GLONASS & GPS HW designs

Recommendations with u-blox 6 GPS

receivers
Application Note

Abstract
This document provides design recommendations for GLONASS &
GPS HW designs with u-blox 6 module or chip designs.

u-blox AG
Zürcherstrasse 68
8800 Thalwil
Switzerland
www.u-blox.com

Phone +41 44 722 7444

Fax +41 44 722 7447
[email protected]
 GLONASS & GPS HW designs - Application Note

Document Information
Title GLONASS & GPS HW designs
Subtitle Recommendations with u-blox 6 GPS receivers
Document type Application Note
Document number GPS.G6-CS-10005
Document status Preliminary

This document and the use of any information contained therein, is subject to the acceptance of the u-blox terms and conditions. They
can be downloaded from www.u-blox.com.
u-blox makes no warranties based on the accuracy or completeness of the contents of this document and reserves the right to make
changes to specifications and product descriptions at any time without notice.
u-blox reserves all rights to this document and the information contained herein. Reproduction, use or disclosure to third parties without
express permission is strictly prohibited. Copyright © 2011, u-blox AG.
®
u-blox is a registered trademark of u-blox Holding AG in the EU and other countries.

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 GLONASS & GPS HW designs - Application Note

Contents
Contents.............................................................................................................................. 3

1 Introduction .................................................................................................................. 4

2 GLONASS background ................................................................................................. 4

2.1 GLONASS history .................................................................................................................................. 4
2.2 GLONASS performance ........................................................................................................................ 5
2.2.1 Coverage....................................................................................................................................... 5
2.2.2 Accuracy ....................................................................................................................................... 5
2.3 GLONASS vs. GPS ................................................................................................................................. 6
2.4 GLONASS FDMA signal structure .......................................................................................................... 7
2.5 GLONASS navigation message .............................................................................................................. 7
2.6 GLONASS time and coordinate system ................................................................................................. 7
2.7 GPS and GLONASS signals .................................................................................................................... 8

3 GLONASS HW design recommendations .................................................................... 9

3.1 u-blox 6 design with Flash .................................................................................................................... 9
3.2 Wide RF path ........................................................................................................................................ 9
3.2.1 Filter .............................................................................................................................................. 9
3.2.2 Antenna ........................................................................................................................................ 9
3.3 Module designs .................................................................................................................................. 11
3.3.1 Module design with active antenna ............................................................................................. 11
3.3.2 Module design with passive antenna ........................................................................................... 12
3.4 Chip designs ....................................................................................................................................... 12
3.4.1 Chipset design with active antenna ............................................................................................. 12
3.4.2 Chipset design with passive antenna ........................................................................................... 13
3.5 Recommended parts ........................................................................................................................... 13
3.5.1 Recommended SAW Filters for GPS/GLONASS (F2) ...................................................................... 13
3.5.2 Recommended RF bandpass SAW filter balanced type (50 Ω//100 Ω) for GPS/GLONASS (F1)....... 13
3.5.3 Recommended GPS & GLONASS active antenna (A1) .................................................................. 14

4 GLONASS SW integration .......................................................................................... 14

Related documents .......................................................................................................... 15

Revision history ................................................................................................................ 15

Contact .............................................................................................................................. 16

Contents
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 GLONASS & GPS HW designs - Application Note

1 Introduction
This document provides recommendations for GLONASS & GPS HW designs with u-blox 6 module or chip
designs. It describes the necessary steps to prepare new designs for GLONASS and GPS capability.

2 GLONASS background
GLONASS is an acronym for GLObal NAvigation Satellite System (GLObal'naya Navigatsionnay Sputnikovaya
Sistema in Russian). It is a satellite positioning system operated by the Russian government and similar to the US
Navstar GPS system. GLONASS and Navstar GPS share principles in data transmission and positioning methods,
although there are important differences.
GLONASS is backed by the Russian government. The satellite constellation is almost complete with Full
Operational Capability (FOC) planned for the end of 2011. GLONASS is expected to be required by law on GNSS
devices sold to the Russian government. In addition the Russian government is pushing through legislation for
ERA-GLONASS. This system, which is equivalent to e-Call, would require GLONASS/GSM black boxes in all cars.

2.1 GLONASS history

1982: 1st GLONASS satellites launched
1995: full operation achieved
2001: only 7 satellites in operation, program for GLONASS relaunch
2004: 1st improved GLONASS-M satellites launched,
2011-12: Full operation expected with 24 operational satellites

GLONASS Satellites Available

30

26
25
24
22
20 21
18
Number

16
15
13 14 14
12
11 11
10
10 10
7 8
5

Figure 1: Development of GLONASS satellite constellation: 1995-2010

Introduction
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 GLONASS & GPS HW designs - Application Note

2.2 GLONASS performance

2.2.1 Coverage
With its current constellation of 21 satellites, GLONASS provides the following coverage (see Figure 2):
Russia and the polar regions to 100%
Rest of world from 80 – 99%
24 satellites are required to provide coverage over the entire globe.

Figure 2: GLONASS coverage (Note: white areas represent 100% coverage)

2.2.2 Accuracy
GLONASS provides a horizontal position accuracy of ~ 5- 9 meter (>10 m outside Russia).

Lack of ionosphere correction with GLONASS is a disadvantage in comparison to GPS.

GLONASS background
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 GLONASS & GPS HW designs - Application Note

2.3 GLONASS vs. GPS

GPS GLONASS

Number of Satellites1 31 operational 21 operational, 4 planned in 2011

Operated by US Government Russian Space Forces

Full Operational Capability (FOC) Since 1995 Planned End of 2011 (earliest)

Orbits2 6 planes, 55° inclination 3 planes, 64.8° inclination

Signal modulation & frequency CDMA @1575.42 MHz FDMA @ 1602 MHz
type3 (Code Division Multiple Access) (Frequency Division Multiple Access)
(for Standard Positioning Service)

Orbits data, validity & correction modified Keplerian orbital Satellites position, velocity & acceleration
(Ephemeris/Almanac) elements No Ionosphere correction available
Ionosphere correction Validity up to 1 h
Validity up to 4 h

Typical Positioning Accuracy4 2- 6 m worldwide 5 - 9 m (>10 m outside Russia)

Table 1: Comparison of GLONASS and GPS

1
24 operational satellites required for worldwide coverage.
2
Potential improvement of PDOP precision by 15 to 30 % of GPS + GLONASS (51 SV) vs. GPS only (32 SV) receiver.
3
In contrast to GPS, all GLONASS SVs transmit carrier signals at different L-band frequency => Different signal decoding architecture
required.
4
(Russian source - Depends on location). Clock and orbit accuracy better with GPS solution (Ionosphere correction available).

GLONASS background
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 GLONASS & GPS HW designs - Application Note

2.4 GLONASS FDMA signal structure

Each GLONASS satellite transmits at a unique frequency between 1598 – 1609 MHz, with a spacing between
satellites of 562.5 kHz. The unique5 frequency allows the satellites to be identified.
In contrast, all GPS satellites transmit at the very same frequency (1575 MHz) and are identified by a unique gold
code (CDMA).

2.5 GLONASS navigation message

Table 2 describes various aspects of the GLONASS navigation message and compares it with the GPS navigation
message.

Parameter GLONASS GPS

Data rate 50 bps 50 bps
Ephemeris transmission 8 seconds 18 seconds
Ephemeris validity 30 minutes Up to 4 hours
Complete almanac transmission Within 2.5 minutes 12.5 minutes
Ionosphere correction No Yes

Table 2: GLONASS navigation message compared with GPS

2.6 GLONASS time and coordinate system

Table 3 describes elements of the GLONASS time and coordinate system and compares them with GPS.

Parameter GLONASS GPS

Reference time MSK- Moscow Standard Time (UTC + 3) GPS Time (UTC – leap seconds)
Coordinate system PZ-90 (differs by approximately 0.4 m from WGS-84
WGS-84)

Table 3: GLONASS time and coordinate system

5
In fact, two satellites always use the same frequency but they are placed at opposite sides of the orbits such that only one is visible at any
time. This allows for the identification of the satellite.

GLONASS background
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 GLONASS & GPS HW designs - Application Note

2.7 GPS and GLONASS signals

Figure 3 shows the frequencies of GPS/Galileo and GLONASS signals.

Figure 3: GPS/Galileo and GLONASS signals

The GPS/Galileo band is separated from the GLONASS band by 25MHz (!)

As seen in Figure 4, a typical GPS SAW filter blocks GLONASS signals. In comparison, a GPS & GLONASS SAW
filter allows both GPS and GLONASS signals to pass through (see Figure 5).

Figure 4: GPS SAW filter

Figure 5: GPS & GLONASS SAW filter

GLONASS background
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 GLONASS & GPS HW designs - Application Note

3 GLONASS HW design recommendations

u-blox 6 designs for GLONASS require:
u-blox 6 design with Flash
Wide RF path (antenna, SAW) to allow GLONASS & GPS signals to pass (see Figure 6)

3.1 u-blox 6 design with Flash

u-blox will only provide a Flash GLONASS / GPS firmware image. For this reason it is absolutely necessary that the
design includes a parallel Flash which can be updated when the GLONASS / GPS firmware is available.

3.2 Wide RF path

As seen in section 2.7, the GLONASS / GPS satellite signals are not at the same frequency. For this reason the RF
path, LNA, filter, and antenna must be modified accordingly to let both signals pass.

3.2.1 Filter
Use a GPS & GLONASS SAW filter (see Figure 6) that lets both GPS and GLONASS signals pass (see the
recommended parts list in section 3.5)
In case an active antenna is used, make sure the filter (if any) inside is wide enough.

Figure 6: GPS & GLONASS SAW filter

3.2.2 Antenna

3.2.2.1 Active antenna

Usually an active GPS antenna includes a GPS band pass filter that filters out the GLONASS signal (see Figure 4).
For this reason make sure that the filter in the active antenna is wide enough.
In combined GPS & GLONASS antennas, the antenna is tuned for receiving both signals and the filter has a
larger bandwidth to provide optimal GPS & GLONASS signal reception (see Figure 6).

Use a good performance GPS & GLONASS active antenna (for recommended components see section 3.5.3)

Figure 7: GPS & GLONASS active antenna

GLONASS HW design recommendations

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 GLONASS & GPS HW designs - Application Note

3.2.2.2 Passive Antenna

The bandwidth of a ceramic patch antenna narrows with size (see Table 4).
size Typical bandwidth
36*36*4 mm 40 MHz
25*25*4 mm 20 MHz
18*18*4 mm 10 MHz
15*15*4 mm 8 MHz
12*12*4 mm 7 MHz
10*10*4 mm 5 MHz

Table 4: Typical bandwidths for GPS patch antennas

Figure 8 shows a 12*12*4 mm patch antenna with 20*20 mm ground plane, tuned to GPS. This patch
bandwidth is so narrow that it cannot be simultaneously matched to GPS and GLONASS.

Figure 8: 12*12*4 patch antenna on 20*20 mm GND plane

Figure 9 show a 25*25*4 mm patch antenna with 60*60 mm ground plane. Due to the larger bandwidth, it can
be matched to GPS and GLONASS.

Figure 9: 25*25*4 mm patch antenna on 60*60 mm GND plane

GLONASS HW design recommendations

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 GLONASS & GPS HW designs - Application Note

Figure 10 show a 36*36*4 mm patch antenna. Due to the large bandwidth, the antenna is also tolerant with
changes in the ground plane.

Figure 10 36*36*4 mm patch antenna

Use at least a 25*25*4 mm patch antenna, better 36*36*4 mm patch antenna and tune it so that
GPS & GLONASS signals are received.

3.3 Module designs

For GPS & GLONASS designs chose the LEA-6 GLONASS ready module, which has a wide RF path and includes
an internal Flash.

3.3.1 Module design with active antenna

Figure 11 shows a GPS & GLONASS active antenna design with the LEA-6 GLONASS ready module.

Figure 11: Module design with active antenna

Use a good performance GPS & GLONASS active antenna (for recommended components see section 3.5.3).

GLONASS HW design recommendations

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 GLONASS & GPS HW designs - Application Note

3.3.2 Module design with passive antenna

Figure 12 shows a GPS & GLONASS passive antenna design with the LEA-6 GLONASS ready module.
For best performance with passive antenna designs use an external LNA.

Figure 12: Module design with passive antenna

A standard GPS LNA has enough bandwidth to amplify GPS and GLONASS.
For recommended SAW Filters for GPS & GLONASS (Part F2 in Figure 12) see section 3.5.1

3.4 Chip designs

For GPS & GLONASS designs chose the UBX-G6000, UBX-G0010 chipset and parallel Flash.
Antenna path needs to allow GPS & GLONASS signals to pass
A SAW filter is needed, which lets GPS and GLONASS signals pass (see section 3.5.2)

3.4.1 Chipset design with active antenna

Figure 13 shows a GPS & GLONASS active antenna design with chipset.

Figure 13: Chipset design with active antenna

For recommended GPS & GLONASS active antenna see section 3.5.3.

GLONASS HW design recommendations

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 GLONASS & GPS HW designs - Application Note

For recommended RF bandpass SAW filter balanced type (50 Ω//100 Ω) for GPS/GLONASS (part F1 in Figure
13) see section 3.5.2

3.4.2 Chipset design with passive antenna

Figure 14 shows a GPS & GLONASS passive antenna design with chipset.
For best performance with passive antenna designs use an external LNA.

Figure 14: Chipset design with passive antenna

A standard GPS LNA has enough bandwidth to amplify GPS and GLONASS.
For recommended GPS & GLONASS active antenna see section 3.5.3.
For recommended SAW Filters for GPS & GLONASS (Part F2 in Figure 14) see section 3.5.1
For recommended RF bandpass SAW filter balanced type (50 Ω//100 Ω) for GPS/GLONASS (part F1 in Figure
14) see section 3.5.2

3.5 Recommended parts

3.5.1 Recommended SAW Filters for GPS/GLONASS (F2)
Manufacturer Order No. Comments
muRata (www.murata.com) SAFFB1G58KB0F0A Low insertion loss
muRata (www.murata.com) SAFFB1G58KA0F0A High attenuation
muRata (www.murata.com) SAFEA1G58KA0F00 High attenuation

Table 5: Recommend parts list for LNA protection filter (F2)

3.5.2 Recommended RF bandpass SAW filter balanced type (50 Ω//100 Ω) for
GPS/GLONASS (F1)
Manufacturer Order No. Comments
muRata (www.murata.com) SAFEA1G58FB0F00 pin compatible to SAFEB1G57FM0F00

Table 6: Recommend parts list for GPS/GLONASS SAW RF bandpass filter (F1)

GLONASS HW design recommendations

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 GLONASS & GPS HW designs - Application Note

3.5.3 Recommended GPS & GLONASS active antenna (A1)

Manufacturer Order No. Comments
Inpaq (www.inpaq.com.tw) GPSGLONASS03D-S3-00-A 3 V 6 mA
Taoglas (www.taoglas.com) AA.160.301111 36*36*4mm, 3-5V 30mA

Table 7: Recommend GPS & GLONASS active antenna (A1)

4 GLONASS SW integration
To activate Glonass system modes on u-blox GLONASS ready module or chip designs, the customer application
will have to:
Upgrade the (Flash) firmware once available.
Send UBX proprietary commands for activating and switching to Glonass reception (SW command will be
documented in the u-blox 6 Receiver Description including Protocol Specification [5]).

GLONASS SW integration
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 GLONASS & GPS HW designs - Application Note

Related documents
[1] LEA-6 Data Sheet, Docu. No GPS.G6-HW-09004
[2] UBX-G6010, UBX-G6000/UBX-G0010 Data Sheet, Docu No GPS.G6-X-09004
[3] LEA-6 / NEO-6 / MAX-6 Hardware Integration Manual, Docu. No GPS.G6-X-09007
[4] UBX-G6010, UBX-G6000/UBX-G0010 Hardware Integration Manual, Docu. No GPS.G6-X-09006
[5] u-blox 6 Receiver Description including Protocol Specification, Docu. No GPS.G6-SW-10018

Revision history
Revision Date Name Status / Comments
- May 24, 2011 jfur Initial release
June 16, 2011 jfur added Taoglas 36x36x4 antenna

Related documents
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 GLONASS & GPS HW designs - Application Note

Contact
For complete contact information visit us at www.u-blox.com

Headquarters
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Phone: +41 44 722 74 44
Fax: +41 44 722 74 47
E-mail: [email protected]

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