GNSS modules keep track of assets

4th July 2014

u-blox

Mick Elliott

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Datasheet

Keeping track of assets, vehicles and animals is becoming a bigger market and Alpha Micro has responded by introducing the NEO-M8 series of standalone concurrent GNSS modules, built on the exceptional performance of the u-blox M8 GNSS (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, QZSS and SBAS) engine in the industry proven NEO form factor.

Providing high sensitivity and minimal acquisition times while maintaining low system power, the NEO-M8 series is perfect for use in covert tracking devices for assets, vehicles and animals.

Featured within the series is the NEO-M8M/Q optimised for cost sensitive applications and the NEO-M8N which provides best performance and easier RF integration than its cheaper counterpart. The NEO form factor allows easy migration from previous NEO generations. Sophisticated RF-architecture and interference suppression ensure maximum performance even in GNSS-hostile environments.

The NEO-M8 combines a high level of robustness and integration capability with flexible connectivity options. Future-proof, the new modules include an internal Flash that allows simple firmware upgrades for supporting additional GNSS systems. This makes NEO-M8 perfectly suited to industrial and automotive applications too.

The DDC (I2C compliant) interface provides connectivity and enables synergies with most u-blox cellular modules. For RF optimisation the NEO-M8N/Q features an additional front-end LNA for easier antenna integration and a front-end SAW filter for increased jamming immunity.

Alpha Micro’s u-blox M8 modules use GNSS chips qualified according to AEC-Q100, are manufactured in ISO/TS 16949 certified sites, and fully tested on a system level. Qualification tests are performed as stipulated in the ISO16750 standard: “Road vehicles – Environmental conditions and testing for electrical and electronic equipment”.