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For proper operation of the module, an external antenna with a U.FL connector is required, which is not included in the kit and must be purchased separately.
Product description: NEO-M8U GPS Module - Dead Reckoning - Qwiic - SparkFun GPS‑16329
The u-blox NEO-M8U GPS module with a 72-channel GNSS receiver utilizes Untethered Dead Reckoning (UDR) technology, enabling continuous positioning even in the event of complete GNSS signal loss—for example, in short tunnels or underground parking garages. The receiver provides a positioning accuracy of approximately 2.5 meters , supports simultaneous data reception from three GNSS constellations (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou), and offers an update rate of up to 30 Hz . An integrated accelerometer and gyroscope enable precise, real-time movement tracking. The board is equipped with I2C (Qwiic), UART, and SPI (after activating a jumper) interfaces, and configuration is possible via a USB Type-C port using the u-center software. Additionally, SparkFun provides an Arduino library for easy integration with microcontrollers. An external GNSS antenna with a U.FL socket is required for operation, which is not included in the kit and must be purchased separately.
The manufacturer has prepared a detailed user guide to help you get started with the module. Check it out!
NEO-M8U GPS module - Dead Reckoning - Qwiic - SparkFun GPS‑16329.
The NEO-M8U uses Untethered Dead Reckoning (UDR) technology, which provides highly accurate and continuous positioning.
Main features of the module
- Dead Reckoning Navigation : Precise route tracking without the need for connection to the vehicle
- Support for multiple GNSS systems : GPS, GLONASS, Galileo and BeiDou
- Up to 30 Hz position updates : smooth location data
- Qwiic connectors and I2C interface : connect to the system without the need for soldering
- RTC battery : fast position acquisition time (hot start ~1.5 s)
Practical applications
- Vehicle navigation systems : stable location in urban environments and tunnels
- Mobile robots and autonomous vehicles : precise positioning without GPS
- Drones and remote systems : continuity of navigation data regardless of the environment
Module pins and supply voltage
The module is powered by 3.3V and provides a wide range of pins: a U.FL connector for connecting an antenna, two Qwiic connectors , I2C, SPI, and UART interfaces, and functional pins: PPS, RESET, SAFEBOOT, and INT. The board also includes LEDs for power and pulse-time (PPS) indication, as well as configuration jumpers for modifying interface functions. The built-in IMU sensor (accelerometer and gyroscope) provides additional motion and orientation data.
Programming and configuring the GPS module
The module can be programmed using the Arduino IDE and the official SparkFun u-blox GNSS library. You can also configure operating parameters via the UBX protocol or using the u-blox u-center tool. Configurable features include refresh rate, geofencing, power-saving mode, spoofing detection, and more.
The board has a built-in battery that powers the real-time clock (RTC).
Compact dimensions will work well in many projects.
Technical specifications of the NEO-M8U GPS module
- GNSS system: u-blox NEO-M8U, 72 channels
- Supported systems: GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou
- Technology: UDR (Untethered Dead Reckoning)
- Position accuracy: from 2.5 m
- SBAS position accuracy: up to 1.5 m
- Speed accuracy: 0.5 m/s
- Direction accuracy: 1°
- Maximum tracking speed: 500 m/s
- Maximum acceleration (G): ≤ 4 G
- Maximum operating altitude: up to 50,000 m
- Position refresh rate: up to 30 Hz
- Supply voltage: 3.3 V
- Current consumption: approximately 29 mA
- Time to obtain position: cold start ~26 s, hot start ~1.5 s
- Communication interfaces: I2C, UART, SPI
- Protocols: NMEA, UBX, RTCM
- Connectors: U.FL, Qwiic
- Built-in sensors: accelerometer and gyroscope (IMU)
- Dimensions: 33 x 41 mm
Kit contents
- 1x NEO-M8U GPS Module
