Skip to main content

NEO-M9N-00B - Hardware details

Pinout​

NEO-M9N-00B pinout diagram
NEO-M9N-00B pinout diagram

Click here for a high resolution image of the pinout.

Pin Details​

Pin MarkingPin NameDescription
GNDGroundCommon ground reference for the module.
VCCPowerMain power input for the board.
3V3Power3.3V regulated power output/input.
SDAData / SPI CSI2C serial data line, or SPI chip select when the module is switched to SPI mode (see JP4 below).
SCLClock / SPI SCKI2C serial clock line, or SPI clock when the module is switched to SPI mode.
TXUART TX / SPI MISOUART transmit pin, or SPI MISO when the module is switched to SPI mode.
RXUART RX / SPI MOSIUART receive pin, or SPI MOSI when the module is switched to SPI mode.
RESETControlResets the GNSS module.
INTInterruptInterrupt output pin for event notifications.
PPSTimingPulse-per-second timing output for precise synchronization applications.
SAFEBOOTControlForces the module into safe boot mode for firmware recovery or updates. Leave open for normal operation.
ℹ️
This breakout board operates at 3.3V logic level and includes onboard power regulation for compatibility with both 3.3V and 5V systems.
ℹ️
The SDA/SCL/TX/RX pins are shared between I2C, UART, and SPI. Which function is active depends on the JP4 jumper, see the Jumper Details section below.

Antenna connector​

The board also features a connector for an external GNSS antenna.

Antenna connector on board
Antenna connector on board
ℹ️
JP5 is closed by default, supplying bias voltage to the antenna's center pin for an active (amplified) antenna. If you're using a passive antenna, open JP5 instead, see Jumper Details below.

Qwiic​

Qwiic cable
ℹ️
This board is fully Qwiic-compatible! Just plug it into your board using a Qwiic cable and start coding!

Qwiic details and specifications

Learn about hardware specifications, compatibility, and usage of the Qwiic connector.

Backup battery​

The board has an onboard holder for a CR1220 coin-cell battery, which keeps the module's real-time clock and almanac data alive whenever main power is removed. With a backup battery installed, the module can perform a much faster hot or warm start the next time it's powered up, instead of a full cold start that has to re-download almanac data from scratch.

ℹ️
The backup battery is optional. Without one, the module still works normally, it just takes longer to get its first fix after a power cycle.

Dimensions​

  • Board Dimensions: 38 × 54 mm (1.5 × 2.1 inch)
  • Header Pin Holes: 1.5 mm
  • Screw Holes: Designed for M3 screws (3.2 mm diameter)
  • Soldered boards are LEGO compatible! 🧱

Jumper Details​

This board contains hardware jumpers; see below for their locations and functions:

Loading carousel...
JumperDefault StateFunction
JP1NC (Normally closed)Enables the power LED.
JP2NC (Normally closed)Connects SDA/SCL pull-ups to 3.3V.
JP3NC (Normally closed)Enables the PPS LED.
JP4SelectableSelects D_SEL: default = I2C + UART, re-bridged = SPI only.
JP5NC (Normally closed)Supplies antenna bias voltage for an active antenna.
ℹ️
Re-bridging JP4 alone does not guarantee SPI will work. You must also open the module in u-center and set the SPI port's input/output protocol to UBX only, otherwise it will not respond to commands over SPI. See Configuring the module with u-center.

Hardware repository​

Schematics, KiCad files, Gerber files and more can be found in the GitHub repository:

⚠️
The hardware repository for this board is not available yet! We're working on it. In the meantime, please contact us to receive the hardware files.

The hardware repository contains everything you need to understand, modify, or manufacture the board. The different output folders are versioned. You can check which board version you have specifically by finding the version mark on the PCB.

Below is an overview of the available files.

CAD files​

We use KiCad, an open-source PCB design tool. You can open and edit the .kicad_pro project file, which includes both the schematic and PCB layout.

The PANEL files are used internally for production.

Schematic​

The OUTPUTS folder contains the schematic in .pdf format, exported from KiCad.

BOM (Bill of Materials)​

The bill of materials (BOM) is provided in two formats:

  • A standard .csv table, listing all components, part numbers, and values.
  • An interactive BOM (.html) that visually highlights each component on the PCB, making it easy to locate and reference parts.

3D files​

A 3D model of the PCB is available in .step format, allowing you to inspect the board design in CAD software.

Gerber files​

Gerber files are essential for PCB manufacturing, as they contain precise instructions for each layer of the board. The repository includes standard Gerber outputs in a .zip file, such as:

  • Copper layers (.Cu.gbr) - Defines the traces and pads on the board.
  • Solder mask layers (.Mask.gbr) - Specifies the protective solder mask.
  • Silkscreen layers (.Silkscreen.gbr) - Contains text and component markings.
  • Paste layers (.Paste.gbr) - Used for stencil fabrication in SMD assembly.
  • Drill files (.drl) - Provides drilling coordinates for vias and holes.
  • Board outline (.Edge_Cuts.gbr) - Defines the shape of the PCB.
  • Gerber job file (.gbrjob) - Describes the set of Gerber files used for production.

These files are ready for fabrication and can be used in PCB manufacturing.

Compliance​

The Compliance section includes important regulatory and safety documentation for this product. These files ensure compliance with relevant industry standards and legal requirements.

  • CE - Certification document confirming compliance with EU safety, health, and environmental requirements.
  • UKCA - UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) certification for the UK market.
  • Safety Instructions - Safety guidelines and precautions in English and in German.
  • Info.txt - Contains product details such as SKU, country of origin, HS tariff code, and barcode.