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  • SparkPNT GNSS Flex Module - LG580P
    SKU: GPS-28870

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  • SparkPNT GNSS Flex modules are plug-in boards featuring different GNSS receivers. They are designed to be easily swapped for repairs and pin-compatible for upgrades. The boards have two 2x10-pin, 2mm pitch female headers connecting to carrier boards. For the LG580P GNSS receiver, these pins will break out the USB, UART (x3), and I2C* interfaces, along with the PPS and event signals using a standardized pinout.

    This SparkPNT GNSS Flex module is an upgraded version of the LG290P GNSS Flex module. It features the Quectel LG580P quad-band, multi-constellation, high-precision, RTK and heading GNSS receiver with two antenna inputs for instantaneous heading determination down to 0.1°. In traditional navigation systems, such as those used on your phone or car, previous navigation points are utilized to determine the course heading. This is the reason why the arrow indicator will spin or be oriented in the wrong directions when the navigation system first boots or has been stationary for extended periods of time. However, with the LG580 GNSS module, users are provided with a dedicated heading without relying on previous course data points, magnetometers/compasses, or gyroscopes in IMUs, which can introduce small errors.

    The LG580P module offers a diverse choice of interfaces including UART, SPI*, I2C*, and CAN*. Additionally, the module is capable of simultaneously receiving signals from the L1, L2, L5, and L6/E6 frequency bands of the GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BDS, QZSS, and NavIC GNSS constellations. In addition, the module supports SBAS augmentation systems (WAAS, EGNOS, BDSBAS, MSAS, GAGAN, KASS, ASECNA, SouthPAN, and SDCM), PPP services* (BDS PPP-B2b, QZSS CLAS, MADOCA-PPP, and Galileo HAS), RTCM, and RTK corrections for precision navigation with a fast convergence time and reliable performance.

    The built-in professional-grade interference signal detection and elimination algorithms, effectively mitigate multiple narrow-band interference sources and significantly improve signal reception performance in complex electromagnetic environments. In addition, the RTK and heading algorithms ensure reliable positioning in challenging scenarios such as urban environments and deep tree cover. With its high-precision, low power consumption and a high positioning and heading update rate of up to 20 Hz, this board is ideal for high-precision navigation applications, such as intelligent robots, precision agriculture, ADAS, and autonomous driving.

    Features Under Development

    • I2C/SPI/CAN - Currently, only the UART interface is supported by the module.
    • PPP Services - Corrections for some of the PPP services have not been implemented.

Design Files

  • Design Files

  • Manipulate 3D Model
    Controls Mouse Touchscreen
    Zoom Scroll Wheel 2-Finger Pinch
    Rotate Left-Click & Drag 1-Finger Drag
    Move/Translate Right-Click & Drag 2-Finger Drag

    Board Dimensions
    Dimensions of the LG580P GNSS Flex module.

    Need more measurements?

    For more information about the board's dimensions, users can download the KiCad files for this board. These files can be opened in KiCad and additional measurements can be made with the measuring tool.

    KiCad - Free Download!

    KiCad is free, open-source CAD program for electronics. Click on the button below to download their software. (*Users can find out more information about KiCad from their website.)

    📏 Measuring Tool

    This video demonstrates how to utilize the dimensions tool in KiCad, to include additional measurements:

    QR code to play video

Board Layout

The GNSS Flex system is designed around two 2x10-pin, 2mm pitch headers used mate the two types of boards. A standardized pin layout, keeps the ecosystem pin-compatible for upgrades and allows board to be easily swapped for repairs. Depending on the capabilities of the GNSS receiver, these pins will breakout the USB, UART (x4), I2C, and SD card interfaces along with any PPS or event signals of the GNSS receiver.

The LG580P GNSS Flex module has the following features:

Layout

Layout of the major components on the LG580P GNSS Flex module.

  1. LG580P GNSS Receiver
    The Quectel LG580P GNSS receiver
  2. GNSS Flex Headers
    Two sets of 2x10 pin, 2mm pitch female headers for connecting a GNSS Flex module to carrier boards
  3. U.FL Connectors
    Two U.FL connectors for attaching external GNSS antennas

LG580P GNSS Receiver

The centerpiece of the LG580P GNSS Flex module, is the LG580P GNSS module from Quectel. The LG580P is a low-power, multi-band, multi-constellation GNSS receiver capable of delivering centimeter-level precision at high update rates. The built-in professional-grade interference signal detection and elimination algorithms, effectively mitigate multiple narrow-band interference sources and significantly improve signal reception performance in complex electromagnetic environments. In addition, the RTK and heading algorithms ensure reliable positioning in challenging scenarios such as urban environments and deep tree cover. With its performance advantages of high-precision and power consumption, this board is an ideal choice for high-precision navigation applications, such as intelligent robots, UAVs, precision agriculture, mining, surveying, and autonomous navigation.

QR code to product video

  • LG580P GNSS module
    The LG580P module on the LG580P GNSS Flex module.

Features:

  • Supply Voltage: 3.0–3.6V
  • Tracking Channels: 1040
  • Concurrent signal reception: 5 + QZSS
    • L1, L2, L5, E6 frequency bands
  • Sensitivity:
    • Acquisition: -145dBm
    • Tracking: -160dBm
    • Reacquisition: -155dBm
  • Antenna Power: External
  • GNSS Constellations and SBAS Systems:
    • USA: GPS + WASS
    • Russia: GLONASS + SDCM
    • EU: Galileo + EGNOS
    • China: BDS + BDSDAS
    • Japan: QZSS + MSAS
    • India: NavIC + GAGAN
    • Korea: KASS
    • Africa: ASECNA
    • Auz/NZ: SouthPAN
  • Accuracy of 1PPS Signal: 5ns
  • Update Rate:
    • Default: 10Hz
    • Max: 20Hz


  • Time to First Fix (without AGNSS):
    • Cold Start: 28s
    • Warm Start: 28s
    • Hot Start: 1.8s
  • RTK Convergence Time: 5s
  • Dynamic Performance:
    • Maximum Altitude: 10000m
    • Maximum Velocity: 490m/s
    • Maximum Acceleration: 4g
  • Interfaces
    • UART (x3)
      • Baud Rate: 9600–3000000bps
        • Default: 460800bps
      • Protocol: NMEA 0183/RTCM 3.x/QGC
    • SPI2 (x1)
    • I2C2 (x1)
    • CAN2 (x1)
  • Operating temperature: -40°C to +85°C
  • Footprint: 21mm × 16mm × 2.7mm
  • Weight: 1.4g

Power Consumption

The power consumption of the LG580P GNSS module depends on the GNSS signals enabled and the positioning mode.

Mode Power (mW) Current (mA)
Acquisition 323.4 98
Tracking 382.8 116
Backup 59.4 0.018

Power Modes

Acquisition:
Module searches for satellites and to determine visible satellites, coarse frequency, and the code phase of satellite signals
Tracking:
Once acquisition is completed, the module tracks satellites and demodulates the navigation data from specific satellites
Backup Mode:
Reduces power consumption. Only backup domain is active and keeps track of time.

Frequency Bands

The LG580P modules are multi-band, multi-constellation GNSS receivers. Below, is a chart illustrating the frequency bands utilized by all the global navigation satellite systems; along with a list of the frequency bands and GNSS systems supported by the LG580P GNSS module.

GNSS frequency bands

Frequency bands of the global navigation satellite systems. (Source: Tallysman)

Supported Frequency Bands:

  • GPS: L1 C/A, L5, L2C
  • GLONASS: L1, L2
  • Galileo: E1, E5a, E5b, E6
  • BDS: B1I, B1C, B2a, B2b, B2I, B3I
  • QZSS: L1 C/A, L5, L2C, L6
  • NavIC: L5
  • SBAS: L1
  • L-band PPP1:
    • PPP: B2b
    • QZSS: L6
    • Galileo HAS: E6

Supported GNSS Constellations:

  • GPS (USA)
  • GLONASS (Russia)
  • Galileo (EU)
  • BDS (China)
  • QZSS (Japan)
  • NavIC (India)

Supported SBAS Systems:

  • WASS (USA)
  • SDCM (Russia)
  • EGNOS (EU)
  • BDSBAS (China)
  • MSAS (Japan)
  • GAGAN (India)
  • KASS (Korea)
  • ASECNA (Africa)
  • SouthPAN (Aus/NZ)

Info

For a comparison of the frequency bands supported by the LG580P GNSS modules, refer to sections 1.2, 1.5, and 1.6 of the hardware design manual.

What are Frequency Bands?

A frequency band is a section of the electromagnetic spectrum, usually denoted by the range of its upper and lower limits. In the radio spectrum, these frequency bands are usually regulated by region, often through a government entity. This regulation prevents the interference of RF communication; and often includes major penalties for any interference with critical infrastructure systems and emergency services.

GNSS frequency bands
Frequency bands of the global navigation satellite systems. (Source: ESA)

However, if the various GNSS constellations share similar frequency bands, then how do they avoid interfering with one another? Without going too far into detail, the image above illustrates the frequency bands of each system with a few characteristics specific to their signals. Wit these characteristics in mind, along with other factors, the chart can help users to visualize how multiple GNSS constellations might co-exist with each other.

For more information, users may find these articles of interest:

Position Accuracy

The accuracy of the position reported from the LG580P GNSS module, can be improved based upon the correction method being employed. Currently, RTK corrections provide the highest level of accuracy; however, users should be aware of certain limitations of the system:

  • RTK technique requires real-time correction data from a reference station or network of base stations.
    • RTK corrections usually come from RTCM messages that are signal specific (i.e. an RTK network may only provide corrections for specific signals; only E5b and not E5a).
  • The range of the base stations will vary based upon the method used to transmit the correction data.
  • The reliability of RTK corrections are inherently reduced in multipath environments.
Correction Method Horizontal Vertical Heading Velocity
Standalone 1.0m
~3.3'		 1.5m
~4.9'		 3cm/s (0.108kph)
~1.2in/s (0.067mph)
RTK 0.8cm (+1ppm)
~0.3"		 1.5cm (+1ppm)
~0.6"		 0.1°
RTK Corrections

To understand how RTK works, users will need a more fundamental understanding of the signal error sources.

Tip

For the best performance, we highly recommend that users configure the module to utilize/provide RTK corrections with a compatible L1/L2/L5/L6 GNSS antenna and utilize a low-loss cable.

GNSS Flex Headers

The GNSS Flex system is designed around two 2x10-pin, 2mm pitch headers used mate the two types of boards. A standardized pin layout, keeps the ecosystem pin-compatible for upgrades and allows boards to be easily swapped for repairs. For the LG580P GNSS receiver, these pins will breakout the UART interface along with three of the programmable I/O pins; the LNA enable pin is not broken out and the safe-boot pin is only exposed as a test point on this board.

Peripherals and I/O pins

The peripherals and I/O pins on the LG580P GNSS Flex module.

Below, are the features that are available from the LG580P GNSS receiver.

Supported Interfaces:

  • UART (x3)
  • SPI2
  • I2C2
  • CAN2
  • Event Trigger3
  • PPS Signal
  • RTK Signal
  • Module Reset

The LG580P GNSS receiver has three UART ports, which can be operated and configured separately.

UART interface
The UART ports on the LG580P GNSS Flex module.

UART Settings

The UART ports have the following configuration settings:

  • Logic Level: 3.3V
  • Baudrate: 9600bps, 115200bps, 230400bps, 460800bps, 921600bps, and 3000000bps
  • Data Bits: 8
  • Parity: No
  • Stop Bits: 1
  • Flow Control: N/A
  • Supported Protocols:
    • NMEA 0183 (PQTM)
    • RTCM 3.x
    • QGC
Additional Support

All of the UART ports support firmware updates through their interface. In addition, the UART1 port also supports debugging data and the UART3 interface can be multiplexed for the CAN bus interface2.

UART Protocols

UART Protocols

By default, these UART ports are configured to transmit and receive NMEA 0183, RTCM 3.x, and/or QGC messages. These messages are generally used for transmitting PNT data; providing or receiving RTK corrections; and receiving PPP data, respectively. Quectel also implements a system of proprietary messages (PQTM) for users to configure the LG580P that follows a data format similar to the NMEA protocol. The expected structure of these proprietary messages is shown below:

NMEA data structure
The data structure of Quectel messages for the NMEA and PQTM protocols.

QGC data structure
The data structure of Quectel messages for the QGC protocol.

A full list of compatible NMEA 0183 v4.11 messages, is provided in section 2.2. Standard Messages of the GNSS Protocol Specification manual. This protocol is used for outputting GNSS data, as detailed by the National Marine Electronics Association organization.

List of Standard NMEA Messages
Message Type Mode Message Description
RMC Output Recommended Minimum Specific GNSS Data
GGA Output Global Positioning System Fix Data
GSV Output GNSS Satellites in View
GSA Output GNSS DOP and Active Satellites
VTG Output Course Over Ground & Ground Speed
GLL Output Geographic Position – Latitude/Longitude
GBS Output GNSS Satellite Fault Detection
GNS Output GNSS Fix Data
GST Output GNSS Pseudorange Error Statistics
ZDA Output UTC Time & Date
HDT Output True Vessel Heading
THS Output True, Heading, and Status

A full list of PQTM messages (proprietary NMEA messages defined by Quectel) supported by LG580P, is provided in section 2.3. PQTM Messages of the GNSS Protocol Specification manual. This protocol is used to configure or read the settings for the LG580P GNSS module.

List of Proprietary Quectel Messages
Message Type Mode Message Description
PQTMVER Output Outputs the firmware version
PQTMCOLD Command Performs a cold start
PQTMWARM Command Performs a warm start
PQTMHOT Command Performs a hot start
PQTMSRR Command Performs a system reset and reboots the receiver
PQTMUNIQID Command Queries the module unique ID
PQTMSAVEPAR Command Saves the configurations into NVM
PQTMRESTOREPAR Command Restores the parameters configured by all commands to their default values
PQTMVERNO Command Queries the firmware version
PQTMCFGUART Set/Get Sets/gets the UART interface
PQTMCFGPPS Set/Get Sets/gets the PPS feature
PQTMCFGPROT Set/Get Sets/gets the input and output protocol for a specified port
PQTMCFGNMEADP Set/Get Sets/gets the decimal places of standard NMEA messages
PQTMEPE Output Outputs the estimated position error
PQTMCFGMSGRATE Set/Get Sets/gets the message output rate on the current interface
PQTMVEL Output Outputs the velocity information
PQTMCFGGEOFENCE Set/Get Sets/gets geofence feature
PQTMGEOFENCESTATUS Output Outputs the geofence status
PQTMGNSSSTART Command Starts GNSS engine
PQTMGNSSSTOP Command Stops GNSS engine
PQTMTXT Output Outputs short text messages
PQTMCFGSVIN Set/Get Sets/gets the Survey-in feature
PQTMSVINSTATUS Output Outputs the Survey-in status
PQTMPVT Output Outputs the PVT (GNSS only) result
PQTMCFGRCVRMODE Set/Get Sets/gets the receiver working mode
PQTMDEBUGON Command Enables debug log output
PQTMDEBUGOFF Command Disables debug log output
PQTMCFGFIXRATE Set/Get Sets/gets the fix interval
PQTMCFGRTK Set/Get Sets/gets the RTK mode
PQTMCFGCNST Set/Get Sets/gets the constellation configuration
PQTMDOP Output Outputs dilution of precision
PQTMPL Output Outputs protection level information
PQTMCFGODO Set/Get Sets/gets the odometer feature
PQTMRESETODO Command Resets the accumulated distance recorded by the odometer
PQTMODO Output Outputs the odometer information
PQTMCFGSIGNAL Set/Get Sets/gets GNSS signal mask
PQTMCFGSAT Set/Get Sets/gets GNSS satellite mask
PQTMCFGRSID Set/Get Sets/gets the reference station ID
PQTMCFGRTCM Set/Get Sets/gets RTCM
PQTMCFGSBAS Set/Get Configures SBAS
PQTMCFGNMEATID Set/Get Configures the NMEA Talker ID
PQTMTAR Output Outputs the time and attitude
PQTMCFGBLD Set/Get Configures the baseline distance
PQTMCFGRTKSRCTYPE Set/Get Configures RTK differential source type
PQTMSN Command Reads the SN of module
PQTMCFGANTINF Set/Get Configures the antenna information
PQTMCFGANTDELTA Set/Get Configures the delta between antennas
PQTMCFGSIGGRP Set/Get Configures the GNSS signal group
PQTMCFGSIGNAL2 Set/Get Configures GNSS signal mask for second antenna
PQTMCFGGEOSEP Set/Get Configures geoidal separation
PQTMCFGCNRTHD Set/Get Configures the CNR threshold for position engine
PQTMCFGELETHD Set/Get Configures the elevation threshold for position engine
PQTMNAV Output Outputs the navigation information
PQTMEOE Output Outputs the end of epoch information
PQTMCFGWN Set/Get Configures the reference start week number
PQTMANTENNASTATUS Output Reports the antenna status

A full list of QGC messages (proprietary protocol defined by Quectel) supported by LG580P, is provided in section 3. QGC Protocol of the GNSS Protocol Specification manual. This protocol is used to output the PPP raw data.

List of Proprietary Quectel Messages
GQC Message Name Message Group Message Number Type Description
RAW-PPPB2B 0x0A 0xB2 Output BDS PPPB2B binary raw messages
RAW-QZSSL6 0x0A 0xB6 Output QZSSL6 binary raw messages
RAW-HASE6 0x0A 0xE6 Output Galileo HASE6 binary raw messages

A full list of compatible RTCM v3 messages, is provided in section 4. RTCM Protocol of the GNSS Protocol Specification manual. This protocol is used for transferring GNSS raw measurement data, as detailed by the Radio Technical Commission for Maritime Services organization.

List of Supported RTCMv3 (MSM) Messages
Message Type Mode Message Description
1005 Input/Output Stationary RTK Reference Station ARP
1006 Input/Output Stationary RTK Reference Station ARP with height
1019 Input/Output GPS Ephemerides
1020 Input/Output GLONASS Ephemerides
1041 Input/Output NavIC/IRNSS Ephemerides
1042 Input/Output BDS Satellite Ephemeris Data
1044 Input/Output QZSS Ephemerides
1046 Input/Output Galileo I/NAV Satellite Ephemeris Data
1073 Input/Output GPS MSM3
1074 Input/Output GPS MSM4
1075 Input/Output GPS MSM5
1076 Input/Output GPS MSM6
1077 Input/Output GPS MSM7
1083 Input/Output GLONASS MSM3
1084 Input/Output GLONASS MSM4
1085 Input/Output GLONASS MSM5
1086 Input/Output GLONASS MSM6
1087 Input/Output GLONASS MSM7
1093 Input/Output Galileo MSM3
1094 Input/Output Galileo MSM4
1095 Input/Output Galileo MSM5
1096 Input/Output Galileo MSM6
1097 Input/Output Galileo MSM7
1113 Input/Output QZSS MSM3
1114 Input/Output QZSS MSM4
1115 Input/Output QZSS MSM5
1116 Input/Output QZSS MSM6
1117 Input/Output QZSS MSM7
1123 Input/Output BDS MSM3
1124 Input/Output BDS MSM4
1125 Input/Output BDS MSM5
1126 Input/Output BDS MSM6
1127 Input/Output BDS MSM7
1133 Input/Output NavIC/IRNSS MSM3
1134 Input/Output NavIC/IRNSS MSM4
1135 Input/Output NavIC/IRNSS MSM5
1136 Input/Output NavIC/IRNSS MSM6
1137 Input/Output NavIC/IRNSS MSM7

From the module, the PPS output signal is a 3.3V signal output.

I/O for PPS signal
The PPS signal's output on the LG580P GNSS Flex module.

Use Case

  • Users could use this signal in conjunction with the event pins to synchronize two modules with each other.
  • Users could use this signal to create their own Stratum 0 source for the NTP on a primary time server.

The RTK pin operates as the RTK_STAT status indicator for the RTK positioning.

I/O for RTK signal
The RTK_LED pin on the LG580P GNSS Flex module.

Info

The RTK_STAT pin is used to indicate RTK status. The pin is at high level during startup.

  1. If the pin output is high, it indicates the module has entered the RTK fixed mode.
  2. If the pin output is low, it indicates that the module exited the RTK fixed mode or is in backup mode.
  3. If the pin outputs an alternating pin level, it indicates that the module received the correct RTCM data and did not enter the RTK fixed mode. The default frequency is 10Hz.

This pin can be triggered by inputs with an adjustable frequency and polarity.

Event trigger
The event pin on the LG580P GNSS Flex module.

Use Case

Users could use this pin in conjunction with the PPS signal to synchronize two modules with each other.

This pin can be used to reset the LG580P module if it enters an abnormal state. To reset the GNSS module, the pin must be low for more than 100ms.

Reset
The reset pin on the LG580P GNSS Flex module.

U.FL Connectors

Users will need to connect compatible GNSS antennas to the Primary Antenna and Secondary Antenna U.FL connectors. The type of antenna used with the LG580P module affects the overall accuracy of the position and attitude calculated by the GNSS receiver.

  • Passive antennas are not recommended for the LG580P GNSS module.
  • To mitigate the impact of out-of-band signals, utilize an active antenna whose SAW filter is placed in front of the LNA in the internal framework.
    • DO NOT select an antenna with the LNA placed in the front.
  • There is no need to inject an external DC voltage for the GNSS antenna. Power is already provided from the LG580P module for the LNA of an active antenna.

GNSS antenna inputs

The U.FL connectors to attach external GNSS antennas to the LG580P GNSS Flex module.

Tip

For the best performance, we recommend users choose compatible L1/L2/L5/L6/L-Band GNSS antennas and utilize a low-loss cables. Also, don't forget that GNSS signals are fairly weak and can't penetrate buildings or dense vegetation. The GNSS antennas should have an unobstructed view of the sky.

  1. Feature Under Development

    Corrections for some of the PPP services have not been implemented.

    ↩

  2. Feature Under Development

    Currently, only the UART interface is supported by the module. Support for the I2C, SPI, and CAN interfaces are still under development.

    ↩↩↩↩↩↩↩

  3. Feature Under Development

    The event trigger has not been implemented.

    ↩