Globalstar STX3, User Manual, Page: 5 / 32

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OPERATION OF GLOBALSTAR COMMERCIAL IOT NETWORK
The STX3 Dev Kit transmits messages over the Globalstar LEO (Low Earth Orbit) satellite network. These satellites
continuously orbit the planet and can communicate with Globalstar devices that are within range of its current
position. For additional information about the operation of the Globalstar network, please see the STX3 User Manual.
DEV KIT BLOCK DIAGRAM
The block diagram of the Dev Kit is shown below:
The Dev Kit design is a basic implementation of the STX3 module with a power source (host computer), a USB
interface, user LEDs and buttons and a few peripheral sensors. The Dev Kit is a robust extension of the Reference
Design described in the STX3 User Manual.
The Dev Kit allows the hardware designer or firmware developer the platform to easily evaluate the STX3 and provide
a platform for quickly creating new products.
The block diagram shown in
Figure 1
represents the features of the two boards and interfaces.
•
Transmitter Board - The transmitter board consists of the STX3 module, patch antenna, and power supply for
the STX3 RF transmitter. A standard 4 signal UART interface (not RS232) is the direct method to communicate
with the STX3 module. The STX3 module includes test pins that make it easy to quickly verify the functionality of
the satellite communication.
•
Main Board - The main board includes the Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) microcontroller by Nordic
Semiconductor, accelerometer, temperature/humidity sensor, resistive potentiometer, two buttons, two LED’s,
USB interface, and expansion port.
Figure 1 - STX3 Dev Kit with BLE Block Diagram
APPLICATION
DESIGN DETAILS