u-blox has released a new firmware, FW 3.01, for its u-blox M8 multi-GNSS concurrent platform. Now, u-blox M8 FW 3.01 also supports Galileo, in addition to GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, QZSS, and SBAS.It can receive up to three concurrent constellations and utilizes the SBAS and QZSS augmentation systems simultaneously. With Galileo fully installed, the European positioning system will provide access to 24 additional satellites, significantly increasing the availability of GNSS signals and further improving position accuracy in challenging urban environments. The u-blox M8 supports Galileo-based eCall, the European emergency call system that will be mandatory in new cars from 2018. The u-blox M8 also supports ERA-GLONASS, the Russian equivalent of eCall.
Furthermore, with FW 3.01, u-blox M8 now multiplies the acquisition sensitivity of BeiDou and adds support for India's GAGAN augmentation system.
The u-blox M8 chips and modules are capable of reliable operation under harsh environmental conditions and in security attack scenarios. With an increasing number of wireless systems relying on GNSS positioning, the threat of attacks such as drone hijacking or the hijacking of automotive electronics has become very real. Security mechanisms are now integrated into FW 3.01, the result of years of intensive research in u-blox's R&D labs. An anti-spoofing device detects spoofed GNSS signals, and a message integrity protection system prevents man-in-the-middle attacks. Furthermore, another security feature detects and suppresses interference. Because all these functions are integrated into the u-blox M8 FW 3.01, these security mechanisms are far more effective than implementing an external system.
u-blox M8 automotive products now benefit from an extended operating temperature range of -40 to +105°C and are rated AEC-Q100 Grade 2. This extended temperature range allows for greater flexibility in vehicle integration, for example, when integrating a u-blox M8 GNSS receiver into a roof antenna, where temperatures can reach 105°C.
Another positive new feature of FW 3.01 is the 10% energy saving compared to previous versions of u-blox M8 firmware.
The u-blox M8 platform supports applications where navigation performance, reliability, and maximum precision are paramount, while the recently announced u-blox 8 platform targets energy-critical applications such as wearables. The u-blox M8 and u-blox 8 products are compatible in terms of connectors and software.
Firmware for updating u-blox M8 products based on flash-ROM can be downloaded from the u-blox website. Products with firmware version 3.01 in ROM will be available starting in the second quarter of 2016.
