The **EVK-R500S** is an evaluation kit developed by u-blox to test and develop applications for the **SARA-R500S** module. This module is part of the SARA-R5 series, focusing on LTE-M and NB-IoT cellular connectivity with high security. --- ## 1. Core Electronic Components The evaluation kit is designed as a carrier board that hosts the cellular module and provides various interfaces for peripheral connections. | Component | Description | | :--- | :--- | | **SARA-R500S Module** | The "brain" of the kit. An LTE Cat M1 / NB1/NB2 module with built-in Secure Element. | | **Power Management IC** | Regulates input voltage (typically 5V-12V) down to the 3.8V required by the module. | | **USB-to-UART Bridge** | Usually based on FTDI chips, allowing a PC to communicate with the module via AT commands over USB. | | **SIM Slot** | A standard 2FF (Mini-SIM) or 3FF (Micro-SIM) slot to provide cellular network credentials. | | **Antenna Connectors** | SMA connectors for cellular (LTE) and often an auxiliary connector for GNSS if supported. | --- ## 2. Interface and Connectivity The board breaks out the high-density pins of the SARA module into accessible headers and ports. ### Communication Ports * **Main USB Port:** Used for high-speed data transfer and module firmware updates. * **UART Interfaces:** Multiple UART headers (Main, Aux, and GNSS) for serial communication with external microcontrollers or sensors. * **RS-232 Port:** A legacy DB9 connector for industrial testing environments. ### Monitoring & Control * **LED Indicators:** Visual feedback for Power, Network Status (blinking patterns), and RI (Ring Indicator). * **Reset & Power Buttons:** Physical buttons to cycle the module power or trigger a hardware reset. * **Current Measurement Header:** A 2-pin header allowing developers to connect a multimeter or power analyzer to measure the module's power consumption in various sleep modes. --- ## 3. Technical Specifications Summary | Feature | Specification | | :--- | :--- | | **Cellular Standard** | LTE Cat M1, Cat NB2 | | **Voltage Supply** | 9V to 18V (via DC jack) or 5V (via USB) | | **Operating Temp** | -40 °C to +85 °C | | **Security** | Integrated u-blox UBX-R5 series chip (EAL5+ High) | | **I/O Logic Level** | 1.8V (Standard for SARA modules) | --- ## 4. Pin Header Layout The EVK typically includes a **40-pin header** (similar to Raspberry Pi or Arduino style) that provides access to: * **GPIOs:** General Purpose Input/Output pins. * **I2C / SPI:** For connecting external sensors like accelerometers or temperature probes. * **ADC:** For reading analog voltages.