MAX-M10S
Standard Precision GNSS Module
Professional Grade Data Sheet
Abstract
This data sheet describes the MAX-M10S module, an ultra-low-power GNSS receiver for high-performance asset-tracking applications.
Document Information
Title | MAX-M10S |
Subtitle | Standard precision GNSS module |
Document type | Data sheet |
Document number | UBX-20035208 |
Revision and date | R06, 08-Apr-2024 |
Disclosure restriction | C1-Public |
Product status | Corresponding content status |
Functional sample | Draft: For functional testing. Revised and supplementary data will be published later. |
In development / prototype | Objective specification: Target values. Revised and supplementary data will be published later. |
Engineering sample | Advance information: Data based on early testing. Revised and supplementary data will be published later. |
Initial production | Early production information: Data from product verification. Revised and supplementary data may be published later. |
Mass production / End of life | Production information: Document contains the final product specification. |
This document applies to the following products:
Product name | Type number | FW version | IN/PCN reference | Product status |
MAX-M10S | MAX-M10S-00B-01 | ROM SPG 5.10 | UBXDOC-963802114-12186 | Mass production |
1 Functional Description
1.1 Overview
The MAX-M10S module features the u-blox M10 standard precision GNSS platform and provides exceptional sensitivity and acquisition time for all L1 GNSS signals. The M10 platform supports concurrent reception of four GNSS (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou). The high number of visible satellites enables the receiver to select the best signals, maximizing position availability, especially in challenging conditions like deep urban canyons. u-blox Super-S (Super-Signal) technology offers great RF sensitivity and can improve dynamic position accuracy with small antennas or in non-line-of-sight scenarios. Its extremely low power consumption of 25 mW in continuous tracking mode allows great power autonomy for battery-operated devices, such as asset trackers, without compromising GNSS performance. For maximum sensitivity in passive antenna designs, MAX-M10S integrates an LNA followed by a SAW filter in the RF path. MAX-M10S offers backwards pin-to-pin compatibility with previous u-blox generations, saving designer effort and reducing costs during upgrades to the advanced low-power u-blox M10 GNSS technology.
1.2 Performance
Parameter | Specification | Value |
Receiver type | u-blox M10 receiver | |
Accuracy of time pulse signal | RMS | 30 ns |
99% | 60 ns | |
Frequency of time pulse signal | Default 1PPS (0.25 Hz to 10 MHz configurable) | |
Operational limits¹ | Dynamics | ≤ 4 g |
Altitude | 80,000 m | |
Velocity accuracy² | 500 m/s | |
Dynamic heading accuracy² | 0.05 m/s |
Parameter | GPS+GAL | GPS+GAL +GLO | GPS+GAL +BDS B1I (default) | GPS+GAL +BDS B1C | GPS+GAL +BDS B1C +GLO | |
Max navigation update rate³ | Default | 10 Hz | 6 Hz | 3 Hz | 8 Hz | 4 Hz |
High performance⁴ | 20 Hz | 16 Hz | 12 Hz | 16 Hz | 10 Hz |
Parameter | GPS+GAL | GPS+GAL +GLO | GPS+GAL +BDS B1I (default) | GPS+GAL +BDS B1C | GPS+GAL +BDS B1C +GLO | |
Position accuracy (CEP)⁵, ⁶ | 1.5 m | 1.5 m | 1.5 m | 1.5 m | 1.5 m | |
Time To First Fix (TTFF)⁵, ⁷, ⁸ | Cold start | 28 s | 23 s | 27 s | 28 s | 23 s |
Hot start | 1 s | 1 s | 1 s | 1 s | 1 s | |
AssistNow Online⁹ | 1 s | 1 s | 1 s | 1 s | 1 s | |
AssistNow Offline¹⁰ | 2 s | 2 s | 3 s | 2 s | 2 s | |
AssistNow Autonomous¹¹ | 3 s | 4 s | 4 s | 4 s | 4 s | |
Sensitivity¹² | Tracking and navigation | -167 dBm | -167 dBm | -167 dBm | -167 dBm | -167 dBm |
Reacquisition | -160 dBm | -160 dBm | -160 dBm | -160 dBm | -160 dBm | |
Cold Start | -148 dBm | -148 dBm | -148 dBm | -148 dBm | -148 dBm | |
Hot start⁷ | -159 dBm | -159 dBm | -159 dBm | -159 dBm | -159 dBm |
Parameter | GPS | GLONASS | BDS B1I | GALILEO | BDS B1C | |
Max navigation update rate³ | Default | 18 Hz | 18 Hz | 18 Hz | 18 Hz | 18 Hz |
High performance⁴ | 25 Hz | 25 Hz | 25 Hz | 25 Hz | 25 Hz | |
Position accuracy (CEP)⁵, ⁶ | 1.5 m | 4 m | 2 m | 3 m | 2 m | |
Time To First Fix (TTFF)⁵, ⁷, ⁸ | Cold start | 29 s | 27 s | 30 s | 41 s | 56 s |
Hot start | 1 s | 1 s | 1 s | 1 s | 1 s | |
AssistNow Online⁹ | 1 s | 1 s | 1 s | 5 s | N/A | |
Sensitivity¹² | Tracking and navigation | -167 dBm | -166 dBm | -160 dBm | -161 dBm | -163 dBm |
Reacquisition | -160 dBm | -158 dBm | -158 dBm | -154 dBm | -156 dBm | |
Cold Start | -148 dBm | -147 dBm | -146 dBm | -141 dBm | -136 dBm | |
Hot start⁷ | -159 dBm | -159 dBm | -159 dBm | -155 dBm | -157 dBm |
1.3 Supported GNSS Constellations
The MAX-M10S is a concurrent GNSS receiver capable of receiving and tracking multiple GNSS systems. Its single RF front-end architecture allows concurrent reception of multiple GNSS constellations. The receiver can be configured for a subset of GNSS constellations to achieve lower power consumption. The default configuration supports concurrent reception of GPS, Galileo, and BeiDou B1I, with QZSS and SBAS enabled. The following GNSS and their signals are supported:
System | Signals |
GPS/QZSS | L1C/A (1575.42 MHz) |
Galileo | E1-B/C (1575.42 MHz) |
GLONASS | L1OF (1602 MHz + k*562.5 kHz, k = -7,..., 5, 6) |
BeiDou¹³ | B1I (1561.098 MHz), B1C (1575.42 MHz) |
The following GNSS assistance services are supported:
Service | Support |
AssistNow™ Online | GPS L1C/A, Galileo E1, QZSS L1C/A, GLONASS L1OF, BeiDou B1I |
AssistNow™ Offline | GPS L1C/A, Galileo E1, GLONASS L1OF |
AssistNow™ Autonomous | GPS L1C/A, Galileo E1, GLONASS L1OF, QZSS L1C/A, BeiDou B1I |
The following augmentation systems are supported:
System | Support |
SBAS | EGNOS, GAGAN, MSAS, WAAS and BDSBAS |
QZSS | L1S (SLAS) |
The augmentation systems SBAS and QZSS can be enabled only if GPS operation is also enabled.
1.4 Supported Protocols
The MAX-M10S supports the following interface protocols:
Protocol | Type |
UBX | Input/output, binary, u-blox proprietary |
NMEA versions 2.1, 2.3, 4.0, 4.10 and 4.11 (default) | Input/output, ASCII |
1.5 Firmware Features
Feature | Description |
Antenna supervisor¹⁴ | Antenna supervisor for active antenna control and short detection |
Cloud Locate GNSS | Extends the life of energy-constrained IoT applications. Small payload messages supported. |
Assisted GNSS | AssistNow Online, AssistNow Offline and AssistNow Autonomous |
Backup modes | Hardware backup mode and software standby mode |
Power save modes¹⁵ | On/off, cyclic tracking |
Super-S | Improved dynamic position accuracy with small antennas |
Feature | Description |
Protection level | Real-time position accuracy estimate with 95% confidence level¹⁶ |
Galileo return link messages | Galileo search and rescue (SAR) return link messages (RLM) via Galileo satellite signal |
Data batching | Autonomous tracking up to 10 minutes at 1 Hz |
Odometer | Measure traveled distance with support for different user profiles |
Feature | Description |
Anti-jamming | RF interference and jamming detection and reporting |
Anti-spoofing | Spoofing detection and reporting |
Configuration lockdown | Receiver configuration can be locked by command |
Message integrity | All messages can be cryptographically signed |
Secure boot | Only signed firmware images are executed |
2 System Description
2.1 Block Diagram
The MAX-M10S module block diagram illustrates the internal architecture. It includes an RF Front-End with an RF IN port, Band 13 Notch, RF Block (LNA, SAW, LNA), and LNA control signals. The RF signal is processed by a Digital IF Filter and then fed into the GNSS Engine. The GNSS Engine comprises a CPU, RAM, ROM, Fractional N Synthesizers, and an RTC. It connects to various interfaces including UART, I2C, PIOS, TIMEPULSE, GPIO, EXTINT, and SAFEBOOT_N. Power management is handled by a PMU and DCDC converters, with support for Backup RAM. The module also features a TCXO and RTC Crystal.
3 Pin Definition
3.1 Pin Assignment
The MAX-M10S module has 18 pins. The pin assignment is as follows:
- Pin 1: GND (Connect to GND)
- Pin 2: TXD (UART TX)
- Pin 3: RXD (UART RX)
- Pin 4: TIMEPULSE (Time pulse signal, shared with SAFEBOOT_N pin¹⁷)
- Pin 5: EXTINT (External interrupt)
- Pin 6: V_BCKP (Backup voltage supply)
- Pin 7: V_IO (IO voltage supply)
- Pin 8: VCC (Main voltage supply)
- Pin 9: RESET_N (System reset, active low)
- Pin 10: GND (Connect to GND)
- Pin 11: RF_IN (GNSS signal input)
- Pin 12: GND (Connect to GND)
- Pin 13: LNA_EN (On/Off external LNA or active antenna)
- Pin 14: VCC_RF (Output voltage RF section)
- Pin 15: VIO_SEL (Voltage selector for V_IO supply)
- Pin 16: SDA (I2C data)
- Pin 17: SCL (I2C clock)
- Pin 18: SAFEBOOT_N (Safeboot mode, active low)
3.2 Pin State
Table 11 defines the state of the PIOs and RESET_N pins in different modes (Continuous, Software standby, Safe boot). In reset mode (RESET_N = low), all PIOs are configured as input pull-up. In hardware backup mode (VCC = 0 V and V_IO = 0 V), PIOs must not be driven.
4 Electrical Specifications
4.1 Absolute Maximum Ratings
CAUTION: Exceeding the absolute maximum ratings may affect the lifetime and reliability of the device or permanently damage it. This product is not protected against overvoltage or reversed voltages. Use appropriate protection to avoid device damage from voltage spikes exceeding the specified boundaries.
Symbol | Parameter | Min | Max | Unit |
VCC | Main supply voltage | -0.3 | 3.6 | V |
V_IO | IO supply voltage, VIO_SEL = GND. | -0.3 | VCC + 0.3 (max 1.98) | V |
IO supply voltage, VIO_SEL = open. | -0.3 | VCC + 0.3 (max 3.6) | V | |
Voltage ramp on V_IO¹⁸ | 25 | 35000 | µs/V | |
V_BCKP | Backup supply voltage | -0.3 | 3.6 | V |
V_PIO | Input voltage on RESET_N and digital pins VIO_SEL = GND | -0.3 | V_IO + 0.3 (max 1.98) | V |
Input voltage on RESET_N and digital pins VIO_SEL = open. | -0.3 | V_IO + 0.3 (max 3.6) | V | |
I_PIO | Max source / sink current, digital pins¹⁹ | -10 | 10 | mA |
ICC_RF | Max source current, VCC_RF | 250 | mA | |
Prfin²⁰ | RF input power at RF_IN | 0 | dBm | |
Tamb | Ambient temperature | -40 | +85 | °C |
Ts | Storage temperature | -40 | +85 | °C |
4.2 Operating Conditions
Table 13 shows general operating conditions, and Table 14 shows electrical parameters for digital I/O. The V_IO voltage range is selected with the VIO_SEL pin. For designs with 1.8 V supply at V_IO and V_BCKP supplied, switch off V_IO supply 100 ms before VCC when transitioning to hardware backup mode. Alternatively, put the receiver to software standby mode by sending UBX-RXM-PMREQ message before switching off V_IO and VCC. For designs with 3 V supplies, both supplies can be switched off simultaneously or ensure that V_IO is switched off before VCC.
Symbol | Parameter | Min | Typical | Max | Unit |
VCC | Main supply voltage | 1.76 | 1.8, 3.3 | 3.6 | V |
V_IO | IO supply voltage, VIO_SEL = GND | 1.76 | 1.8 | VCC (max 1.98) | V |
IO supply voltage, VIO_SEL = open | 2.7 | 3.3 | VCC (max 3.6) | V | |
V_BCKP | Supply voltage, backup domain | 1.65 | 3.6 | V | |
V_IOSWITCH | V_IO voltage threshold to switch an internal supply for the backup domain from V_IO to V_BCKP | 1.45 | V | ||
VCC_RF | VCC_RF output voltage | VCC - 0.1 | V | ||
ICC_RF | VCC_RF output current | 50 | mA | ||
Zin²¹ | Input impedance at RF_IN | 50 | Ω | ||
NFtot | Receiver chain noise figure | 1.5 | dB | ||
Ext_gain²² | External gain at RF_IN, low gain mode (default) | 30 | dB | ||
External gain at RF_IN, bypass mode | 10 | 25 | 40 | dB | |
Topr | Operating temperature | -40 | +85 | °C |
Symbol | Parameter | Min | Typical | Max | Unit |
Ileak | Leakage current input pins²³ | 25 | nA | ||
Vin | Input pin voltage range | 0 | V_IO | V | |
Vil | Low-level input voltage | 0.63 | V | ||
Vih | High-level input voltage | 0.68 x V_IO | V | ||
Vol²⁴ | Low-level output voltage, Iout = -2 mA | 0.4 | V | ||
Voh²⁴ | High-level output voltage, Iout = 2 mA | V_IO - 0.4 | V | ||
Rpu, IO²⁵ | Pull-up resistance, Digital IO (VIO_SEL = GND) | 6 | 17 | 72 | kΩ |
Rpu, IO²⁵ | Pull-up resistance, Digital IO (VIO_SEL = open) | 8 | 18 | 40 | kΩ |
Rpd, IO | Pull-down resistance, Digital IO | 21 | 80 | 180 | kΩ |
Rpu, SAFEBOOT_N²⁶ | Pull-up resistance, SAFEBOOT_N | 6 | 17 | 72 | kΩ |
Rpu, RESET_N | Pull-up resistance, RESET_N | 7 | 10 | 13 | kΩ |
4.3 Indicative Power Requirements
This section provides examples of typical current requirements, characterized on samples using a cold start command. Actual power requirements may vary based on firmware version, external circuitry, satellite tracking, signal strength, start type/time, duration, internal LNA gain mode, and test conditions. All values in Tables 15, 16, and 17 were measured at 25 °C ambient temperature with default configuration unless stated otherwise. SBAS and QZSS are active in all measurements.
Symbol (Parameter) | Conditions | GPS | GPS+GAL +GLO | GPS+GAL +BDS B1I (default) | GPS+GAL +BDS B1C | GPS+GAL +BDS B1C +GLO | Unit | |
IVCC²⁷, ²⁸ | Acquisition | 8 | 10 | 12 | 11.5 | 11 | 13 | mA |
Tracking (Continuous mode) | 7.5 | 8 | 9 | 9.5 | 8.5 | 10 | mA | |
(Current at VCC) | Tracking (Power save mode)³⁰ | 4.5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | - | - | mA |
IV_IO²⁷ | Acquisition and Tracking (Continuous mode) | 2.1 | 2.2 | 2.3 | 2.3 | 2.2 | 2.3 | mA |
(Current at V_IO) | Tracking (Power save mode)³⁰ | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | - | - | mA |
Symbol (Parameter) | Conditions | GPS | GPS+GAL +GLO | GPS+GAL +BDS B1I (default) | GPS+GAL +BDS B1C | GPS+GAL +BDS B1C +GLO | Unit | |
IVCC²⁷, ²⁸ | Acquisition | 10.5 | 15.5 | 17.5 | 16.5 | 16 | 18.5 | mA |
Tracking (Continuous mode) | 9.5 | 11 | 12.5 | 13 | 11.5 | 14 | mA | |
(Current at VCC) | Tracking (Power save mode)³⁰ | 5.5 | 6.0 | 6.5 | 6.5 | - | - | mA |
IV_IO²⁷ | Acquisition and Tracking (Continuous mode) | 2.1 | 2.1 | 2.2 | 2.2 | 2.1 | 2.2 | mA |
(Current at V_IO) | Tracking (Power save mode)³⁰ | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | - | - | mA |
The inrush current can go up to 100 mA at startup. Ensure that the external power supply is able to deliver up to 100 mA.
Symbol | Parameter | Conditions | Typ. | Unit |
IV_BCKP³¹ | Total current in hardware backup mode | VBCKP = 3.3 V, VIO = VCC = 0 V | 28 | µA |
IV_IO | VIO current in software standby mode | VIO = 1.8 V | 37 | µA |
VIO = 3.3 V | 46 | µA | ||
IVCC | VCC current in software standby mode | VCC = 3.3 V | 120 | nA |
Extreme operating temperatures can significantly impact the specified values. If an application operates near the min or max temperature limits, ensure the specified values are not exceeded.
5 Communication Interfaces
The receiver supports communication over the UART and I2C interfaces. All inputs have an internal pull-up resistor in normal operation and can be left open if not used. The voltage level at the PIO pins is related to the V_IO supply voltage.
5.1 UART
The UART interface supports configurable baud rates. Hardware flow control is not supported. UART specifications are described in Table 18.
Symbol | Parameter | Min | Max | Unit |
Ru | Baud rate | 9600 | 921600 | bit/s |
Tx | Tx baud rate accuracy | -1% | +1% | - |
Rx | Rx baud rate tolerance | -2.5% | +2.5% | - |
5.2 I2C
An I2C interface is available for communication with an external host CPU in the I2C Fast-mode. Backwards compatibility with the Standard-mode I2C bus operation is not supported. The interface can be operated only in the peripheral mode with a maximum clock frequency of 320 kHz³². The interface can make use of clock stretching by holding the SCL line LOW to pause a transaction. In this case, the bit transfer rate is reduced. The maximum clock stretching time is 20 ms.
Symbol | Parameter | I2C Fast-mode | Unit |
fSCL | SCL clock frequency | 0 - 320 | kHz |
tHD;STA | Hold time (repeated) START condition | 0.6 | µs |
tLOW | Low period of the SCL clock | 1.3 | µs |
tHIGH | High period of the SCL clock | 0.6 | µs |
tSU;STA | Setup time for a repeated START condition | 0.6 | µs |
tHD;DAT | Data hold time³³ | 0 | 34 µs |
tSU;DAT | Data setup time | 100 | ns |
tr | Rise time of both SDA and SCL signals | 300 (for C = 400pF) | ns |
tf | Fall time of both SDA and SCL signals | 300 (for C = 400pF) | ns |
tSU;STO | Setup time for STOP condition | 0.6 | µs |
tBUF | Bus-free time between a STOP and START condition | 1.3 | µs |
tVD;DAT | Data valid time | - | 0.9 µs³⁴ |
tVD;ACK | Data valid acknowledge time | - | 0.9 µs³⁴ |
VnL | Noise margin at the low level | 0.1 VIO | V |
VnH | Noise margin at the high level | 0.2 VIO | V |
5.3 Default Interface Settings
Interface | Settings |
UART |
|
I2C |
|
6 Mechanical Specifications
The MAX-M10S module has the following mechanical dimensions:
Symbol | Min (mm) | Typical (mm) | Max (mm) |
A | 10.0 | 10.1 | 10.7 |
B | 9.6 | 9.7 | 9.8 |
C | 2.2 | 2.5 | 2.7 |
D | 0.55 | 0.65 | 0.95 |
E | 1.0 | 1.1 | 1.2 |
F | - | 0.76 | - |
G | 0.3 | 0.4 | 0.5 |
H | 0.9 | 1.0 | 1.1 |
K | 0.6 | 0.7 | 0.8 |
M | 0.7 | 0.8 | 0.9 |
P | 0.0 | 0.3 | 0.6 |
Weight | 0.5 g |
The mechanical picture of the de-paneling residual tab (P) is an approximate representation, shape and position may vary. Take the size of the de-paneling residual tabs into account when designing the component keepout area. The pad width (K) applies to all four corner pads.
7 Qualifications and Approvals
Quality and reliability | |
Product qualification | Qualified according to u-blox qualification policy, based on a subset of AEC-Q104 |
Manufacturing | Manufactured at ISO/TS 16949 certified sites |
Environmental | |
RoHS compliance | Yes |
Moisture sensitivity level (MSL)³⁶, ³⁷ | 4 |
Type approvals | |
European RED certification (CE) | Declaration of Conformity (DoC) is available on the u-blox website. |
UK conformity assessment (UKCA) | Yes |
8 Product Handling
8.1 Soldering
Reflow soldering procedures are described in the IPC/JEDEC J-STD-020 standard [5].
9 Labeling and Ordering Information
9.1 Product Labeling
The labeling of MAX-M10S packages provides product information and revision information. For more information, contact u-blox sales. The product label includes the 'Product type number' (e.g., PPP-TGGV-NNQ-XX) and 'PIN 1 marking'.
9.2 Explanation of Product Codes
Three product code formats are used: Product name, Ordering code, and Type number. The product name is used in documentation and identifies all u-blox products. The ordering code includes options and quality, while the type number includes hardware and firmware versions.
Format | Structure | Product code |
Product name | PPP-TGGV | MAX-M10S |
Ordering code | PPP-TGGV-NNQ | MAX-M10S-00B |
Type number | PPP-TGGV-NNQ-XX | MAX-M10S-00B-01 |
The parts of the product code are explained as follows:
Code | Meaning | Example |
PPP | Product family | MAX |
TGG | Platform | M10 = u-blox M10 |
V | Variant | S = Standard precision, ROM, TCXO, LNA, and SAW filter |
NN | Option | 00, 01, 02, ... |
Q | Quality grade | A = Automotive, B = Professional |
XX | Product detail | Describes hardware and firmware versions |
9.3 Ordering Codes
Ordering code | Product | Remark |
MAX-M10S-00B | u-blox M10 GNSS receiver module, professional grade |
Product changes affecting form, fit, or function are documented by u-blox. For a list of Product Change Notifications (PCNs), visit https://www.u-blox.com/en/product-resources.
Related Documents
- [1] MAX-M10S Integration manual, UBX-20053088
- [2] u-blox M10 SPG 5.10 Interface description, UBX-21035062
- [3] u-blox M10 SPG 5.10 Release notes, UBX-22001426
- [4] Product packaging reference guide, UBX-14001652
- [5] Joint IPC/JEDEC standard, www.jedec.org
For regular updates to u-blox documentation and to receive product change notifications, please register on the u-blox homepage https://www.u-blox.com.
Revision History
Revision | Date | Status / comments |
R01 | 21-Dec-2020 | Objective specification |
R02 | 20-Apr-2021 | Advance information. Updated Firmware features, Pin assignment, Absolute maximum ratings, Operating conditions, Indicative power requirements, and Product labeling. Minor revision. |
R03 | 28-Jun-2022 | New product type number for MAX-M10S-00B-01 with ROM SPG 5.10 firmware. Updated Document information, Pin definition, Performance figures and Indicative power requirements with new GNSS configurations. Updated Electrical specifications, Operating conditions, and Absolute maximum ratings. |
R04 | 16-May-2023 | Added configuration lock and power save modes features, maximum I2C clock stretching time, MSL specification and Reliability tests and approvals. Updated maximum navigation update rate in section Performance, ICC_RF in section Absolute maximum ratings, VCC and V_IO supply timing requirements in Operating conditions, and section Mechanical specifications. Added 1 Hz navigation update rate footnote in section Indicative power requirements. |
R05 | 28-Mar-2024 | Mass production. Updated sections: Supported GNSS constellations: Supported Assisted GNSS (A-GNSS) services, Pin assignment, Pin state, Absolute maximum ratings: V_IO for VIO_SEL = GND, Communication interfaces, Mechanical specifications: module weight, Qualifications and approvals. Change in document structure: Moisture sensitivity level (MSL) included in chapter Qualifications and approvals. |
R06 | 08-Apr-2024 | Added section: Product handling: Soldering. Updated sections: Qualifications and approvals. |
Contact
u-blox AG
Address: Zürcherstrasse 68, 8800 Thalwil, Switzerland
For further support and contact information, visit us at www.u-blox.com/support.