u-blox Introduces Firmware-Upgradeable GNSS Products with 50% Power Reduction

u-blox has launched the UBX-M10150-KB chip and MAX-M10N module, marking the first M10-platform GNSS hardware designed with firmware upgradeability. Both products run the new SPG 5.30 firmware, which introduces Low Energy Accurate Positioning (LEAP) technology that reduces power consumption by up to 50 percent while maintaining superior positioning accuracy. This advancement represents a significant step forward for battery-powered IoT devices requiring extended operational life without compromising location precision.

The new products are engineered specifically for battery-powered devices, achieving ultra-low power consumption of just 8 mW in continuous tracking mode. This efficiency makes them ideally suited for vehicle tracking, people and pet monitoring, livestock management, and wearable applications where extended battery life is critical. The UBX-M10150-KB and MAX-M10N extend the capabilities of the M10 family beyond previous ROM-based products, offering enhanced flexibility and longevity through their firmware-upgradeable architecture.

With SPG 5.30 firmware, the products deliver several technical advancements beyond power efficiency. LEAP replaces cyclic tracking mode to achieve significant energy savings, including external LNA power cycling, while RTCM corrections input supports positioning accuracy down to the sub-meter level. The firmware also adds data logging and geo-fencing functions, enabling more autonomous tracking and monitoring directly on the device without constant external communication. These features collectively reduce system complexity and improve reliability for remote applications.

The firmware upgradeability provides a future-proof solution for customers, allowing them to benefit from ongoing performance enhancements and new functionality throughout the product lifecycle. This capability addresses the rapid evolution of IoT requirements and ensures devices can adapt to emerging standards and improved algorithms without hardware replacement. Both products include lifetime access to AssistNow Predictive Orbits and Live Orbits, which accelerate start-up times and improve positioning performance when using small antennas or operating in weak-signal environments.

For developers, u-blox provides the EVK-M102 evaluation kit and u-center 2 software available at https://www.u-blox.com to simplify the design-in phase. The UBX-M10150-KB and MAX-M10N running SPG 5.30 firmware are available as engineering samples now, with full availability scheduled for later in October 2025. This timing positions the technology to immediately impact the growing market for energy-efficient location tracking solutions across multiple industries.