New SparkFun GNSS-RTK L1/L5 Breakout Board Features u-blox NEO-F9P Chip and Features a Qwiic Connector

SparkFun recently launched a new GNSS-RTK L1/L5 Breakout board featuring the u-blox NEO-F9P chip. Unlike traditional L1/L2 models, this chip uses L1/L5 bands that enhance its performance in urban areas. Additionally, it’s more resistant to radio frequency interference, which ensures more reliable and accurate location tracking.

The NEO-F9P is a powerful chip from U-blox featuring an 184-channel GNSS receiver with a U-blox F9 engine. It offers 10mm accuracy in three dimensions by receiving signals from GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou systems. The module can be used as a base station in survey-in mode to produce RTCM 3.x correction data and supports concurrent reception from four GNSS systems.

The module has a rechargeable battery for up to two weeks of data retention, significantly reducing start-up time from ~27s to ~3s. Furthermore, it features five simultaneous communication ports (USB-C, two UARTs, I2C, SPI) and offers an easy Qwiic connector for solderless access to the module, along with a 2.54 mm header for breadboard compatibility. It’s configurable via u-center for settings like baud rates and geofencing, and all configurations are accessible through the SparkFun Arduino Library.

SparkFun GNSS-RTK L1/L5 Breakout Board Specification:

• Main Chip: U-blox NEO-F9P
• Connectivity:
  • 2x Qwiic Connectors
  • Integrated SMA connector
• USB Interface: 1x USB Type C Connector
• I2C Address: Default – 0x42
• GNSS Compatibility: Concurrent reception of GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou
• Channels: 184-Channel GNSS Receiver
• Frequency Bands: Receives L1/L5 Bands
• Operating Voltage: 5V or 3.3V (all logic at 3.3V)
• Power Consumption:
  • Current: 95mA – 135mA (depends on constellations and tracking state)
• Time to First Fix:
  • Cold: 27s
  • Hot: 3s
• Max Navigation Rate:
  • RTK, PVT, RAW: 25Hz
• Position Accuracy:
  • Horizontal: 1.5m (without RTK), 0.01m (with RTK)
  • Vertical: 2.0m (without RTK), 0.01m (with RTK)
• Operational Limits:
  • Max G: ≤4G
  • Max Altitude: 80km (49.7 miles)
  • Max Velocity: 500m/s (1118 mph)
• Features:
  • Software Configurable
  • Geofencing, Odometer, Spoofing Detection
  • External Interrupt, Pin Control
  • Low Power Mode and many others
• Indicators and Configurations:
  • Power LED
  • Jumpers
  • USB Shield
  • 3v3 (for UART2 Port)
  • I2C Pull-Up Resistors
  • SPI
  • Pulse Per Second (PPS)
  • RTK Status LED
• Time Pulse Accuracy: 30ns
• Protocol Support: NMEA, UBX, RTCM, SPARTN, CLAS (over UART or I2C interfaces)
• Board Dimensions: 1.70″ x 1.70″ (43.2mm x 43.2mm)

The SparkFun Arduino Library for u-blox modules enables easy GNSS-RTK control and data reading over I2C, providing a simpler binary interface and reducing microcontroller workload.

SparkFun provides essential resources for the NEO-F9P, including schematics, board dimensions, a hookup guide, and an Arduino library. For in-depth information, they offer a datasheet and integration manual from u-blox. Additional support is available through SparkFun’s GitHub repository for hardware-related materials.

The SparkFun GNSS-RTK L1/L5 Breakout – NEO-F9P (Qwiic) is in stock and available on SparkFun’s website (GPS-23288) for $249.95.

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