Automotive-grade positioning modules

u-blox, a provider of positioning and wireless communication technologies and services, has introduced a series of automotive-grade positioning modules that are operational up to 105 °C.

The NEO-M9L modules and the M9140-KA-DR chip are built on the u-blox M9 GNSS platform and use dead reckoning techniques to provide accurate position data when satellite signals are compromised or unavailable.

The NEO-M9L-20A and NEO-M9L-01A modules, as well as the M9140-KA-DR chip are specially designed for first-mount automotive solutions. All devices are automotive grade, with the NEO-M9L-01A variant offering an extended operational temperature range up to 105 °C, making it suitable for integration on the roof, behind the windscreen, or inside hot electronics control units (ECUs). Applications include integrated navigation systems such as in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) and head units, integrated telematics control units (TCU), and V2X.

The modules include new generation 6-axis inertial measurement units (IMUs) which deliver low-latency 100 Hz RAW data output. The modules offer a low-latency 50-Hz position update rate, making them suitable for use in real-time applications.

The automotive dead reckoning (ADR) output smartly combines the GNSS fix with IMU data to deliver accurate positioning output for the given scenario. Additional GNSS-only output enables seamless integration into a variety of third-party applications. The receiver also supports wake-on-motion, which enables smart features such as theft protection and power-efficient designs.

The modules offer sensor-based spoofing detection for advanced security and robustness and the chip delivers protection against possible GNSS signal spoofing, which can cause navigation systems to report faulty position data or time.