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GNSS Receivers Comparison: Understanding Single-frequency and RTK Models

Below we will provide a brief description of the differences, and for more complete comparison tables of the models, you can read u-blox GNSS product line card. Also you can check Types of receivers section.

Positioning: Single-frequency Receivers

Single-frequency receivers of ordinary accuracy – all are more or less similar, differing only in options

• M8N, M9N – high-quality single-frequency receiver, updatable firmware, TCXO (Temperature Compensated Crystal Oscillator, provides better stability of measurements), additional antenna amplifier, and filter
• 8Q, M8Q, M10Q – like N, but without firmware update, 8Q also lacks an additional antenna amplifier and filter, NEO-M8Q-01A – automotive version
• M8J – like N, but with a regular quartz instead of TCXO
• 8C, M8C – like N, but without firmware update and with regular quartz (bingo!), 8C also lacks an additional antenna amplifier and filter
• M8W – like N, but without firmware update and additional antenna amplifier and filter, has built-in antenna power and control
• M8S – like W, but with an additional antenna filter
• M10S – like N, but without firmware update
• M8M, M10M – a maximally cost-reduced version (empty-empty), for those who value price over accuracy

RTK: Centimeter-level Accuracy

• M8P, F9P – RTK receivers, M8P – single-frequency, works in RTK mode up to 10-20 kilometers from the base, F9P – dual-frequency, up to hundreds of km from the base. M8P-0 is simplified, cannot perform base functions, unlike M8P-2.

RTK Heading

• F9H – simplified F9P for angle measurement devices. With some limitations, it can probably be used as a dual-frequency non-RTK receiver

Timing Modules

• 6T, M8T, F9T, F10T – modules for time and frequency output. The most accurate among them is the dual-frequency F9T, which supports RTK and PPP (PointPerfect). F10T is simply dual-frequency, 6T is highly outdated. All these receivers can output raw measurements, i.e. RTK Ready (also RINEX Ready).
• M8F – a frequency output module with a controlled generator (VCTCXO). Unlike other receivers, it provides stable frequency over a day with 100ppb quality without GNSS reception and 5ppb during reception. It can control an external generator, measure the frequency of an external generator, etc. In short, those who need it understand why it is needed; others need to understand that this receiver is the most protected from spoofing and capable of providing accurate time for some time despite spoofing.

Dead Reckoning RTK GNSS modules

Ordinary meter accuracy:

• M9V – this is ADR + UDR, i.e. it works both with and without an odometer. Besides, this receiver can output a solution at a rate of 50 Hz.
• M8L, M9L – these are simplified M9V modules in automotive execution, without an additional amplifier and filter. M8L-xxB stands out as it is not automotive and is simplified due to a regular quartz generator without temperature compensation.
• M8U – this is a very simplified receiver, without an additional amplifier and filter, with a regular quartz generator without temperature compensation, and without an input for an odometer, i.e. it can only do UDR.

High accuracy:

• F9R – dual-frequency RTK receiver, only supports ADR (with an odometer)

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