BSerial – GPS

Integrated GPS Module with uBlox MAX M8 and Ceramic Patch Antenna

Our cutting-edge integrated GPS module, equipped with the uBlox MAX M8W GPS module, brings exceptional GPS performance to your projects. Featuring an onboard ceramic patch antenna, an 18 dB low-noise amplifier (LNA), and a SAW filter, this module ensures high signal quality and accuracy.

It seamlessly connects to any iLabs Challenger with the BSerial/Bi2C interface (such as the Challenger+ RP2350 BConnect), eliminating the need for an external power supply.

For added flexibility, a dedicated connector on the module allows for a backup battery connection, significantly reducing startup times. Whether you’re integrating it into portable applications or requiring fast GPS readiness, this module is designed to meet your needs with top-tier performance and effortless connectivity.

Connecting the module to your system takes only seconds via the BSerial port, and gives you instant GPS functionality. As soon as it is connected the module will start to transmit serial data containing location data.

You will need a Challenger board with a BSerial/Bi2C connection to use this board.

What is BSerial?

BSerial is a part of iLabs concept (BConnect that spans over Bi2C, BSerial and BSpi) of connecting devices together using a small Flexible Flat Cable (FFC) and an FFC connector. It is similar to the Bi2C concept but we have replaced the electrical I2C interface with an asynchronous serial channel instead. You can read more about it here.

Features

• BSerial connector: ultra-compact FPC connection
• Integrated GPS Module: Utilizes the uBlox MAX M8W GPS module
• Antenna: Equipped with an onboard ceramic patch antenna
• Amplification: Features an 18 dB low-noise amplifier (LNA)
• Filtering: Includes a SAW filter for better accuracy and reduced interference
• Connectivity: Connects seamlessly to any iLabs Challenger via BSerial/Bi2C interface
• Power Supply: No external power supply is required for operation
• Backup Battery Connection: Dedicated connector for a backup battery
• Fast Integration: Quick connection via the BSerial port

Resources

• Arduino example on iLabs website
  • A short Arduino example showing one way of handling the GPS data but there are many more libraries available that are compatible with the onboard uBlox MAX-M8 GPS module.
• uBlox MAX-M8 datasheet

Package Contents

• 1x BSerial – GPS module
• 1x FPC cable