This GPS module can be used with I2C or UART. Let's take a look!

GPS Module

The PA1010D GPS module with built-in antenna is located in the center of the board. It has all kinds of features!

  • Support for GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS
  • -165 dBm sensitivity, up to 10 Hz updates
  • Up to 210 PRN channels with 99 search channels and 33 simultaneous tracking channels
  • UART and I2C interfaces, pick whichever you like most!
  • PPS output on fix ±20ns jitter
  • Internal patch antenna
  • Low-power and standby mode with WAKE pin

Note: Due to the sensitivity of the built in antenna, the PA1010D Mini GPS module may need a more unobstructed view of the sky than other GPS modules. If you are having trouble getting a fix, try moving the module to a clear spot with the antenna pointing up at the sky.

Power Pins

  • VIN - power input, connect to 3-5VDC. It's important to connect to a clean and quiet power supply. GPS's are very sensitive, so you want a nice and quiet power supply. Don't connect to a switching supply if you can avoid it, an LDO will be less noisy! This module only draws 30mA current during navigation
  • GND - power and signal ground. Connect to your power supply and microcontroller ground.

Optional:

  • 3Vo - is the output from the onboard 3.3V regulator. If you have a need for a clean 3.3V output, you can use this! It can provide at least 100mA output.

I2C Data Pins

  • SCL - this is the I2C clock pin, connect to your microcontroller or computer's I2C clock line.
  • SDA - this is the I2C data pin, connect to your microcontroller or computer's I2C data line.

These pins have 10K pullups to Vin. They are level shifted so you can use 3 or 5V logic

  • On both sides in the middle are the Sparkfun Qwiic compatible STEMMA QT JST SH connectors, for using with I2C. Use with any of the STEMMA QT cables available in the Adafruit shop to connect this breakout to your project without needing to solder!

Other Pins

  • RST - When pulled to ground, this will put the chip in the module into reset. Handy when you want to start with a completely clean setup.
  • PPS is a "pulse per second" output. Most of the time it is at logic low (ground) and then it pulses high (3.3V) once a second, for 50-100ms, so it should be easy for a microcontroller to sync up to it
  • WAKE - This pin works with low power and standby modes. Check the datasheet for more information!

UART Serial Data Pins

  • TXO - the pin that transmits data from the GPS module to your microcontroller or computer. It is 3.3V logic level. Data comes out at 9600 baud 8N1 by default
  • RXI - the pin that you can use to send data to the GPS. This pin is level shifted so you can use 3-5V logic. By default it expects 9600 baud data by default.

LEDs

There are two LEDs on the board.

  • ON - Green power LED. Lit when the board is powered
  • PPS - Red PPS LED, blinks at about 1Hz when a fix is found and is off when no fix.

Optional Coin Cell

The back has a footprint for an optional coin cell battery. The board ships with a CR1220 coin cell holder that can be soldered onto the back. CR1220 battery not included.

This guide was first published on Nov 19, 2019. It was last updated on Nov 19, 2019.

This page (Pinouts) was last updated on Nov 13, 2019.

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