LEA-M8S / LEA-M8T - Hardware integration manual
UBX-15030060 - R06
Product handling
Page 25 of 33
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 offers no warranty against damages to the u-blox M8 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, and so on) may cause damage to the GNSS receiver.
☞
u-blox offers no warranty against damages to the u-blox M8 module caused by any ultrasonic
processes.
4.3
EOS/ESD/EMI precautions
When integrating GNSS positioning modules into wireless systems, consider the electromagnetic
and voltage susceptibility issues carefully. 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 help you
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 LEA-M8S Data sheet
[1] and the NEO-M8T / LEA-M8T Data sheet [2]).
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 the EPA is that there are
no highly charging materials near ESD-sensitive electronics, all conductive materials and 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, take the following measures into account
whenever handling the receiver.
