UBlox NEO 8M GPS Module with EEPROM

UBlox NEO 8M GPS Module with EEPROM provides a highly sophisticated positioning solution for developers who require high-performance navigation and tracking capabilities in a compact package. This module integrates the high-sensitivity u-blox 8 engine, allowing it to track multiple satellite constellations simultaneously with remarkable speed and accuracy. Furthermore, the inclusion of an on-board EEPROM ensures that the module retains configuration settings and satellite data even after power loss, which significantly accelerates the time-to-first-fix (TTFF) during subsequent startups. Consequently, this hardware is ideal for autonomous drones, vehicle tracking systems, and mobile data logging projects. Therefore, you can rely on the NEO 8M to deliver stable and precise geographic coordinates even in challenging urban environments or dense foliage.

Key Features:

• Multi-GNSS Engine: This module supports various satellite systems, including GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, and QZSS, ensuring superior signal availability globally.
• Integrated EEPROM: The built-in memory storage saves user configuration profiles and recent satellite positions, facilitating a rapid “Warm Start” or “Hot Start” every time you power up.
• Active Antenna Support: It features a dedicated interface for connecting high-gain active ceramic antennas, which enhances signal reception in weak-signal areas.
• Low Power Consumption: Engineered for efficiency, the module maintains high sensitivity while drawing minimal current, extending the battery life of portable devices.
• On-board Battery Back-up: A small rechargeable cell or capacitor support keeps the internal clock running to maintain orbital data and time accuracy.

Technical Specifications:

• Receiver Type: 72-channel u-blox 8 engine
• Position Accuracy: ≈ 2.5 m (Autonomous)
• Update Rate: Up to 10 Hz (Single GNSS) or 5 Hz (Concurrent GNSS)
• Cold Start TTFF: ≈ 26 seconds
• Hot Start TTFF: ≈ 1 second
• Tracking Sensitivity: −167 dBm
• Supply Voltage: 3.3 V to 5 V (On-board regulator allows flexible power input)
• Interface Protocol: NMEA, UBX Binary, RTCM
• Communication Interface: UART (Default 9600 Baud)

Mechanical Specifications:

• Module Weight: ≈ 18 g (Including ceramic antenna)
• Connector Type: 4-pin or 5-pin 2.54 mm header for easy breadboard integration.
• Antenna Connector: IPEX/U.FL connector for the external ceramic patch antenna.
• LED Indicators: Includes a PPS (Pulse Per Second) LED that blinks once a satellite lock is achieved.

Dimensions:

• Main PCB Length: ≈ 35 mm
• Main PCB Width: ≈ 25 mm
• Ceramic Antenna Size: ≈ 25 mm x 25 mm
• Mounting Hole Diameter: ≈ 3 mm

Pinout and Wiring:

• VCC: Connect to a stable DC power source between 3.3 V and 5 V.
• GND: Connect to the system ground.
• TX: Serial data output. Connect this to the RX pin of your microcontroller (e.g., Arduino D0 or SoftwareSerial RX).
• RX: Serial data input. Connect this to the TX pin of your microcontroller (e.g., Arduino D1 or SoftwareSerial TX).
• PPS: Pulse Per Second output. However, this pin is usually optional and provides a high-precision time pulse once the module fixes its position.

Datasheet Reference:

• Download u-blox NEO-8M Series Official Datasheet

Commonly Used in:

• Flight Controllers: APM, Pixhawk, and MultiWii systems utilize this module for GPS-guided autonomous flight and RTL (Return to Launch) features.
• Microcontroller Projects: Hobbyists frequently pair the NEO 8M with Arduino, ESP32, and Raspberry Pi boards for location-based projects.
• Asset Tracking: Companies integrate these modules into cellular gateways to track high-value shipments and vehicles.

Applications:

• Geofencing: Monitoring when a person or vehicle enters or leaves a specific geographic boundary.
• Data Logging: Recording coordinates and timestamps for outdoor expeditions or environmental research.
• Navigation Systems: Providing real-time position data for custom-built handheld or dashboard-mounted GPS devices.
• Precision Timing: Using the PPS signal to synchronize distributed network systems with atomic-clock accuracy.

Equivalent Models:

• u-blox NEO-M8N: A higher-tier model within the same family that provides concurrent reception of three GNSS systems.
• u-blox NEO-7M: An older, however, pin-compatible version that offers similar functionality with slightly lower sensitivity.
• BN-220: A popular alternative GPS module that uses similar u-blox technology in a dual-antenna configuration.

Package Includes:

• 1 x UBlox NEO 8M GPS Module
• 1 x External Ceramic Patch Antenna (IPEX Connector)
• 1 x 4-Pin or 5-Pin Header Strip (Male)