SparkFun GNSS-RTK L1/L5 Breakout - NEO-F9P (Qwiic)

The SparkFun GNSS-RTK L1/L5 Breakout - NEO-F9P (Qwiic) is a high-precision GNSS board designed for impressive accuracy and robust configuration options. Utilizing the L1/L5 bands, it delivers enhanced performance in urban environments due to the L5 signals falling within the protected ARNS frequency band, reducing RF interference.

The NEO-F9P module, featuring a powerful 184-channel u-blox F9 engine, can receive signals from GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou constellations with an astonishing 10mm three-dimensional accuracy. This level of precision is achievable with an RTK navigation solution and a correction source, allowing you to pinpoint locations within the width of a fingernail. The module supports concurrent reception of four GNSS systems and includes a survey-in mode to function as a base station, producing RTCM 3.x correction data.

A rechargeable backup battery is included to maintain the latest module configuration and satellite data for up to two weeks, significantly reducing the time-to-first-fix from a cold start of ~27 seconds to a hot start of ~3 seconds. An SMA connector ensures a secure connection.

The NEO-F9P offers five communication ports that are active simultaneously: USB-C, UART1 (3.3V TTL), UART2 for RTCM reception (3.3V TTL), I²C, and SPI. The Qwiic system simplifies integration without soldering, though 2.54mm-spaced pins are available for breadboard use.

Configurable via the u-center Windows program, the NEO-F9P can adjust various functions like baud rates, update rates, geofencing, spoofing detection, and more. The SparkFun Arduino Library facilitates easy reading and control of the GNSS-RTK over the Qwiic Connect System, offering a lightweight binary interface for efficient microcontroller communication.

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The SparkFun Qwiic Connect System is an ecosystem of I²C sensors, actuators, shields, and cables that streamline prototyping. All Qwiic-enabled boards use a common 1mm pitch, 4-pin JST connector, saving PCB space and ensuring correct connections.

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Features:

• 1x USB Type C Connector
• 2x Qwiic Connectors
• Default I²C Address: 0x42
• Integrated SMA connector
• Concurrent reception of GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou
• 184-Channel GNSS Receiver
• Receives L1/L5 Bands
• Voltage: 5V or 3.3V (all logic is 3.3V)
• Current: 95mA - 135mA (varies with constellations and tracking state)
• Time to First Fix: 27s (cold), 3s (hot)
• Max Navigation Rate:
  • RTK (basic location over UBX binary protocol) - 25Hz
  • PVT - 25Hz
  • RAW - 25Hz
• Horizontal Position Accuracy:
  • 1.5m without RTK
  • 0.01m with RTK
• Vertical Position Accuracy:
  • 2.0m without RTK
  • 0.01m with RTK
• Time Pulse Accuracy: 30ns
• Operational Limits
  • Max G: ≤4G
  • Max Altitude: 80km
  • Max Velocity: 500m/s
• Software Configurable
  • Geofencing
  • Odometer
  • Spoofing Detection
  • External Interrupt
  • Pin Control
  • Low Power Mode
  • Many others!
• Supports NMEA, UBX, RTCM, SPARTN, CLAS protocols over UART or I²C interfaces
• Power LED
• Jumpers
  • USB Shield
  • Power LED
  • 3v3 (for UART2 Port)
  • I²C Pull-Up Resistors
  • SPI
  • Pulse Per Second (PPS)
  • RTK Status LED
• Board Dimensions
  • 43.2mm x 43.2mm

Documents:

SparkFun Resources

• Schematic
• Eagle Files
• Board Dimensions
• Hookup Guide
• Qwiic Info Page
• Building a GPS System
• RTK Solutions
• Arduino Library
• GitHub Hardware Repo

u-blox NEO-F9P Resources

• Product Summary
• Datasheet
• Integration Manual
• GPS L5 Application Note
• UBX and NMEA Protocol Manual
• Release Notes - FW1.00
• White Paper: Modern GNSS/GPS signals: Moving from Single-Band to Dual-Band
• u-blox ECCN