NEO-M8U - Hardware Integration Manual
UBX-15016700 - R07
Product handling
Page 20 of 28
Production Information
Grounding metal covers
Attempts to improve grounding by soldering ground cables, wick or other forms of metal strips
directly onto the EMI covers is done at the customer's own risk. The numerous ground pins should be
sufficient to provide optimum immunity to interferences and noise.
☞
u-blox makes no warranty for damages to the NEO-M8U module caused by soldering metal cables
or any other forms of metal strips directly onto the EMI covers.
Use of ultrasonic processes
Some components on the u-blox M8 module are sensitive to Ultrasonic Waves. Use of any Ultrasonic
Processes (cleaning, welding etc.) may cause damage to the GNSS Receiver.
☞
u-blox offers no warranty against damages to the NEO-M8U module caused by any Ultrasonic
Processes.
5.3
EOS/ESD/EMI precautions
When integrating GNSS positioning modules into wireless systems, careful consideration must be
given to electromagnetic and voltage susceptibility issues. Wireless systems include components
that can produce Electrical Overstress (EOS) and Electro-Magnetic Interference (EMI). CMOS devices
are more sensitive to such influences because their failure mechanism is defined by the applied
voltage, whereas bipolar semiconductors are more susceptible to thermal overstress. The following
design guidelines are provided to help in designing robust yet cost effective solutions.
⚠
To avoid overstress damage during production or in the field it is essential to observe strict
EOS/ESD/EMI handling and protection measures.
⚠
To prevent overstress damage at the RF_IN of your receiver, never exceed the maximum input
power (see the
NEO-M8U Data Sheet [1]).
Electrostatic discharge (ESD)
Electrostatic discharge (ESD) is the sudden and momentary electric current that flows
between two objects at different electrical potentials caused by direct contact or
induced by an electrostatic field. The term is usually used in the electronics and other
industries to describe momentary unwanted currents that may cause damage to
electronic equipment.
ESD handling precautions
ESD prevention is based on establishing an Electrostatic Protective Area (EPA). The EPA can be a
small working station or a large manufacturing area. The main principle of an EPA is that there are no
highly charging materials near ESD sensitive electronics, all conductive materials are grounded,
workers are grounded, and charge build-up on ESD sensitive electronics is prevented. International
standards are used to define typical EPA and can be obtained for example from International
Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) or American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
GNSS positioning modules are sensitive to ESD and require special precautions when handling.
Particular care must be exercised when handling patch antennas, due to the risk of electrostatic
charges. In addition to standard ESD safety practices, the following measures should be taken into
account whenever handling the receiver.
