SparkFun

SAM-M8Q GNSS Receiver (Qwiic)

Name: SAM-M8Q GNSS Receiver (Qwiic)
Brand: SparkFun
SKU: SF-GPS-30018
Price: 58.9 AUD
Availability: InStock

· MPN: GPS-30018

Breakouts GPS & Location Sensors Arduino Sensors SparkFun Qwiic Ecosystem

$58.90 |

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Built around the u-blox SAM-M8Q module, this compact GNSS receiver is a straightforward way to add location tracking to a project. Plug in USB-C for power an...

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Built around the u-blox SAM-M8Q module, this compact GNSS receiver is a straightforward way to add location tracking to a project. Plug in USB-C for power and configuration, or use the Qwiic connectors for solder-free I2C integration with compatible boards.

The board includes an integrated smart antenna architecture, with the patch antenna element, SAW filter and Low Noise Amplifier in one package. It can track multiple GNSS constellations and is designed for better signal availability in challenging environments such as dense urban areas.

For prototyping and embedded builds, the receiver also breaks out 0.1"-pitch PTH pins, includes a BlueSMiRF header, and provides four 4-40-compatible mounting holes. A rechargeable backup battery keeps the module’s RTC running and preserves orbit data, supporting fast hot starts.

Configuration is supported through the SparkFun u-blox GNSS Arduino Library, including settings such as baud rates, update rates, geofencing and spoofing detection. It is also compatible with u-center Windows software, as well as SparkFun OpenLog Artemis and DataLogger systems for automatic detection, configuration and logging.

Features:

72-Channel M8 Engine: Capable of concurrently tracking up to three GNSS constellations (GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo).
Superior Positioning: By tracking multiple systems simultaneously, the module provides better accuracy and signal availability, even in "urban canyons" where single-constellation receivers often fail.
Integrated RF Architecture: The "Smart Antenna" design combines the patch antenna element, a SAW filter, and a Low Noise Amplifier (LNA) into a single package, ensuring optimal signal handling and interference immunity right out of the box.
USB-C: Includes a modern USB-C connector for power and easy connection to a PC, phone, or tablet.
Qwiic Connect System: Onboard Qwiic connectors enable instant, solder-free I2C integration, freeing your UART ports for other peripherals.
Prototyping With a Breadboard: Standard 0.1"-spaced pins are broken out for easy breadboarding.
OpenLog Artemis and DataLogger compatibility: The receiver can be automatically detected, scanned, configured and logged.
Rechargeable backup battery: Keeps the module's internal Real Time Clock (RTC) running and preserves orbit data.
SparkFun Arduino Library: Configure baud rates, update rates, geofencing and spoofing detection from code.
u-center compatibility: Compatible with u-center Windows software for advanced configuration.
Qwiic Connectors: x2
Connector: 4-pin JST-SH
PTH pins: Twelve 0.1"-pitch PTH pins
PTH breakout: 3.3V enable
PTH breakout: I2C signals
PTH breakout: PPS signal
PTH breakout: Interrupt trigger
PTH breakout: Reset
BlueSMiRF Header: Included
BlueSMiRF header pin: 3.3V
BlueSMiRF header pin: UART
BlueSMiRF header pin: GND
Mounting holes: Four mounting holes
Mounting hole compatibility: 4-40 screw compatible

Specifications:

GNSS receiver: u-blox SAM-M8Q GNSS Receiver
GNSS Constellations: GPS (USA)
GNSS Constellations: GLONASS (Russia)
GNSS Constellations: Galileo (EU)
GNSS Constellations: QZSS (Japan)
SBAS Systems: WAAS (USA)
SBAS Systems: EGNOS (EU)
SBAS Systems: MSAS (Japan)
SBAS Systems: GAGAN (India)
Dimensions: 25.4mm x 25.4mm (1.00" x 1.00")
Voltage Range: 2.7 to 3.6V
Continuous mode: 29mA
Power Save mode: 9.5mA
Channels: 72
GNSS Frequency Bands - GPS: L1C/A
GNSS Frequency Bands - GLONASS: L1OF
GNSS Frequency Bands - Galileo: E1 B/C
GNSS Frequency Bands - QZSS: L1C/A, L1 SAIF
GNSS Frequency Bands - SBAS: L1C/A
Accuracy - Horizontal Position: 2.5m - 8.0m
Accuracy - Velocity: 0.05m/s
Accuracy - Heading: 0.3 degrees
Accuracy - Time Pulse: 30ns
Time to Fix - Cold Start: 26s
Time to Fix - Aided: 2s
Time to Fix - Reacquisition: 1s
Update Rate - Single Band: 18Hz
Update Rate - Dual Band: 10Hz
Interface: UART
Interface: DDC (I2C)
Interface: Ext. Interrupt
Configurable PPS out: 0.25Hz to 10MHz
Protocols: NMEA, UBX, and RTCM
Operational Limits - Altitude: 50,000m
Operational Limits - Dynamic: 4g
Operational Limits - Velocity: 500m/s

A great fit for GPS/GNSS learning, breadboard experiments, Qwiic projects and data logging builds that need reliable location data.

Jargon buster

Plain-language definitions for the technical terms used above.

baud: Baud is the signalling rate of a serial connection, often used as the speed setting for UART communication. Matching the baud rate matters because both connected devices must use the same setting for readable data.
breakout: A breakout board carries a small or fine-pitched component and brings its connections out to standard, breadboard- and header-friendly pins. Describing a part as a breakout means it can be wired into a project without soldering directly to the component's tiny contacts.
E1: A Galileo satellite signal band used for standard positioning. Knowing which signal bands are supported helps you judge compatibility and expected performance of a GNSS receiver.
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.
GND: GND is the ground or reference connection (0 V) for a circuit. When connecting two devices together, their grounds must be joined so both agree on what counts as a low or high signal.
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.
I2C: I2C is a two-wire communication bus used by many sensors and small modules. It matters because several I2C devices can share the same two wires, but each device needs a compatible address and your controller must support I2C.
L1C/A: A GPS signal band used by many GNSS receivers for standard positioning. Support for this band helps determine which satellite signals the receiver can use and how well it can maintain a location fix.
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.
PTH: Plated through-hole means the pin holes are metal-lined so solder connects the pad on both sides of the board. It is useful for connectors and headers that need a strong mechanical and electrical connection.
Qwiic: Qwiic is a plug-in connector system for I2C devices that uses small 4-pin cables, so you can connect compatible sensors without soldering. It matters because your controller or adapter also needs Qwiic, or you will need a cable or breakout to wire it up.
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.
RF: RF means radio frequency, referring to signals used for wireless communication and other high-frequency electronics. A low-noise, stable power supply is important for RF circuits because power noise can affect signal quality and measurements.
RTC: A Real-Time Clock keeps track of time even when the main processor is asleep or powered down, usually with a small backup battery. It matters for data logging and tracking projects that need accurate timestamps.
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.
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.
USB-C: USB-C is a small, reversible USB connector that can carry power, data and, on some devices, video over a single cable. The same connector can range from charging only to high-speed data, so the functions a given port actually supports vary.
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.