1.1 EVK-R4 overview

The EVK-R4 kit is a powerful and easy-to-use tool that simplifies the evaluation of the u-blox SARA-R4 series multi-band LTE-M / NB-IoT / EGPRS cellular modules.

The following evaluation kits are available with u-blox SARA-R4 cellular modules:

• The EVK-R410M evaluation kit is for evaluation of SARA-R410M modules, and more specifically:
  • The EVK-R410M-02B evaluation kit is for the SARA-R410M-02B module product version
  • The EVK-R410M-6 evaluation kit is for the SARA-R410M-63B module product version
  • The EVK-R410M-7 evaluation kit is for the SARA-R410M-73B module product version
  • The EVK-R410M-8 evaluation kit is for the SARA-R410M-83B module product version
• The EVK-R412M evaluation kit is for evaluation of SARA-R412M modules
• The EVK-R422M8S evaluation kit is for evaluation of SARA-R422M8S modules, which are representative of the SARA-R422-00B and SARA-R422S-00B modules.
• The EVK-R422M10S evaluation kit is for evaluation of SARA-R422M10S modules, which are representative of the SARA-R422-01B and SARA-R422S-01B modules.

All the evaluation kits are identified herein as the EVK-R4.

See the SARA-R4 series data sheet [2] and the SARA-R4 series system integration manual [3] for the features supported by the u-blox SARA-R4 series cellular modules.

1.2 EVK-R4 block diagram

The following figures illustrate the evaluation kit's block diagrams and board structure.

The EVK-R4 is composed of three boards:

1. EVB-WL3: The baseboard containing power supply and peripherals like the SIM card holder, reset, and power-on buttons.
2. Cellular Adapter Board (ADP-R4): Houses the SARA-R4 cellular module, antenna connectors (cellular and GNSS), USB connectors (for UART and module interface), and DIL header connectors for module interfaces. For SARA-R42 series, this board is called ADP-R42 and includes additional USB connectors for two UARTs.
3. GNSS Adapter Board (ADP-GNSS): Houses the u-blox GNSS module, GNSS antenna connector, and USB connector for the GNSS module.

These adapter boards connect to the EVB-WL3 via male and female header connectors.

1.2.1 Specifics to the EVK for SARA-R42 series modules

Configuration of the UART interfaces for SARA-R42 series modules depends on the settings of the on-board/B2B switch (SW401) and the jumper on the 3-pin header J248 on the cellular adapter board. These settings determine whether the UART interfaces are routed to the USB connector (J501 on EVB-WL3 or J201 on ADP-R42), the RS232 connector (J500 on EVB-WL3), or are accessible at 1.8V CMOS levels on the DIL header connector for external MCU communication.

The GNSS system's UART data output (TXD_GNSS) can be accessed via the USB connector (J501) on the EVB-WL3.

The cellular module's native USB interface (for FW update and diagnostics on SARA-R42 series) is available on connector J105 on the cellular adapter board.

Other peripherals are accessible via dual-in-line male board-to-board connectors on the cellular adapter board's top layer.

The EVB-WL3 is designed to be compatible with other u-blox cellular adapter boards, featuring additional components not fully detailed here. It is recommended to leave unconnected any additional connectors and switches in their default configuration.

Figure 7: 3-pin header J248: This header on the cellular adapter board allows routing of UART interfaces on the EVK for SARA-R42 series modules.

1.3 Switches, jumpers and buttons

The evaluation kit features several switches, jumpers, and buttons for controlling its operation. The table below details their function, name, and board location:

² For EVK-R422M8S / EVK-R422M10S, it is recommended to keep this switch on "detach" position.

1.4 LEDs

The evaluation kit is equipped with several LEDs to indicate status. The table below lists the LEDs, their function, board location, and color:

1.5 Connectors

The evaluation kit features various connectors for interfacing with modules and external devices. The table below lists these connectors:

Caution! In the unlikely event of a failure in the internal protection circuitry, there is a risk of explosion when charging a fully or partially discharged battery. Replace the battery when it no longer has a sufficient charge for unit operation. Control the battery before use if the device has not been used for an extended period.

Caution! Risk of explosion if the battery is replaced with an incorrect type. Dispose of used batteries according to the instructions!

1.6 EVK-R410M pin out

Table 4 lists the interfaces of SARA-R410M modules, routed on the 42-pin dual-in-line board-to-board connectors (J300, J301), on the adapter board ADP-R410M of the EVK-R410M evaluation kit.

The pins / interfaces that are not supported by a specific SARA-R4 product version should not be driven by an external device (see the SARA-R4 series data sheet [2] and the SARA-R4 series system integration manual [3] for features supported by each SARA-R4 module product version).

1.7 EVK-R412M pinout

Table 5 lists the interfaces of the SARA-R412M module, routed on the 42-pin dual-in-line board-to-board connectors (J300, J301), on the adapter board ADP-R412M of the EVK-R412M evaluation kit.

The pins / interfaces that are not supported by a specific SARA-R4 product version should not be driven by an external device (see the SARA-R4 series data sheet [2] and the SARA-R4 series system integration manual [3] for features supported by each SARA-R4 module product version).

1.8 EVK-R422M8S pinout

Table 6 lists the interfaces of SARA-R422M8S modules, routed on the 42-pin dual-in-line board-to-board connectors (J300, J301), on the ADP-R4 adapter board of the EVK-R4 evaluation kit.

The pins / interfaces that are not supported by a specific SARA-R4 version should not be driven by an external device (see the SARA-R4 series data sheet [2] and the SARA-R4 series system integration manual [3] for features supported by each SARA-R4 module product version).

³ SARA-R422M8S modules only.

1.9 EVK-R422M10S pinout

Table 7 lists the Interfaces of the SARA-R422M10S modules, routed on the 42-pin dual-in-line board-to-board connectors (J103, J104), on the ADP-R4 adapter board of the EVK-R4 evaluation kit.

The pins / interfaces that are not supported by a specific SARA-R4 version should not be driven by an external device (see the SARA-R4 series data sheet [2] and the SARA-R4 series system integration manual [3] for features supported by each SARA-R4 module product version).

³ SARA-R422M10S modules only.

⁴ SARA-R422M10S modules only.

1.10 Software installation

USB drivers for Windows operating systems are available with the EVK-R4. They can be downloaded from www.u-blox.com and saved to any location on the computer hard drive. The installation can be started by running the executable file on a computer with the Windows operating system. For further assistance, contact the u-blox technical support or sales representative office nearest you.

1.11 Board setup

1. Insert a SIM card into the SIM card holder (J300 on the EVB).
2. Connect the cellular antenna provided with the evaluation kit box to the Cellular antenna SMA connector on the ADP-R4 (ANT connector for transmission and reception of LTE RF signals).
3. If GNSS functionality is required:
   • For EVK-R410M and EVK-R412M: Connect the GNSS antenna to the GNSS antenna SMA connector on the ADP-GNSS (J208). Keep the cellular GNSS detach switch (SW304) in the "GNSS" position.
   • For EVK-R422M8S and EVK-R422M10S: Connect the GNSS antenna to the GNSS antenna SMA connector on the ADP-R42 (J112). Keep the cellular GNSS detach switch (SW304) in the "detach" position.
   Place the GNSS antenna in a location with a good view of the sky.
4. Interface to the GNSS module is not supported by SARA-R422M8S and SARA-R422M10S⁵.
5. Connect the AC/DC +12V power adapter to the 9-18V Power input connector (J400 on the EVB). The LED DL401 should light blue.
6. Ensure a jumper socket is placed on the Cellular VCC supply jumpers (J404 on EVB, J109 on ADP-R42). These jumpers connect the 3.8V output from the EVB's supply circuit to the module's VCC input.
7. To enable board power, turn the Main power switch (SW400 on the EVB) to the ON position. The LED DL400 should light green.
8. For communication via the cellular module's UART interface, the following connections are allowed and can be enabled mutually exclusively (refer to Table 8 for switch positions and LED status):
   • 7.1. Cellular USB (J501 on EVB): Connect a USB cable to this connector. LED DL501 lights blue. This enables two COM ports in Windows (viewable in Device Manager). The main UART interface is on the first COM port. The GNSS UART output (for SARA-R422M8S/SARA-R422M10S) is on the second COM port.
   • 7.2. Cellular RS232 (J500 on EVB): Connect an RS232 cable to this DB9 connector.
   • 7.3. Cellular USB (J201 on ADP-R42): Connect a USB cable to this mini USB connector. LED DS201 lights blue. This enables two COM ports in Windows for the two UART interfaces of SARA-R42 modules (refer to the AT command manual [1], +USIO AT command, for enabling these interfaces).

⁵ Supply for the NEO-M8N GNSS module can be provided by mounting jumper R106 and removing jumper R107 on the ADP-GNSS.

Table 8: Serial interface configuration

To configure the AT COM port for communication, use an AT terminal application (e.g., u-blox m-center) with the following settings:

• Data rate: 115,200 bit/s
• Data bits: 8
• Parity: N
• Stop bits: 1
• Flow control: HW

Refer to Appendix A for detailed configuration steps in Windows.

To access the cellular module via USB interface, connect a USB cable to the Cellular native USB connector on the ADP-R4. LED DS100 lights blue.

After module boot (see point 9 for power-on procedure), ports listed in Table 9 are enabled by the Windows USB driver.

Table 9: Cellular USB interface configuration

⁶ SARA-R410M and SARA-R412M modules only.

For AT communication with SARA-R410M and SARA-R412M modules, use an AT terminal application (e.g., u-blox m-center) and select the AT modem port with these settings:

• Data rate: 115,200 bit/s
• Data bits: 8
• Parity: N
• Stop bits: 1
• Flow control: HW

Refer to Appendix A for configuration in Windows.

To switch on the cellular module, press the Cellular Power-on/Power-ctrl button (SW302 on the EVB-WL3 board).

1.12 Enabling error result codes

1.13 PIN code insertion (when required)

1.14 Registration on a cellular network

1.15 Switching off the EVK-R4

To switch off the EVK-R4, send the +CPWROFF AT command before switching off the main power. This ensures that settings and configuration parameters are saved in the cellular module's non-volatile memory.

A Setting up AT terminal applications for communication with the EVK-R4

The u-blox m-center is a powerful tool for evaluating, configuring, and testing u-blox cellular products. It includes an AT commands terminal and can be downloaded free from www.u-blox.com.

1. Follow board setup instructions in section 1.11 for connections and power-on.
2. Run the m-center tool; the Home page will appear.
3. On the Home page, set up the AT COM port (refer to section 1.11). Verify the COM port in Windows Device Manager.
4. Click "Connect" to establish the connection to the cellular module.
5. Click "Get Info" to retrieve module and network information.
6. Module information is displayed on the Home page.
7. Click "AT Terminal" (top right of Home page) to open the AT command terminal window for communication, as shown in Figure 9.
8. The AT terminal is ready. For a complete list of AT commands, see the SARA-R4 series AT commands manual [1].

Figure 8: "Home" page: Shows the m-center interface with options for COM port setup, connection status, and module information retrieval.

Figure 9: AT terminal window: Displays the AT command interface where users can send commands and view responses.

Press F1 in m-center for help.

B Setting up a cellular packet data connection on a Windows PC

This section details setting up a packet data connection on Windows 7 using the PC's TCP/IP stack with the EVK-R4. Two methods are described:

• Over the UART interface (via Cellular USB J501 or Cellular RS232 J500 on EVB).
• Over the native USB interface (via Cellular Native USB J105 on ADP for SARA-R410M/R412M).

C Examples of AT commands

For comprehensive AT command descriptions, refer to the u-blox SARA-R4 series AT commands manual [1]. For common operations, see application development guides [4] and [5].

D Current consumption measurement

E Glossary

The following table defines abbreviations and terms used in this document:

Declaration of conformities

The equipment is intended for indoor use. It is the user's duty to verify if further restrictions apply, such as in airplanes, hospitals, or hazardous locations like petrol stations and refineries.

Any changes or modification made to this equipment will void its compliance to the safety requirements.

Maintenance, inspections and repairs of the EVK-R4 shall be performed by u-blox AG.

Related documentation

[1] u-blox SARA-R4 series AT commands manual, UBX-17003787

[2] u-blox SARA-R4 series data sheet, UBX-16024152

[3] u-blox SARA-R4 series system integration manual, UBX-16029218

[4] u-blox SARA-R41 series application development guide, UBX-18019856

[5] u-blox SARA-R42 series application development guide, UBX-20050829

All these documents are available on our website (www.u-blox.com).

For regular updates to u-blox documentation and to receive product change notifications, register on our homepage (www.u-blox.com).

Revision history

Contact

Address: u-blox AG, Zürcherstrasse 68, 8800 Thalwil, Switzerland

For further support and contact information, visit us at www.u-blox.com/support.