Data Sheet

SAM-M8Q - Data Sheet
UBX-16012619 - R04 Production Information Functional description
Page 5 of 25
1 Functional description
1.1 Overview
The u-blox concurrent SAM-M8Q GNSS patch antenna module benefits from the exceptional performance of the
u-blox M8 multi-GNSS engine. The SAM-M8Q module offers high sensitivity and minimal acquisition times in an
ultra compact form factor.
The SAM-M8Q module utilizes concurrent reception of up to three GNSS systems (GPS/Galileo and GLONASS),
recognizes multiple constellations simultaneously and provides outstanding positioning accuracy in scenarios
where urban canyon or weak signals are involved. For even better and faster positioning improvement, the
SAM-M8Q supports augmentation of QZSS, GAGAN and IMES together with WAAS, EGNOS, MSAS. The
SAM-M8Q also supports message integrity protection, geofencing, and spoofing detection with configurable
interface settings to easily fit to customer applications.
Incorporating the SAM-M8Q module into customer designs is simple and straightforward, thanks to the
embedded GNSS patch antenna, low power consumption, a small footprint of 15.5 x 15.5 x 6.3 mm, simple
interface, and sophisticated interference suppression that ensures maximum performance even in GNSS-hostile
environments.
The 15 x 15 mm patch antenna provides the best compromise between the performance of a Right Hand
Circular Polarized (RHCP) antenna and a small size to be integrated in any design. The omni-directional radiation
pattern increases flexibility for device installation. The simple SMD design and easy interfacing keeps design and
manufacturing costs to a minimum. The SAM-M8Q features an additional front-end LNA for optimized
performance and a front-end SAW filter for increased jamming immunity. The SAM‑M8Q targets industrial and
consumer applications that require small, cost efficient, and ready-to-use GNSS solutions.
The SAM-M8Q module uses AEC-Q100 qualified GNSS chips and is fully tested at the system level. Qualification
is done according to the ISO 16750 standard.
The u-blox SAM-M8Q module can also benefit from the u-blox AssistNow assistance service. The Online service
provides GNSS broadcast parameters, e.g. ephemeris, almanac plus time or rough position to reduce the
receiver’s time to first fix significantly and improve acquisition sensitivity. The extended validity of AssistNow
Offline data (up to 35 days) and AssistNow Autonomous data (up to 3 days) provide faster acquisition after a
long off time.
See section 1.6 for more information concerning the SAM-M8Q related AssistNow Assistance.
1.2 Product features