U-blox Spans ADAS L2+ to L4 With Two Automotive GNSS Modules

U-blox is expanding its current automotive GNSS portfolio with two new positioning modules that are aimed at different stages of vehicle autonomy. The ZED-X20K targets scalable ADAS and high-accuracy positioning applications, while the ZED-A20K is designed for safety-focused autonomous systems where functional safety and localization integrity become one of the most important factors.

U-blox introduced the ZED-X20K and ZED-A20K GNSS modules for ADAS and autonomous vehicles.

As automakers push further into ADAS and autonomous driving development, localization requirements are beginning to split in different directions. Some engineering teams need affordable, globally deployable lane-level positioning without relying on paid correction services or region-specific infrastructure.

Others developing Level 3 and Level 4 platforms need positioning systems capable of supporting functional safety requirements. U-blox built the ZED-X20K and ZED-A20K around those separate challenges rather than forcing a single GNSS architecture to handle both.

Two Different Problems Emerging in Automotive Positioning

With the advancements in driving autonomy, localization is becoming more complicated than simply knowing where the vehicle is located. ADAS platforms targeting L2+ deployments need positioning that scales globally, maintains accuracy in difficult environments, and avoids adding recurring service costs or backend management requirements. At the same time, safety-focused L3 and L4 systems often require higher integrity positioning and redundancy capable of supporting functional safety requirements.

ZED-X20K Targets Scalable High-Accuracy ADAS Systems

The ZED-X20K is designed as a high-precision positioning solution that is intended for broader deployment across ADAS platforms and connected vehicle applications. The ZED-X20K module uses U-blox's X20 all-band GNSS platform and supports GPS, Galileo, BeiDou, GLONASS, NavIC, QZSS, and SBAS constellations.

Its all-band format supports Galileo High Accuracy Service and PointPerfect Global PPP-AR corrections, which allows for global centimeter-level positioning without depending on paid correction services or cellular connectivity. Position accuracy is specified at less than 10 cm plus 1 ppm CEP in RTK operation and below 20 cm in PPP mode.

Automotive dead reckoning combines GNSS and sensor data to maintain vehicle position when signals become unreliable.

The ZED-X20K also includes automotive dead reckoning by using integrated accelerometers and gyroscopes which helps maintain positioning when satellite signals become unreliable, such as when driving through tunnels. The module supports update rates up to 50 Hz and includes built-in protection features designed to help detect spoofing and jamming attempts in automotive environments. More information can be found in the ZED-X20K product summary pdf.

ZED-A20K Adds Functional Safety into a Single Module Architecture

The ZED-A20K takes a different approach by targeting systems where functional safety requirements become part of the localization design. Instead of requiring dual GNSS hardware configurations, the module combines an ASIL-B safe measurement engine with the X20 positioning engine within a single package.

U-blox’s ZED-A20K combines safe GNSS measurements and high-performance positioning outputs within a single module.

The ZED-A20K is capable of simultaneously outputs ASIL-B certified GNSS measurements along with high-performance position, velocity, attitude, and time data. Safety-qualified outputs include pseudorange, carrier phase, Doppler measurements, and integrity metrics for external safe positioning engines.

Like the X20K, the ZED-A20K supports all-band GNSS reception along with RTK, PPP, and PPP-RTK correction services, with output rates up to 50 Hz. It also includes anti-jamming, anti-spoofing, and automotive dead reckoning capabilities while meeting ISO 21434 cybersecurity and ISO 26262 ASIL-B functional safety requirements.

Instead of relying on separate GNSS hardware for redundancy, the module separates safety and high-performance positioning functions within a single package, helping reduce system complexity. Both new modules are also pin-to-pin compatible, allowing OEMs to support multiple vehicle platforms or trim levels using the same hardware footprint. More information can be found in the ZED-A20K product summary pdf.

Suited for Our Evolving Automotive Industry

The ZED-X20K and ZED-A20K are aimed at two different localization problems emerging in our quickly evolving automotive industry. The X20K targets broader ADAS deployments where global high-accuracy positioning and easier rollout are priorities, while the A20K focuses on systems where functional safety becomes part of the positioning architecture itself. Together, the modules give OEMs additional flexibility to support different autonomy levels while reducing hardware complexity and integration effort across vehicle platforms.

All images used courtesy of U-blox.