LEA, NEO, MAX, SAM, ZED

Let's talk more specifically about u-blox receivers and their naming conventions. The name of the receiver ZED-F9P-04B-01 can be decoded as follows:

• ZED – family (package type),
• F9 – platform/generation (main chipset inside),
• P – receiver model,
• 04 – variant (received frequencies and firmware variant),
• B – execution (permissible operating temperatures),
• 01 – manufacturing details.

More details available at the u-blox GNSS product overview

U-blox manufacture modules in different form factors. Each form factor usually have pin-to-pin compatibility across several generations. Newer receivers can use some unused pins in older ones.

• LEA – package size 17.0x22.4x2.4 mm, LCC 28, interfaces – UART, USB, SPI, DDC
• ZED – package size 17.0x22.0x2.4 mm, LGA 54, interfaces – two UART, USB, SPI, DDC
• SAM – package size 15.5x15.5x6.3 mm, LGA 20, these are modules with built-in patch antenna, interfaces – UART, SPI
• NEO – package size 12.2x16.0x2.4 mm, LCC 24, interfaces – UART, USB, SPI, DDC
• CAM – package size 9.6x14.0x1.95 mm, LCC 31, these are modules with built-in patch antenna, interfaces – UART, SPI, DDC
• MAX – package size 9.7x10.1x2.5 mm, LCC 18, interfaces – UART, DDC

For understanding, LCC stands for Leadless Chip Carrier, which is a legless chip designed for surface mounting with contacts along the edge of the chip. LGA stands for Land Grid Array, also a legless chip for surface mounting, but with contacts across the entire belly of the chip, in a square-socket manner. PCB layout for LLC is, of course, simpler, while LGA allows for more pins with the same receiver size. The ZED and LEA families are almost the same size, but the ZED has 54 LGA contacts, while the LEA has only 28 LLC contacts.

The platform/generation is the type of main chipset that determines the capabilities of the receiver. In addition to this, the capabilities are also determined by the antenna, antenna amplifier, and firmware.

• 6, 7, 8 – these are receivers for GPS and SBAS only; in separate versions, they also support QZSS and GLONASS. These series are old and are used only in older equipment, as they say "not recommended for new designs."
• M8 – supports GPS/SBAS/QZSS, GLONASS, BEIDOU B1I, and on newer firmware versions, also GALILEO. You can choose 2 or 3 systems out of 4, depending on the receiver and firmware version. A total of 72 channels are received. Some M8 receivers support RTK.
• M9 – an improved version of M8. All 4 main systems are supported simultaneously - GPS/SBAS/QZSS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BEIDOU B1I. A total of 96 channels.
• M10 – a low-power version of M9. Additionally supports BEIDOU B1C (sometimes together with B1I, sometimes as a replacement).
• D9 – receivers for receiving correction signals. D9S – for receiving PointPerfect and other correction signals in the 1525-1559 MHz range. D9C – for receiving L2 and L6 (CLAS).
• F9 – dual-frequency RTK receivers. All 4 main systems are supported. Some receivers are available in two variants: L1/L2/E5B/B2I and L1/L5/E5A/B2A. A total of 184 channels.
• F10 – also dual-frequency receivers. More information is not available yet.

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