SKU: DRFC-0749
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SparkFun SAM-M8Q GPS Breakout w/ Chip Antenna (Qwiic)

₹4,159.00 (Inclusive of all taxes)
Out of Stock

This SparkFun GPS Breakout features the u-blox SAM-M8Q GNSS receiver with an integrated chip antenna, offering reliable multi-constellation positioning for embedded applications. Designed for easy integration, it provides Qwiic I2C and UART connectivity, ensuring precise location data for your microcontroller projects and UAV platforms.

Features

  • Integrated chip antenna for simplified RF design and compact footprint.
  • 72-channel u-blox SAM-M8Q GNSS receiver with multi-constellation support (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo).
  • Qwiic I2C and UART interfaces for versatile and solder-free integration.
  • Onboard rechargeable backup battery for fast hot-start and quick reacquisition times.
  • Provides accurate horizontal positioning between 2.5–8.0 meters for reliable navigation.

Out of stock

Description

The SparkFun GPS Breakout featuring the u-blox SAM-M8Q is a compact and efficient GNSS positioning solution. It leverages a 72-channel receiver to concurrently track signals from GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo constellations, ensuring robust and accurate location data for a wide range of embedded applications. The integrated chip antenna, coupled with a SAW filter and LNA, significantly simplifies RF design while enhancing signal integrity, crucial for demanding aerial and mobile environments.

Designed for seamless integration, this breakout board offers both Qwiic I2C and standard UART connectivity, alongside a PPS (Pulse Per Second) output for precise timing applications. An onboard rechargeable backup battery facilitates rapid hot-start performance, maintaining GNSS orbit data to minimize reacquisition times. Its compact form factor and versatile interfaces make it an ideal choice for developers looking to add reliable positioning capabilities without extensive custom hardware development.

This module provides consistent, high-quality positional data critical for applications ranging from autonomous drone navigation and robotics to IoT devices and data logging. Its support for NMEA, UBX, and RTCM protocols ensures broad compatibility with existing software and systems, making it a robust component for enhancing the intelligence and autonomy of your projects.

Key Features

  • Integrated chip antenna eliminates the need for an external antenna and simplifies RF design.
  • 72-channel u-blox SAM-M8Q GNSS receiver for robust satellite tracking.
  • Concurrent reception of GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo constellations for enhanced accuracy.
  • Qwiic I2C interface for solder-free, rapid prototyping with compatible systems.
  • UART and PPS interfaces provide flexible communication and precise timing signals.
  • Onboard rechargeable backup battery maintains ephemeris data for quick hot starts.
  • Fast reacquisition time of approximately 1 second ensures minimal signal loss impact.
  • Supports NMEA, UBX, and RTCM protocols for broad compatibility with navigation software.

Applications

  • Autonomous mapping UAVs and drone navigation.
  • Robotics and mobile platform guidance systems.
  • IoT devices requiring precise location data.
  • Data logging for geospatial analysis.
  • Portable positioning and tracking solutions.

Technical Specifications

GNSS Moduleu-blox SAM-M8Q
GNSS Channels72
GNSS ConstellationsGPS, GLONASS, Galileo
AntennaIntegrated Chip Antenna
Horizontal Accuracy2.5–8.0 m
Supply Voltage2.7–3.6 V
Continuous Current29 mA
Power Save Current9.5 mA
Cold Start26 s
Aided Start2 s
Reacquisition1 s
Update RateUp to 18 Hz
InterfacesUART, I2C, PPS

Frequently Asked Questions

What GNSS constellations does the SparkFun SAM-M8Q module support for positioning?

This module supports concurrent reception of multiple global navigation satellite systems. It can track signals from GPS (Global Positioning System), GLONASS, and Galileo constellations simultaneously. This multi-constellation capability significantly enhances positioning accuracy and reliability, especially in environments with limited sky visibility or challenging signal conditions, making it ideal for robust navigation.

How does the integrated chip antenna benefit drone and robotics applications?

The integrated chip antenna simplifies design by eliminating the need for an external antenna and associated RF circuitry. This reduces the module's overall footprint and complexity, making it easier to integrate into compact drone frames or robotic platforms. It streamlines assembly and helps maintain a cleaner, more robust build for mobile applications.

What communication interfaces are available on the SparkFun SAM-M8Q GPS Breakout?

The SparkFun SAM-M8Q GPS Breakout offers versatile communication options. It features Qwiic I2C for easy, solder-free integration with compatible microcontrollers, enabling rapid prototyping. Additionally, it supports UART for standard serial communication and provides a PPS (Pulse Per Second) output, crucial for precise timing synchronization in advanced navigation and data logging systems.

Can this GPS module provide rapid hot-start performance?

Yes, the SparkFun SAM-M8Q GPS Breakout is designed for rapid hot-start performance. It includes an onboard rechargeable backup battery that retains GNSS orbit data, known as ephemeris and almanac data. This retention allows the module to reacquire satellite signals and provide a fix in approximately 1 second after a short power cycle, significantly reducing waiting times.

What supply voltage is required for operating the SAM-M8Q GPS Breakout?

The SparkFun SAM-M8Q GPS Breakout operates within a supply voltage range of 2.7V to 3.6V. This narrow, low-voltage requirement makes it suitable for integration into various battery-powered embedded systems and microcontroller projects, helping to optimize power consumption. Always ensure your power source provides stable voltage within this specified range for optimal performance.

Package Includes

  • 1 x SparkFun GPS Breakout - SAM-M8Q (Qwiic) with Chip Antenna

Additional Information

Dimensions 5 × 5 × 2 cm