STMicroelectronics Releases “Tiny” GNSS Module for Tracking and Navigation
GNSS modules are used for navigation and object tracking applications. STMicro's newest module is ROM-based.
GNSS modules are used for navigation and object tracking applications. STMicro's newest module is ROM-based.
The module provides simultaneous access to the Glonass, Beidou, and QZSS constellations in addition to GPS. The Teseo-LIV3R is available in a 9.7 mm x 10.1 mm LCC 18 pin package. It operates from power supplies ranging from 2.1 volts to 4.3 volts, and its operating temperature range is -40 °C to +85 °C.
Image from STMicroelectronics
The Teseo-LIV3R responds to proprietary NMEA (National Marine Electronics Association) commands, and it has a tacking sensitivity of –163dBm. The module incorporates STM’s Teseo lll positioning receiver IC.
Positioning accuracy to within 1.5 meters with 50% circular error probability is made possible by the onboard 26 MHz Temperature Compensated Crystal Oscillator. A dedicated 32 KHz Real Time Clock (RTC) oscillator ensures a time to first fix (TTFF) of less than one second.
The new module joins ST's Teseo-LIV3F module
Odometer Functionality
The Tesco-LIV3R provides three separate trip counters for odometer functionality. Configuration is possible using specific odometer commands during the runtime. While enabled, the odometer reports the ground distance from the last reset. It can also raise an autonomous message alarm when a programmed distance is reached.
Geofencing
There are eight alarmed, configurable circles for built-in geofencing. This feature allows the Teseo-LIV3R receiver to raise an autonomous NMEA message when the resolved GNSS position is close to a specific circle, entering or exiting from a circle. Geofencing can be configured and enabled in the firmware configurator or by using the specific geofencing configuration command.
Block diagram for the Tesco-LIV3R. Image from STMicroelectronics
The Tesco-LIV3R supports two I/O interfaces, UART and I2C, with both supporting the NMEA protocol.
The device has numerous low-power modes, including a standby mode in which less than 15µA is consumed, making it appropriate for IoT applications for which minimal battery drain is mandatory. These include:
- Goods tracking
- Drones
- Tolling
- Anti-theft systems
- People and pet location
- Vehicle tracking
- Emergency calls
- Fleet management
- Vehicle sharing
- Public transportation
Getting Products to Market Faster
The module is supported by STMicro's STM32 Open Development Environment, equipped with geolocation, smart tracking, and server-assisted GNSS.
There is also the Teseo Suite, a PC tool for managing the capabilities of ST Teseo GNSS devices, such as configuring settings and fine-tuning performance.
Additionally, the EVB-LIV3x evaluation board and the X-NUCLEO-GNSS1A1 expansion board support hardware development.
Developers can also join the ST GNSS community to share information and increase their understanding of the field.
The module is additionally CE pre-certified and meets various radio-related standards (e.g., Radio Equipment Directive (RED) 2014/53/EU, ETSI EN 303 413 V1.1.1, EN62479:2010, etc.).
Around the Industry
GNSS positioning devices are offered by many manufacturers. Here are two:
- Furuno offers a line of GNSS modules, including the GN-87. This device supports concurrent access to GPS, GLONASS, SBAS and QZSS. It is aimed at consumer, automotive and industrial applications.
- Sierra Wireless features its XM and XA series of GNSS modules. An example, the XM1100 has a maximum refresh rate of ten times per second and draws about 18 mA. It supports GPS exclusively.
