Features:

• Compact module size: 15x14x2.8 mm
• SiRF Star III/LP single chip
• Built-in high gain amplifier and bandpass filter
• RoHS compliance

1. Introduction
The GE301 GPS module is a high sensitivity, high gain, low power and very compact Surface Mount Device (SMD).
This 20-channel global positioning system (GPS) receiver is designed for a broad spectrum of OEM applications and is based on the fast and deep GPS signal search capabilities of SiRF StarIII™ single chip architecture.
GE301 GPS Module is designed to allow quick and easy integration into GPS-related applications, especially for compact size devices, such as:

• PDA, Pocket PC and other computing devices
• Fleet Management / Asset Tracking
• AVL and Location-Based Services
• Hand-held Device for Personal Positioning and Navigation

1.1. Features
Hardware and Software

• Based on the high performance features of the SiRF Star III/LP single chip
• Built-in high gain amplifier and band pass filter
• RoHS compliant (lead-free)
• Compact module size for easy integration: 15x14x2.8 mm (590.6x551.2x110.2 mil).
• SMT pads allow for fully automatic assembly processes equipment and reflow soldering
• SiRFLocTM Client AGPS support

Performance

• Cold/Warm/Hot Start Time: 42 / 38 / 1 sec.
• Reacquisition Time: 0.1 second
• RF Metal Shield for best performance in noisy environments
• Multi-path Mitigation Hardware

Interface

• TTL level serial port for GPS communications interface
• Protocol: NMEA-0183/SiRF Binary (default NMEA)
• Baud Rate: 4800,9600,19200 bps

1.2. Advantages

• Ideal for compact size devices
• Data / Power / RF through surface mount pads
• Cost saving through elimination of RF and board to board digital connectors
• Flexible and cost effective hardware design for different application requirements
• Secure SMD PCB mounting method

2. Technical specifications

2.1. Module architecture

2.2. Hardware Features

• Based on the high performance features of the SiRF StarIII/LP single chip
• Built-in high gain amplifier and band pass filter
• Compact module size for easy integration: 15x14x2.8 mm (590.6x551.2x110.2 mil)
• SMT pads allow for fully automatic assembly processes equipment and reflow soldering
• RoHS compliant (lead-free)

2.3. Software Features
The firmware used on GE301 module is GSW3.2.4, the software for SiRF StarIII/LP receivers, and the default configuration is as following description:

2.4. Mechanical specification
The Physical dimensions of the GE301 GPS Module are as follow:

2.5. Recommended GPS Antenna Specification
This GPS GE301 receiver is designed for use with passive antenna.

2.6. Environmental Specification   

2.7. ESD Specification
Air Discharge: 2 ; 4 ; 8KV ( direct )
Contact Discharge: 2 ; 4 KV ( direct / indirect )

2.8. Reference design

• All ground pads attach directly to ground plane by way of via.
• All components are reference only

3. Performance Characteristics
3.1. Position and velocity accuracy

3.2. Dynamic constrains

3.3. Acquisition time 1

Note 1: Open Sky and Stationary Environments.

3.4. Timing 1PPS output

The 1PPS pulse width is 1 µs, this 1PPS is NOT suited to steer various oscillators (timing receivers, telecommunications system, etc).

3.5. Sensitivity

3.6. Battery backup (SRAM/RTC backup)
During 'Powered down' condition, the SRAM and RTC (Real Time Clock may be kept operation by supplying power from VBATT. The GE301 GPS module can accept slow VBATT supply rise time (unlike many other SiRF StarII based receivers) due to an on-board voltage detector.

3.7. Differential aiding
3.7.1. Differential GPS (DGPS): Option
DGPS specification improves the GE301 GPS Module horizontal position accuracy to less than 4M 2dRMS.

3.7.2. Satellite Based augmentation System (WASS/EGONS): Option
The GE301 GPS Module is capable of receive SBAS (WASS and EGONS) differential corrections. SBAS improves horizontal position accuracy by correcting GPS signal errors caused by ionosphere Disturbances, timing and satellite orbit errors.

Both SBAS and DGPS should improve position accuracy. However, other factors can affect accuracy, such as GDOP, multi-path, distance from DGPS reference station and latency of corrections.

4. Hardware Interface Power supply

4.1. Power Consumption

4.2. Specifications

4.2.1. Pin Positions

4.2.2. Pin Assignment

5. Software interface

The host serial I/O port of the module's serial data interface supports full duplex communication between the module and the user.
The default serials are shown in Table 5-1.

5.1. NMEA output messages
The output NMEA (0183 v3.0) messages for the receiver are listed in Table 5-2.
A complete description of each message is contained in the SiRF NMEA reference manual.

5.2. SiRF binary
A complete description of each binary message is contained in the SiRF Binary Protocol reference manual.

6. Mechanical drawing and footprint

7. Application Notes

• GE301 is a compact-sized GPS module, specific for patch antenna design. It has the pin- to-pin compatibility with GE302, which is specific for active antenna design.
• It requires additional power supply with 3.3V externally, in case of using active antenna.