Considerations for Selecting GPS Modules

The Global Positioning System, which is also best known as GPS, is accessible from almost everywhere on our globe and provides exact coordinates of your current location so that you can figure out where you are. Usually GPS modules are small, light weight, inexpensive and also pretty easy to use. There are numbers of GPS modules on the market these days and it can be hard to figure out what you need for your project. There are some features that you want to look into before you pick. Hopefully this guide will decode GPS a little bit to help you choose the right one.

Size

 

Size matters a lot at the time of choosing a GPS module. GPS modules are getting smaller and smaller. Even our cell phone has one in it. GPS modules are available with or without a built-in antenna. The antenna will affect the ability to capture satellite signals and affect the performance of the module.
 

Power Requirements

 

GPS modules can use a lot of power, on average of around 30mA at 3.3V. GPS antennas also use amplifiers that draw extra power. That’s why; buy a unit that has low power consumption, and make sure to use an appropriate antenna.
 

Number of Channels

 

The number of channels that your GPS module runs will affect your time to first fix. The more frequencies that you can check at once, the faster you will find a fix. After you get a lock, some modules will shut down the extra blocks of channels to save power. A GPS module with 12 or 14 channels will work just fine for tracking. In effect a minimum 3 are  required.
 

Accuracy

 

Check the accuracy of the GPS module. It can vary between modules, time of day, clarity of reception, etc. Most GPS modules can get it down to +/-3m, but if you need sub meter and centimeter accuracy, then it will be pretty expensive. Accuracy of a GPS is to a great extent governed by the government and not by the module.
 

Antennas

 

Many GPS modules come with ceramic antennas to pick up GPS L1 frequency of 1.57542 GHz. There are some other GPS antenna technologies such as Chip and Helical, but they are not common and also a bit more expensive. They require more amplification and filtering.
 

We hope this guide will help you a little in selecting a GPS module to meet your needs. In order to purchase high quality and hi-tech GPS modules, browse the online store of Star Lite International, LLC today. We have the best selection of GPS modules and accessories in our store for OEM applications. For further details, visit our website http://www.starlite-intl.com. We also offer volume discounts.