u-blox ZED-X20P all-band GNSS receiver enables affordable global cm-level precision

u-blox has announced the launch and availability of its all-band GNSS module, the ZED-X20P. Designed to deliver global, centimetre-level location precision to the mass market, all at a total cost up to 90% less than traditional solutions.

The ZED-X20P breaks down the technological and cost barriers to put worldwide, cm-level navigation capabilities within reach for numerous applications for the first time.

The compact ZED-X20P is aimed primarily at the industrial sector, including smart construction, surveying, precision agriculture, rail, maritime, mining, and deformation monitoring. Other potential use cases include unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), ground robotics, delivery robots, smart cities, and virtual reality.

The u-blox ZED-X20P is designed for global use at scale. It can receive concurrent signals on the L1, L2, L5, and L6 bands from four global GNSS constellations, as well as SBAS, QZSS, and NavIC.

To achieve high-precision positional information, the ZED-X20P is compatible with a range of GNSS correction services, including those delivered via satellite through L-band, with no extra hardware required. Customers can choose u-blox’s PointPerfect, which offers a full range of PPP-RTK, network RTK, and global PPP correction services for solid performance and scalability to mass-market solutions. The module also offers built-in support for Galileo E6, meaning customers will have access to the free-to-use Galileo High Accuracy Service (HAS), as well as any standard-compliant RTK service, including free and commercial options, for maximum flexibility.

When paired with an all-band antenna such as the u-blox ANN-MB2, the ZED-X20P ensures optimal results, combining ease of use with superior compatibility. Together, they create a one-stop-shop solution for achieving affordable high precision across a diverse array of applications.
Security and ease of integration

With location data integrity being critical to many of the ZED-X20P’s target applications, the module is designed with end-to-end security to safeguard the navigation information the host equipment receives by protecting one of the most important sensors in the end device.
Security measures include secure boot and signed firmware to prevent tampering and a built-in root of trust for securely storing cryptographic material. The module supports Galileo OSNMA (Open Service Navigation Message Authentication) and uses encrypted correction data to enhance security further. It features all-band frequency diversity, which provides robust protection against jamming. Additionally, all communications between the module and the host are encrypted and authenticated, ensuring secure data transfer.

The ZED-X20P is also designed for ease of integration into new and existing products. Combining all positioning functionality into a single compact module that incorporates the all-band receiver chip and correction data processing eliminates the need for additional receivers or on-host processing. Moreover, by retaining the popular ZED form factor, the module offers an easy upgrade path for existing customers, including those using the ZED-F9P.

 

https://www.u-blox.com

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LTE IoT 10 Click Click board from MIKROE provides reliable IoT connectivity

LTE IoT 10 Click is a compact add-on board that provides reliable LTE-M and NB-IoT connectivity for industrial and commercial IoT applications from MIKROE. A new member of MIKROE’s 1750-strong mikroBUS enabled Click board family, LTE IoT 10 Click features the Monarch GM02S, a low power and dual-mode LTE-M/NB-IoT module from Sequans, which supports global 617MHz to 2.2GHz band operation.

Comments Nebojsa Matic, CEO of MIKROE: “LTE IoT 10 Click is ideal for smart meters, industrial sensors, asset tracking, smart home and city applications, wearables, and healthcare monitoring solutions requiring power-efficient cellular IoT connectivity.”

Olivier Pauzet, EVP Marketing & Strategy at Sequans, said: “Developers can now innovate and design new IoT products quickly with our flagship Monarch GM02S module and the Click embedded development environment. We are excited to see their ideas come to fruition.”

Sequans’ Monarch GM02S is a low power LTE-M/NB-IoT module with global band support, 3GPP LTE Release 14 compliance (upgradable to Release 17), embedded IP stack with multiple protocol support and +23dBm transmission power. It enables quick switching between LTE-M and NB-IoT modes. To simplify the development process, the LTE IoT 10 Click includes UART and JTAG interfaces for debugging and firmware upgrades. Additional features include a wake button, reset functionality, visual status indicators, an SMA connector for LTE antennas, and a micro SIM card slot.

LTE IoT 10 Click is fully compatible with the mikroBUS socket and can be used on any host system supporting the mikroBUS standard. It comes with the mikroSDK open-source libraries, offering unparalleled flexibility for evaluation and customisation. Like all recently-announced Click boards, LTE IoT 10 Click features the groundbreaking ClickID feature, enabling the host system to seamlessly and automatically detect and identify this add-on board.

https://www.mikroe.com

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ST’ new integrated wireless MCUs combine extra features and performance with power efficiency

ST has announced the next generation of its STM32 power-efficient short-range wireless microcontrollers (MCUs) that simplify connecting consumer and industrial devices to the IoT.

The new STM32WBA6 series is used in connected, smart devices like wearable healthcare and wellness monitors, animal collars, electronic locks, remote weather sensors, and more. Packing extra memory and digital system interfaces, while preserving energy efficiency the new MCUs can handle richer functionality in emerging new product designs.

The STM32WBA6 MCUs also embed SESIP3 and PSA Level3 certifiable security assets, such as cryptographic accelerators, TrustZone isolation, random generator, and product lifecycle that will contribute and enable ST customers to reach compliancy towards the upcoming RED and CRA regulations.

“Robust and standardised wireless connectivity is central to the IoT’s success. Our new STM32WBA6 MCUs bring richer features and larger memory to address high-end applications in smart home, health, factory, and agriculture,” said Patrick Aidoune, General-Purpose MCU Division General Manager, STMicroelectronics. “Our customers can now increase the pace of development to meet demands from consumer and industrial markets for new products that deliver more features and increased capabilities within reduced size and power constraints.”

The wireless subsystem in the new STM32WBA6 microcontrollers supports Bluetooth, Zigbee, Thread, Matter, and other protocols operating in the 2.4GHz frequency band, and allows communication using multiple protocols concurrently. It’s how a system like a smart-home bridge can communicate with the homeowner’s mobile app over Bluetooth and simultaneously manage lights or thermostats through mesh networking such as Zigbee. The STM32WBA6 series also contains single-protocol variants for simpler and more cost-conscious applications.

https://www.st.com

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element14 Community launches ultrasonic sensor challenge with TDK

element14, an Avnet Community, in partnership with TDK, has launched a new design challenge, inviting engineers, makers, and technology enthusiasts to develop innovative projects utilising TDK’s waterproof ultrasonic range sensors in real-world applications.

Participants will integrate TDK USSM Plus-FS sensors into a functional project that demonstrates the versatility and accuracy of ultrasonic distance sensing technology. Selected applicants will receive an evaluation kit from TDK, which includes two TDK USSM Plus-FS ultrasonic range sensors, a TDK evaluation board, and a set of sensor connector cables.

Participants are encouraged to explore a range of potential applications for ultrasonic sensing technology, such as object detection, industrial control sensing, human-robot interaction, movement boundary control, conveyor belt monitoring, smart delivery robots, autonomous lawnmowers, and liquid level sensing.

Andreea Teodorescu, Global Director of Product Marketing & element14 Community, stated, “This design challenge provides our community with the opportunity to explore the power of ultrasonic sensing technology with hands-on experience in real-world applications.”

Applications are open till 28 March. Once selected, participants have until 16 June to build their projects. Challengers must post their progress including the final project and at least five blog posts before the closing date. Posts that include photos, videos and code samples will be judged more favourably.

The grand prize winner will receive an Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (4th gen) 128GB and an iRobot Roomba self-emptying robot vacuum cleaner, the runner-up will receive an iPad Mini 10.9 inch 64GB and an iRobot Roomba self-emptying robot vacuum cleaner, and other finishers of the challenge (anyone who completes five blogs and a project with the featured product) will receive a MultiComp Pro Multimeter Set.

For more information on the design challenge and to register, please visit: https://community.element14.com

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