VL-MPEu-G3 Reference Manual
5
Introduction
Description
F
EATURES AND
C
ONSTRUCTION
The VL-MPEu-G3 is an extremely small and rugged GPS module based on the industry-standard
Mini PCIe module format. Mini PCIe allows the addition of I/O functions to a system with almost
no increase in overall system/package size. Mini PCIe modules provide a simple, economical, and
standardized way to add I/O functions to embedded computer products.
In a very small package, this GPS receiver board provides global positioning and time-stamp
information in embedded systems.
This GPS receiver module delivers complete position, velocity, and time (PVT) data for use in
host applications. The GPS receiver provides simultaneous 72-channel operation for stable
satellite tracking and aided GPS startup for fast initial signal acquisition. Support for GPS (United
States), GLONASS (Russian), Galileo (European Union), and BeiDou (China), systems provide
complementary coverage to enable reliable tracking in difficult environments such as cityscape /
building canyons. Additional internal augmentation systems include Satellite-Based
Augmentation System (SBAS), QZSS, IMES, and Differential GPS (D-GPS). GPS data is
available in NMEA, UBX, and RTCM protocols. The GPS data is accessed via USB.
In addition to positioning and navigation applications, GPS/GNSS signals are widely used as
accurate and low-cost precision time or frequency references used by remote or distributed
wireless communication, industrial, financial, and power-distribution equipment. The
TIMEPULSE output generates a precision time reference via a pulse train synchronized with the
GPS or UTC time grid. Linked to the satellites’ atomic clocks, this output produces intervals
configurable from 0.25 Hz to 10 MHz. The high precision time reference may be used as a low
frequency time synchronization pulse or as a high frequency reference signal. By default, the time
pulse signal is configured to one pulse per second.
The standard model includes an on-board battery to retain satellite position data and supports fast
restart of the GPS chip. Connection to an external 3.0V battery is also available at reference
designator J2.
The VL-MPEu-G3 supports OEM applications where high reliability and long-term availability
are required. From application design-in support, to a 5+ year production life guarantee, the VL-
MPEu-G3 provides a durable expansion option with an excellent cost of ownership.
This rugged product is designed and tested for full industrial temperature operation (-40º to
+85ºC). It also meets MIL-STD-202G specifications for shock and vibration.
The module supports IPC-A-610 Class 2 standards. Class 3 versions are available for extremely
high reliability applications.
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