u-blox Introduces Firmware-Upgradeable GNSS Products with 50% Power Reduction for IoT Applications
TL;DR
u-blox's new GNSS products with firmware upgradeability provide a competitive edge through future-proof technology and 50% lower power consumption for longer-lasting IoT devices.
The UBX-M10150-KB chip and MAX-M10N module use SPG 5.30 firmware with LEAP technology, achieving 8 mW power consumption while maintaining sub-meter positioning accuracy.
These energy-efficient tracking devices improve safety and monitoring for vehicles, people, pets, and livestock, creating more reliable location services for everyday life.
u-blox introduces the first M10-platform GNSS hardware with upgradeable firmware, featuring LEAP technology that cuts power use in half while maintaining precision.
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u-blox, a global leader in positioning and short-range communication technologies, has announced the launch of the UBX-M10150-KB chip and MAX-M10N module, marking the first M10-platform GNSS hardware designed with firmware upgradeability. Both products run the new SPG 5.30 firmware, which introduces Low Energy Accurate Positioning (LEAP) technology that reduces power consumption by up to 50 percent while maintaining superior positioning accuracy.
The significance of this development lies in addressing one of the most critical challenges in battery-powered IoT devices: power efficiency. With ultra-low power consumption of just 8 mW in continuous tracking, these new products are ideally suited for vehicle tracking, people and pet tracking, livestock monitoring, and wearable applications where extended battery life is essential. The firmware upgradeability provides a future-proof solution, allowing customers to benefit from ongoing performance enhancements throughout the product lifecycle.
The technical advancements extend beyond power savings. The SPG 5.30 firmware replaces cyclic tracking mode with LEAP technology, which includes external LNA power cycling for additional energy efficiency. The system also supports RTCM corrections input, enabling positioning accuracy down to the sub-meter level. Additional features include data logging and geo-fencing functions, allowing for more autonomous tracking and monitoring directly on the device without constant communication with external servers.
Both products include lifetime access to AssistNow Predictive Orbits and Live Orbits, which accelerate start-up times and improve positioning performance when using small antennas or operating in weak-signal environments. For developers, the EVK-M102 evaluation kit and u-center 2 software are available to simplify the design-in phase.
The implications for the IoT industry are substantial, as these advancements could enable new applications in asset tracking, smart agriculture, and personal safety devices where both accuracy and battery life are critical factors. The combination of firmware upgradeability with enhanced power efficiency represents a significant step forward in making GNSS technology more accessible and sustainable for mass-market IoT deployments.
The UBX-M10150-KB and MAX-M10N, running SPG 5.30 firmware, are available as engineering samples now and will be fully available later in October 2025. This launch extends the capabilities of the M10 family beyond previous ROM-based products, offering customers greater flexibility and longevity in their GNSS implementations.
Curated from NewMediaWire
