SparkFun GNSS ZED-F9T Timing Breakout (GPS-18774)

SparkFun GNSS ZED-F9T Timing Breakout (GPS-18774) is a Qwiic-compatible geospatial board based on the u-blox ZED-F9T GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) Module. The multi-band ZED-F9T Module offers 5ns (1-sigma) timing accuracy and low power consumption. This Module features concurrent GNSS receivers that can receive and track multiple GNSS systems. The ZED-F9T features all four major GNSS systems (GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, and BeiDou). All four GNSS signal types can be received concurrently due to the multi-band RF front-end architecture.

The SparkFun GNSS ZED-F9T Timing Breakout includes a USB Type-C™ connector for primary power and communication and two Qwiic connectors for communicating over I2C using the SparkFun Qwiic system. Three SMA connectors are provided for the antenna and timing pulse signals. The Breakout Board also includes headers allowing direct interaction with most of the ZED-F9T Module pinouts. An onboard rechargeable backup battery provides power to the Real-Time Clock (RTC) on the ZED-F9T. This feature reduces the time-to-first fix from a cold start (~24s) to a hot start (~2s).

The SparkFun Qwiic Connect System is an ecosystem of I2C sensors, actuators, shields, and cables that make prototyping faster and less prone to error. All Qwiic-enabled boards use a common 1mm pitch, 4-pin JST connector. This feature reduces the required PCB space, and the connectors are polarized to ensure a correct hookup.

Features

  • ZED-F9T GNSS Module
  • Concurrent reception of GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou constellations
  • Receives L1/L2/E5b bands
  • Voltage: 5V or 3.3V (all logic is 3.3V)
  • Current: 68mA to 130mA depending on operating conditions and constellations
  • Time pulse signal accuracy
    • 5ns absolute timing mode
    • 2.5ns differential timing mode (with correction data)
  • Fix acquisition: ~24s (Cold) / 2s (Hot)
  • 0.25Hz to 25MHz time pulse signal frequency
  • ±4ns time pulse signal jitter
  • 2.0m horizontal position accuracy
  • Maximum altitude: 80km (49.7 miles)
  • Max velocity: 500m.s (118mph)
  • I2C address: 0x42
  • 2x Qwiic Connectors
  • Compact 1.7″ x 1.7″ PCB

Videos

Resources

  • Schematic
  • Eagle Files
  • u-center Software
  • SparkFun u-blox GNSS Arduino Library
  • GitHub Hardware Repo

Board Layout

SparkFun GNSS ZED-F9T Timing Breakout (GPS-18774)

SparkFun GNSS ZED-F9T Timing Breakout (GPS-18774)