U-blox announced the launch of the new ready-to-use XPLR-HPG-1 and XPLR-HPG-2 Precision positioning Communications Exploration Suite to further improve the efficiency of product development engineers for applications that require testing GNSS CM and positioning capabilities early in development.

     U-blox ready-to-use XPLR-HPG-1 and XPLR-HPG-2 Discovery kits will combine u-blox's key technology portfolio in the area of high precision positioning for the first time, in addition to open MCU, The suite will also include features such as real-time dynamic (RTK) high-precision GNSS(HPG) positioning, inertial navigation, cellular communications, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth communications, and the necessary antenna equipment.In addition, the XPLR-HPG suite integrates seamlessly with u-blox PointPerfect GNSS enhancement services and ubxlib software components. Among other things, ubxlib makes it easier for developers to use u-blox products and services, especially for component evaluation and prototyping.

     Focusing more on applications such as micromobility and low-speed robotics, the XPLR-HPG suite helps R&D engineers build, test, and demonstrate early proof-of-concept faster, reducing time to market overall.Both models offer flexibility and compact options, respectively, and both the XPLR-HPG-1 and XPLR-HPG-2 Discovery kits will include the full range of u-blox technology and software required. The modular XPLR-HPG-1 suite will build on the wireless MCU in u-blox NORA-W106 with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth low power capabilities, giving engineers the flexibility to adapt their solutions using MIKROE Click boards equipped with various u-blox modules. So as to meet its demand for positioning accuracy.

     The kit consists of three Click boards equipped with the ZED-F9R high precision RTK GNSS module, the LARA-R6001D LTE Cat 1 module (with global coverage and built-in MQTT client), and the NEO-D9S L-band correction data receiver module. Engineers can purchase other modules based on application requirements. The source code for the XPLR-HPG-1 suite also includes sample software for the Espressif IoT Development Framework(ESP-IDF) based on the ubxlib software component. The XPLR-HPG-2 is smaller and simpler in appearance, providing an integrated solution with ZED-F9R high precision RTK GNSS module, LARA-R6001D LTE Cat 1 module (with global coverage and built-in MQTT client), NEO-D9S L-band corrects data receiver module, and NINA-W106 module with MCU, Bluetooth Low power and Wi-Fi capabilities.

     Combining multiple technologies in a single discovery suite, XPLR-HPG will enable product development engineers to achieve centimeter-level positioning accuracy in a variety of scenarios. The GNSS receiver provides an initial position reading, which is further improved with correction data provided by the PointPerfect service, and finally transmitted using the L-band satellite signal and cellular and/or Wi-Fi communications.

     "Centimeter-level positioning accuracy is becoming increasingly important for consumer and industrial applications, and depends on the integration of GNSS technology with wireless communications capabilities and connectivity to enhanced data services such as PointPerfect. Our goal in developing this new suite is to centralize all key technologies and services to simplify the workflow of design engineers as much as possible, thereby helping them quickly create proof-of-concept solutions that will get the finished product into the hands of customers more quickly." Pelle Svensson, Senior Director of Product Strategy for Short Range Communications at u-blox