Choosing a GPS receiver module with SPI control.

GPS/GNSS Development Boards
1

Dear all,

I am interested in purchasing a GPS receiver module that can have its operation controlled via SPI.

I have been looking through GlobalSpec to try and do a relatively thorough market search, but the amount of information is simply overwhelming.

I will be using a microcontroller to control and read the data from the GPS module.

I can’t use UART because both of the ports are taken.

One major requirement is that the SPI port is 3.3V compatible.

Other ‘likes’ would be:

SPI speed at or above 5MHz.

Small form factor…say no more than 25x25mm.

Well written, thorough and extensive datasheet is always a plus.

A development board.

I have found a few GPS module that do provide control/data via the SPI port. These have mainly been those using the SiRF III chip and usually provide little to no information as to how this is done.

It seems to me that a few other GPS chip manufactures (Ublox) and some GPS receiver module manufactures are future planning GPS operation via SPI.

ORG1308 provides GPS operation, but its SPI port is only 1.8V compatible.

A1030-A by Tyco is another but no information is provided as to how/what commands are sent from/to the SPI port. This could have to do with the age of the design ~ 04-05 and I have my doubts about whether it is still sold.

I would also be interested in books/websites/app notes were GPS operation via SPI is discussed.

I know I am asking for a lot but any help would be appreciated.

If I am on the wrong forum please do not hesitate to point me to a forum, where GPS receiver modules are discussed extensively.

Regards

Alex

2

u-blox makes one with an I2C interface.

3

Thanks for your quick reply Leon.

I have never used before I2C before, so I am slightly reluctant to use it now. However, I will study the ublox manuals and the I2C interface and if I believe I understand them well enough to make them work I MIGHT go down that route.

I would still appreciate if someone could point me to a GPS receiver module that can be operated via SPI. I have used SPI before and thought it might have similarities to I2C, I would rather stick to SPI.

Regards

Alex

4

The Skytrac Venus chip has a SPI port for datalogging to a memory chip. Maybe you could use that?

5

I can’t see an SPI memory interface being much use for controlling the unit.

6

Falingtrea the Skytraq module looks very interesting, but Leons’ points was well made.

One can NOT control this particular gps receiver via SPI, which is sad, as a 10x10mm size instills awe in me…

7

Well, you could use an SPI to serial interface like the Exar XR20M1170.

Since the Skytrac starts up automatically reporting, so I thought maybe the SPI memory port could be used to get data without having to send commands. Also, if the SPI port could be used to get the data, you might be able to multiplex the serial port so that you could send commands, assuming you don’t need to send commands very often. That way you woiuld not have to dedicate a serial port to the GPS device.