Hardware Assembly

USB Programming

The USB connection is utilized for configuration and communication with the ZED-X20P GNSS module. Users only need to connect their ZED-X20P GNSS breakout board to a computer using a USB-C cable.

External Antenna

In order to receive GNSS signals, users will need to connect a compatible antenna.

GNSS antenna connection — Attaching a GNSS antenna to the SMA connector on the ZED-X20P GNSS breakout board.

Tip

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

U.FL Connector

Users have the option of utilizing the U.FL connector to attach an external GNSS antenna. An external antenna can be connected to the U.FL connector on the board with an U.FL to SMA adapter cable. In order to utilize the U.FL connector, the RF jumper must be modified to change the signal path.

Never modified a jumper before?

Check out our Jumper Pads and PCB Traces tutorial for a quick introduction!

How to Work with Jumper Pads and PCB Traces

Breakout Pins

The PTH pins on the ZED-X20P GNSS breakout board are broken out into 0.1"-spaced pins on the outer edges of the board.

New to soldering?

If you have never soldered before or need a quick refresher, check out our How to Solder: Through-Hole Soldering guide.

How to Solder: Through-Hole Soldering

Headers

When selecting headers, be sure you are aware of the functionality you require.

Hookup Wires

For a more permanent connection, users can solder wires directly to the board.

Soldering wires to the ZED-X20P GNSS breakout board.

BlueSMiRF Header Pins

One of the three sets of PTH pins on the ZED-X20P GNSS breakout board is labeled BlueSMiRF. This set of header pins breaks out the UART2 interface of the ZED-X20P module, which can be connected to a microcontroller or RF transceiver; such as the BlueSMiRF v2, Bluetooth^® serial link. The BlueSMiRF v2 comes in two variations, with PTH pins or male header pins. Users can directly solder the PTH variant to the board with male headers, for a more permanent installation; otherwise, for more flexibility, a stackable header can be utilized.

Default Settings

Baudrate: 38400bps
Data Bits: 8
Parity: No
Stop Bits: 1

When connecting the ZED-X20P GNSS breakout board to another device, users need to be aware of the pin connections and voltage ranges of the products. Below, is a table of the pin connections that users can reference.

Pin Number	1 (Left Side)	2	3	4	5	6 (Right)
Label	`NC`	`TXD`	`RXD`	`3V3`	`NC`	`GND`
Function		UART - Transmit	UART - Receive	Output Voltage: 3.3V		Ground

JST Connector

The BlueSMiRF header pins and JST connector, both break out the UART2 interface of the ZED-X20P module. The JST connector can be used to attach to the SiK Telemetry Radio V3 for RTK corrections.

RTK setup — Operating the ZED-X20P GNSS breakout board as an RTK base station, transmitting RTK corrections with the SiK Telemetry Radio V3.

Default Settings

Baudrate: 38400bps
Data Bits: 8
Parity: No
Stop Bits: 1

When connecting the ZED-X20P GNSS breakout board to another device, users need to be aware of the pin connections and voltage ranges of the products. Below, is a table of the pin connections that users can reference.

Pin Number	1 (Left Side)	2	3	4 (Right)
Label	`3V3`	`TXD`	`RXD`	`GND`
Function	Output Voltage: 3.3V	UART - Transmit	UART - Receive	Ground

Qwiic Devices

The Qwiic system allows users to effortlessly prototype with a Qwiic compatible I²C device without soldering. Users can attach ZED-X20P GNSS breakout board along with other Qwiic sensors or boards to any Qwiic compatible microcontroller, with just a few Qwiic cables. (*The example below, is for demonstration purposes and is not pertinent to the board functionality or this tutorial.)