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USB GPS Module

User Guide

USB GPS ModuleOverview
A USB GPS Module built using the MT3329 chipset from MediaTek Inc. This
GPS module comes with a patch antenna and has good sensitivity wand
tracking capability.It can track 66 channels. It outputs data in standard
NMEA format at an update rate of 1 second at 9600 bps. The module
comes with USB and Serial TTL Interface.

When connected through USB, the module creates a Virtual COM port on
the computer and outputs data to the port. Most porgramming languages
allow users to write programs that access the COM port and users may
easily write custom software that use and process this data. The module
also supports serial interface through the header pins. You can easily
power the board at 3V3-5V and get the current location data though the
TX line. The module also has an onboard SMA Connector which can be
used to connect an external 3V antenna for better reception. The module
automatically detects an external antenna and uses it with no user
intervention required.
Features
Powered by USB or an external 3V3 - 5V power supply
Uses the popular MTK MT3329 Chipset
Outputs data in standard NMEA-0183 @ 9600bps at update rate of
1 second.
Onboard patch antenna for good reception, external antenna can
be connected for better reception
Tracking Sensitivity of On-module antenna : -165 dBm
Position Accuracy : 3 m
Hot start: < 1 seconds average
Warm start: < 34 seconds average
Cold start: < 35 seconds average
Using the board
Power Supply
The GPS Module can be powered through USB or External power. The
switch labeled Select Input Power selects between USB and External
Power. The board can accept an external voltage between 3V3 - 5V DC. It
should be provided to the pins Vcc and Gnd. Please observe polarity when
you power the board as the board can be damaged by reverse polarity.
When correctly powered, the Green power LED will be lit.
USB Interface
The module uses the CP2102 IC for its USB communication. You may
download the drivers for the IC from www.silabs.com. Download and
install the CP210X Virtual COM Port(VCP) Drivers. When you connect the
module to the board for the first time, you will be asked to install the
drivers, once the driver installation is done, the module will create a new
COM port when connected to the computer. You can interface the module
through this COM port. The module will continuosly output the GPS data
to this port.

Microcontroller Interface
To interface the module with a microcontroller, you will have to power the
board (through USB or External Power), and connect the TX of the module
to the RX pin on your microcontroller. The module will continuosly output
the GPS data on this line.
Note: The maximum voltage for the high signal will be the power on the
Vcc pin.
Reading the data
The module will output data in standard NMEA-0183 sentences @
9600bps. You may use the following softwares to get the GPS Data
MiniGPS
GPSFox
In MiniGPS, you will have to select the COM port no. of the GPS Module,
select the baudrate as 9600 bps and click on Open. You will get the GPS
data after the module gets a fix.
You may also read the data by reading the data on the COM port to build
your own custom software.
Pin Description
PIN DESCRIPTION
TX Data Transmit Pin. Connect to MCU RX
RX Data Receive Pin used to configure module. Connect to MCU TX
FIX Digital output to indicate valid fix
VB +ve Vbat
EN Enable pin, connect to Gnd to disable module, leave
unconnected or provide 5V to enable module
GND Power Supply Gnd
VCC Positive Power Supply 3V3 5V


Sample data output in MiniGPS

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