Unicore UM620 Series User Manual

Revision History

Legal Right Notice

This manual provides information and details on the products of Unicore Communications, Inc. (“Unicore”). All rights, title, and interest to this document and the information contained herein are reserved, including copyrights, patents, trademarks, and other proprietary rights. Unicore holds the trademarks of “和芯星通”, “UNICORECOMM”, and other trade names, trademarks, icons, logos, brand names, and service marks of Unicore products. This manual, or any part of it, does not grant any Unicore rights or interests.

Disclaimer

The information in this manual is provided "as is" and is believed to be true and correct at the time of publication. Unicore does not provide any commitment or warranty regarding the fitness for a particular purpose, accuracy, reliability, or correctness of the information. Product specifications, descriptions, features, and user guide are subject to change by Unicore without prior notice.

Should you purchase our product and encounter any inconsistency, please contact Unicore or your local authorized distributor for the most up-to-date version of this manual.

Foreword

This document describes the hardware, installation, specifications, and use of Unicore UM620 series modules.

Document Structure

1. Product introduction
2. Installation guide
3. Technical specifications
4. Package
5. Clean
6. Reflow soldering

Contents

1. Introduction
   1.1 Overview
   1.2 Key Specifications
   1.3 Interfaces
2. Product Installation
   2.1 Preparations
   2.2 Hardware Installation
3. Technical Specifications
   3.1 Electrical Specifications
   3.2 Operational Conditions
   3.3 Dimensions
   3.4 Pin Definition
   3.5 PCB Packaging
   3.6 Power Supply Requirements
4. Package
   4.1 Label Description
   4.2 Ordering Information
   4.3 Package Description
5. Clean
6. Reflow Soldering

1 Introduction

1.1 Overview

UM620 series modules are GNSS dual-frequency modules developed by Unicore Communications. Based on the UFirebird II (UC6580) GNSS SoC, they support multi-system joint positioning and single system standalone positioning, providing accurate results even in complex scenarios. The manufacturing process adheres to IATF 16949, and the automotive grade GNSS chip meets AEC-Q100 requirements.

Figure 1-1 UM620 Series Modules: The image shows two modules: UM620N on the left (Automotive) and UM620 on the right (Industrial).

* The default data update rate is 1Hz; specific firmware supports 5 Hz and 10 Hz.

1.2 Key Specifications

* Items marked with an asterisk are supported by specific firmware.

1.3 Interfaces

Figure 1-2 UM620 Series Modules Block Diagram: This diagram illustrates the internal components and external interfaces of the UM620 series modules. It shows the RF input path (RF_IN, LNA, SAW), the UFirebird II SoC (CPU, SRAM, Flash, Interface, GNSS BB, RTC), and various interfaces like UART, SPI, I2C, 1PPS, Reset, and Power Supply.

UART: UM620 series modules have two configurable UART ports. UART1 is the main serial port for data transmission and firmware upgrade, with LVTTL signal levels. The baud rate can be up to 460800 bps. UART1 connects to a PC or external processor for firmware upgrades. UART2 supports data transmission only.

1PPS: UM620 series modules output 1PPS with adjustable pulse width and polarity. 1PPS is not for timing applications.

nRESET: Active low reset signal. The active time must be at least 10 ms. Leave floating if not in use.

¹ For more information, see Unicore FirebirdII Protocol Specification.

2 Product Installation

2.1 Preparations

UM620 series modules are Electrostatic Sensitive Devices (ESD) and require special handling precautions. Follow these instructions before opening the anti-static plastic box:

1. Follow the steps in section 2.2 in the correct order.
2. Prevent electrostatic discharge (ESD) which can damage the device. Perform all operations on an antistatic workbench with an antistatic wristband and conductive foam pad. If an antistatic workbench is unavailable, wear an antistatic wrist strap connected to a metal frame.
3. Hold the module by its edge and avoid touching any components.
4. Check the module for looseness or damage. Contact Unicore or the local dealer if any issues are found.

Figure 2-1 Typical Installation of UM620 Series EVK: This diagram shows a typical setup for installing the UM620 series evaluation kit (EVK). It includes a PC, an antenna, the UM620 Series EVK, and the necessary cables.

Items to prepare before installation:

• UM620 series EVK (with AC Adapter)
• UM620 series modules User Manual
• Unicore UPrecise software package
• Accessory GNSS antenna
• USB cable and straight-through serial cable
• PC or Laptop with serial ports (Windows 7 and above)

Please keep the packing box and anti-static plastic box for storage and handling.

2.2 Hardware Installation

After preparations, follow these steps for module installation (for satellite navigation test only):

1. Ensure full anti-static measures are taken, including wearing an anti-static wrist strap and grounding the workbench.
2. Open the UM620 series evaluation kit and take out the evaluation board.
3. Use a GNSS antenna with appropriate gain and fix it in a non-blocking area. Connect the antenna to the UM620 series evaluation board using the appropriate cable.
4. Connect a PC to the EVK serial port via USB cable or straight-through serial cable.
5. Open the UPrecise software on the PC.
6. Control the receiver through UPrecise to display constellations view, log messages, and receiver status.

3 Technical Specifications

3.1 Electrical Specifications

Absolute Maximum Ratings

Operational Conditions

3.3 Dimensions

Figure 3-1 Mechanical Layout: This diagram shows the mechanical dimensions of the UM620 series modules with various measurements labeled (A through M, K, N).

3.4 Pin Definition

Figure 3-2 Pin Assignment: This diagram shows the top view pin assignment for the UM620 series modules.

* I2C and SPI are supported by specific firmware.

² If the antenna power supply and the module's main supply VCC use the same power rail, the ESD, surge and overvoltage from the antenna will have an effect on VCC, which may cause damage to the module. Therefore, it's recommended to design an independent power rail for the antenna to reduce the possibility of damage to the module.

3.5 PCB Packaging

Figure 3-3 UM620 Series Modules Recommended PCB Packaging: This diagram shows the recommended PCB footprint for the UM620 series modules, with dimensions in mils and millimeters.

When designing the PCB solder mask, ensure the area under the UM620 series modules is completely coated with solder mask.

3.6 Power Supply Requirements

Main Supply (VCC)

The voltage range for VCC is 2.7 V ~ 3.6 V.

Notes:

• The VCC initial level when power-on should be less than 0.4 V.
• The VCC ramp during power-on should be monotonic, without plateaus.
• Voltages of undershoot and ringing should be within 5% VCC.
• VCC power-on waveform: The time interval from 10% rising to 90% must be within 100 µs ~ 10 ms.
• Power-on time interval: The time interval between power-off (VCC < 0.4 V) and the next power-on is recommended to be larger than 500 ms.

Backup Supply (V_BCKP)

If the hot start function is needed, users should supply backup power to the module. The voltage range for V_BCKP is 1.7 V ~ 3.6 V.

Notes:

• The V_BCKP initial level when power-on should be less than 0.4 V.
• The V_BCKP ramp during power-on should be monotonic, without plateaus.
• The voltages of undershoot and ringing should be within 5% V_BCKP.
• V_BCKP power-on waveform: The time interval from 10% rising to 90% must be within 100 µs ~ 10 ms.
• Power-on time interval: The time interval between power-off (V_BCKP < 0.4 V) and the next power-on is recommended to be larger than 500 ms.
• The V_BCKP pin cannot be floating or connected to ground. When V_BCKP is not used, it should be connected to VCC or connected to backup power.

4 Package

4.1 Label Description

The label on the product includes:

• Product Model
• Product Serial Number
• Ordering Code
• Part Number (thirteen digits)
• Product QR Code

4.2 Ordering Information

4.3 Package Description

The UM620 series modules use carrier tape and reel, packaged in vacuum-sealed aluminum foil antistatic bags with a desiccant. Comply with IPC standards for temperature and humidity control during reflow soldering. The carrier tape withstands temperatures up to 55°C; modules must be removed from the package during baking.

Figure 4-1 UM620 Series Modules Package: This image shows the packaging of the UM620 series modules, including the reel, antistatic bag, and desiccant.

UM620 series modules are rated MSL level 3. Refer to IPC/JEDEC standards for baking requirements. Visit www.jedec.org for more information. The shelf life of modules in vacuum-sealed antistatic bags is one year.

5 Clean

DO NOT use alcohol or other organic solvents to clean the module, as this may cause soldering flux residues to flood into the shielding shell, leading to mildew and other problems.

6 Reflow Soldering

To prevent the device from falling off, the module should be placed on the top of the main board during soldering. The recommended reflow soldering temperature curve is shown in Figure 6-1. M705-GRN360 is recommended for solder paste. The module can only be soldered once.

Figure 6-1 Reflow Soldering Temperature Curve: This graph displays a recommended reflow soldering temperature profile, including preheat zone, reflow zone, and specific temperature points (A, B, C, D) with corresponding times and temperature ranges. It also lists recommended reflow ovens and parameters.

Note: Stencil apertures must meet customer design requirements and inspection specifications. Stencil thickness should be at least 0.15 mm, preferably 0.18 mm.