CAM-M8 - Data Sheet
1.15 Protocols and interfaces
Protocol
NMEA
UBX
Type
Input/output, ASCII, 0183, version 4.0 (Configurable to V 2.1, V 2.3 or V4.1 )
Input/output, binary, u-blox proprietary
RTCM
Input, message 1, 2, 3, 9
Table 4: Available Protocols
All protocols are available on UART, DDC (I2C compliant) and SPI. For specification of the various
protocols, see the u-blox 8 / u-blox M8 Receiver Description Including Protocol Specification [2].
1.16 Interfaces
A number of interfaces are provided for data communication. The embedded firmware uses these
interfaces according to their respective protocol specifications.
1.16.1 UART
The CAM-M8 series modules support 1 UART interfaces, which can be used for communication to a
host. It supports configurable baud rates. For supported baud rates, see the u-blox 8 / u-blox M8
Receiver Description Including Protocol Specification [2].
☞
Designs must allow access to the UART and the SAFEBOOT_N function pin for future service,
updates and reconfiguration.
1.16.2 SPI
The SPI interface is designed to allow communication to a host CPU. The interface can be operated
in slave mode only. The maximum transfer rate using SPI is 125 kB/s and the maximum SPI clock
frequency is 5.5 MHz.
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SPI is not available in the default configuration, because its pins are shared with the UART and
DDC interfaces. The SPI interface can be enabled by connecting D_SEL (pin 20) to ground (see
section 3.1).
1.16.3 Display Data Channel (DDC)
An I2C compliant DDC interface is available for communication with an external host CPU or u-blox
cellular modules. The interface can be operated in slave mode only. The DDC protocol and electrical
interface are fully compatible with the Fast-Mode of the I2C industry standard. Since the maximum
SCL clock frequency is 400 kHz, the maximum transfer rate is 400 kb/s.
☞
The maximum bit rate is 400 kb/s. The interface stretches the clock when slowed down while
serving interrupts, so real bit rates may be slightly lower.
UBX-15031574 - R04
Production Information
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