u-blox has introduced the first commercial products based on its F11 GNSS platform. The initial release includes the UBX-F11270-KB and UBX-F11170-CC dual-band GNSS chips, together with the EVK-F112 evaluation kit.
The new chips provide meter-level positioning and can consume as little as 7mW in typical configurations using the company’s Low Energy Accurate Positioning (LEAP) mode. u-blox is targeting battery-powered tracking, wearables, telematics, drones, and other applications where GNSS operation has a direct impact on battery life.
Dual-Band GNSS with LEAP Mode
The UBX-F11270-KB and UBX-F11170-CC are designed for dual-band GNSS operation in environments where reflected signals and other propagation effects can reduce positioning performance.
Both devices run the configurable u-blox SPG 7.00 firmware. Features include LEAP mode, Selective L5 operation, polygonal geofencing, multipath mitigation, and indoor detection.
Rather than keeping all positioning functions active continuously, the platform can adjust how GNSS resources are used according to the operating conditions. u-blox states that this allows the devices to balance dual-band positioning performance against power consumption. Selective L5 operation is also included for applications that need access to the second GNSS frequency without running it continuously.
M11 Adds L1-Only Products
Alongside the first F11 devices, u-blox has introduced the M11 sub-family for designs that do not require dual-band GNSS. The first products are the MAX-M11N module and UBX-M11070-KB chip. Both provide L1-only positioning and retain the low-power approach used across the wider platform, including support for LEAP mode.
This gives designers a choice between the dual-band F11 devices for more difficult signal environments and an L1-only option for applications where lower system complexity is preferred.
Evaluation Kit and Availability
The EVK-F112 evaluation kit is available for development work with the new dual-band platform. It can be used to assess positioning performance and power consumption before moving to a custom hardware design.
u-blox lists aftermarket telematics, people and pet tracking, asset and livestock tracking, wearables, drones, and micromobility among the intended applications for the new products.
The UBX-F11270-KB, UBX-F11170-CC, EVK-F112, MAX-M11N, and UBX-M11070-KB are available now for engineering sample requests. A MAX-F11N dual-band GNSS module is planned for later in 2026.
Learn more and read the original announcement at u-blox’s website.
Technology Overview
The u-blox F11 platform is a new generation of low-power GNSS technology for consumer and industrial positioning applications. The first dual-band chips, UBX-F11270-KB and UBX-F11170-CC, provide meter-level positioning with power consumption as low as 7mW in typical LEAP mode configurations. The platform also supports Selective L5 operation, geofencing, multipath mitigation, and indoor detection.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much power does a low-power GNSS receiver consume?
Power consumption depends on the receiver, operating mode, update rate, and number of GNSS bands in use. u-blox states that its first F11 products can consume as little as 7mW in typical configurations using LEAP mode.
What is the difference between single-band and dual-band GNSS?
Single-band receivers use one GNSS frequency, while dual-band receivers can use signals from two frequency bands. Dual-band operation can improve positioning in difficult environments, particularly where multipath effects and signal reflections are present, but can also increase power and processing requirements.
Why is low-power GNSS important for asset trackers and wearables?
GNSS positioning can represent a significant part of the power budget in battery-operated devices. Reducing receiver power consumption can extend operating time between charges or battery replacements, particularly in trackers and wearables that take frequent position fixes.
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