U-blox Unveils Innovative GNSS Platform for Urban Navigation Accuracy

On March 19, 2024, u-blox revealed the launch of its latest GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite Systems) platform, F10, aimed at significantly enhancing positioning accuracy in urban landscapes. This innovative platform is the first from u-blox to combine the L1 and L5 frequency bands, promising meter-level positioning accuracy and improved resistance to multipath interference, crucial in environments with dense buildings or foliage.

The growing demand for reliable GNSS receivers in areas with dense urban development has highlighted limitations in current technology, especially regarding multipath effects where satellite signals reflect off surfaces and distort positioning accuracy. The introduction of the L5 band alongside the L1 band enables the new u-blox F10 platform to provide less than 2 meters of positioning accuracy, a notable improvement over the 4 meters achievable with L1-only receivers. The company has conducted driving tests in several urban locations, confirming the advantages of the dual-band approach.

Among its features, the F10 platform offers a firmware algorithm that prioritizes the L5 band in situations of weak signal, ensuring consistent and accurate positioning. It also includes robust RF circuit designs on certain models to eliminate interference with cellular modems and supports the u-blox AssistNow service for faster GNSS fixes and reduced power consumption.