Description
This is an assembled breakout board for the Falcom FSA03 GPS. It includes an FSA03 GPS module, a built-in 12mm coin cell battery backup (battery included), a reset switch and 1-PPS LED to indicate a solid 3D lock.
0.1" spaced pins are available for 3.3V power, GND, and 3.3V level signals for transmit, receive, and 1-PPS.
One thing we really like about this GPS module is the Sarantel helical antenna which lets you orient this GPS any way you would like - no longer do you need to have a flat GPS antenna pointed to the sky. Because the antenna's built-in to the module, there's not a separate expense for an external antenna.
While the GPS is first getting its bearings, it's power draw is around 100 mA based on our measurements. When it locks on, its power requirements have been measured in the 20 mA range. Its power requirements vary based on conditions, but will be in the 20-100 mA range depending upon its current activity. It's specification says approximately 40 mA - your mileage will vary.
Using u-blox tools, you can program this GPS for UBX binary mode and 4Hz update rate to get the most performance.
The ESawdust FSA03 breakout board easily interfaces with USB to serial converters - see photo gallery for an example. (USB to serial converter not included.)
Like all ESawdust created boards, we believe in mounting holes. You can't get this off your bench and into the field unless you can bolt it onto or into something. 4-40 mounting holes are standard on all our boards.
Falcom FSA03 GPS Features
- u-blox - UBX-G5010 single chip
- 50 channel u-blox 5 engine
- High sensitivity for indoor fixes
- Extremely fast TTFF at low signal levels
- Galileo capable
- Max update rate is 4Hz
- Online / Offline A-GPS support
- Integrated TCXO
- On chip 384 KB ROM
- ARM7 baseband CPU
- Battery backup
- Temperature range: -40 to +85 °C
- Sarantel quadrifilar helix antenna
- Warm and cold start: ~29 sec
- Hot start: < 1 sec
- Protocol support: NMEA, UBX binary
Dimensions
1.186" wide (30.16 mm)
1.795" long (45.6 mm)
2.893" long including FSA03 module (tip of antenna to edge of board with header row - full length)
Eagle CAD Part for FSA03
ESawdust has developed an Eagle CAD footprint for the FSA03 module; available upon request. Please contact us for the Eagle FSA03 footprint or you can use the "Questions?" form below to ask for the Eagle FSA03 footprint.
This board is also available as a bare board with optional parts kit if you are familiar with surface mount soldering.
Documents
Falcom FSA03 spec sheet (PDF)
Falcom FSA03 application notes (PDF)
ESawdust FSA03 breakout board schematics
50 channel u-blox 5 engine
