SARA-G3 and SARA-U2 series - System Integration Manual 
UBX-13000995 - R26    Design-in 
    Page 141 of 217 
If a 3.0 V application processor is used, then it is recommended to connect the 1.8 V auxiliary UART interface of 
the module by means  of appropriate unidirectional voltage translators using the  module  V_INT output as the 
1.8 V supply for the voltage translators on the module side, as described in Figure 75. 
 
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
4
V_INT
TxD
Application Processor
(3.0V DTE)
RxD
GND
SARA-U2 series 
(versions ‘04’ onwards)
(1.8V DCE)
26
SDA
27
SCL
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 75: UART AUX interface application circuit connecting a 3.0 V application processor 
Part Number - Manufacturer 
100 nF Capacitor Ceramic X7R 0402 10% 16 V 
GRM155R61A104KA01 - Murata 
Unidirectional Voltage Translator 
SN74AVC2T245
46
 - Texas Instruments 
Table 48: Component for UART AUX interface application circuit connecting a 3.0 V application processor 
See the Firmware Update Application Note [27] 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. 
  The ESD sensitivity rating of auxiliary UART pins is 1 kV (Human Body Model according to JESD22-A114). 
A higher protection level could be required if the lines are externally accessible on the application board. 
This  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 requires the  same  consideration  regarding electro-magnetic interference  as 
any other digital interface. Keep the traces short and avoid coupling with RF line or sensitive analog inputs, since 
the signals can cause the radiation of some harmonics of the digital data frequency. 
 
  
46
 Voltage translator providing partial power down feature so that the DTE 3.0 V supply can be also ramped up before V_INT 1.8 V supply