New X20 full band high precision GNSS platform

     U-blox has released its new X20 full-band high-precision GNSS platform, raising the bar for accuracy, performance and safety. The platform is software upgradeable. This helps the future-proof of the system, as users can adjust their system if there are any developments in relevant technologies and standards.

     Building on the success of the F9 high-precision GNSS platform, the new generation of GNSS meets the current global demand for high-precision GNSS. Its future-proof design is designed to cope with emerging technologies and standards. The new platform was created for industrial automation, automotive, and other applications that require centimeter-level positioning accuracy in challenging environments and time synchronization applications of critical infrastructure systems.

     The platform is a full-band (L1/L2/L5/L6) solution with an integrated L-band receiver. It includes all available GNSS satellite signals, providing the highest precision positioning even in difficult signal environments. It supports the basic L1 and L2 frequencies and the subsequent addition of the L5 band. Compared to the L1 and L2 bands, the L5 band operates at a lower frequency and benefits from enhanced signal characteristics, making the L5 signal more robust. The platform has also added support for the L6 band. This band is used for navigation services and correction services, helping to make positioning estimates more accurate.

     The new platform offers maximum flexibility with built-in support for all types of calibration services. It supports local base stations and correction types such as RTK, Network RTK, and PPP-RTK, and also introduces the option to use PPP correction. The platform's versatility and scalability allow its users to choose the best solution for their application, balancing cost and precision. Potential applications are multifaceted, ranging from port logistics operations to machine control in construction and emerging industrial applications such as drones and ground robots such as lawn mowers.

     "The X20 combines the unique capabilities of u-blox GNSS chips, software, modules and calibration services to outperform other solutions in terms of accuracy, performance and security," said Stephan Zizala, CEO of u-blox. "Our X20 platform will bring centimeter-level GNSS technology to the global mass market. Combined with future PPP versions of PointPerfect, our customers will be able to leverage homogeneous calibration data performance across continents."

     The X20 is designed to provide maximum integrity and security. The platform has end-to-end security features, including system authentication through secure boot and secure firmware updates, message authentication, and encryption with built-in security RoT. The platform also supports Galileo OSNMA authentication, combined with advanced interference and spoofing detection and mitigation.