u-blox GPS Modules Comparison: Achieving Centimeter-Level Accuracy with NEO-M8P and RTK Technology
comparison of some popular u-blox NEO GPS modules available as of my knowledge cut off in 2022:
NEO-6M: This module is one of the most basic options in the NEO series. It supports GPS and QZSS constellations and provides positioning accuracy within 2.5 meters. It has a built-in patch antenna and UART interface.
NEO-7M: This module is an upgrade over the NEO-6M and offers improved performance. It supports GPS, GLONASS, and QZSS constellations, providing better accuracy and faster time to first fix (TTFF). It also has a built-in patch antenna and UART interface.
NEO-M8N: This module is designed for high-precision applications. It supports GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo, and QZSS constellations, providing excellent positioning accuracy within 2.0 meters. It has a built-in patch antenna, UART interface, and additional features like dead reckoning and time synchronization.
NEO-M8P: This module is a highly precise RTK (Real-Time Kinematics) GNSS receiver. It supports GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo, and QZSS constellations. With the use of RTK technology, it can achieve centimeter-level positioning accuracy. It requires an external active antenna and supports UART and I2C interfaces.
NEO-M9N: This module is an upgraded version of the NEO-M8N, offering improved performance and additional features. It supports GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo, and QZSS constellations, providing positioning accuracy within 1.5 meters. It has a built-in patch antenna, UART interface, and supports features like dead reckoning and time synchronization.
If you require centimeter-level accuracy,
The u-blox NEO-M8P module is a suitable choice. The NEO-M8P is a Real-Time Kinematics (RTK) GNSS receiver that offers high-precision positioning. It supports multiple satellite constellations, including GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo, and QZSS.
RTK technology allows the NEO-M8P module to achieve centimeter-level accuracy by utilizing correction data from a base station. The base station provides accurate positioning information, which is then used by the NEO-M8P to refine its own positioning calculations. This enables precise and reliable centimeter-level accuracy for applications that require such precision, such as surveying, precision agriculture, and unmanned systems.
It’s important to note that achieving centimeter-level accuracy with the NEO-M8P requires the use of an external active antenna and a compatible base station that can provide the necessary correction data. The module supports UART and I2C interfaces for communication.
Keep in mind that technology advances rapidly, and there may be newer u-blox modules or alternative solutions available. It’s always a good idea to check the latest product offerings from u-blox or consult with a u-blox representative to ensure you have the most up-to-date information on high-precision GPS solutions.
