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

TitleMAX-M10S
SubtitleStandard precision GNSS module
Document typeData sheet
Document numberUBX-20035208
Revision and dateR06, 08-Apr-2024
Disclosure restrictionC1-Public
Product statusCorresponding content status
Functional sampleDraft: For functional testing. Revised and supplementary data will be published later.
In development / prototypeObjective specification: Target values. Revised and supplementary data will be published later.
Engineering sampleAdvance information: Data based on early testing. Revised and supplementary data will be published later.
Initial productionEarly production information: Data from product verification. Revised and supplementary data may be published later.
Mass production / End of lifeProduction information: Document contains the final product specification.

This document applies to the following products:

Product nameType numberFW versionIN/PCN referenceProduct status
MAX-M10SMAX-M10S-00B-01ROM SPG 5.10UBXDOC-963802114-12186Mass 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

ParameterSpecificationValue
Receiver typeu-blox M10 receiver
Accuracy of time pulse signalRMS30 ns
99%60 ns
Frequency of time pulse signalDefault 1PPS (0.25 Hz to 10 MHz configurable)
Operational limits¹Dynamics≤ 4 g
Altitude80,000 m
Velocity accuracy²500 m/s
Dynamic heading accuracy²0.05 m/s
ParameterGPS+GALGPS+GAL +GLOGPS+GAL +BDS B1I (default)GPS+GAL +BDS B1CGPS+GAL +BDS B1C +GLO
Max navigation update rate³Default10 Hz6 Hz3 Hz8 Hz4 Hz
High performance⁴20 Hz16 Hz12 Hz16 Hz10 Hz
ParameterGPS+GALGPS+GAL +GLOGPS+GAL +BDS B1I (default)GPS+GAL +BDS B1CGPS+GAL +BDS B1C +GLO
Position accuracy (CEP)⁵, ⁶1.5 m1.5 m1.5 m1.5 m1.5 m
Time To First Fix (TTFF)⁵, ⁷, ⁸Cold start28 s23 s27 s28 s23 s
Hot start1 s1 s1 s1 s1 s
AssistNow Online⁹1 s1 s1 s1 s1 s
AssistNow Offline¹⁰2 s2 s3 s2 s2 s
AssistNow Autonomous¹¹3 s4 s4 s4 s4 s
Sensitivity¹²Tracking 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
ParameterGPSGLONASSBDS B1IGALILEOBDS B1C
Max navigation update rate³Default18 Hz18 Hz18 Hz18 Hz18 Hz
High performance⁴25 Hz25 Hz25 Hz25 Hz25 Hz
Position accuracy (CEP)⁵, ⁶1.5 m4 m2 m3 m2 m
Time To First Fix (TTFF)⁵, ⁷, ⁸Cold start29 s27 s30 s41 s56 s
Hot start1 s1 s1 s1 s1 s
AssistNow Online⁹1 s1 s1 s5 sN/A
Sensitivity¹²Tracking 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:

SystemSignals
GPS/QZSSL1C/A (1575.42 MHz)
GalileoE1-B/C (1575.42 MHz)
GLONASSL1OF (1602 MHz + k*562.5 kHz, k = -7,..., 5, 6)
BeiDou¹³B1I (1561.098 MHz), B1C (1575.42 MHz)

The following GNSS assistance services are supported:

ServiceSupport
AssistNow™ OnlineGPS L1C/A, Galileo E1, QZSS L1C/A, GLONASS L1OF, BeiDou B1I
AssistNow™ OfflineGPS L1C/A, Galileo E1, GLONASS L1OF
AssistNow™ AutonomousGPS L1C/A, Galileo E1, GLONASS L1OF, QZSS L1C/A, BeiDou B1I

The following augmentation systems are supported:

SystemSupport
SBASEGNOS, GAGAN, MSAS, WAAS and BDSBAS
QZSSL1S (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:

ProtocolType
UBXInput/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

FeatureDescription
Antenna supervisor¹⁴Antenna supervisor for active antenna control and short detection
Cloud Locate GNSSExtends the life of energy-constrained IoT applications. Small payload messages supported.
Assisted GNSSAssistNow Online, AssistNow Offline and AssistNow Autonomous
Backup modesHardware backup mode and software standby mode
Power save modes¹⁵On/off, cyclic tracking
Super-SImproved dynamic position accuracy with small antennas
FeatureDescription
Protection levelReal-time position accuracy estimate with 95% confidence level¹⁶
Galileo return link messagesGalileo search and rescue (SAR) return link messages (RLM) via Galileo satellite signal
Data batchingAutonomous tracking up to 10 minutes at 1 Hz
OdometerMeasure traveled distance with support for different user profiles
FeatureDescription
Anti-jammingRF interference and jamming detection and reporting
Anti-spoofingSpoofing detection and reporting
Configuration lockdownReceiver configuration can be locked by command
Message integrityAll messages can be cryptographically signed
Secure bootOnly 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.

SymbolParameterMinMaxUnit
VCCMain supply voltage-0.33.6V
V_IOIO supply voltage, VIO_SEL = GND.-0.3VCC + 0.3 (max 1.98)V
IO supply voltage, VIO_SEL = open.-0.3VCC + 0.3 (max 3.6)V
Voltage ramp on V_IO¹⁸2535000µs/V
V_BCKPBackup supply voltage-0.33.6V
V_PIOInput voltage on RESET_N and digital pins VIO_SEL = GND-0.3V_IO + 0.3 (max 1.98)V
Input voltage on RESET_N and digital pins VIO_SEL = open.-0.3V_IO + 0.3 (max 3.6)V
I_PIOMax source / sink current, digital pins¹⁹-1010mA
ICC_RFMax source current, VCC_RF250mA
Prfin²⁰RF input power at RF_IN0dBm
TambAmbient temperature-40+85°C
TsStorage 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.

SymbolParameterMinTypicalMaxUnit
VCCMain supply voltage1.761.8, 3.33.6V
V_IOIO supply voltage, VIO_SEL = GND1.761.8VCC (max 1.98)V
IO supply voltage, VIO_SEL = open2.73.3VCC (max 3.6)V
V_BCKPSupply voltage, backup domain1.653.6V
V_IOSWITCHV_IO voltage threshold to switch an internal supply for the backup domain from V_IO to V_BCKP1.45V
VCC_RFVCC_RF output voltageVCC - 0.1V
ICC_RFVCC_RF output current50mA
Zin²¹Input impedance at RF_IN50Ω
NFtotReceiver chain noise figure1.5dB
Ext_gain²²External gain at RF_IN, low gain mode (default)30dB
External gain at RF_IN, bypass mode102540dB
ToprOperating temperature-40+85°C
SymbolParameterMinTypicalMaxUnit
IleakLeakage current input pins²³25nA
VinInput pin voltage range0V_IOV
VilLow-level input voltage0.63V
VihHigh-level input voltage0.68 x V_IOV
Vol²⁴Low-level output voltage, Iout = -2 mA0.4V
Voh²⁴High-level output voltage, Iout = 2 mAV_IO - 0.4V
Rpu, IO²⁵Pull-up resistance, Digital IO (VIO_SEL = GND)61772
Rpu, IO²⁵Pull-up resistance, Digital IO (VIO_SEL = open)81840
Rpd, IOPull-down resistance, Digital IO2180180
Rpu, SAFEBOOT_N²⁶Pull-up resistance, SAFEBOOT_N61772
Rpu, RESET_NPull-up resistance, RESET_N71013

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)ConditionsGPSGPS+GAL +GLOGPS+GAL +BDS B1I (default)GPS+GAL +BDS B1CGPS+GAL +BDS B1C +GLOUnit
IVCC²⁷, ²⁸Acquisition8101211.51113mA
Tracking (Continuous mode)7.5899.58.510mA
(Current at VCC)Tracking (Power save mode)³⁰4.5555--mA
IV_IO²⁷Acquisition and Tracking (Continuous mode)2.12.22.32.32.22.3mA
(Current at V_IO)Tracking (Power save mode)³⁰2222--mA
Symbol (Parameter)ConditionsGPSGPS+GAL +GLOGPS+GAL +BDS B1I (default)GPS+GAL +BDS B1CGPS+GAL +BDS B1C +GLOUnit
IVCC²⁷, ²⁸Acquisition10.515.517.516.51618.5mA
Tracking (Continuous mode)9.51112.51311.514mA
(Current at VCC)Tracking (Power save mode)³⁰5.56.06.56.5--mA
IV_IO²⁷Acquisition and Tracking (Continuous mode)2.12.12.22.22.12.2mA
(Current at V_IO)Tracking (Power save mode)³⁰2222--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.

SymbolParameterConditionsTyp.Unit
IV_BCKP³¹Total current in hardware backup modeVBCKP = 3.3 V, VIO = VCC = 0 V28µA
IV_IOVIO current in software standby modeVIO = 1.8 V37µA
VIO = 3.3 V46µA
IVCCVCC current in software standby modeVCC = 3.3 V120nA

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.

SymbolParameterMinMaxUnit
RuBaud rate9600921600bit/s
TxTx baud rate accuracy-1%+1%-
RxRx 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.

SymbolParameterI2C Fast-modeUnit
fSCLSCL clock frequency0 - 320kHz
tHD;STAHold time (repeated) START condition0.6µs
tLOWLow period of the SCL clock1.3µs
tHIGHHigh period of the SCL clock0.6µs
tSU;STASetup time for a repeated START condition0.6µs
tHD;DATData hold time³³034 µs
tSU;DATData setup time100ns
trRise time of both SDA and SCL signals300 (for C = 400pF)ns
tfFall time of both SDA and SCL signals300 (for C = 400pF)ns
tSU;STOSetup time for STOP condition0.6µs
tBUFBus-free time between a STOP and START condition1.3µs
tVD;DATData valid time-0.9 µs³⁴
tVD;ACKData valid acknowledge time-0.9 µs³⁴
VnLNoise margin at the low level0.1 VIOV
VnHNoise margin at the high level0.2 VIOV

5.3 Default Interface Settings

InterfaceSettings
UART
  • 9600 baud, 8 bits, no parity bit, 1 stop bit.
  • Input messages: NMEA and UBX.
  • Output messages: NMEA GGA, GLL, GSA, GSV³⁵, RMC, VTG and TXT.
I2C
  • 7-bit I2C address (0x42).
  • Input messages: NMEA and UBX.
  • Output messages: NMEA GGA, GLL, GSA, GSV³⁵, RMC, VTG and TXT.

6 Mechanical Specifications

The MAX-M10S module has the following mechanical dimensions:

SymbolMin (mm)Typical (mm)Max (mm)
A10.010.110.7
B9.69.79.8
C2.22.52.7
D0.550.650.95
E1.01.11.2
F-0.76-
G0.30.40.5
H0.91.01.1
K0.60.70.8
M0.70.80.9
P0.00.30.6
Weight0.5 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 qualificationQualified according to u-blox qualification policy, based on a subset of AEC-Q104
ManufacturingManufactured at ISO/TS 16949 certified sites
Environmental
RoHS complianceYes
Moisture sensitivity level (MSL)³⁶, ³⁷4
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.

FormatStructureProduct code
Product namePPP-TGGVMAX-M10S
Ordering codePPP-TGGV-NNQMAX-M10S-00B
Type numberPPP-TGGV-NNQ-XXMAX-M10S-00B-01

The parts of the product code are explained as follows:

CodeMeaningExample
PPPProduct familyMAX
TGGPlatformM10 = u-blox M10
VVariantS = Standard precision, ROM, TCXO, LNA, and SAW filter
NNOption00, 01, 02, ...
QQuality gradeA = Automotive, B = Professional
XXProduct detailDescribes hardware and firmware versions

9.3 Ordering Codes

Ordering codeProductRemark
MAX-M10S-00Bu-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

RevisionDateStatus / comments
R0121-Dec-2020Objective specification
R0220-Apr-2021Advance information. Updated Firmware features, Pin assignment, Absolute maximum ratings, Operating conditions, Indicative power requirements, and Product labeling. Minor revision.
R0328-Jun-2022New 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.
R0416-May-2023Added 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.
R0528-Mar-2024Mass 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.
R0608-Apr-2024Added 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.

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