SARA-R5 series - System integration manual
UBX-19041356 - R04 Design-in Page 87 of 118
C1-Public
Additional considerations
If a 3.0 V application processor (DTE) is used, the voltage scaling from any 3.0 V output of the DTE to
the corresponding 1.8 V input of the module (DCE) can be implemented as an alternative low-cost
solution, by means of an appropriate voltage divider. Consider the value of the pull-down / pull-up
integrated at the input of the module (DCE) for the correct selection of the voltage divider resistance
values. Make sure that any DTE signal connected to the module is 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 supply output of the module), to avoid latch-up of circuits and allow a clean boot of the
module (see the remark below).
Moreover, the voltage scaling from any 1.8 V output of the cellular module (DCE) to the corresponding
3.0 V input of the application processor (DTE) can be implemented by means of an appropriate
low-cost non-inverting buffer with open drain output. The non-inverting buffer should be supplied by
the V_INT supply output of the cellular module. Consider the value of the pull-up integrated at each
input of the DTE (if any) and the baud rate required by the application for the appropriate selection of
the resistance value for the external pull-up biased by the application processor supply rail.
☞ It is highly recommended to provide accessible test points directly connected to the TXD and RXD
pins for FW upgrade purpose and to DCD and DTR pins for diagnostic purpose, in particular
providing a 0 series jumper on each line to detach each pin of the module from the DTE
application processor.
☞ Do not apply voltage to any UART interface pin before the switch-on of the UART supply source
(V_INT), to avoid latch-up of circuits and allow a clean 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 before V_INT switch-on.
☞ ESD sensitivity rating of the UART interface pins is 1 kV (Human Body Model according to
JESD22-A114). Higher protection levels could be required if the lines are externally accessible and
it can be achieved by mounting an ESD protection (e.g. EPCOS CA05P4S14THSG varistor array)
close to the accessible points.
2.6.1.2 Guidelines for UART layout design
The 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.