User's Manual

Table Of Contents
SARA-G3 and SARA-U2 series - System Integration Manual
UBX-13000995 - R08 Objective Specification Design-in
Page 120 of 188
The circuit with a 1.8 V application processor should be implemented as described in Figure 64.
TxD
Application Processor
(1.8V DTE)
RxD
SARA-G3 series
(1.8V DCE)
29
TXD_AUX
28
RXD_AUX
GND GND
0 ohm
0 ohm
TestPoint
TestPoint
Figure 66: UART AUX interface application circuit connecting a 1.8 V application processor
If a 3.0 V application processor is used, appropriate unidirectional voltage translators must be provided using the
module V_INT output as 1.8 V supply, as described in Figure 65.
4
V_INT
TxD
Application Processor
(3.0V DTE)
RxD
GND
SARA-G3 series
(1.8V DCE)
29
TXD_AUX
28
RXD_AUX
GND
1V8
B1 A1
GND
U1
VCCBVCCA
Unidirectional
Voltage Translator
C1
C2
3V0
DIR1
DIR2
OE
VCC
B2 A2
0 ohm
0 ohm
TP
TP
TP
Figure 67: UART AUX interface application circuit connecting a 3.0 V application processor
Reference
Description
Part Number - Manufacturer
C1, C2
100 nF Capacitor Ceramic X7R 0402 10% 16 V
GRM155R61A104KA01 - Murata
U1
Unidirectional Voltage Translator
SN74AVC2T245 - Texas Instruments
Table 35: Component for UART AUX interface application circuit connecting a 3.0 V application processor
See Firmware Update Application Note [25] for additional guidelines regarding the procedure for SARA-G3
modules’ firmware upgrade over the auxiliary UART interface using the u-blox EasyFlash tool.
Any external signal connected to the auxiliary UART interface must be tri-stated or set low when the
module is in power-down mode and during the module power-on sequence (at least until the activation
of the V_INT output), to avoid latch-up of circuits and allow a proper boot of the module. If the external
signals connected to the cellular module cannot be tri-stated or set low, insert a multi channel digital
switch (e.g. TI SN74CB3Q16244, TS5A3159, or TS5A63157) between the two-circuit connections and set
to high impedance during module power down mode and during the module power-on sequence.
ESD sensitivity rating of auxiliary UART pins is 1 kV (Human Body Model according to JESD22-A114).
Higher protection level could be required if the lines are 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 points.
2.6.2.2 Guidelines for UART AUX layout design
The auxiliary UART serial interface is not critical for the layout design since it is not used during normal operation
of SARA-G3 modules. Ensure accessibility to the TXD_AUX and RXD_AUX pins providing test points on the
application board.