
communicate with compatible u-blox short range radio communication modules by means of the
uCPU API
communicate with external SDIO devices by means of the uCPU API
The SDIO interface supports up to SD 3.0 SDR104 bus speed mode.
For more details regarding the SDIO interface usage, see the TOBY-L4 series system integration
manual [2].
Not supported by the "51" product version
Not supported by "01" product version
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2.5.6 RGMII interface
☞ RGMII interface is not supported by the "50" product version.
TOBY-L4 series modules include an Ethernet Media Access Control (MAC) block supporting up to
1 Gbit/s data rate via a Reduced Gigabit Media-Independent Interface compliant with the RGMII
version 1.3 specification [13].
The module represents an Ethernet MAC controller, which can be connected to a compatible external
Ethernet physical transceiver (PHY) chip for communication with a remote processor over Ethernet.
The following signals are provided for communication and management of an external Ethernet PHY:
V_ETH Interface supply output
ETH_TX_CLK RGMII Transmit reference Clock (TXC) output
ETH_TX_CTL RGMII Transmit Control output, driven on both edges of Transmit clock (TXC)
ETH_TXD0 RGMII Transmit Data [0], from MAC to PHY (module output)
ETH_TXD1 RGMII Transmit Data [1], from MAC to PHY (module output)
ETH_TXD2 RGMII Transmit Data [2], from MAC to PHY (module output)
ETH_TXD3 RGMII Transmit Data [3], from MAC to PHY (module output)
ETH_RX_CLK RGMII Receive reference Clock (RXC) input
ETH_RX_CTL RGMII Receive Control input, sampled on both edges of Receive clock (RXC)
ETH_RXD0 RGMII Receive Data [0], from PHY to MAC (module input)
ETH_RXD1 RGMII Receive Data [1], from PHY to MAC (module input)
ETH_RXD2 RGMII Receive Data [2], from PHY to MAC (module input)
ETH_RXD3 RGMII Receive Data [3], from PHY to MAC (module input)
ETH_INTR Ethernet Interrupt Input, from PHY to MAC (module input)
When this signal is high, it indicates an interrupt event in the PHY
ETH_MDIO Management Data Input Output, bidirectional signal (module input/output)
ETH_MDC Management Data Clock, from MAC to PHY (module output)
For more details regarding the RGMII interface usage and its integration, see the TOBY-L4 series
system integration manual [2].
2.6 eMMC interface
☞ eMMC interface is not supported by the "50" and "51" product versions, except for diagnostic.
TOBY-L4 series modules include a 4-bit embedded Multi-Media Card interface compliant with the
JESD84-B451 Embedded Multimedia Card (eMMC) electrical standard 4.51 [14]. The following signals
are provided for connection and management of an external eMMC / SD memory, by means of the
uCPU API:
V_MMC Interface supply output (module output)
MMC_D0 Multi-Media Card Data [0], bidirectional signal (module input/output)
MMC_D1 Multi-Media Card Data [1], bidirectional signal (module input/output)
MMC_D2 Multi-Media Card Data [2], bidirectional signal (module input/output)
MMC_D3 Multi-Media Card Data [3], bidirectional signal (module input/output)
MMC_CMD Multi-Media Card Command, bidirectional signal (module input/output)
MMC_CLK Multi-Media Card Clock (module output)
MMC_RST_N Multi-Media Card Reset (module output)
MMC_CD_N Multi-Media Card Detect (module input)
For more details regarding the eMMC interface usage and the integration with an external memory,
see the TOBY-L4 series system integration manual [2].
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Supported Bus Speed Modes:
SD2.0 Default Speed mode: 2.85V signaling, up to 25 MHz, up to 12.5 MB/s
SD2.0 High Speed Mode: 2.85V signaling, up to 50 MHz, up to 25 MB/s
SD3.0 SDR12: 1.8V signaling, up to 25 MHz, up to 12.5 MB/s
SD3.0 SDR25: 1.8V signaling, up to 50 MHz, up to 25 MB/s
SD3.0 SDR50: 1.8V signaling, up to 100 MHz, up to 50 MB/s
SD3.0 DDR50: 1.8V signaling, up to 50 MHz, sampled on both clock edges, up to 50 MB/s
eMMC Backward Compatibility Mode: 1.8V / 2.85V signaling, up to 26 MHz, up to 26 MB/s
eMMC High Speed SDR Mode: 1.8V / 2.85V signaling, up to 52 MHz, up to 52 MB/s
eMMC High Speed DDR Mode: 1.8V / 2.85V signaling, up to 52 MHz, up to 104 MB/s
The HS200 SDR and the SD3.0 SDR104 Bus Speed Modes are not supported
2.7 Audio interfaces
☞ Since the NTT DoCoMo certification is only valid for data-only applications, the TOBY-L4206-01A
and TOBY-L4206-51A product versions operate as data-only devices if the Mobile Network
Operator profile is set to NTT DoCoMo as defined by the factory-programmed value of the
AT+UMNOPROF command (for further details, see the u-blox AT commands manual [1]).
TOBY-L4 series modules provide analog and digital audio interfaces:
Analog audio inputs:
o First differential analog audio input (MIC1_P, MIC1_N), which can be connected to the output
of an external analog audio device, or an external microphone
o Second differential analog audio input (MIC2_P, MIC2_N), which can be connected to the
output of an external analog audio device, or an external microphone
o Supply output for external microphones (MIC_BIAS), which can provide the bias / supply for
external microphones by means of a circuit implemented on the application board
o Local ground for the external microphone (MIC_GND), internally connected to ground,
representing a clean ground reference for the analog audio input
Analog audio output:
o Differential analog audio output (SPK_P, SPK_N), which can be connected to the input of an
external analog audio device, or an external speaker
Digital audio interfaces:
o I2S0 digital audio interface (I2S_TXD, I2S_RXD, I2S_CLK, I2S_WA), configurable in PCM mode
(short synchronization signal) or in normal I2S mode (long synchronization signal) to transfer
digital audio data with an external digital audio device
o I2S1 digital audio interface
(I2S1_TXD, I2S1_RXD, I2S1_CLK, I2S1_WA), configurable in PCM
mode (short synchronization signal) or in normal I2S mode (long synchronization signal) to
transfer digital audio data with an external digital audio device
For more details regarding the I2S digital audio interface usage and the integration with an external
digital audio device as an audio codec, see the TOBY-L4 series system integration manual [2] and the
audio AT commands19 description in the u-blox AT commands manual [1].
I2S1 digital audio interface will be supported by future FW versions
Not supported by "01" product version
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