Rikaline   GPS-24 / 24A 
 
 
 
GPS Receiver Board 
User’s  Guide 
Nemerix V1.0  Feb 28, 2005 
 
Rikaline   International  Corp. 
14F, 171, ChengGong Rd., Sanchong City, Taipei 241, Taiwan, R.O.C 
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 Receiver Board                                GPS-24 / 24A Operating Manual                           Rikaline 
1. Introduction 
 
1.1   Overview 
The Rikaline  GPS-24  /  24A  is  a GPS  receiver  board  featuring  Nemerix  low  power  architecture.  This 
complete enabled GPS receiver board provides high position and speed accuracy performances as well as 
high sensitivity and tracking capabilities in urban canyon conditions. The solution enables small form factor 
package. The GPS-24 / 24A delivers major advancements in GPS performances, accuracy, integration, 
computing power and flexibility. It is designed to simplify the embedded system integration process. 
 
This positioning application meets strict needs such as car navigation, mapping, surveying, agriculture and 
so  on.  Only  clear  view  of  sky  and  certain  power  supply  are  necessary  to  the  unit.  GPS-24  /  24A 
communicates  with  other  electronic  utilities  via  compatible  dual-channel  through  TTL  and  saves  critical 
satellite data in built–in memory backup.  With low power consumption, the GPS-24 / 24A tracks up to 16 
satellites at a time, re-acquires satellite signals in 100 ms and updates position data every second.  
 
1.2   Features 
The GPS-24 / 24A provides a host of features that make it easy for integration and use. 
 
1.  Position accuracy in < 7m CEP (90%) without SA (horizontal) 
2.  Ultra low power: 30mW typical -- tracking at 3.3 Volts, full power 
3.  High sensitivity: to -152 dBm tracking, superior urban canyon performances 
4.  Small form factor and low cost solution 
5.  Ready-to-plug solution. Easily integrated into existing systems 
6.  On-board RAM for GPS navigation data 
7.  PPS output (User may have different interval setting from 1 second to 1 minute. 
8.  Differential capability utilizes real-time RTCM corrections producing < 1 meter position accuracy. 
9.  FLASH based program memory: New setting is stored permanently. 
 
1.3  Application 
1.  Car Navigation 
2.  Mapping 
3.  Surveying 
4.  Agriculture 
5.  Palmtop, Laptop, PDA 
6.  Location Based Services enabled devices 
7.  Asset management/tracking 
8.  Handheld receivers 
9.  Radar detector with GPS function 
 
1.4  Technology specifications 
1.4.1 Physical Dimension 
 
1.  Size:  25.9(W) x 25.9(D) x 2.7(H) (mm) 
        1.02”(W) x 1.02”(D) x 0.11”(H) 
2.  Weight:  21 g 
 
1.4.2 Environmental Characteristics 
1)  Operating temperature: -40oC to +80oC (internal temperature) 
2)  Storage temperature: -55oC to +100oC 
 
1.4.3 Electrical Characteristics 
1) 
2)  MMCX antenna connector: Active or patch (3.0V antenna is recommended). 
 
1.4.4 Performance 
1)  Tracks up to 16 satellites. 
2)  Update rate: 1 second. 
3)  Sensitivity: 
Input voltage: +3.3 ±5% VDC. 
                                                    Specifications subject to change without prior notice 
Rikaline International Corp.       14F, 171, ChengGong Rd, Sanchong CityTaipei 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 Receiver Board                                GPS-24 / 24A Operating Manual                           Rikaline 
     Tracking: -152dBm 
     Acquisition: -139dBm 
3)  Acquisition time: 
Reacquisition 
Hot start 
Warm start 
Cold start 
 
 
 
 
4)  Position accuracy: 
                 0.1 sec. (90%) 
   12   sec. (90%) 
 
   38   sec. (90%) 
 
 
   60   sec. (90%) 
Non DGPS (Differential GPS) 
             Position  
Velocity  
Time  
 
     DGPS (Differential GPS) 
<7m CEP (90%) with S\A off 
0.1    meters/second. 
1       microsecond synchronized GPS time 
Position  
Velocity  
<1 m, typical 
0.05   meters/second, typical 
 
5) Dynamic Conditions:  
    10,000  meters(32,800 feet) max 
          
  Altitude      
Velocity  
      Horisontal              300  Km/Hr 
      Vertical                    36  Km/Hr 
             2 G, max 
Acceleration 
Jerk        
             4  meters/second³, max 
 
6) Time-1PPS Pulse (optional) 
 
 
     
 
Level 
 
Pulse duration 
Time reference 
Measurements 
TTL 
100ms 
at the pulse positive edge 
Aligned to GPS second, +-1 microsecond 
 
7)  2.1.10 Recommended External Antenna Specification 
Gain  
 
Noise figure   
Current 
     
Operate Voltage 
           20dB (including cable loss) 
 
 
 
1.5dB 
3 ~ 30mA 
2.5 ~ 2.8V 
 
 
1.4.5 Interfaces 
1)  Dual communication channel through TTL, with user selectable baud rate (4800, 9600-Default, 19200, 
38400). 
2)  NMEA 0183 Version 3.0 ASCII output (GGA, GSV(3), GSA(3), RMC, VTG). 
3)  Real-time Differential Correction input (RTCM SC-104 message types 1, 2 and 9). 
 
 
                                                    Specifications subject to change without prior notice 
Rikaline International Corp.       14F, 171, ChengGong Rd, Sanchong CityTaipei 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 Receiver Board                                GPS-24 / 24A Operating Manual                           Rikaline 
2. Operational characteristics 
 
2.1 Initialization 
 
As  soon  as  the  initial  self-test  is  complete,  the  GPS-22  begins  the  process  of  satellite  acquisition  and 
tracking  automatically.  Under  normal  circumstances,  it  takes  approximately  120  seconds  to  achieve  a 
position fix, 42 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-22 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 FirstGPS™ architecture provides 
superior performance. However, acquisition performance can be improved as the host system initializes the 
GPS-22 in the following situation: 
1.  Moving further than 1,500 kilometers. 
2.  Failure of Data storage due to the inactive memory power back up. 
 
2.2 Navigation 
 
After  the  acquisition  process  is  complete,  the  GPS-22  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-22  sets  the  default  of  auto-searching  for  real-time  differential  corrections  in  RTCM  SC-104 
standard  format,  with  the  message  types  1,  2,  or  9.  It  accomplishes  the  satellite  data  to  generate  a 
differential (DGPS) solution.  The host system, at its option, may also command the GPS-22 to output a 
position whenever a differential solution is available.  
 
 
                                                    Specifications subject to change without prior notice 
Rikaline International Corp.       14F, 171, ChengGong Rd, Sanchong CityTaipei 241, Taiwan 
Tel: ++886 2 8973 1899  Fax: ++886 2 8973 1896   E-Mail: info@rikaline.com.tw    Web: www.rikaline.com.tw 
4
GPS Receiver Board                                GPS-24 / 24A Operating Manual                           Rikaline 
3. Hardware interface 
 
3.1  Physical Characters 
 
1.  Size:  25.9(W) x 25.9(D) x 2.7(H) (mm)            2.  Weight:  25 g 
         1.02”(W) x 1.02”(D) x 0.11”(H) 
 
3.1.1 Details Drawing 
3.1.1.1GPS-24 (to be equipped with active antenna only) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pin A1
Pin D1 
Pin 1
Pin 1
Pin D1
Pin A1
1//  Antenna connector: 1.27 mm pitch, 3 pin board to board 
2//  Interface connector: 1.27 mm pitch, 10 pin board to board 
3//  Debug connector:  1.27mm pitch, 6 pin board to board
 
3.1.1.1GPS-24A (to be itegrated with passive antenna or/and active antenna) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                    Specifications subject to change without prior notice 
Rikaline International Corp.       14F, 171, ChengGong Rd, Sanchong CityTaipei 241, Taiwan 
Tel: ++886 2 8973 1899  Fax: ++886 2 8973 1896   E-Mail: info@rikaline.com.tw    Web: www.rikaline.com.tw 
5
Reserved, keep float 
Low Active, keep float if not use *1 Will not effect hot, or cold start 
Backup Battery Input (1.2~2V) 
PIN 
1 
2 
3 
4 
5 
6 
7 
8 
9 
10 
A1 
A2 
A3 
D1 
D2 
D3 
D4 
D5 
D6 
NAME 
GPIO(4) 
NC (MODE) 
NMEA Tx 
NMEA Rx 
NC (WAKE UP)  NU 
I 
Reset 
VBAT 
I 
GND 
VCC 
GPIO(0) 
RF GND 
RF IN 
RF GND 
DSUMUX 
DSUEN 
DSUBRE 
DSUTX 
DSURX 
DSUACT 
I 
I 
I 
O 
I 
O 
DESCRIPTION 
TYPE 
I \ O  GPS Status 
NU 
I \ O  NMEA Serial Data Output 
I \ O  NMEA Serial Data Input 
Reserved, keep float 
PWR  Ground 
PWR  +3.0~3.6V DC Power Input 
I \ O  SW dependent functions 
ANT  Antenna ground 
ANT  Antenna + 
ANT  Antenna ground 
Serial / DSU select 
DSU enable 
DSU break enable 
DSU transmitter 
DSU receiver 
DSU active 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GPS Receiver Board                                GPS-24 / 24A Operating Manual                           Rikaline 
3.2 Pin Definition 
Remarks 
 
3.3 Operating Modes 
 
3.3.1 GPIO(1) & (4) 
         It design as spare I\O. You may leave it disconnect of desire. 
 
3.3.2 Reset:  
         It always requires reset when power-up. Max voltage is 2.0VDC 
         And will not effect cold start or hot start. 
 
3.3.3 Debug Pins 
         All pins from D1 to D6 are for development purposes, not for end users except downloading new 
software. 
 
3.3.4 Developing Kit 
         Available at part no. GPS-24-SDK 
 
3.4 Other Electrical Specification 
 
Table 3-1 Absolute Maximum Ratings 
Parameter 
Power Supply Voltage 
Input Pin Voltage 
Output Pin Voltage 
Reset Pin Voltage 
Storage Temperature 
Back-up Voltage 
Symbol 
VDD 
VIN 
VOUT 
Vreset 
TSTG 
BAT 
Table 3-2 Operating Conditions 
Parameter 
Power Supply Voltage 
Input Pin Voltage 
Operating Temperature 
Operating Current ZX4120 
Symbol 
VCC 
VIN 
TOPR 
ICC 
Min 
-0.3 
-0.3 
-0.3 
-0.3 
-40 
 
Max 
3.6 
3.3 
3 
2.0 
100 
2.2 
Units 
V 
V 
V 
V 
°C 
V 
Min 
3 
2.7 
-40 
 
Typ 
3.3 
3 
 
27 
Max 
3.6 
3.3 
85 
 
Units
V 
V 
°C 
mA 
 
 
                                                    Specifications subject to change without prior notice 
Rikaline International Corp.       14F, 171, ChengGong Rd, Sanchong CityTaipei 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 Receiver Board                                GPS-24 / 24A Operating Manual                           Rikaline 
Table 3-3 Backup Battery Conditions 
Parameter 
RTC(Battery) Power 
Supply Current 
Symbol 
BAT 
 
Table 3-4 DC Characteristics 
Parameter 
Input High Level 
Input Low Level 
Output High Level 
Output Low Level 
Input Leakage Current 
Symbol 
Vih 
Vil 
Voh 
Vol 
Li 
 
 
 
Min 
1.2 
 
Typ 
1.8 
10 
Max 
2 
 
Units
V 
µA 
Min 
2.5 
0 
2.4 
0 
2 
Max 
3.5 
0.8 
3.4 
0.4 
2 
Units 
V 
V 
V 
V 
µA 
 
 
 
                                                    Specifications subject to change without prior notice 
Rikaline International Corp.       14F, 171, ChengGong Rd, Sanchong CityTaipei 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 Receiver Board                                GPS-24 / 24A Operating Manual                           Rikaline 
4. Software Interface 
 
The GPS-24 / 24A interface protocol is based on the National Marine Electronics Association's NMEA 0183 
ASCⅡ interface  specification,  which  is  defined  in  NMEA  0183,  Version  3.0  and  the  Radio  Technical 
Commission for Maritime Services (RTCM Recommended Standards For Differential Navstar GPS Service, 
Version 2.1, RTCM Special Committee No.104).  
 
4.1 NMEA Transmitted Messages 
 
The  GPS-24  /  24A  outputs  data  in  NMEA-0183  format  as  defined  by  the  National  Marine  Electronics 
Association (NMEA), Standard. 
 
The default communication parameters for NMEA output are 9600 baud, 8 data bits, stop bit, and no parity. 
 
The default communication parameters for DGPS Input are 9600 baud, 8 data bits, stop bit, and no 
parity. Position accuracy of less than 5 meters can be achieved with the GPS-24 / 24A by using Differential 
GPS (DGPS) real-time pseudo-range correction data in RTCM SC-104 format, with message types 1, 5, or 
9.  As using DGPS receiver with different communication parameters, GPS-24 / 24A may decode the data 
correctly to generate accurate messages and save them in battery-back SRAM for later computing.  
 
4.3 Earth Datums 
The GPS-24 / 24A is built in earth datum with WGS84. 
Table 4-1 NMEA-0183 Output Messages 
NMEA Record  Description 
GPGGA 
GPGLL 
GPGSA 
GPGSV 
GPRMC 
GPVTG 
GPZDA 
Global positioning system fixed data 
Geographic position- latitude/longitude 
GNSS DOP and active satellites 
GNSS satellites in view 
Recommended minimum specific GNSS data 
Course over ground and ground speed 
Date & Time 
 
Detailed NMEA information is in Appendix A 
 
4.2 RTCM Received Data 
 
                                                    Specifications subject to change without prior notice 
Rikaline International Corp.       14F, 171, ChengGong Rd, Sanchong CityTaipei 241, Taiwan 
Tel: ++886 2 8973 1899  Fax: ++886 2 8973 1896   E-Mail: info@rikaline.com.tw    Web: www.rikaline.com.tw 
8