Low-profile GNSS positioning module offers reception across the entire L1 band

Latest from U-blox is the CAM-M8C, a compact low-profile GNSS positioning module with an integrated wideband chip antenna for reception across the entire L1 band. The module offers simultaneous GNSS operation for GPS/GLONASS, GPS/BeiDou, or GLONASS/BeiDou to deliver accurate, jamming-resistant and reliable positioning anywhere in the world. Featuring industry-leading sensitivity, the CAM-M8C integrates a u-blox M8 satellite receiver, crystal oscillator, SAW filter and low-noise amplifier. It also has an input for an external active antenna and when using this option the internal antenna acts as a backup. Thanks to its novel antenna design the module maintains its performance regardless of physical orientation. This makes the product highly suitable for mobile applications with frequent change of bearing, says the company. Kim Kaisti, product manager, said: “Where space is at a premium, for example in emergency call systems, in handheld navigation or in wearable devices, the CAM-M8C module offers a very cost-effective way to bring products to market quickly due to its small size and high levels of integration. It does this without compromising performance or reliability, and leaves system designers free to concentrate on other important aspects of their product development.” The CAM-M8C is footprint compatible with U-blox UC530 and UC530M modules, providing an easy upgrade path. To further accelerate design and development, an evaluation kit, the EVK-M8CCAM, offers a quick way to become familiar with the CAM-M8C module and assess its performance in specific applications. The M8 GNSS receiver antenna module is qualified to JEDS47 and ISO16750 standard: 'Road vehicles – Environmental conditions and testing for electrical and electronic equipment'.