SparkFun GNSS Timing Breakout - ZED-F9T (Qwiic)

Achieve 5-nanosecond timing accuracy for your network or IoT application. This multi-band GNSS breakout features the u-blox ZED-F9T, USB-C, and dedicated SMA timing ports.


Description

The SparkFun GNSS Timing Breakout is a specialised tool designed for applications where time is just as critical as position. Featuring the u-blox ZED-F9T GNSS receiver, this board offers an impressive five nanoseconds of timing accuracy under clear skies without requiring any external GNSS correction data. Whether you are maximizing the efficiency of a 5G IoT network, synchronising a distributed sensor grid, or building a high-precision NTP server, this breakout provides the ultra-accurate time reference you need.

Multi-Band Reliability

The ZED-F9T is a top-of-the-line multi-band module that supports L1, L2, and E5b bands across all major constellations (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou). By tracking multiple bands concurrently, the ZED-F9T ensures extreme versatility and timing stability, even if it loses lock with one or more specific constellations.

Comprehensive Connectivity

We designed this breakout to be a complete GNSS development tool, even borrowing the form factor of our popular ZED-F9P Qwiic GPS-RTK-SMA Breakout to give you every connection you need:

  • SMA Connectors: Includes three SMA connectors (one for the antenna and two dedicated for timing pulse signals), allowing for secure, low-loss connections to external equipment.
  • USB-C & Qwiic: Features a modern USB-C connector for primary power and communication, plus two Qwiic connectors for easy, solder-free I2C integration with the rest of your system.
  • Full Access: For advanced users, we have exposed a set of PTH pins, enabling direct access to most of the ZED-F9T's pinout.

Fast Acquisition

To ensure your system is up and running quickly, the breakout includes an onboard rechargeable backup battery. This powers the module's internal Real-Time Clock (RTC), reducing Time-To-First-Fix from a cold start (~24 seconds) to a hot start (~2 seconds).


Specifications

  • Concurrent reception of GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou constellations
  • Receives L1/L2/E5b bands
  • Voltage: 5V or 3.3V (all logic is 3.3V)
  • Current: 68mA - 130mA (varies depending on operating conditions and constellations)
  • Fix Acquisition: ~24s (Cold) / 2s (Hot)
  • Time Pulse Signal Accuracy:
    • Absolute Timing Mode: 5ns
    • Differential Timing Mode (with correction data): 2.5ns
  • Time Pulse Signal Frequency: 0.25Hz to 25MHz
  • Time Pulse Signal Jitter: ±4ns
  • Horizontal Position Accuracy: 2.0m
  • Max Altitude: 80km (49.7 miles)
  • Max Velocity: 500m/s (118mph)
  • I2C Address: 0x42
  • 2x Qwiic Connectors

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