Rikaline  GPS-27 
     
 
GPS    Board 
 
 
 
 
 
 
User’s    Guide 
SiRF Star III      V1.0    Feb 20, 2006 
 
Rikaline   International Corp. 
14F, 171, Chen-Gong Road, San-Chong City, Taipei 241, Taiwan 
Phone:  +886-2-8973-1899    Fax: +886-2-8973-1896 
E-Mail:  info@rikaline.com.tw      Web: www.rikaline.com.tw 
 
All Right Reserved 
GPS-27  Operating  Manual                                  Rikaline 
 
 
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS 
  3 
  3 
  3 
  3 
 
 
1.    Introduction  ………………………………………………………………………………………..
1.1    Overview  ……………………………………………………………………………………..
1.2    Features  ……………………………………………………………………………………..
1.3    Technical Specifications  ………………………………………………………………..
 
2.    Operational Characteristics  ……………………………………………………………….…   5 
  5 
  5 
2.1    Initialization  ………………………………………………………………………………….
2.2    Navigation  ………………………………………………………………………………….
                                                                                                                 
3.    Hardware Interface  ………………………………………………………………………….……   6 
3.1    Physical Characteristics ……………………………………………………………….…   6 
3.2    Hardware   …..…………………..……………………………………………………….……   6 
3.3    Connector  ………………………………………………………………………………….…   6 
3.4    Pad Assignment  ……………………………………………………………………………   6 
3.5    Other function description …………………………………………..…………………   8 
 
4.    Software Interface …………………………………………………………………………….…   9 
4.1    NMEA Transmitted Sentences ……………………………………………………..…   9 
4.2    RTCM Received Data  ………………………………………………………………….. 12 
 
5.    Earth Datums & Output Setting ……………………………………………………………. 13 
5.1    Earth Datums ……………………………………………………………………………….. 13 
5.2    Output Setting  …………………………………………………………………………….… 13 
 
6.    Ordering Information  ………………………………………………………………………..… 14 
6.1    Product Options  ………………………………………………………………….………… 14 
6.2    Accessories ………………………………………………………………………….……… 14 
 
7.    Warranty  ……………………………………………………………………………………………… 14 
 
 
 
 
 
Rikaline International Corp.      14F, 171, Cheng-Gong Road, SanChung City, Taipei 241, Taiwan 
Tel: ++886 2 8973 1899    Fax: ++886 2 8973 1896      E-Mail: info@rikaline.com.tw    web: www.rikaline.com.tw 
2
GPS-27  Operating  Manual                                  Rikaline 
 
 
1. Introduction 
 
1.1 Overview 
 
The Rikaline  GPS-27  GPS  Engine  Board  is  designed  based  on  SiRF  Star  III  new  generation 
architecture with low power consumption, small size (16 x 20mm) and easy integrated for a broad spectrum 
of OEM system applications. It acquires satellite 20 channel parallel and tracking 12 at a time. The 200,000 
effective correlators ensure fast TTFF and fast TTFF at low signal level. 
 
The GPS-27 meets strict needs such as car navigation, mapping, surveying, security, agriculture and so on. 
Only  clear  view  of  sky  and  certain  power  supply  are  necessary  to  the  unit.  It  communicates  with  other 
electronic  utilities  via  compatible  TTL  and  saves  critical  satellite  data  by  built–in  backup  memory.  The 
Trickle-Power allows the unit operates a fraction of the time and Push-to-Fix permits user to have a quick 
position fix even though the receiver usually stays off. 
 
To  minimize  the  space  and  cost,  we  provide  you  GPS-27  without  patch  antenna  and  some  components 
which you may have in your main board. 
 
1.2 Features 
 
The GPS-27 provides a host of features that make it easy for integration and use. 
 
1.  SiRF  Star  III  chipset  with  embedded  ARM7TDMI  CPU  available  for  customized  applications  in 
2.  High performance receiver acquires 20 channel parallel and tracks up to 12 satellites while providing first 
fast fix and low power consumption. 
3.  Differential capability utilizes real-time RTCM corrections producing 1-5 meter position accuracy. 
4.  Compact design ideal for applications with minimal space. 
5.  User initialization is not required. 
6.  Dual communication channels and  user selectable  baud rates allow maximum interface capability  and 
firmware. 
flexibility. 
7.  Optional customer design for any possible size down to 16 x 20mm. 
8.  FLASH based program memory: New software revisions upgradeable through serial interface. 
9.  Built-in WAAS and EGNOS demodulator. 
 
1.3 Technical specifications 
1.3.1 Physical Characteristics 
        Dimension: 16(L) x 20(W) x 3(H) mm 
                      0.63"(L) x 0.79"(W) x 0.12"(H). 
    Weight: 2.8g 
 
1.3.2 Environmental Characteristics 
1)  Operating temperature: -40oC to +85oC 
2)  Storage temperature: -55oC to +100oC. 
 
1.3.3 Electrical Characteristics 
1) 
Input voltage: +2.85Vdc (Base Band & RF) and +1.5Vdc (RTC) 
 
1.3.4 Performance 
1)    Acquisition: 20 channel parallel 
2)    Tracking: up to 12 satellites 
3)    Update rate: 1 second 
4)    Acquisition time 
 
 
Rikaline International Corp.      14F, 171, Cheng-Gong Road, SanChung City, Taipei 241, Taiwan 
Tel: ++886 2 8973 1899    Fax: ++886 2 8973 1896      E-Mail: info@rikaline.com.tw    web: www.rikaline.com.tw 
3
GPS-27  Operating  Manual                                  Rikaline 
 
Reacquisition    0.1 sec., averaged 
              Snap Start              3 sec, averaged 
  6 sec, averaged 
 
38 sec., averaged 
 
 
42 sec., averaged 
4)    Position accuracy: 
Hot start 
Warm start   
Cold start   
  A) Non DGPS (Differential GPS) 
Position  
Velocity  
Time 
 
<10 M at 2D RMS 
0.1    meters/second, with SA off 
1        microsecond synchronized GPS time 
B) DGPS (Differential GPS) or WAAS / EGNOS 
1 ~ 5 meter, typical 
0.05    meters/second, typical 
Position   
Velocity  
5)    Dynamic Conditions:   
6)    Time Mark PPS 
Altitude    
Velocity    
Acceleration 
Jerk   
 
18,000 meters (60,000 feet) max 
515      meters / second (1000 knots) max 
4 G,      max 
20        meters/second, max 
 
TTL 
Level   
Pulse Duration    100ms 
Time Reference at the pulse positive edge 
Measurements   Aligned to GPS second, ± 1 microsecond 
 
1.3.5 Interfaces 
1)  Dual channel TTL compatible level, with user selectable baud rate (4800, 9600-Default, 19200, 38400). 
2)  NMEA 0183 Version 2.2 ASCII output (GPGGA, GPGLL, GPGSA(5), GPGSV(5), GPRMC, GPVTG). 
3)  SiRF protocol--- Position, Velocity, Altitude, Status and Control 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Rikaline International Corp.      14F, 171, Cheng-Gong Road, SanChung City, Taipei 241, Taiwan 
Tel: ++886 2 8973 1899    Fax: ++886 2 8973 1896      E-Mail: info@rikaline.com.tw    web: www.rikaline.com.tw 
4
2. Operational characteristics 
GPS-27  Operating  Manual                                  Rikaline 
 
 
2.1 Initialization 
As soon as the initial self-test is complete, the GPS-27 begins the process of satellite acquisition and 
tracking automatically. Under normal circumstances, it takes approximately 42 seconds to achieve a position 
fix, 38 seconds if ephemeris data is known. After a position fix has been calculated, information about valid 
position, velocity and time is transmitted over the output channel. 
The GPS-27 utilizes initial data, such as last stored position, date, time and satellite orbital data, to achieve 
maximum  acquisition  performance.  If  significant  inaccuracy  exists  in  the  initial  data,  or  the  orbital  data  is 
obsolete, it may take more time to achieve a navigation solution. The GPS-27 Auto-locate feature is capable 
of automatically determining a navigation solution without intervention from the host system.   
 
2.2 Navigation 
After the acquisition process is complete, the GPS-27 sends valid navigation information over   
output channels. These data include: 
 
 
 
 
1)  Latitude/longitude/altitude 
2)  Velocity 
3)  Date/time 
4)  Error estimates 
5)  Satellite and receiver status 
 
The  GPS-27  sets  the  default  of  auto-searching  for  real-time  differential  corrections  in  RTCM  SC-104 
standard format, with the message types 1, 5, or 9. It accomplishes the satellite data to generate a differential 
(DGPS)  solution.  The  host  system,  at  its  option,  may  also  command  the  GPS-27  to  output  a  position 
whenever a differential solution is available.   
 
 
Rikaline International Corp.      14F, 171, Cheng-Gong Road, SanChung City, Taipei 241, Taiwan 
Tel: ++886 2 8973 1899    Fax: ++886 2 8973 1896      E-Mail: info@rikaline.com.tw    web: www.rikaline.com.tw 
5
GPS-27  Operating  Manual                                  Rikaline 
 
3. Hardware interface 
3.1 Physical Characteristics 
        Dimension: 16(L) x 20(W) x 3(H) mm 
                      0.63"(L) x 0.79"(W) x 0.12"(H). 
    Weight: 2.8g 
 
 
3.2 Hardware 
 
Units: In mm 
 
1
 
d
a
P
0
1
0
2
1
1
 
 
3.3 Connectors 
3.3.1 Antenna Connector 
 
3.3.2 Interface Connector 
20-pads for soldiering on the system board. 
 
3.4 Pad Assignment 
 
It is designed with 50 Ohm feed. Integrator may use any GPS RF connector they prefer and put it in a 
proper location of the system board. 
Table 3-1 Pad definition of the 20 Digital Interface 
Pad Number 
Name 
Description 
1 
2 
3 
4 
5 
6 
7 
8 
9 
10 
11 
12 
13 
ANT 
VCC ANT 
GND 
BOOTSET 
PPS 
GPIO 
GPS STATE 
GND 
VCC_BB 
GND 
RX (TTL) 
TX (TTL) 
DGPS 
Antenna Input (50 Ohm) 
For External Antenna Power 
Ground 
Booting Mode Selection 
Time Mark Output 
Spare I\O 
Positioning Status 
Ground 
Base Band Power Input (2.85V) 
Ground 
Serial Data Input 
Serial Data Output 
Deferential GPS Input 
 
 
Rikaline International Corp.      14F, 171, Cheng-Gong Road, SanChung City, Taipei 241, Taiwan 
Tel: ++886 2 8973 1899    Fax: ++886 2 8973 1896      E-Mail: info@rikaline.com.tw    web: www.rikaline.com.tw 
6
GPS-27  Operating  Manual                                  Rikaline 
 
14 
15 
16 
17 
18 
19 
20 
P-T-F 
VCC_RTC 
GND 
VCC_RF 
RESET 
GND 
GND 
Push-To-Fix 
RTC Back up (1.5V) 
Ground 
RF Input (2.85V) 
System Restart 
Ground 
Ground 
 
 
Table 3-2 Operating Conditions 
Parameter 
Power Supply Voltage 
Power Supply Voltage 
Operating Temperature 
Operating Current 
Symbol 
VCC (BB & RF)
VCC (RTC) 
TOPR 
ICC 
Table 3-3 Battery Conditions 
Parameter 
RTC (Battery) Power 
Supply Current 
Symbol 
VCC_RTC 
 
 
Min 
2.7 
1.4 
-40 
 
Min 
1.4 
 
Type 
2.85 
1.5 
 
90 
Typ 
1.5 
10 
Max 
2.8 
1.6 
85 
 
Max 
1.6 
 
Units 
V 
V 
ºC 
mA 
Units 
V 
µA 
 
3.4.1 Antenna Input 
            For antenna power input. 
 
3.4.2 VCC ANT 
            For powering the active antenna. We provide you a flexible voltage of the antenna. It depends on your   
design either 3.3V, 5V or others. 
 
3.4.3 BOOT SET 
            For booting mode selection. 
 
3.4.4 PPS Time mark 
This function provides 1 pulse per second output from the board, which is synchronized to within 1 
microsecond of GPS time. The output is a CMOS (TTL) level signal. 
 
3.4.5 SPARE GPIO Functions 
This I/Os of CPU is connected to the digital interface connector for consumer applications. 
 
3.4.6 GPS State 
            To have GPS positioning status visible. Default (to LED): Blinking (Power ON) and ON (position fix) 
 
3.4.7 VCC BASE BAND 
            It requires 2.85Vdc stable power input for the base band. 
 
3.4.8 Rx (TTL) 
            This pad is for data Input to control the GPS output or GPS system setting 
 
3.4.9 Tx (TTL) 
            It outputs standard NMEA 0183 V2.2 sentences, SiRF binary or either one of NMEA and SiRF binary   
with customer’s software. 
 
3.4.10 DGPS 
 
 
Rikaline International Corp.      14F, 171, Cheng-Gong Road, SanChung City, Taipei 241, Taiwan 
Tel: ++886 2 8973 1899    Fax: ++886 2 8973 1896      E-Mail: info@rikaline.com.tw    web: www.rikaline.com.tw 
7
GPS-27  Operating  Manual                                  Rikaline 
 
Real-time Differential Correction input (RTCM SC-104 version 2.00 message types 1, 5 and 9). For 
use with Radio-Beacon for positioning correction. It always requires baud rate at 9600. 
 
3.4.11 Push-to-Fix Description 
 
3.4.12 VCC RTC 
 
3.4.12 VCC RF 
            It requires 2.85Vdc for RF part. 
 
3.4.13 RESET 
The Push-to-Fix mode is for the applications that requires infrequent position reporting. The receiver 
generally stays in a low-power mode, up to 2 hours, but wakes up periodically to refresh position, time, 
ephemeris data and RTC calibration. A  position request acts as a wakeup to the receiver,  which  is 
then able to supply a position within the hot-start time specification. 
It requires 1.5Vdc and the function is to keep the GPS clock running in the system for quick position fix   
next time. 
This function provides an active-low reset input to the board. It causes the board to reset and start   
searching for satellites. It is an optional input and, if not utilized, it may be left open. 
 
3.4.14 GND 
The GND provides the ground for the board. All GND should be connected. 
 
 
3.5 Other Function Description 
3.5.1 TricklePowerTM
              In this state, the CPU is in a low power standby state and the receiver clocks are off with only the   
     Description 
RTC clock active. After a set amount of time, the RTC generates an NMI signal to wake up the   
ARM-7 microprocessor and reset the receiver back to tracking state. 
 
3.5.2 Backup power 
This power is to backup the Memory and RTC when main power is off. The typical current draw is 10 
µA when system on, 2-3 µA when system off. 
 
 
 
 
 
Rikaline International Corp.      14F, 171, Cheng-Gong Road, SanChung City, Taipei 241, Taiwan 
Tel: ++886 2 8973 1899    Fax: ++886 2 8973 1896      E-Mail: info@rikaline.com.tw    web: www.rikaline.com.tw 
8