GNSS 23 Click

How does it work?

GNSS 23 Click is based on the LC26G (AB), a high-performance multi-constellation GNSS receiver from Quectel, designed to deliver precise positioning across various global navigation systems including GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BDS, and QZSS. This advanced receiver integrates a low-noise amplifier (LNA) to ensure exceptional sensitivity, achieving industry-leading levels of -166dBm during tracking and -147dBm during acquisition. Such capabilities enable fast signal acquisition and accurate positioning, even in environments where satellite visibility is limited, like dense urban areas. By leveraging signals from multiple constellations, the LC26G (AB) significantly reduces Time To First Fix (TTFF) and enhances overall accuracy compared to single-constellation GPS receivers.

Incorporating Quectel’s EASY (Embedded Assist System) and ALP (Adaptive Low Power) technologies, the module offers an optimal blend of high performance and low power consumption, fully meeting industrial-grade requirements. EASY technology allows the receiver to predict satellite orbits using stored ephemeris data for up to three days, enabling quicker position fixes while conserving power, even under weak signal conditions. ALP technology further optimizes power efficiency by dynamically adjusting operating cycles based on motion data and environmental factors, balancing accuracy with energy savings. These advanced features makes GNSS 23 Click an ideal solution for a wide range of applications, including industrial PDAs, consumer electronics, various industry-focused devices, while its ultra-low power profile also makes it particularly well-suited for portable and power-sensitive systems.

The GNSS 23 Click communicates with the host MCU through a UART interface using the standard UART RX and TX pins. The default communication speed is set at 115200bps, ensuring efficient data exchange. It also provides an I2C interface for communication with a host MCU in the I2C Fast speed mode (400kHz). Still, it must be noted that the I2C interface can only be operated in the peripheral mode.

Along with the communication and control pins, this Click board™ also includes a reset pin (RST) and a RESET button, enabling easy module resetting, a blue PPS LED indicator, which, in combination with the PPS pin, detects a synchronized pulse signal from the LC26GABMD once per second, and a battery holder for the backup power supply (RAM and RTC backup). The board also features one SMA connector for GNSS antenna that MIKROE offers, like the GNSS L1/L5 Active External Antenna for flexible and efficient connectivity options.

This Click board™ can operate with either 3.3V or 5V logic voltage levels selected via the VCC SEL jumper. This way, both 3.3V and 5V capable MCUs can use the communication lines properly. Also, this Click board™ comes equipped with a library containing easy-to-use functions and an example code that can be used as a reference for further development.

Specifications

Pinout diagram

This table shows how the pinout on GNSS 23 Click corresponds to the pinout on the mikroBUS™ socket (the latter shown in the two middle columns).

Notes	Pin					Pin	Notes
	NC	1	AN	PWM	16	NC
Reset	RST	2	RST	INT	15	PPS	Time Pulse Indicator
ID COMM	CS	3	CS	RX	14	TX	UART TX
	NC	4	SCK	TX	13	RX	UART RX
	NC	5	MISO	SCL	12	SCL	I2C Clock
	NC	6	MOSI	SDA	11	SDA	I2C Data
Power Supply	3.3V	7	3.3V	5V	10	NC
Ground	GND	8	GND	GND	9	GND	Ground

Onboard settings and indicators

GNSS 23 Click electrical specifications

Software Support

GNSS 23 Click demo application is developed using the NECTO Studio, ensuring compatibility with mikroSDK‘s open-source libraries and tools. Designed for plug-and-play implementation and testing, the demo is fully compatible with all development, starter, and mikromedia boards featuring a mikroBUS™ socket.

Example Description

This example demonstrates the use of GNSS 23 Click by reading and displaying the GNSS coordinates.

Key Functions

• gnss23_cfg_setup This function initializes Click configuration structure to initial values.
• gnss23_init This function initializes all necessary pins and peripherals used for this Click board.
• gnss23_generic_read This function reads a desired number of data bytes by using UART or I2C serial interface.
• gnss23_parse_gga This function parses the GGA data from the read response buffer.
• gnss23_get_pps_pin This function returns the pulse per second (PPS) pin logic state.

Application Init

Initializes the driver and logger.

Application Task

Reads the received data, parses the NMEA GGA info from it, and once it receives the position fix it will start displaying the coordinates on the USB UART.

Application Output

This Click board can be interfaced and monitored in two ways:

• Application Output – Use the “Application Output” window in Debug mode for real-time data monitoring. Set it up properly by following this tutorial.
• UART Terminal – Monitor data via the UART Terminal using a USB to UART converter. For detailed instructions, check out this tutorial.

Additional Notes and Information

The complete application code and a ready-to-use project are available through the NECTO Studio Package Manager for direct installation in the NECTO Studio. The application code can also be found on the MIKROE GitHub account.