GNSS modules upgraded with 8th-Gen chip technology

The modules can acquire and track all visible GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, QZSS and SBAS satellites, whilst also being able to track any two GNSS systems simultaneously for increased reliability, accuracy and faster acquisition time. The MAX-M8, NEO-M8 and LEA-M8 devices offer -167dBm tracking sensitivity for a wide range of applications including vehicle and asset tracking, eCall / ERA-GLONASS emergency call systems, vehicle telematics for insurance, road pricing and anti-theft devices, navigation, security, and point-of-sales terminals.

The u-blox 7 based modules are still available and remain optimal for low-power, cost-efficient, single-GNSS designs. Upgrading from u-blox 7 to u-blox 8 is simple, with the u-blox M8 modules maintaining hardware and software compatibility with all u-blox 7 modules. This allows easy upgrade or product variants utilizing the same PCB layout. Also available is u-blox's AssistNow, the free online Assisted-GNSS service which has also been developed and improved to increase global positioning performance.

“Our advanced u-blox M8 modules are the result of u-blox’ in-house GNSS chip design expertise and end-to-end ownership of the entire IC and module manufacturing processes. This gives us full control over features, quality and production allowing us to react quickly to customer requirements,” said Thomas Seiler, u-blox CEO, “Being independent of third party GNSS chip suppliers means we offer our customers exactly the right feature set, chip and module options, smooth upgrade path and a clearly defined product roadmap extending years into the future.”

The u-blox 7 and u-blox M8 GNSS technologies are available in both module and integrated circuit form-factors, providing maximum design flexibility and protection of user's development investments over successive product generations. First samples and evaluation kits for u-blox M8 modules are available for customer evaluation.