u-blox ZED-X20P all-band GNSS module delivers global centimeter-level accuracy at a 90% lower cost

Previously u-blox announced the release of the X20 series of all-band GNSS modules, but at the time, the company did not disclose detailed specifications for the module. Recently, they have launched the ZED-X20P all-band GNSS module designed to deliver centimeter-level global positioning at a significantly lower cost, up to 90% less than traditional solutions.

The module supports L1, L2, L5, and L6 bands across four GNSS constellations (GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, and BeiDou), along with SBAS, QZSS, and NavIC. Additionally, the module is compatible with PPP-RTK, network RTK, and global PPP correction services, along with u-blox’s PointPerfect and Galileo’s free High Accuracy Service (HAS), ensuring precise and flexible positioning. It also features secure boot, signed firmware, encrypted communication, and anti-jamming capabilities, for critical applications. The ZED-X20P maintains the ZED form factor, making the footprint compatible with the ZED-F9P chip for easier upgrades. u-blox says the ZED-X20P is suitable for smart construction, surveying, precision agriculture, rail, maritime, mining, UAVs, robotics, smart cities, and VR applications.

u-blox ZED-X20P specifications:

• Storage – Flash (capacity TBD)
• GNSS support
  • 672-channel u-blox X20 engine
  • GPS L1C/A, L2C, L5
  • GAL E1B/C, E5a, E6
  • BDS B1I, B1C, B2a, B3I
  • QZSS L1C/A, L1C/B*, L2C, L5, L6
  • NavIC L1, L5
  • SBAS L1C/A
  • L1, L2, L5, L6 + L-band signal support
• Communication protocol
  • NMEA
  • UBX binary
  • RTCM v. 3.4
  • SPARTN v. 2.0.2
• Positioning
  • RTK, PPP-RTK, and PPP algorithms
  • RTK position accuracy – 0.01 m + 1 ppm CEP
  • PPP position accuracy – 0.10 m CEP
  • RTK convergence time – < 10 sec
  • PPP convergence time – < 120 sec
• Sensitivity
  • Tracking & Navigation – -167 dBm
  • Cold start – -148 dBm
  • Hot start – -157 dBm
  • Reacquisition – -160 dBm
• Acquisition
  • Cold start: 27 s
  • Aided start: 2 s
  • Reacquisition: 2 s
• Interfaces
  • 2x UART
  • 1x SPI
  • 1x DDC (I2C compliant)
  • Digital I/O for timepulse, EXTINT input, RTK fix status, GEOFENCE status
• Security
  • Galileo OSNMA cryptographic authentication
  • Root of Trust-based system integrity
  • Jamming and spoofing detection
•  Misc
  • Built-in RTC
  • Carrier phase output
  • Moving base support (for attitude and heading applications)
• Power
  • Supply voltage – 2.7V – 3.6V
  • Power consumption – ~60 mA @ 3.0V
• Operating temperature – -40°C to +85°C
• Storage temp – -40 °C to +85 °C
• Package – 54-pin LGA package (17.0 × 22.0 × 2.4 mm)
• Vibration – MIL-STD-810G (Category 24, 7.7g RMS)
• Environmental – RoHS compliant (2015/863/EU)
• Compliance – RoHS and EU Radio Equipment Directive (2014/53/EU) compliant

While writing the specifications from the datasheet, I noticed that some features, such as Precise Point Positioning (PPP), QZSS L1C/B signal support, NavIC L1 signal support, and the Moving Base feature for attitude sensing and heading applications are currently under development.

The u-blox ZED-X20P module is supported by u-center 2 GNSS evaluation software that allows users to configure settings, monitor real-time data, and analyze performance. It also works with AssistNow A-GNSS for faster satellite acquisition and PointPerfect for high-precision GNSS augmentation. The module supports multiple communication protocols, including NMEA, UBX binary, RTCM v3.4, and SPARTN v2.0.2,  making it compatible with various positioning applications, from standard navigation to centimeter-level RTK and PPP-RTK solutions.

The company also offers the EVK-X20P evaluation kit designed for testing and developing applications with the ZED-X20P GNSS module. The kit includes the EVK-X20P unit, a USB Type-C cable, an active all-band GNSS antenna, a breakout cable, and a ground plane along with a trial of PointPerfect correction service. Additionally, it features a 14-pin front connector for accessing module interfaces, a 9-pin D-SUB RS232 connector, and an SMA connector for antennas or simulators. A switch allows users to select between I2C (with RS232) and SPI, while LED indicators provide operational feedback. The EVK-X20P can function as an RTCM base or rover when paired with another unit or receive PPP-RTK corrections via the PointPerfect service.

The u-blox ANN-MB2 is a high-precision, multi-band active GNSS antenna designed for applications requiring centimeter-level accuracy and reliable RTK positioning. But the confusing thing about that is they don’t mention it’s the same antenna that comes with the evaluation kit. The antenna supports L1/L2/L5/E6/B3/L bands, and is compatible with all major GNSS constellations. It works with u-blox X20 (ZED-X20P) and F9 (ZED-F9P, ZED-F9K) platforms. The antenna has a peak gain of up to 5.4 dBic, a noise figure of 2.5-3 dB, and operates on 3.0-5.0V DC with a typical current draw of 15mA. It has a 5-meter RG174 cable with an SMA connector and can be mounted using a magnetic base or fixed installation. The ANN-MB2 is IP67-rated, weighs 260 grams, and operates in the -40°C to +85°C temperature range.

We previously covered other RTK solutions with centimeter accuracy including the Quectel LG290P, a quad-band GNSS module supporting GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BDS, QZSS, and NavIC, the SparkFun RTK EVK fully enclosed GNSS platform designed for high-precision positioning and navigation, and several others.

The company did not mention any pricing information beyond the 90% lower cost claim. More information about the ZED-20P module can be found on the product page and in the press release.

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