New u-blox module aimed at lane accuracy in urban areas

The ZED-F9K module is designed to keep cars in their lanes. (Photo: u-blox)

The new u‑blox ZED-F9K GNSS and dead-reckoning module is designed to bring continuous lane accurate positioning to challenging urban environments.

The module offers both high-precision multi-band GNSS and inertial sensors. It combines the latest generation of GNSS receiver technology, signal processing algorithms and correction services to deliver down to decimeter-level accuracy within seconds, addressing the evolving needs of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and automated driving markets.

The ZED-F9K builds on the u‑blox F9 technology platform. Compatibility with GNSS correction services further improves positioning accuracy by compensating ionospheric and other errors.

The real-time kinematic (RTK) receiver module receives GNSS signals from all orbiting GNSS constellations. The greater number of visible satellites improves positioning performance in partially obstructed conditions, while increased satellite signals delivers faster convergence times when signals are interrupted.

Inertial sensors integrated into the module constantly monitor changes in the moving vehicle’s trajectory and continue to deliver lane accurate positioning when satellite signals are partially or completely obstructed, as is the case when the vehicle is in parking garages, tunnels, urban canyons or forested areas.

When satellite signals become available again, the module combines inertial sensor data with GNSS signals to deliver fast convergence times and high availability of the decimeter-level solution.

The result of this combination of the latest developments in GNSS technology, correction services and inertial sensing is a tenfold increase in positioning performance over standard precision solutions, according to u-blox.

By robustly providing lane accurate position information, the ZED‑F9K meets the needs of ADAS and autonomous driving applications, as well as head units and advanced navigation systems. The module’s accuracy and low latency also makes it suitable for automotive OEMs and Tier 1 automakers developing V2X (vehicle-to-everything) communication systems. By continuously sharing their location with other traffic participants, V2X systems contribute to increasing overall road safety and reducing traffic congestion.

“We designed the ZED-F9K to be a turnkey high-precision GNSS solution that caters to the needs of today’s and tomorrow’s connected cars,” said Alex Ngi, product manager, product strategy for dead reckoning, u‑blox. “The ZED-F9K is unique in that it integrates a multitude of technologies, from the GNSS receiver to the inertial measurement unit and relevant dead reckoning algorithms into a single device for which we can ensure performance throughout the customer product development cycle.”

Samples will be available upon request by July.