u-blox MAX-M10N-00B: Ultra-Low Power GNSS Module
u-blox MAX-M10N-00B: Ultra-Low Power GNSS Module
The MAX-M10N-00B from u-blox is a professional-grade GNSS module on the M10 platform, optimized for exceptional sensitivity and low-power operation in L1 GNSS signals. It supports concurrent GPS, Galileo, and BeiDou reception, ideal for energy-constrained sectors like IoT, automotive, and logistics.
Technical Features
The MAX-M10N-00B integrates upgradeable firmware in flash memory, enabling extended AssistNow data storage and a lifetime license for AssistNow Live Orbits. This service delivers real-time orbital data via cloud, slashing cold start TTFF to 2 seconds and boosting accuracy without extra power draw. Combined with LEAP (Low Energy Accurate Position) technology, it achieves ultra-low power tracking—reducing consumption to as little as 2.5 mA in GPS mode at 3 V—while maintaining 2 m CEP accuracy at 1 Hz updates.The flash memory enhances these features by storing AssistNow data locally, allowing offline operation and minimizing connectivity needs for faster fixes in remote or intermittent-signal environments. Additional low-power modes include hardware backup (34 µA at 3.3 V) and software standby (3.6 µA VCC, 46 µA V_IO at 3.3 V), extending battery life in portable devices. The LNA-SAW RF front-end ensures high sensitivity (-167 dBm tracking), Super-S improves dynamic positioning with small antennas, and features like data batching (up to 10 minutes in RAM), odometer for distance measurement, and data logging to flash support efficient, host-independent operation. Security includes anti-jamming/spoofing detection and geofencing with up to four zones.
Performance and Specifications
The module excels in multi-GNSS setups, with 1.5 m CEP in full-power mode and cold start TTFF of 27–28 seconds. In single-GNSS GPS operation, it supports higher update rates up to 25 Hz. LEAP mode prioritizes power savings, dropping sensitivity to -159 dBm but enabling prolonged tracking in battery-limited applications.Tables outline typical performance (room temperature, -130 dBm signal, QZSS enabled, SBAS in full-power only):
|
Parameter |
GPS (Single) |
GPS+GAL |
GPS+GAL+BDS B1I |
GPS+GAL+BDS B1C |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Max. Update Rate (98% Fix) |
25 Hz |
20 Hz |
10 Hz |
10 Hz |
|
Position Accuracy (CEP) |
1.5 m |
1.5 m |
1.5 m |
1.5 m |
|
Cold Start TTFF |
29 s |
28 s |
27 s |
28 s |
|
Hot Start TTFF |
2 s |
2 s |
2 s |
2 s |
|
AssistNow Live Orbits TTFF |
2 s |
2 s |
2 s |
2 s |
|
Tracking Sensitivity |
–167 dBm |
–167 dBm |
–167 dBm |
–167 dBm |
Power Consumption (3.0 V supply, 1 Hz update, -130 dBm signal):
|
Configuration |
Acquisition (mA) |
Tracking (mA) |
LEAP Tracking (mA) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
GPS |
6 |
5 |
2.5 |
|
GPS+GAL |
7.5 |
6 |
2.7 |
|
GPS+GAL+BDS B1I |
9.5 |
7 |
3.0 |
It operates from -40 to +85 °C, measures 10.1 × 9.7 × 2.5 mm, and uses UART for NMEA/RTCM 3.4. VCC: 1.76–5.5 V; V_IO: 1.76–1.98 V or 2.7–3.6 V.
Applications and Benefits
In IoT, LEAP and AssistNow Live Orbits with flash storage enable ultra-low power trackers, achieving days of operation on small batteries while providing rapid fixes in urban canyons. Automotive uses benefit from 0.3° heading accuracy in full-power mode, with LEAP for efficient standby. Logistics leverages odometer and data batching/logging for reliable, low-energy asset monitoring.Benefits include -167 dBm sensitivity and pin compatibility for easy upgrades. The MAX-M10N-00B advances ultra-low power GNSS with LEAP and AssistNow integration. Contact us to incorporate this technology into your projects.