SAM-M10Q GPS Breakout Board

Product Description

Featuring an integrated omnidirectional patch-antenna module and u-blox M10 GNSS platform, the SAM-M10Q Breakout Board delivers a multi-constellation GPS receiver without the need for an external antenna. Supporting four GNSS constellations, the SAM-M10Q offers increased RF sensitivity to improve accuracy in non-line-of-sight scenarios. The SAM-M10Q displays excellent out-band jamming immunity and also detects and reports jamming and spoofing attempts. The SAM-M10Q offers ultra-low power consumption, high update rates, and precise timing. The Breakout Board’s integrated rechargeable battery provides up to 4 hours of backup power for hot starts and maintaining almanac data.

Key Features

• Multi-constellation GNSS support: Compatible with GPS L1 C/A, QZSS L1 C/A L1S, GLONASS L1OF, BeiDou B1C, and Galileo E1B/C
• High accuracy: 1.5m horizontal position accuracy
• Fast acquisition: Cold start time-to-fix of 23 seconds, hot start of just 1 second
• High update rates: Max 18Hz with one GNSS constellation, max 5Hz with four GNSS
• Low power consumption: 10mA tracking (continuous), 5mA tracking (power save mode)
• Built-in chip antenna: No external antenna required
• Backup battery: 3V, 1.5 mAh rechargeable battery provides up to 4 hours backup power
• 6 pin 1mm pitch connector Easy 5V tolerant I²C or UART connection without soldering
• 3.3V or 5V operation: Compatible with modern microcontrollers
• Compact size: 25mm x 26mm package
• High altitude/velocity: Max altitude 80,000m, max velocity 500m/s
• Precise timing: Time pulse accuracy of 30ns (RMS)
• Lead-Free
• Designed and assembled in the USA

The SAM-M10Q includes a built-in chip antenna and is compatible with the L1 band on all five GNSS constellations. Whether you’re building a drone navigation system, implementing asset tracking, or developing precise timing applications, the SAM-M10Q delivers reliable, accurate positioning with minimal power consumption.

Includes two onboard LEDs. The LED labeled PWR lights up when power is connected. The LED labeled PPS flashes with a PPS signal when the SAM-M10Q has a PPS signal.

Pinout

Pin	I/O	Description
3V3	O	3.3V Direct Chip Power Supply Output
GND	-	Ground
RX	I	UART Receive (5V tolerant logic)
TX	O	UART Transmit (5V tolerant logic)
VCC	I	Power Supply Input (3.3V-5V)
PPS	O	Time Pulse Output (1Hz default)
RESET	I	Reset Input (active low)
SAFE	I	Safe Boot Input (active low)
INT	O	Interrupt Output (configurable)
SDA	I/O	I²C Data (5V tolerant logic)
SCL	I	I²C Clock (5V tolerant logic)

Jumpers

The SAM-M10Q breakout board includes two jumpers that control the onboard LEDs. These jumpers allow you to disable the LEDs to reduce power consumption in battery-powered applications. To disable the LEDs cut the jumpers labeled for each LED (PPS or PWR). See image for jumper identification:

Voltage Compatibility

The SAM-M10Q Breakout Board operates between 3V and 5V. All I/O pins operate at 3.3V logic levels, however the board also has some 5V logic compatibility.

Power Supply

• Power Input (VCC): 3.3V - 5V (onboard regulator provides 3.3V to the module)

5V System Compatibility

5V Tolerant Pins (safe to connect to 5V Arduino):

• VCC (power input)
• SDA (I²C data)
• SCL (I²C clock)
• TX (UART transmit)
• RX (UART receive)

NOT 5V Tolerant (use level shifter or voltage divider):

• INT (interrupt pin)
• SAFE (safe boot pin)
• RST (reset pin)

Arduino Compatibility

The SAM-M10Q can be connected directly to 5V Arduino boards for basic I²C and UART communication. However, avoid connecting 5V signals to the INT, SAFE, and RST pins to prevent damage.

Communication Interfaces

I²C Communication

The SAM-M10Q supports I²C communication as the primary interface:

• I²C Address: 0x42 (fixed address)
• Clock Speed: Standard 100 kHz and Fast Mode 400 kHz
• Pull-up Resistors: Onboard 2.2kΩ pull-ups included
• Connector: 6-pin 1mm pitch JST connector for I²C and UART

UART Communication

The SAM-M10Q also supports UART communication:

• Default Baud Rate: 38,400 bps (configurable via u-center2)
• Data Format: 8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit
• Protocol: Standard NMEA 0183 and u-blox UBX binary protocols
• Connector: 6-pin 1mm pitch JST connector for I²C and UART

Backup Battery

The board includes a rechargeable 3V,1.5 mAh backup battery that:

• Maintains satellite orbital data when main power is removed
• Provides up to 4 hours of backup operation
• Enables hot start capability (1-second time-to-fix)
• Automatically recharges when main power is applied

Software Libraries and Examples

Arduino Library

SparkFun u-blox GNSS Arduino Library v3

Full featured Arduino library for u-blox GNSS modules:

• Installation: Available through Arduino Library Manager
• Repository: SparkFun u-blox GNSS v3
• Features: Complete UBX protocol support, NMEA parsing, configuration tools

Platform Support

• Arduino: Full support with SparkFun library
• Raspberry Pi: Compatible via I²C and UART interfaces
• ESP32/ESP8266: Full compatibility with Arduino libraries
• STM32: Compatible via I²C and UART
• Python: Support through pyubx2 and other GNSS libraries

Configuration Software

u-center2 (Recommended)

• Official u-blox configuration software for Windows
• Download: u-blox u-center2
• Features: Complete module configuration, real-time monitoring, logging

Software Compatibility

Use u-center2 (not the original u-center) with the SAM-M10Q for best compatibility and access to all M10 features.

Advanced Features

Configurable Options

The SAM-M10Q supports extensive configuration options via u-center2 or Arduino library:

• Update rates: 1Hz to 18Hz (depending on constellation count)
• GNSS constellation selection: Enable/disable specific satellite systems
• Power modes: Continuous, power save, or custom duty cycling
• Geofencing: Define virtual boundaries with alerts
• Spoofing detection: Anti-jamming and anti-spoofing features
• Time pulse configuration: Customizable PPS output timing
• SBAS/DGPS: Enhanced accuracy with correction services

Time Pulse (PPS) Output

The PPS pin provides a precise timing signal:

• Default: 1Hz square wave synchronized to GPS time
• Accuracy: 30ns RMS timing accuracy
• Configurable: Frequency and pulse width adjustable via software
• Applications: Network synchronization, precise timing applications

Interrupt Functionality

The INT pin can be configured for various interrupt sources:

• Navigation data ready: Alert when new position data is available
• Geofence events: Boundary entry/exit notifications
• Time pulse events: Synchronization with time pulse output
• Error conditions: Alert for loss of signal or other issues

Helpful Notes

• Clear sky view required - GPS/GNSS needs direct line-of-sight to satellites
• Allow warm-up time - First fix may take several minutes, subsequent fixes are much faster
• Backup battery maintenance - The rechargeable battery maintains hot start capability
• Power supply stability - Ensure clean, stable power for best performance
• Configuration persistence - Settings configured via u-center2 are stored in non-volatile memory

Datasheets and Documentation

Schematic:

• SAM-M10Q Breakout Board Schematic

Chip Info and Product Datasheets:

• u-blox SAM-M10Q Datasheet
• u-blox SAM-M10Q Integration Manual
• u-blox SAM-M10Q Product Summary
• u-blox SAM-M10Q Product Page

FAQ

Q: What’s the difference between SAM-M10Q and SAM-M8Q?

A: The SAM-M10Q is the newer generation with approximately 50% lower power consumption, improved accuracy, faster time-to-fix, and support for more GNSS constellations including BeiDou B1C and Galileo E1B/C.

Q: How accurate is the SAM-M10Q?

A: The SAM-M10Q provides 1.5m horizontal position accuracy under normal conditions. Accuracy can be improved with SBAS/DGPS corrections or by using multiple GNSS constellations simultaneously.

Q: Can I use this module indoors?

A: GPS/GNSS requires a clear view of the sky to function properly. Indoor operation is generally not possible unless near large windows. Consider using WiFi or cellular positioning for indoor applications.

Q: How long does it take to get a GPS fix?

A: Cold start (no assistance): 23 seconds. Hot start (with backup battery): 1 second. Aided start (with assistance data): 1 second.

Q: What is the maximum altitude and speed this module can handle?

A: Maximum altitude: 80,000m. Maximum velocity: 500m/s. This makes it suitable for high-altitude balloon and aerospace applications.

Q: Can I use multiple GNSS constellations simultaneously?

A: Yes, the SAM-M10Q can track up to four GNSS constellations simultaneously (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, QZSS), which improves accuracy and reduces time-to-fix.

Q: How do I improve GPS accuracy?

A: Use multiple GNSS constellations, enable SBAS/DGPS corrections, ensure clear sky view, allow proper warm-up time, and consider using averaging or filtering techniques in software.

Q: Why is my GPS not working?

A: Common issues include:

• No clear view of the sky (buildings, trees, indoor use)
• Insufficient warm-up time (wait 30 seconds to several minutes)
• Power supply issues (ensure stable 3-5V power supply)
• Incorrect wiring or communication settings