SparkFun GNSS Timing Breakout - ZED-F9T-20B (Qwiic)

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-20B 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 maximising 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-20B is a top-of-the-line multi-band module that supports L1, L2/L5, and E5a/E5b bands across major constellations (GPS / QZSS, Galileo, BeiDou, and NavIC). By tracking multiple bands concurrently, the ZED-F9T-20B ensures extreme versatility and timing stability, even if it loses lock with one or more specific constellations.

The ZED-F9T-20B also features native support for Galileo OSNMA (Open Service Navigation Message Authentication), which protects against spoofing by verifying the authenticity of GNSS data.

Comprehensive Connectivity

SparkFun designed this breakout to be a complete GNSS development tool, borrowing the form factor of its popular GPS-RTK-SMA line to provide every connection needed:

• SMA Connectors: Includes three SMA connectors (one for the antenna and two dedicated to 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 the system.
• Full Access: For advanced users, SparkFun has broken out a host of PTH pins, enabling direct access to most of the ZED-F9T-20B's pinout.

Fast Acquisition

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

Features & Specifications

• Concurrent reception of GPS / QZSS, Galileo, BeiDou, NavIC constellations
• Receives L1/L2/L5, E1/E5, and B1/B2 bands
  • L1C/A, L2C, L5
  • E1B/C, E5b, E5a
  • B1I, B1C, B2a, B2I
• Built-in security, including Galileo OSNMA
• 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

Documentation

• Schematic
• Eagle Files
• Board Dimensions
• Hookup Guide
• ZED-F9T-20B Documents
  • Datasheet
  • Integration Manual
  • Interface Description Reference
• u-center Software
• Building a GNSS System
• Qwiic Info Page
• Arduino Library - v3
• GitHub Hardware Repo