GPS + BDS BeiDou Dual Module

Jargon buster

Plain-language definitions for the technical terms used above.

BDS

BeiDou, China’s satellite navigation system. Support for BDS gives the receiver access to more satellites, which can help maintain a better position fix in challenging locations.

EGNOS

Europe’s SBAS service for improving GNSS positioning accuracy and reliability. It is relevant if the receiver will be used in Europe or nearby supported areas without an RTK correction link.

GAGAN

India’s SBAS service for improving GNSS positioning. It matters for projects in its coverage region because it can improve standard GNSS accuracy when RTK is not being used.

Galileo

Europe’s satellite navigation system. Galileo support can improve satellite availability and accuracy, especially when combined with GPS and other constellations.

GLONASS

Russia’s satellite navigation system. A receiver that can also use GLONASS has more satellites to choose from, which can improve positioning reliability when the sky view is partly blocked.

GNSS

GNSS stands for Global Navigation Satellite System, an umbrella term for satellite positioning networks such as GPS, GLONASS, Galileo and BeiDou. Receivers use these satellites to determine position, and high-precision units can output a steady stream of serial position data.

GPS

The US satellite navigation system used by GNSS receivers to calculate position and time. Support for GPS is important because it is widely available and often used together with other constellations for more reliable positioning.

microcontroller

A microcontroller is a small computer on a single chip that runs a stored program and controls connected inputs and outputs such as buttons, sensors, displays and communication interfaces. In a device built around one, it is the part that executes the code and coordinates the device's behaviour.

MSAS

Japan’s SBAS service for improving GNSS positioning. It is useful to know because SBAS benefits depend on whether your project is located in the service’s coverage area.

QZSS

Japan’s regional satellite navigation system designed to improve coverage around Japan and the Asia-Pacific region. QZSS support can improve satellite availability in supported regions when used alongside GPS.

SBAS

Satellite-Based Augmentation System, a set of regional services that broadcast correction information for GNSS receivers. SBAS can improve ordinary GPS-style positioning, although it is not the same as centimetre-level RTK correction.

Short circuit protection

A safety feature that helps protect the device if its output or wiring is accidentally connected in a way that causes excessive current flow. This matters in automation wiring because mistakes or damaged cables can otherwise destroy the sensor or power supply.

SMA

SMA is a small threaded coaxial (RF) connector widely used to attach antennas and other radio-frequency cables. A device with SMA antenna ports needs antennas or pigtails with matching SMA connectors, or a suitable adapter, to connect to them.

STM32

STM32 is a family of microcontroller chips commonly used in embedded electronics. Knowing a product uses an STM32 can help when looking at firmware updates, pin connections, or low-level serial control options.

UART

UART is a simple asynchronous serial interface that sends data over separate transmit and receive wires, usually labelled TX and RX, with both ends set to the same baud rate. It is a common way for microcontrollers and other serial devices to exchange data.

WAAS

A North American SBAS service that provides correction data for GNSS receivers. It matters if you are using the product in a supported region and want better non-RTK positioning accuracy.