Ultra-low power positioning accuracy for wearables and asset tracking

u-blox has announced the u-blox M10, its latest integrated GNSS (global navigation satellite system) platform designed for ultra-low power high-performance positioning applications.

The M10 positioning platform can track up to four GNSS constellations at once to deliver positioning data even in the most challenging environments such as deep urban canyons.

The receiver’s Super-S technology helps distinguish positioning signals from background noise to capture positioning data even when satellite signals are weak, and its high RF sensitivity also enables it to work well with small antennas, making it suitable for compact product designs. In sport watches, for instance, the M10 guarantees highly dynamic positioning accuracy during a run in cities, woods, or under an open sky, while preserving battery life.

The M10 is designed to consume 12mW in continuous tracking mode, five times less than the power consumed by previous u-blox meter-level GNSS technology, making it ideal for battery-powered applications. Its enhanced RF sensitivity also cuts the time it takes for the platform to achieve a first position fix when initialized, further reducing systemic power consumption. And switching to the improved Super-E mode can extend battery life even more.

This GNSS platform will be supported by AssistNow, u-blox’s assisted GNSS service, to accelerate positioning and improve accuracy. Depending on the required level of assistance, the service is available free of charge or for a recurring fee.

The first products based on the u-blox M10 positioning platform are the MAX- M10S GNSS module and the UBX-M10050 GNSS chipset, which are both available now.