EVK-6
u-blox Evaluation Kits
User Guide
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be downloaded from www.u-blox.com.
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to specifications and product descriptions at any time without notice.
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Abstract
This document describes the components and usage of the EVK-6
Evaluation Kits and guides through the evaluation and testing of
u-blox 6 GPS Technology.
locate, communicate, accelerate
www.u-blox.com
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GPS.G6-EK-10040-C1 Preliminary Page 2 of 28
1 Product description
EVK-6 Evaluation Kits make evaluating the high performance of u-blox 6 GPS modules simple. The built-in USB
interface provides both power supply and high-speed data transfer, and eliminates the need for an external
power supply. u-blox 6 Evaluation Kits are compact, and their user friendly interface and power supply make
them ideally suited for use in laboratories, vehicles and outdoor locations. Furthermore, they can be used with a
PDA or a notebook PC, making them the perfect companion through all stages of design-in projects.
Evaluation Kit Suitable for
EVK-6A: u-blox 6 Evaluation Kit for AMY-6M AMY-6M
EVK-6H: u-blox 6 Evaluation Kit with TCXO LEA-6H, LEA-6S, NEO-6G, NEO-6Q, MAX-6G, MAX-6Q,
u-blox 6 GPS chips with TCXO
EVK-6N: u-blox 6 GPS/ GLONASS/ QZSS Evaluation Kit with TCXO LEA-6N, u-blox 6 GPS chips with TCXO and Flash FW1.00
EVK-6P: u-blox 6 Evaluation Kit with Crystal LEA-6A, NEO-6M, u-blox 6 GPS chips with Crystal
EVK-6T: u-blox 6 Evaluation Kit with Precision Timing LEA-6T
EVK-6R: u-blox 6 Evaluation Kit with Automotive Dead Reckoning
(hardware sensor interface)
LEA-6R, ADR GWT Products
EVK-6V: u-blox 6 Evaluation Kit with Automotive Dead Reckoning
(software sensor interface)
ADR DWT Products
EVK-6PPP: u-blox 6 Evaluation Kit with Precise Point Positioning NEO-6P
Table 1: List of available EVK-6 u-blox 6 Evaluation Kits
For additional information and documentation for the EVK-6V, contact the u-blox sales representative
nearest you.
1.1 Kit includes
1.2 u-center GPS evaluation software
EVK-6 evaluation kits include u-center, an interactive tool for configuration, testing, visualization and data
analysis of GPS receivers. It provides useful assistance during all phases of a system integration project.
1.3 System requirements
• PC with USB interface
• Operating system: Microsoft
®
Windows 7, Windows Vista or Windows XP
• USB drivers are provided in the evaluation kit CD
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2 Getting Started
2.1 Software installation
Installation of the EVK-6X software and documentation requires Internet access.
• Insert the CD-ROM with u-blox EvalKit software in your personal computer. The installation software will
automatically start and guide you through the installation process. The installer requires Internet access to
ensure that the most up-to-date components are installed on your system; these will be placed under the
“u-blox” folder in the Start->Programs menu.
Figure 1: Location of EVK components on start menu
2.2 Hardware installation (EVK-6A/H/N/P/T/V/PPP)
1. Connect the USB port of the evaluation box to a PC running Microsoft Windows. An additional RS232 port
is available on the back of the EVK unit. When communicating via this port the device must still be powered
via USB.
2. Connect the GPS antenna to the evaluation unit and place the antenna in a location with good sky view.
3. Start the u-center GPS Evaluation Software and select corresponding COM port and baud rate (refer to the
u-center User Guide [9] for more information).
2.3 Hardware installation (EVK-6R)
1. Connect the power adapter to the evaluation box and a power rail.
2. Connect one of the serial interface cables to port 1 or USB of the evaluation box and a PC running Microsoft
Windows.
3. Connect the GPS antenna to the evaluation unit and place the antenna in a location for optimal ADR
performance i.e. above the middle of the rear (unsteered) axle [7].
4. Connect odometer signal and the forward-backward signal (optional) to the evaluation box.
5. Power up the evaluation box.
6. Start the u-center GPS Evaluation Software and synchronize COM port and baud rate (refer to the u-center
User Guide [9] for more information).
2.4 Serial port default configuration
Parameter Description Remark
UART Port 1, Input UBX and NMEA protocol at 9’600 Baud
UART Port 1, Output UBX and NMEA protocol at 9’600 Baud Only NMEA messages are activated
USB, Input UBX and NMEA protocol
USB, Output UBX and NMEA protocol Only NMEA messages are activated
Table 2: Default configuration
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3 Device description
3.1 Active antenna
The EVK-6 Evaluation Kit comes either with a u-blox ANN-MS active GPS antenna with 5 m of cable (see the
ANN-MS Product Summary [1] for more information) or with a GPS/ GLONASS antenna with 3 m of cable
(EVK-6N). It is possible to connect various active and passive GPS antennas with SMA connector to the
Evaluation Box. The maximum antenna supply current for active antennas is 30 mA.
3.2 EVK-6A/H/N/P/T/V/PPP Evaluation Box
Figure 2 shows the front and the rear sides of the EVK-6A/H/N/P/T/V/PPP Evaluation Box, showing connectors.
Front panel
Rear panel
Figure 2: EVK-6A/H/N/P/T/V/PPP Evaluation Box - front and rear panels
3.2.1 Antenna connector
An SMA female jack is available on the front side (see Figure 2) of the Evaluation Box for connecting an active or
passive antenna. DC voltage at the RF input is 3.0 V and the current is limited to 30 mA.
The connector is only to be used with a GPS/GNSS antenna or simulator. Do not connect this
equipment to cable distribution systems.
3.2.2 Backup battery
With the EVK-6A/H/N/P/T/V/PPP a backup battery is connected to the u-blox 6 module to supply the backup part.
This is necessary for storing orbital information between operations and enables faster start-up. The battery is a
1.55 V silver oxide type SR1154W (SR44), with a capacity of 190 mA. This should last for approximately 1 year.
CAUTION! RISK OF EXPLOSION IF BATTERY IS REPLACED BY AN INCORRECT TYPE. DISPOSE OF
USED BATTERIES ACCORDING TO THE INSTRUCTIONS!
CAUTION! IN THE UNLIKELY EVENT OF A FAILURE IN THE INTERNAL PROTECTION CIRCUITRY
THERE IS A RISK OF AN EXPLOSION WHEN CHARGING FULLY OR PARTIALLY DISCHARGED
BATTERIES. REPLACE THE BATTERY IF IT NO LONGER HAS SUFFICIENT CHARGE FOR UNIT
OPERATION. CONTROL THE BATTERY BEFORE USING IF THE DEVICE HAS NOT BEEN OPERATED
FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME.
3.2.3 LEDs
On the front panel of the Evaluation Box there is a single LED to indicate operation of the 1PPS Timepulse signal.
3.2.4 GNSS Configuration (EVK-6N)
Besides GPS the EVK-6N also supports QZSS and GLONASS. For more information on how to configure the GNSS
used, refer to the u-center User Guide [9], the u-blox 6 Receiver Description including Protocol Specification [8],
and the u-blox 6 GLONASS FW 1.00 Release Note [12]. When testing GLONASS mode, be sure to use an LNA in
front of the RF connection.
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3.2.5 UART
The Evaluation Box includes an RS232 port for serial communication that is compatible with PC serial ports.
Connect using a straight RS232 serial cable with male and female connectors to the port on your PC. If you are
using a USB to RS232 adaptor cable you can connect it directly to the evaluation kit RS232 port.
The 9 pin D-SUB female connector is assigned as listed in Table 3:
Pin Nr. Assignment
1 GPS time pulse output
2 TXD, GPS Transmit Data, serial data to DTE
3 RXD, GPS Receive Data, serial data from DTE
4 GPS ExtInt input
5 GND
6 GPS time pulse output
7-9 not connected
Table 3: Connector pin description EVK-6A/H/P/T/V/PPP
3.2.6 USB
A USB V2.0 compatible serial port is featured for data communication and power supply.
3.3 EVK-6R Evaluation Box
Figure 3 shows the front and the rear sides of the EVK-6R Evaluation Box, showing connectors.
Front panel
Rear panel
Figure 3: EVK-6R Evaluation Box - front and rear panels
3.3.1 Antenna connector
An SMA female jack is available on the back side (see Figure 3) of the Evaluation Box for connecting an active or
passive antenna.
The connector is only to be used with a GPS/GNSS antenna or simulator. Do not connect this
equipment to cable distribution systems.
3.3.2 Backup battery
With the EVK-6R the backup battery in the Evaluation Box is a 3V lithium battery of the type 2450N. This battery
has a capacity of 540 mAh, which should last for approximately 1 year for storing GPS and calibration sensor
data in the EVK-6R Evaluation Kit.
CAUTION! RISK OF EXPLOSION IF BATTERY IS REPLACED BY AN INCORRECT TYPE. DISPOSE OF
USED BATTERIES ACCORDING TO THE INSTRUCTIONS!
CAUTION! IN THE UNLIKELY EVENT OF A FAILURE IN THE INTERNAL PROTECTION CIRCUITRY
THERE IS A RISK OF AN EXPLOSION WHEN CHARGING FULLY OR PARTIALLY DISCHARGED
BATTERIES. REPLACE THE BATTERY IF IT NO LONGER HAS SUFFICIENT CHARGE FOR UNIT
OPERATION. CONTROL THE BATTERY BEFORE USING IF THE DEVICE HAS NOT BEEN OPERATED
FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME.
