u‑blox, a developer of wireless and positioning modules and chips, has announced the launch of its new NEO‑M8P GNSS receiver modules, which deliver high performance down to centimeter‑level accuracy.
Measuring 12.2 x 16 x 2.4 mm, u-blox claims that the NEO‑M8P is the smallest high precision GNSS RTK (real time kinematic) module available on the market based on GPS and GLONASS satellite‑based navigation systems. A system fitted with the u‑blox NEO‑M8P‑0 receives corrections from the u‑blox base receiver NEO‑M8P‑2 via a communication link that uses the RTCM (Radio Technical Commission for Maritime Services) protocol, enabling centimeter‑level positioning accuracy. The RTK algorithms are pre‑integrated into the module. As a result, the size and weight are significantly reduced, and power consumption is up to five times lower than existing solutions, thus cutting costs and improving usability dramatically. Customers can further reduce their R&D efforts, as they do not have to spend significant resources and time to develop an in‑house RTK solution on a separate microprocessor system.
RTK technologies have been used for some time in low‑volume niche markets, such as surveying and construction. Due to high costs and complexity, this enhanced positioning technology has been inaccessible for most other uses. Emerging high volume markets, such as unmanned vehicles, require high precision performance that is energy‑efficient and low in costs. Other application areas include agriculture and robotic guidance systems, such as tractors or robotic lawnmowers. The u‑blox NEO‑M8P answers these demands for a small‑sized, highly cost‑effective, and very precise RTK‑based module solution.
“NEO‑M8P lowers the barriers for innovative companies looking to develop equipment that needs centimeter‑level accuracy in many markets and applications, such as UAVs,” said Daniel Ammann, Executive Director Positioning and Co‑Founder of u‑blox. “Today, most solutions are based on board‑level receiver products. NEO‑M8P delivers performance that is simply a level above competitive offerings in terms of size and low‑power consumption, thereby providing easy integration into customers’ existing product platforms, as well as a significant saving in their cost of goods.”
