Data Sheet

SAM-M8Q - Data Sheet
UBX-16012619 - R04 Production Information Functional description
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number (k = –7,..., 5, 6). The ability to receive and track GLONASS L1OF satellite signals allows for the design of
GLONASS receivers where required by regulations.
To take advantage of GPS and GLONASS, dedicated hardware preparation must be made during the design-in
phase. See the SAM-M8Q Hardware Integration Manual [1] for u-blox design recommendations.
1.5.3 Galileo
The SAM-M8Q GNSS patch antenna module can receive and track the E1-B/C signals centered on the GPS L1
frequency band. GPS and Galileo signals can be processed concurrently together with GLONASS signals,
enhancing coverage, reliability and accuracy. The SAR return link message (RLM) parameters for both short and
long versions are decoded by the receiver and made available to users via UBX proprietary messages.
Galileo has been implemented according to ICD release 1.3 (December 2016). Since the Galileo satellite
system has only recently reached Initial Services (IS) and not yet Full Operational Capability (FOC), changes
to the Galileo signal specification (OS SIS ICD) remain theoretically possible. u-blox therefore recommends
to use Flash memory in designs that utilize Galileo signals in order to allow for a firmware update in the
unlikely event of a change to the Galileo signal specification (OS SIS ICD).
Galileo reception is disabled by default, but can be enabled by sending a configuration message (UBX-
CFG-GNSS) to the receiver. See the u-blox 8 / u-blox M8 Receiver Description Including Protocol
Specification [2] for more information.
1.6 Assisted GNSS (A-GNSS)
Supply of GNSS receiver assistance information, such as ephemeris, almanac, rough user position and time, will
reduce the time to first fix significantly and improve acquisition sensitivity. All u-blox M8030 based products
support the u-blox AssistNow Online and AssistNow Offline A-GNSS services, support AssistNow Autonomous,
and are OMA SUPL compliant.
1.6.1 AssistNow
TM
Online
With AssistNow Online, an Internet connected host downloads assistance data from the u-blox AssistNow Online
service to the receiver at system start-up. The Multi-GNSS Assistance (MGA) service is an HTTP protocol based
network operator independent service.
Supplying assistance information, such as ephemeris, almanac, a rough last position and time, can reduce the
time to first fix significantly and improve acquisition sensitivity.
The AssistNow Online service provides data for GPS, GLONASS, Galileo and QZSS
1.6.2 AssistNow
TM
Offline
With the AssistNow Offline service, users can download long-term orbit data over the Internet at their
convenience. The orbit data can be stored within the memory of the application processor. The function requires
no connectivity at system start-up, enabling a position fix within seconds, even when no network is available.
AssistNow Offline offers augmentation for up to 35 days.
AssistNow Offline service provides data for GPS and GLONASS only, Galileo is currently not supported
1.6.3 AssistNow
TM
Autonomous
AssistNow Autonomous provides aiding information without the need for a host or external network
connection. Based on previous broadcast satellite ephemeris data downloaded to and stored by the GNSS
receiver, AssistNow Autonomous automatically generates accurate predictions of satellite orbital data
(“AssistNow Autonomous data”) that is usable for future GNSS position fixes. The concept capitalizes on the
periodic nature of GNSS satellites; by capturing strategic ephemeris data at specific times of the day, the receiver
can predict accurate satellite ephemeris for up to three days after initial reception.
The u-blox AssistNow Autonomous benefits are:
 Faster fix in situations where GPS satellite signals are weak