SparkFun GNSS Timing Breakout Delivers 5ns Precision With ZED-F9T-20B

SparkFun GNSS Timing Breakout

SparkFun has introduced the SparkFun GNSS Timing Breakout, a precision timing development board built around the u-blox ZED-F9T-20B GNSS receiver. The board targets applications that require highly accurate timing instead of precise positioning, including 5G infrastructure, distributed sensor networks, precision industrial systems, and high-accuracy NTP servers.

The SparkFun GNSS Timing Breakout achieves up to 5ns timing accuracy in absolute timing mode under open-sky conditions without requiring external GNSS correction data. The receiver supports multiple satellite constellations and frequency bands to improve timing stability and reliability. SparkFun also equips the board with USB-C, Qwiic connectivity, SMA connectors, and an onboard backup battery for fast startup.

Previously, we covered several GNSS development boards, including the SparkFun ZED-F9R GPS Pi HAT and the SparkFun GNSS-RTK L1/L5 Breakout Board. We also featured the Move-X Cicerone LoRa/GNSS Board, an Arduino MKR-compatible development board based on the MAMWLE LoRa module and the u-blox MAX-M10S GNSS module. If you’re interested in similar products, feel free to check out those articles as well.

ZED-F9T-20B block diagram

SparkFun GNSS Timing Breakout features:

• GNSS Receiver:
  • u-blox ZED-F9T-20B multi-band GNSS timing receiver
  • Supports GPS/QZSS, Galileo, BeiDou, and NavIC constellations
  • Receives L1, L2/L5, E1/E5, and B1/B2 frequency bands
  • Galileo OSNMA support for GNSS data authentication
• Timing Performance:
  • Up to 5ns timing accuracy in absolute timing mode
  • 2.5ns timing accuracy with GNSS correction data
  • Programmable time pulse output from 0.25Hz to 25MHz
  • Time pulse jitter of ±4ns
• Connectivity:
  • Three SMA connectors (one antenna and two timing pulse outputs)
  • USB Type-C port for power and data
  • Dual Qwiic connectors for I2C expansion
  • Additional PTH pins for direct access to module signals
  • Default I2C address: 0x42
• Operating Precision:
  • Horizontal positioning accuracy: 2.0m
  • Maximum altitude: 80km
  • Maximum velocity: 500m/s
• Power Supply:
  • Operates from 5V or 3.3V input (3.3V logic)
  • Current consumption: 68mA to 130mA
  • Onboard rechargeable backup battery with RTC
  • Approximately 24-second cold start and 2-second hot start
• Dimensions: TBD

SparkFun GNSS Timing Breakout Top and Bottom

SparkFun provides complete development resources for the board, including a hardware schematic, Eagle design files, board dimensions, hookup guide, and documentation for the ZED-F9T-20B module. Developers can configure the receiver with u-center software and integrate it into embedded projects through the SparkFun Arduino Library v3. The company also maintains a GitHub hardware repository and provides additional documentation for building high-precision GNSS systems.

Qwiic Connections

The SparkFun GNSS Timing Breakout is available from the SparkFun online store for $314.95. The product page also includes complete documentation, hardware files, software resources, and purchasing information.

Images used courtesy of SparkFun.