Rikaline    GPS-21 / 21-LP 
     
GPS Engine Board 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
User’s    Guide 
SiRF Star II      V1.0    Oct 06, 2002 
 
Rikaline    Marketing Corp. 
5F-1, 125, Roosevelt Road, Sec. 5, Taipei, Taiwan 116, R.O.C. 
Phone:  +886-2-2934-5456    Fax: +886-2-2934-4373 
E-Mail:  info@rikaline.com.tw      Web: www.rikaline.com.tw 
 
All Right Reserved 
GPS-21  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 
2.1    Initialization  ………………………………………………………………………………….   5 
2.2    Navigation  ………………………………………………………………………………….   5 
                                                                                                                 
3.    Hardware Interface  ………………………………………………………………………….……   6 
3.1    Connector  ………………………………………………………………………………….…   6 
  6 
3.2    Pin Assignment    …..………..……………………………………………………….…… 
3.3    Trickle Power …………………………………………………………………………….…   8 
3.4    Push-to-Fix Description  …………………………………………………………………   9 
3.5    SRAM Data Backup Description ………………………………………………………   9 
3.6    Mechanical Dimension  …………………………………………………………………… 10 
 
4.    Software Interface …………………………………………………………………………….… 12 
4.1    NMEA Transmitted Sentences ……………………………………………………..… 12 
4.2    RTCM Received Data  ………………………………………………………………….. 15 
 
5.    Earth Datums  ………………………………………………………………………………………. 16 
5.1    Earth Datums ……………………………………………………………………………….. 16 
5.2    Setting Syntax …………………………………………………………………………….… 17 
 
6.    Ordering Information  ………………………………………………………………………..… 18 
6.1    Product Options  ………………………………………………………………….………… 18 
6.2    Accessories ………………………………………………………………………….……… 18 
 
7.    Warranty  ……………………………………………………………………………………………… 18 
 
 
 
 
 
Rikaline Marketing Corp.
Tel: ++886 2 2934 5456    Fax: ++886 2 2934 4373      E-Mail: info@rikaline.com.tw    web: www.rikaline.com.tw 
            5F-1, 125, Roosevelt Road, Sec. 5, Taipei, Taiwan 116 
2
GPS-21  Operating  Manual                                  Rikaline
 
 
 
1. Introduction 
 
1.1 Overview 
 
The Rikaline GPS-21 GPS Engine Board is designed based on  SiRF  Star  II Architecture with low 
power  consumption,  small  size  and  easy  integrated  for  a  broad  spectrum  of  OEM  system  applications. 
GPS-21 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  dual-channel  through  RS-232  or  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. 
 
The GPS-21-LP utilizes the latest SiRF technology for applications where the power consumption is more 
critically required. 
 
1.2 Features 
 
The GPS-21 provides a host of features that make it easy for integration and use. 
 
1.  SiRF  Star  II  chipset  with  embedded  ARM7TDMI  CPU  available  for  customized  applications  in 
2.  High  performance  receiver  tracks  up  to  12  satellites  while  providing  first  fast  fix  and  low  power 
3.  Differential capability utilizes real-time RTCM corrections producing 1-5 meter position accuracy. 
4.  Compact design ideal for applications with minimal space. 
5.  A  rechargeable  battery  sustains  internal  clock  and  memory.    The  battery  is  recharged  during  normal 
6.  User initialization is not required. 
7.  Dual communication channels and user selectable baud rates allow maximum interface capability and 
8.  Optional  communication  levels,  RS-232  and  TTL  meet  ordinary  application  and  new  fashions  of 
connecting PDA with TTL or RS-232 output. 
9.  FLASH based program memory: New software revisions upgradeable through serial interface. 
10. Built-in WAAS and EGNOS demodulator. 
 
1.3 Technical specifications 
1.3.1 Physical Characteristics 
        Dimension: 36(L) x 24(W) x 6(H) mm 
                1.42"(L) x 0.95"(W) x 0.24"(H). 
firmware. 
consumption. 
operation. 
flexibility. 
 
    Weight: 7g 
 
1.3.2 Environmental Characteristics 
1)  Operating temperature: -40oC to +85oC 
2)  Storage temperature: -55oC to +100oC. 
                                                      -45oC to +80oC with battery 
 
1.3.3 Electrical Characteristics 
1.3.3.1 General: 
1)    Frequency:      L1, 1,575.42MHz 
2)    C/A Code:        1.023MHz Chip Rate 
3)    Channels:        12 
 
 
 
Rikaline Marketing Corp.
Tel: ++886 2 2934 5456    Fax: ++886 2 2934 4373      E-Mail: info@rikaline.com.tw    web: www.rikaline.com.tw 
            5F-1, 125, Roosevelt Road, Sec. 5, Taipei, Taiwan 116 
3
 
1.3.3.2 Power 
 
Main Power 
Supply Current 
Backup Power 
Backup Current 
Packup Period 
 
Main Power 
Supply Current 
Backup Power 
Backup Current 
Packup Period 
 
 
 
 
 
1.3.3.3 Datum 
        WGS 84 
 
1.3.4 Performance 
1.3.4.1 Acquisition 
1)  Tracks up to 12 satellites. 
2)  Update rate: 1 second. 
3)  Acquisition time 
Hot start 
Warm start   
Cold start   
Reacquisition    0.1 sec., averaged 
              Snap Start          3    sec, averaged 
8    sec., averaged 
 
38 sec., averaged 
 
 
45 sec., averaged 
 
1.3.4.2 Position Accuracy: (Non Differential GPS) 
Position               5-25 meter CEP without SA 
Velocity  
Time 
 
 
1.3.4.3 DGPS Accuracy (Differential GPS) 
Position              1 to 5 meter, typical 
Velocity  
0.05    meters/second, typical 
 
1.3.4.4 Dynamic Conditions 
0.1    meters/second, without SA 
1        microsecond synchronized GPS time 
 
1.3.4.5 1PPS Pulse 
Altitude    
Velocity    
Acceleration 
Jerk   
 
18,000 meters (60,000 feet) max 
515      meters / second (1,000 knots) max 
4 G,      max 
20        meters/second3 
  , max 
 
TTL 
Level   
Pulse Duration    100ms 
Time Reference at the pulse positive edge 
Measurements   Aligned to GPS second, ± 1 microsecond 
GPS-21  Operating  Manual                                  Rikaline
 
 
GPS-21    5V    Version 
GPS-21    3.3V    Version 
GPS-21-LP    5V    Version
GPS-21-LP    3.3V    Version
TTL 
+5VDC±5% 
170mA Typical 
+2.5V to 3.3V 
10µA Typical 
230hr (9.6 days) 
TTL 
+5VDC±5% 
100mA Typical 
+2.5V to 3.3V 
10µA Typical 
230hr (9.6 days) 
TTL 
3.3VDC±10% 
170mA Typical 
+2.5V to 3.3V 
10µA Typical 
230hr (9.6 days) 
TTL 
3.3VDC±10% 
95mA Typical 
+2.5V to 3.3V 
10µA Typical 
230hr (9.6 days) 
 
1.3.5 Interfaces 
 
 
Rikaline Marketing Corp.
Tel: ++886 2 2934 5456    Fax: ++886 2 2934 4373      E-Mail: info@rikaline.com.tw    web: www.rikaline.com.tw 
            5F-1, 125, Roosevelt Road, Sec. 5, Taipei, Taiwan 116 
4
GPS-21  Operating  Manual                                  Rikaline
 
 
1.3.5.1 Interface 
1.3.5.2  Protocol Message 
 
1.3.5.2 DGPS Protocol 
Two full duplex serial communication, RS-232 or TTL compatible level, with user selectable baud rate 
(4800-Default, 9600, 19200, 38400). 
 
SiRF Binary – Position, Velocity, Altitude, Status and Control 
NMEA 0183 Version 2.2 ASCII output -- GGA, GLL, GSA, GSV, RMC, ZDA and VTG. 
Real-time Differential Correction input (RTCM SC-104 version 2.00 message types 1, 5 and 9). 
 
 
2. Operational characteristics 
 
2.1 Initialization 
As soon as the initial self-test is complete, the GPS-21 begins the process of satellite acquisition and 
tracking automatically. Under normal circumstances, it takes approximately 45 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-21  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-21 Auto-locate feature is 
capable  of  automatically  determining  a  navigation  solution  without  intervention  from  the  host  system. 
However,  acquisition  performance  can  be  improved  when  the  host  system  initializes  the  GPS-21  in  the 
following situation: 
 
1)  Moving further than 500 kilometers. 
2)  Failure of data storage due to the inactive internal memory battery. 
 
2.2 Navigation 
After the acquisition process is complete, the GPS-21 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-21  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-21  to  output  a  position 
whenever a differential solution is available.   
 
 
Rikaline Marketing Corp.
Tel: ++886 2 2934 5456    Fax: ++886 2 2934 4373      E-Mail: info@rikaline.com.tw    web: www.rikaline.com.tw 
            5F-1, 125, Roosevelt Road, Sec. 5, Taipei, Taiwan 116 
5
GPS-21  Operating  Manual                                  Rikaline
 
 
3. Hardware interface 
3.1 Connectors 
3.1.1 Antenna Connector 
MCX, RSMA 
 
3.1.2 Interface Connector 
20-Pin and 10-Pin straight header, 2mm pitch 
 
3.2 Pin Assignment of Connector 
 
Table 1-1 Pin list of the 20-Pin Digital Interface Connector (CN1) 
Pin 
Number 
Name 
ANT_PWR 
VCC_5V 
BAT 
VCC_3V 
PBRES 
GPIO3 
GPIO7 
GPIO6 
GPIO5 
GPIO10 
TXA 
RXA 
GPIO13 
TXB 
RXB 
NO USE 
BOOTSEL 
GND 
TIMEMARK/GPIO9 
ALT/GPIO15 
Type
PWR
PWR
PWR
PWR
I 
I/O 
I/O 
I/O 
I/O 
I/O 
O 
I 
I/O 
O 
I 
 
I 
PWR 
I/O 
I/O 
 
Description 
Antenna DC Voltage (note 4) 
+5 DC Power Input (note 5) 
Backup Battery (note 3) 
+3.3V DC Power Input (note 6) 
Push Button Reset Input. Active Low 
SW dependent functions (note 2) 
SW dependent functions (note 2) 
SW dependent functions (note 2) 
SW dependent functions (note 2) 
SW dependent functions (note 1) 
Serial Data Output A 
Serial Data Input A 
SW dependent functions (note 1) 
Serial Data Output B 
Serial Data Input B 
Reserve 
Booting Mode Select 
Ground 
1PPS Time Mark Output (note 2) 
Alternative output (note 1) 
1 
2 
3 
4 
5 
6 
7 
8 
9 
10 
11 
12 
13 
14 
15 
16 
17 
18 
19 
20 
Note: 1) Pulled high (VCC/VDD) through on-board 100K Ohm resister. 
          2) Pulled low (GND) through on-board 100K Ohm resister. 
          3) Maximum voltage is 1.9V 
          4) If the module is build-in antenna power type, the pin is no used. 
          5) If the module is 3.3V type, the pin is no used. 
          6) If the module is 5V type, the pin in no used. 
 
 
 
 
Table 1-2 Pin list of the 10-Pin Digital Interface Connector (JP1) 
Description 
Pin Number 
1 
SW dependent functions (note 1) 
Name 
GPIOF 
 
 
Rikaline Marketing Corp.
Tel: ++886 2 2934 5456    Fax: ++886 2 2934 4373      E-Mail: info@rikaline.com.tw    web: www.rikaline.com.tw 
            5F-1, 125, Roosevelt Road, Sec. 5, Taipei, Taiwan 116 
6
GPS-21  Operating  Manual                                  Rikaline
 
 
2 
3 
4 
5 
6 
7 
8 
9 
10 
JTDI 
GPIOG 
    JTMS 
GPIOH 
JTCK 
GPIOI 
JTDO 
JTRST 
GND 
JTAG software debug function 
SW dependent functions (note 1) 
JTAG software debug function 
SW dependent functions (note 1) 
JTAG software debug function 
SW dependent functions (note 1) 
JTAG software debug function 
JTAG software debug function 
Ground 
Note: 1) Pulled high (VCC/VDD) through on-board 100K Ohm resister. 
        2) Pulled low (GND) through on-board 100K Ohm resister. 
 
3.2.1 VCC_5V (+5V DC Power Input) 
This is the main DC power supply for a +5V-powered board. (Required for the GPS-21 5V version) 
 
3.2.2 VCC_3V (+3.3V DC Power Input) 
This  is  the  main  DC  power  supply  for  a  +3.3V-powered  board.  (Required  for  the  GPS-21  3.3V 
version) 
 
3.2.3 ANT_PWR 
DC voltage for an active antenna. This voltage is not required for operation with a passive antenna. 
The  antenna  power  may  be  supplied  through  the  interface  connector  (CN1).  The  current  limiting 
(<250mA) should be supplied externally. 
 
3.2.4 GND 
GND provides the ground for the board. Connect all grounds. 
 
3.2.5 Serial Data: RXA, RXB, TXA and TXB 
The board supports two full duplex serial channels. All support variable baud rates, and all can be 
controlled from the appropriate screens in GPS Monitor software. You can directly communicate with 
a PC serial port.]TTL level should be turned to RS-232 level^ 
 
3.2.6 RXA 
This is the main receiving channel and is used to receive software commands to the board from GPS 
Monitor software or from user written software. 
 
3.2.7 RXB 
This  is  the  auxiliary  receiving  channel  and  is  used  to  input  differential  corrections  to  the  board  to 
enable DGPS navigation. 
 
3.2.8 TXA 
This is the main transmitting channel and is used to output navigation and measurement data to GPS 
Monitor or user written software. 
 
3.2.9 TXB 
For user’s application 
 
3.2.10 PBRES 
 
 
Rikaline Marketing Corp.
Tel: ++886 2 2934 5456    Fax: ++886 2 2934 4373      E-Mail: info@rikaline.com.tw    web: www.rikaline.com.tw 
            5F-1, 125, Roosevelt Road, Sec. 5, Taipei, Taiwan 116 
7
GPS-21  Operating  Manual                                  Rikaline
 
 
This  pin  provides  an  active-low  reset  input  to  the  board.  It  causes  the  board  to  reset  and  start 
searching for satellites. PB Reset is an optional input and, if not utilized, it may be left open. 
 
3.2.11 Time mark 
This  pin  provides  1  pulse  per  second  output  from  the  board,  which  is  synchronized  to  within  1 
microsecond of GPS time. The output is a TTL positive level signal. 
 
This is not available in Trickle Power mode. 
 
3.2.12 Battery (BAT) 
This is the battery backup supply that powers the SRAM and RTC when main power is off. Typical 
current draw is 10 µA. 
 
Without an external backup battery or supercap, the board will execute a cold start after every turn 
on. To achieve the faster start-up offered by a hot start or warm start, either a battery backup input 
must be connected or a recharge battery installed 
. 
Table 1-3 Backup Battery Voltage Range 
Board 
GPS-21 
MIN 
2.5 
MAX 
3.3 
 
With a 3.3V Lithium-Ion (2.3mAh) rechargeable .To maximize battery lifetime (3~5 years), the battery 
voltage should not exceed 3.3V. 
 
3.2.13 GPIO Functions 
Several I/Os of CPU are connected to the digital interface connector for consumer applications and 
are labeled GPIO3 to GPIO15. 
 
3.2.14 JTAG Functions 
The JTAG interface provides a standard development/debugging interface. A simple header connects 
to a variety of the off-the-shelf emulators to provide single-step, trap and access to all the internal 
registers of the GSP2e. 
 
3.3 TricklePowerTM 
 
  Description 
The  GPS-21 design  includes  all  the  functionality  necessary  to  implement  the  SiRF  TricklePower 
mode of operation. In this mode, the lowest average power dissipation is achieved by powering down 
the  board  (after  a  position  is  determined)  in  such  a  manner  that  when  it  is  turned  back  on  it  can 
recomputed a position fix in the shortest amount of time. Standard TricklePower operates in three 
states: 
3.3.1 Tracking State 
In this state, the board is fully powered, tracking satellites, and gathering data. 
3.3.2 CPU State 
In this mode, the GRF2i has been turned off which removes the clock to the GSP2e. Without a clock, 
the GSP2e is effectively powered down (although the RTC keeps running). The CPU would switch to 
ECLK and kept running to process the GPS data until a position fix is determined and the result has 
been transmitted by the serial communication interface. 
 
 
Rikaline Marketing Corp.
Tel: ++886 2 2934 5456    Fax: ++886 2 2934 4373      E-Mail: info@rikaline.com.tw    web: www.rikaline.com.tw 
            5F-1, 125, Roosevelt Road, Sec. 5, Taipei, Taiwan 116 
8