NEO-8Q / NEO-M8 - Hardware integration manual
UBX-15029985 - Production information Hardware description Page 5 of 6
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1 Hardware description
1.1 Overview
u-blox NEO-8Q, NEO-M8N, NEO-M8Q, NEO-M8M and NEO-M8J standard precision GNSS modules,
and the NEO-M8T timing GNSS module, all feature the high performance u-blox M8 GNSS engine.
Available in the industry standard NEO form factor in a leadless chip carrier (LCC) package, they are
easy to integrate and combine exceptional positioning performance with highly flexible power, design,
and connectivity options. SMT pads allow fully automated assembly with standard pick & place and
reflow-soldering equipment for cost-efficient, high-volume production enabling short time-to-
market.
☞ For product features, see the corresponding product data sheet in the Related documents section.
☞ To determine which u-blox product best meets your needs, see the product selector tables on the
u-blox website www.u-blox.com.
1.2 Configuration
The configuration settings can be modified using UBX protocol configuration messages, see the u-
blox 8 / u-blox M8 Receiver Description including Protocol Specification [4]. The modified settings
remain effective until power-down or reset. If these settings have been stored in BBR (Battery Backed
RAM), then the modified configuration will be retained, as long as the backup battery supply is not
interrupted.
For the NEO-M8N and NEO-M8J modules, configuration can be saved permanently in SQI flash.
1.3 Connecting power
The u-blox NEO-8Q and NEO-M8 series modules have three power supply pins: VCC, V_BCKP, and
VDD_USB.
1.3.1 VCC: Main supply voltage
The VCC pin provides the main supply voltage. During operation, the current drawn by the module can
vary by some orders of magnitude, especially if enabling low-power operation modes. For this reason,
it is important that the supply circuitry be able to support the peak power for a short time (for the
specifications, see the corresponding product data sheet in the Related documents section).
☞ When switching from backup mode to normal operation or at start-up, u-blox NEO-8Q and NEO-
M8 series modules must charge the internal capacitors in the core domain. In certain situations,
this can result in a significant current draw. For low power applications using Power Save and
backup modes, it is important that the power supply or low ESR capacitors at the module input
can deliver this current/charge.
☞ Use a proper GND concept. Do not use any resistors or coils in the power line.
1.3.2 V_BCKP: Backup supply voltage
If the module supply has a power failure, the V_BCKP pin supplies the real-time clock (RTC) and
battery backed RAM (BBR). Use of valid time and the GNSS orbit data at start up will improve the
GNSS performance, as with hot starts, warm starts, AssistNow Autonomous and AssistNow Offline.
If no backup battery is connected, the module performs a cold start at power up.
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