u-blox has recently announced the world’s smallest L1, L5 dual-band GNSS module with an integrated antenna for precise meter-level positioning in applications such as asset tracking, telematics, industrial automation, consumer UAVs, and sports trackers.
The module features a compact 20x20x8mm dual-band patch antenna with a unique packaging technology, enabling surface mounting for automated manufacturing and simplified integration. Its SAW-LNA-SAW RF architecture and an LTE B13 notch filter in the L1 RF path enhance out-of-band jamming immunity, ensuring smooth operation near cellular modems. The module includes internal flash memory for firmware upgrades and supports an antenna switch function for operation with an external active GNSS antenna.
DAN-F10N GNSS module specifications:
- Storage – Internal Flash for firmware
- GNSS receiver
- u-blox F10 engine
- GPS: L1 C/A, L5
- QZSS: L1C/A, L1S, L1Sb, L5
- Galileo: E1B/C, E5a
- BeiDou: B1C, B2a
- NavIC: L5
- SBAS: L1 C/A, BDSBAS B1C
- Communication protocol
- NMEA
- UBX binary
- RTCM v. 3.4
- SPARTN v. 2.0.2
- Horizontal position accuracy
- 1.0 m CEP (with SBAS)
- 1.5 m CEP (without SBAS)
- Navigation update rate: Up to 10 Hz
- Sensitivity
- Tracking & Navigation – –164 dBm
- Reacquisition – –156 dBm
- Cold start – –145 dBm
- Hot start – –156 dBm
- Acquisition
- Cold start – 28 s
- Aided start – 2 s
- Reacquisition – 2 s
- Interfaces
- 1x UART
- Digital I/O for configurable timepulse, EXTINT input
- Security
- RF interference and jamming detection/reporting
- Spoofing detection/reporting
- Secure boot for firmware integrity
- Signed UBX messages (SHA-256)
- Debug – JTAG debug interface (disabled by default)
- Misc
- Supports external active antenna (optional)
- Antenna switch function
- Integrated RTC crystal and TCXO
- Power
- 2.7V to 3.6V supply voltage
- Backup supply – 1.65V to 3.6V
- Power consumption – 63 mW (continuous tracking, 3V)
- Temperature Range – -40°C to +85°C (operating and storage)
- Dimensions – 56-pin LCC package (20 x 20 x 11.6 mm, ~18g)
- Environmental – Qualified based on a subset of AEC-Q104
- Compliance – RoHS-3 compliant (2015/863/EU)
We previously wrote about breakout boards, like the SparkFun GNSS L1/L5 built around the u-Blox NEO-F10N L1/L5 dual-band receiver.
Though the company calls the DANF10N the “industry’s smallest and more reliable L1, L5 dual-band GNSS module”, the NEO-F10N module (for instance found in the Sparkfun GNSS L1/L5 breakout board) is quite smaller at 16 x 12 mm and more sensitive in comparison to the newly launched module. However, it requires an external antenna, while the DANF10N is a fully integrated module with a builtin patch antenna.
The DAN-F10N module supports u-center 2 GNSS software, enabling real-time performance analysis, receiver configuration, and data logging. AssistNow Online, AssistNow Offline, and AssistNow Autonomous A-GNSS services can also be used with the module for faster satellite acquisition. The module communicates using NMEA 4.11 and UBX binary protocols, providing raw GNSS data output for advanced applications.
At the time of writing the company has not provided any pricing information about the DAN-F10N GNSS module. Additional information can be found on the product page and the press release.
Debashis Das is a technical content writer and embedded engineer with over five years of experience in the industry. With expertise in Embedded C, PCB Design, and SEO optimization, he effectively blends difficult technical topics with clear communication
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I’m highly dubious of the claim that this is the smallest all-in-one GNSS SOC. I’m confident I’ve seen smaller on various iFixIt breakdown videos of phones, and many of you are aware of products like the years-old Garmin GPS watch which must have something smaller than this inside it, as it couldn’t have room for all the other parts it needs otherwise.
Heck more than 10 years ago a friend of mine had a USB GPS fob that was 1″x1″ and would need a board these dimensions to fit in the plastic case.
Maybe a more accurate claim would be that this is the first such product being made available for purchase as a stand-alone package, targeting hobbyists and small-scale business products.
GIYF: Adafruit Mini GPS PA1010D – UART and I2C – STEMMA QT – pre-existing 1″x1″ GPS module.
The PA1010D is only 10x10mm, but the MediaTek MT3333 chipset used in it operates in the L1 band only, it’s not a dual-band GNSS chipset.