GP-02 GPS Breakout Board
Overview
The Boardoza GP-02 is a sophisticated multi-constellation GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) receiver module designed for high-precision positioning in embedded applications. At its core, it features a highly integrated System-on-Chip (SoC) architecture that combines a high-sensitivity RF front-end, a digital baseband processor, and a power-efficient 32-bit RISC CPU.
Engineered for global interoperability, the module supports concurrent reception of multiple satellite systems, including GPS (USA), BDS (BeiDou - China), and GLONASS (Russia). This "multi-mode" capability significantly enhances time-to-first-fix (TTFF) and positioning accuracy, particularly in challenging environments like urban canyons where signal obstruction is common. Its robust power management and active antenna protection make it a reliable choice for automotive tracking, UAV navigation, and precision agriculture.
Core Technical Specifications
The module is defined by the following operational parameters:
Sensing Architecture: Multi-mode GNSS SoC integrating RF, Baseband, and CPU on a single die.
Constellation Support: Capable of joint positioning using GPS, BeiDou (BDS), and GLONASS constellations.
Operating Voltage: Features a flexible input range of 3V to 5.5V DC, allowing direct operation from Li-Ion batteries or standard 5V rails.
Communication Interfaces: Supports both UART (TTL) and I2C protocols for versatile host connectivity.
Logic Levels: Critical control pins (PPS, RST, INT, SAFE) are designed to operate at 3.3V logic levels, requiring level shifting if used with 5V MCUs.
Thermal Endurance: Extremely robust industrial operating range from -40°C to +125°C, suitable for automotive and aerospace grade applications.
Physical Dimensions: A standardized 20 mm x 40 mm footprint for compact integration.
Key Engineering Features
Multi-System Joint Positioning
Unlike legacy single-system receivers, the GP-02's ability to track GPS, GLONASS, and BeiDou simultaneously allows it to lock onto a higher number of satellites. This redundancy improves geometric dilution of precision (GDOP), resulting in more stable and accurate coordinate data even when parts of the sky are obstructed.
Configurable Constellation Modes
The module features hardware-selectable modes to optimize performance for specific regions. Through physical jumper configurations on the GPS-BDS and GLNSS-GPS pins, users can prioritize specific constellations (e.g., GPS+BeiDou or GPS+GLONASS) to match local satellite availability.
Active Antenna Management
The integrated RF front-end includes dedicated circuitry for active antenna detection and protection. This feature safeguards the module against antenna short-circuits and open-circuit conditions, ensuring system reliability in harsh field deployments where cabling might be compromised.
Hardware Interface and Signal Mapping
The breakout board simplifies connectivity through two distinct header groups:
Primary Power and Communication (4-Pin Header)
VCC: Power Supply Input (3V - 5.5V).
RX: UART Receive Data pin (Input from MCU TX).
TX: UART Transmit Data pin (Output to MCU RX).
GND: Common System Ground.
System Control and Configuration (5-Pin Header)
PPS: Pulse Per Second output. A precise timing signal synchronized to atomic satellite clocks, used for system synchronization.
N/F: Shutdown control pin. Keeping this high maintains normal operation; pulling it low likely enters a low-power state.
RST: External Reset input. An active-low pin with an internal pull-up used to reboot the module.
GPS-BDS: Configuration pin. Pulling High (or leaving floating) selects BDS + GPS mode.
GLNSS-GPS: Configuration pin. Pulling Low selects GPS + GLONASS mode.
Applications
Automotive Navigation: In-dash navigation systems requiring high thermal stability.
Asset Tracking: Logistics monitors for shipping containers crossing multiple GNSS regions.
UAV/Drones: Flight controllers needing redundant satellite locks for stable hovering.
Precision Timing: Network time servers utilizing the PPS signal for synchronization.
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