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16.0 x 12.2 x 2.4 mm 
 
  
 
NEO-6 
u-blox 6 GPS Modules 
Data Sheet 
 
 
 
 
 
Abstract 
 
Technical data sheet describing the cost effective, high-performance  
u-blox 6 based NEO-6 series of GPS modules, that brings the high 
 
performance of the u-blox 6 positioning engine to the miniature 
NEO form factor. 
 
These receivers combine a high level of integration capability with 
flexible connectivity options in a small package. This makes them 
 
perfectly suited for mass-market end products with strict size and 
cost requirements. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
www.u-blox.com 
 
 
 
NEO-6 - Data Sheet 
 
Document Information 
Title 
Subtitle 
NEO-6 
u-blox 6 GPS Modules 
Document type 
Data Sheet 
Document number 
GPS.G6-HW-09005-E 
Document status 
 
 
 
 
Document status information 
Objective 
Specification 
This document contains target values. Revised and supplementary data will be published 
later. 
Advance 
Information 
Preliminary  
This document contains data based on early testing. Revised and supplementary data will 
be published later. 
This document contains data from product verification. Revised and supplementary data 
may be published later. 
Released  
This document contains the final product specification. 
 
This document applies to the following products: 
Name 
NEO-6G 
NEO-6Q 
NEO-6M 
NEO-6P 
NEO-6V 
NEO-6T 
Type number 
ROM/FLASH version 
NEO-6G-0-001 
NEO-6Q-0-001 
NEO-6M-0-001 
NEO-6P-0-000 
NEO-6V-0-000 
NEO-6T-0-000 
ROM7.03 
ROM7.03 
ROM7.03 
ROM6.02 
ROM7.03 
ROM7.03 
PCN reference 
UBX-TN-11047-1 
UBX-TN-11047-1 
UBX-TN-11047-1 
N/A 
N/A 
N/A 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
This document and the use of any information contained therein, is subject to the acceptance of the u-blox terms and conditions. They 
can be downloaded from www.u-blox.com. 
u-blox makes no warranties based on the accuracy or completeness of the contents of this document and reserves the right to make 
changes to specifications and product descriptions at any time without notice. Reproduction, use or disclosure to third parties without 
express permission is strictly prohibited. Copyright © 2011, u-blox AG. 
u-blox® is a registered trademark of u-blox Holding AG in the EU and other countries. ARM® is the registered trademark of ARM Limited in 
the EU and other countries. 
 
 
GPS.G6-HW-09005-E 
  
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NEO-6 - Data Sheet 
Contents 
Contents .............................................................................................................................. 3 
1.7.1 
1.7.2 
1.7.3 
1.8 
1.9 
1.10 
1.11 
1.12 
1  Functional description .................................................................................................. 5 
1.1  Overview .............................................................................................................................................. 5 
1.2 
Product features ................................................................................................................................... 5 
1.3  GPS performance .................................................................................................................................. 6 
Block diagram ....................................................................................................................................... 7 
1.4 
Assisted GPS (A-GPS) ............................................................................................................................ 7 
1.5 
AssistNow Autonomous ....................................................................................................................... 7 
1.6 
1.7 
Precision Timing .................................................................................................................................... 8 
Time mode .................................................................................................................................... 8 
Timepulse and frequency reference ............................................................................................... 8 
Time mark ..................................................................................................................................... 8 
Raw data .............................................................................................................................................. 8 
Automotive Dead Reckoning ................................................................................................................ 8 
Precise Point Positioning .................................................................................................................... 9 
Oscillators ......................................................................................................................................... 9 
Protocols and interfaces .................................................................................................................... 9 
1.12.1  UART ............................................................................................................................................. 9 
1.12.2  USB ............................................................................................................................................... 9 
1.12.3  Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) ....................................................................................................... 9 
1.12.4  Display Data Channel (DDC) ........................................................................................................ 10 
Antenna .......................................................................................................................................... 10 
Power Management ....................................................................................................................... 10 
1.14.1  Maximum Performance Mode ..................................................................................................... 10 
1.14.2  Eco Mode .................................................................................................................................... 10 
1.14.3  Power Save Mode ....................................................................................................................... 11 
Configuration ................................................................................................................................. 11 
1.15.1  Boot-time configuration .............................................................................................................. 11 
Design-in ........................................................................................................................................ 11 
1.13 
1.14 
1.15 
1.16 
2  Pin Definition .............................................................................................................. 12 
Pin assignment ................................................................................................................................... 12 
2.1 
3  Electrical specifications .............................................................................................. 14 
3.1 
Absolute maximum ratings ................................................................................................................. 14 
3.2  Operating conditions .......................................................................................................................... 15 
Indicative power requirements ............................................................................................................ 15 
3.3 
SPI timing diagrams ............................................................................................................................ 16 
3.4 
Timing recommendations ............................................................................................................ 16 
3.4.1 
4  Mechanical specifications .......................................................................................... 17 
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5  Qualification and certification ................................................................................... 18 
Reliability tests .................................................................................................................................... 18 
Approvals ........................................................................................................................................... 18 
5.1 
5.2 
NEO-6 - Data Sheet 
6.1 
6.1.1 
6.1.1 
6  Product handling & soldering .................................................................................... 19 
Packaging ........................................................................................................................................... 19 
Reels ........................................................................................................................................... 19 
Tapes .......................................................................................................................................... 20 
6.2  Moisture Sensitivity Levels ................................................................................................................... 21 
6.3 
Reflow soldering ................................................................................................................................. 21 
ESD handling precautions ................................................................................................................... 21 
6.4 
7  Default settings .......................................................................................................... 22 
8  Labeling and ordering information ........................................................................... 23 
8.1 
Product labeling .................................................................................................................................. 23 
8.2 
Explanation of codes........................................................................................................................... 23 
8.3  Ordering information .......................................................................................................................... 24 
Related documents........................................................................................................... 24 
Revision history ................................................................................................................ 24 
Contact .............................................................................................................................. 25 
 
 
GPS.G6-HW-09005-E 
  
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NEO-6 - Data Sheet 
1  Functional description 
1.1  Overview 
The  NEO-6  module  series  is  a  family  of  stand-alone  GPS  receivers  featuring  the  high  performance  u-blox  6 
positioning engine. These flexible and cost effective receivers offer numerous connectivity options in a miniature 
16 x 12.2 x 2.4 mm package. Their compact architecture and power and memory options make NEO-6 modules 
ideal for battery operated mobile devices with very strict cost and space constraints.  
The 50-channel u-blox  6 positioning engine boasts a Time-To-First-Fix (TTFF) of  under 1 second. The dedicated 
acquisition  engine,  with  2  million  correlators,  is  capable  of  massive  parallel  time/frequency  space  searches, 
enabling  it  to  find  satellites  instantly.  Innovative  design  and  technology  suppresses  jamming  sources  and 
mitigates  multipath  effects,  giving  NEO-6  GPS  receivers  excellent  navigation  performance  even  in  the  most 
challenging environments.  
1.2  Product features 
 
Table 1: Features of the NEO-6 Series  
 
 
All NEO-6 modules are based on GPS chips qualified according to AEC-Q100. See Chapter 5.1 for further 
information. 
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1.3  GPS performance 
Parameter 
Receiver type 
1
Time-To-First-Fix
 
4
 
Sensitivity
Specification 
50 Channels  
GPS L1 frequency, C/A Code 
SBAS: WAAS, EGNOS, MSAS 
 
Cold Start2 
Warm Start2 
Hot Start2 
3
Aided Starts
 
 
Tracking & Navigation 
Reacquisition5 
Cold Start (without aiding) 
 
Maximum Navigation update rate 
Horizontal position accuracy6 
Configurable Timepulse frequency range 
Accuracy for Timepulse signal 
Velocity accuracy6 
Heading accuracy6 
Operational Limits 
 
Table 2: NEO-6 GPS performance 
Hot Start 
 
 
GPS 
SBAS 
SBAS + PPP7 
SBAS + PPP7  
 
 
RMS 
99% 
Granularity 
Compensated9 
 
 
Dynamics 
Altitude10 
Velocity10 
NEO-6 - Data Sheet 
NEO-6G/Q/T 
NEO-6M/V 
NEO-6P 
26 s 
26 s 
1 s 
1 s 
NEO-6G/Q/T 
-162 dBm 
-160 dBm 
-148 dBm 
-157 dBm 
NEO-6G/Q/M/T 
5Hz 
2.5 m 
27 s 
27 s 
1 s 
<3 s 
NEO-6M/V 
-161 dBm 
-160 dBm 
-147 dBm 
-156 dBm 
NEO-6P/V 
1 Hz 
32 s 
32 s 
1 s 
<3 s 
NEO-6P 
-160 dBm 
-160 dBm 
-146 dBm 
-155 dBm 
 
 
2.0 m 
< 1 m (2D, R50)8) 
< 2 m (3D, R50)8 
NEO-6G/Q/M/P/V 
NEO-6T 
0.25 Hz to 1 kHz 
0.25 Hz to 10 MHz 
30 ns 
<60 ns 
21 ns 
15 ns 
0.1m/s 
0.5 degrees 
 4 g  
50,000 m 
500 m/s 
                                                      
1  All satellites at -130 dBm 
2  Without aiding 
3  Dependent on aiding data connection speed and latency 
4  Demonstrated with a good active antenna 
5  For an outage duration  10s 
6  CEP, 50%, 24 hours static, -130dBm, SEP: <3.5m 
7  NEO-6P only 
8  Demonstrated under following conditions: 24 hours, stationary, first 600 seconds of data discarded. HDOP < 1.5 during measurement 
period, strong signals. Continuous availability of valid SBAS correction data during full test period. 
9  Quantization error information can be used with NEO-6T to compensate the granularity related error of the timepulse signal 
10 Assuming Airborne <4g platform 
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1.4  Block diagram 
NEO-6 - Data Sheet 
Figure 1: Block diagram (For available options refer to the product features table in section 1.2). 
 
1.5  Assisted GPS (A-GPS) 
Supply of  aiding  information like ephemeris, almanac,  rough  last  position and time and satellite status and an 
optional  time  synchronization  signal  will  reduce  time  to  first  fix  significantly  and  improve  the  acquisition 
sensitivity. All NEO-6 modules support the u-blox AssistNow Online and AssistNow Offline A-GPS services11 and 
are OMA SUPL compliant.  
1.6  AssistNow Autonomous  
AssistNow Autonomous provides functionality similar to Assisted-GPS without the need for a host or external 
network connection. Based on previously broadcast satellite ephemeris data downloaded to and stored by the 
GPS receiver, AssistNow Autonomous automatically generates accurate satellite orbital data (“AssistNow 
Autonomous data”) that is usable for future GPS position fixes. AssistNow Autonomous data is reliable for up to 
3 days after initial capture.  
u-blox’ AssistNow Autonomous benefits are:  
 
Faster position fix 
  No connectivity required 
  Complementary with AssistNow Online and Offline services 
  No integration effort, calculations are done in the background 
 
For more details see the u-blox 6 Receiver Description including Protocol Specification [2]. 
 
                                                      
11 AssistNow Offline requires external memory. 
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NEO-6 - Data Sheet 
1.7  Precision Timing 
1.7.1  Time mode 
NEO-6T provides a special Time Mode to provide higher timing accuracy. The  NEO-6T is designed for use with 
stationary  antenna  setups.  The  Time  Mode  features  three  different  settings  described  in  Table  3:  Disabled, 
Survey-In  and  Fixed  Mode.  For  optimal  performance  entering  the  position  of  the  antenna  (when  known)  is 
recommended as potential source of errors will be reduced. 
 
Time Mode Settings 
Description 
Disabled 
Survey-In 
Fixed Mode 
Standard PVT operation 
The GPS receiver computes the average position over an extended time period until a predefined 
maximum standard deviation has been reached.  Afterwards the receiver will be automatically set to 
Fixed Mode and the timing features will be activated. 
In this mode, a fixed 3D position and known standard deviation is assumed and the timing features are 
activated.  Fixed Mode can either be activated directly by feeding pre-defined position coordinates (ECEF 
- Earth Center Earth Fixed format) or by performing a Survey-In. 
In Fixed mode, the timing errors in the TIMEPULSE signal which otherwise result from positioning errors 
are eliminated. Single-satellite operation is supported. For details, please refer to the u-blox 6 Receiver 
Description including Protocol Specification [2]. 
Table 3: Time mode settings 
1.7.2  Timepulse and frequency reference 
NEO-6T comes with a timepulse output which can be configured from 0.25 Hz up to 10 MHz. The timepulse can 
either be used for time synchronization (i.e. 1 pulse per second) or as a reference frequency in the MHz range. A 
timepulse in the MHz range provides excellent long-term frequency accuracy and stability. 
1.7.3  Time mark 
NEO-6T can be used for precise time measurements with sub-microsecond resolution using the external interrupt 
(EXTINT0).  Rising and falling edges of these signals are time-stamped to the GPS or UTC time and counted. The 
Time Mark functionality can be enabled with the UBX-CFG-TM2 message 
For details, please refer to the u-blox 6 Receiver Description including Protocol Specification [2]. 
1.8  Raw data 
Raw  data  output  is  supported  at  an  update  rate  of  5  Hz  on  the  NEO-6T  and  NEO-6P.  The  UBX-RXM-RAW 
message  includes  carrier  phase  with  half-cycle  ambiguity  resolved,  code  phase  and  Doppler  measurements, 
which  can  be  used  in  external  applications  that  offer  precision  positioning,  real-time  kinematics  (RTK)  and 
attitude sensing.  
1.9  Automotive Dead Reckoning 
Automotive Dead Reckoning (ADR) is u-blox’ industry proven off-the-shelf Dead Reckoning solution for tier-one 
automotive customers. u-blox’ ADR solution combines GPS and sensor digital data using a tightly coupled 
Kalman filter. This improves position accuracy during periods of no or degraded GPS signal. 
 
The NEO-6V provides ADR functionality over its software sensor interface. A variety of sensors (such as wheel 
ticks and gyroscope) are supported, with the sensor data received via UBX messages from the application 
processor. This allows for easy integration and a simple hardware interface, lowering costs. By using digital 
sensor data available on the vehicle bus, hardware costs are minimized since no extra sensors are required for 
Dead Reckoning functionality. ADR is designed for simple integration and easy configuration of different sensor 
options (e.g. with or without gyroscope) and vehicle variants, and is completely self-calibrating. 
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