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Danger

ESD Sensitivity

The mosaic-X5 module is sensitive to ESD. Use a proper grounding system to make sure that the working surface and the components are at the same electric potential.

ESD Precaution

As recommended by the manufacturer, we highly recommend that users take the necessary precautions to avoid damaging their module.

  • The Tri-band GNSS RTK breakout board features ESD protection on the USB-C connector and breakout's I/O:
    • USB data lines
    • I/O PTH pads
    • JST connector's pins
  • The mosaic-X5 module features internal ESD protection to the ANT_1 antenna input.

Active Antenna

Never inject an external DC voltage into the SMA connector for the GPS antenna, as it may damage the mosaic-X5 module. For instance, when using a splitter to distribute the antenna signal to several GNSS receivers, make sure that no more than one output of the splitter passes DC. Use DC-blocks otherwise.

Info

A 3 - 5.5V DC voltage can be applied to the main antenna from the VANT pin, obviating the need for an external antenna supply or bias-tee.

Introduction

  • mosaic-X5 GNSS Breakout
    SKU: GPS-23088

    Product Thumbnail

    QR code to play video

    QR code to product page  Purchase from SparkFun

  • At the heart of the Triband GNSS RTK Breakout is Septentrio's mosaic-X5, their most compact, ultra-low power, multi-band, multi-constellation, high-precision GNSS receiver. The receiver supports the GPS (USA), GLONASS (Russia), Beidou (China), Galileo (Europe), and NavIC (India) constellations, including regional systems (i.e. SBAS and QZSS). With its Real Time Kinematics (RTK) capabilities, the module can achieve a horizontal accuracy of 6mm (~0.25in), vertical accuracy of 1cm (~0.4in) using RTK, and timing precision of 5ns (5 billionths of a second). It also features Septentrio's unique AIM+ technology for interference mitigation and anti-spoofing, ensuring best-in-class reliability and scalable position accuracy.

    The mosaic-X5 is a sophisticated chip running an internal web server that can be accessed through the USB interface with a standard browser using a Linux/Windows computer. Septentrio also provides dozens of video tutorials to guide users through the configuration settings of their GNSS receivers utilizing the web interface.

    Beyond the capabilities of the mosaic-X5 module, this board is seamless to operate with no programming skills required. Gone are the times when a microcontroller was required to interface with the GNSS receiver and log data to an SD card. The mosaic-X5 Triband GNSS RTK Breakout can start/stop logging data, without a single line of code, just utilizing a simple button.

    This breakout board is a perfect middle ground for users who would like to integrate the mosaic-X5 module into a project/enclosure with access to a majority of the module's available pins, similar to Septentrio's developer kit, but in the smaller form factor of their evaluation kit. Or maybe... you just needed a PPS output at a 3.3V logic level. Please, check out the rest ouf our guide for more details on the capabilities of this board (that we couldn't fit in this product description).

Important: Read Before Use!

ESD Sensitivity

The mosaic-X5 module is sensitive to ESD. Use a proper grounding system to make sure that the working surface and the components are at the same electric potential.

ESD Precaution

As recommended by the manufacturer, we highly recommend that users take the necessary precautions to avoid damaging their module.

  • The Tri-band GNSS RTK breakout board features ESD protection on the USB-C connector and breakout's I/O:
    • USB data lines
    • I/O PTH pads
    • JST connector's pins
  • The mosaic-X5 module features internal ESD protection to the ANT_1 antenna input.

Active Antenna

Never inject an external DC voltage into the SMA connector for the GPS antenna, as it may damage the mosaic-X5 module. For instance, when using a splitter to distribute the antenna signal to several GNSS receivers, make sure that no more than one output of the splitter passes DC. Use DC-blocks otherwise.

Info

A 3 - 5.5V DC voltage can be applied to the main antenna from the VANT pin, obviating the need for an external antenna supply or bias-tee.

Product Comparison

Below is a simple comparison table between our breakout board and Septentrio's development and evaluation kits:

mosaic-X5 Development Kit
Product Thumbnail
mosaic-go Evaluation Kit
Product Thumbnail
mosaic-X5 GNSS Breakout
Product Thumbnail
RTK mosaic-X5
Product Thumbnail
GNSS Antenna Dual Single (mosaic-X5)
Dual (mosaic-H) 		Single Single
USB Connector micro-B micro-B Type-C Type-C
Ethernet Yes
10/100 Base-T 		No No Yes
10/100 Base-T
WiFi No No No Yes - Network Bridge
10 Base-T
COM Ports 4 2 4 1 - mosaic-X5
1 - ESP32
µSD Card Slot Yes Yes Yes Yes
Reset/Log Buttons Yes No* Yes Yes
Logic-Level 1.8V
3.3V 		3.3V 3.3V 3.3V
5V
PPS Signal Header Pin 6-Pin JST Connector SMA Connector Screw Terminal
Enclosure Material N/A Metal N/A Aluminum
Dimensions N/A 71 x 59 x 12mm ± 1mm 70.9 x 50.8 x 8mm 180.6 x 101.8 x 41mm
Enclosure Only
Weight N/A 58g ± 1g 22.6g 415.15g
Enclosure Only

mosaic-go Evaluation Kit

The reset pin is exposed on 4-pin JST connector and the log pin is connected to the latch pin of the SD card slot.

 Required Materials

To get started, users will need a few items. Now some users may already have a few of these items, feel free to modify your cart accordingly.

  1. A list of the compatible GNSS receiver software, is provided on the Septentrio website.
  2. If your computer doesn't have a USB-A slot, then choose an appropriate cable or adapter.
  3. For the best performance, use a compatible L1/L2/L5 GNSS antenna.

ESD Protection

The Septentrio mosaic-X5 module is sensitive to ESD. Use a proper grounding system to make sure that the working surface and the components are at the same electric potential.

Warning

As recommended by the manufacturer, we highly recommend that users take the necessary precautions to avoid damaging their module.

Antennas & Accessories

For the best performance, we recommend users choose a compatible L1/L2/L5 (tri-band) GNSS antenna and utilize a low-loss cable. For additional options, please check out the GPS Antenna category of our product catalog.

Data Logging

The Septentrio mosaic-X5 module is capable of logging data to an µSD card. Please check out the memory cards and accessories in our product catalog.

JST Cable & Transceivers

In remote applications, users may need to utilize one of our radio transceivers for RTK correction data. Users may also find our breadboard cable convenient for connecting your module to a development board.

Headers and Wiring

To add headers or hookup wires, users will need soldering equipment and headers/wire.

New to soldering?

Check out our How to Solder: Through-Hole Soldering tutorial for a quick introduction!

Jumper Modification

To modify the jumpers, users will need soldering equipment and/or a hobby knife.

New to jumper pads?

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

 Suggested Reading

As a more sophisticated product, we will skip over the more fundamental tutorials (i.e. Ohm's Law and What is Electricity?). However, below are a few tutorials that may help users familiarize themselves with various aspects of the board.

Tip

Check out the www.gps.gov website to learn more about the U.S.-owned Global Positioning System (GPS) and the Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) of other countries.

Related Blog Posts

Additionally, users may be interested in these blog post articles on GNSS technologies: