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This section provides an overview for gps modules as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 17 gps module manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked gps module companies as of December, 2024: 1.Adafruit, 2.SparkFun Electronics, 3.TOP-electronics USA.
Table of Contents
A GPS module is a device that receives GPS signals transmitted from a large number of satellites in space and determines location information.
GPS is an acronym for "global positioning system," a system that can provide precise location information for the entire world. If accurate location information can be obtained from a GPS module, it is possible to calculate the speed and direction in which you are currently moving, as well as the distance to your destination.
GPS is a satellite positioning system operated in the United States, but Japan has its own satellite positioning system called MICHIBIKI, which can correct GPS information.
GPS modules are used for positioning applications for devices that require motion, location information, travel speed, direction, etc.
Specific uses of GPS modules include the following:
Depending on the product specifications of the GPS module, it is important to select a GPS module taking into consideration how much the position accuracy, calculation time, and degree of error in position information affect the product.
If there are obstructions to the GPS signal, such as being underground or buildings, the signal may not be received accurately. Some high-precision GPS modules are capable of receiving signals by processing signals made smaller by shielding.
The principle of a GPS module is that it has a signal processing algorithm that receives GPS signals from satellites, processes and analyzes the signals, and calculates the module's current position. The GPS signal to calculate accurate position information is processed by detecting and amplifying the weak signal and performing RF processing and baseband processing.
Each product has its own algorithm for processing GPS signals in order to improve position detection accuracy and reduce current consumption. GPS signals emitted from satellites are generally transmitted on two different frequencies. The signal contains the time of day when the signal is transmitted and the exact location of the satellite at that time.
The GPS signal is received by the receiver of the GPS module, which receives signals from four or more satellites. The GPS signals allow the distance from the satellites to be calculated, and if the distance from the three satellites is known, the current position on the earth can be calculated.
The fourth and subsequent satellites are used to adjust for time errors and help calculate more precise location information.
GPS modules usually operate in the L1 band (1575.42 MHz) and the L2 band (1227.6 MHz), and sometimes in the L5 band (1176.45 MHz).
The L1 band contains both a civilian identification code called the C/A code and a military code called the P code, with the C/A code usually used.
Various factors affect the accuracy of a GPS module's measurements, but the main sources of error are:
Ionosphere
A layer in the atmosphere that slows down GPS satellite signals as they pass through it, causing errors.
Troposphere
This is another layer in the atmosphere. The refraction of radio waves in the dry atmosphere and in water vapor causes errors.
Multibus
When radio waves emitted from GPS satellites are received, they are reflected by various objects such as the ground and structures. This phenomenon, called multipath, disturbs the radio waves and causes errors.
Of these, multipath is the most significant error factor because it limits the number of satellites that can be received and their placement among the satellites. The error varies depending on the performance of the GPS module itself, but a typical device equipped with a GPS module will have an error of about 10 meters in a good reception environment and about 100 meters in a poor reception environment.
However, smartphones have Wi-Fi, time correction, application location systems, and other systems that correct GPS, so using them together can further improve positional accuracy.
To make GPS modules more accurate and stable reception, there is currently a Japanese satellite positioning system called MICHIBIKI, which has been in operation with four satellites since November 2018. Satellite positioning is possible with more than four satellites, but for stability, it is desirable to have more satellites visible.
MICHIBIKI, which is called the Japanese version of GPS, provides stable and highly accurate positioning by compensating for points where conventional GPS satellites' signals are blocked and location information becomes unstable.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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Rohde and Shwarz, headquartered in Munich, Germany, is a technology business that creates, develops, and promotes innovative information and communication technology products for professionals. Customers all over the world rely on Rohde & Schwarz and its cutting-edge solutions in the test & measurement, secure communications, networks & cybersecurity, and broadcast & media areas. They were created in 1993 and have regional hubs in Asia and the United States.Rohde & Schwarz has invested heavily in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, the industrial internet of things (IIoT), 6G, cloud solutions, and quantum technology.
Spectrum Control serves several markets including the wireless communication, military communication, aerospace, and high temperature industrial markets. Among the individual components Spectrum Control manufactures and develops are EMI filters; subsystems for signal conditioning and RF distribution; components including power dividers, limiters, filters, amplifiers, diode drivers, and rotary joints; as well secure communications solutions and rugged devices.
Dynon Avionics is an American designer and manufacturer of sport avionics systems that was established in 2000 in Woodinville, Washington. The company’s specialized product lineup includes its DYNON CERTIFIED branded line of electronic flight instruments, its SKYVIEW HDX fully-integrated glass cockpit system, and ADVANCEPANEL pre-wired and custom designed instrument panels for experimental aircraft. The company chiefly serves the avionics and aerospace industries, with its products used in experimental, light sport, and type-certified aircraft.
SparkFun Electronics is a manufacturer of modernized and cutting-edge electronic components and tools founded in 2003 and was established in USA. The company broad selection of goods includes sensors, development boards, kits, and modules for both experts and enthusiasts. Quality is crucial at SparkFun Electronics, and they work hard to satisfy their clients. They stand out for their adherence to open-source hardware and wealth of instructional resources, which enables them to support a thriving and cooperative community of makers and innovators.
Top-Electronics USA is based in Tucson, Arizona, USA, and is a distributor of electronic modules and components that was established in 2016 as a subsidiary of the Dutch company TOP-electronics. The company stocks a range of electronic products from brands such as Northern Mechatronics, LM Technologies, and 2J Antennas. These products include motion control modules, internet of things (IoT) modules, and power converters. It also offers embeddable computers and displays, as well as spare connectors and cables for products on stock. The company mainly markets to its clients in the automotive, telecom, and consumer electronics industries.
WinSystems, Inc. is an American ISO certified manufacturer of embedded computer systems headquartered in Grand Prairie, Texas, and founded in 1982. The company manufactures single board computers, panel PCs, power supplies, I/O expanders, and network adaptors. Its computer systems are capable of controlling drones, machine learning, and monitoring and transmitting data with applications in energy, automation, aerospace, transportation, and internet of things industries. The company supplies its products domestically and internationally and has various technology partners including AMD, Intel, Linux, Windows IoT, and the PC/104 Consortium.
LOCOSYS Technology Inc., established in 2005 with headquarters in New Taipei City, Taiwan, is a manufacturer of GNSS/GPS positioning and navigation-related components. The company's product line includes GNSS positioning modules, GNSS dead reckoning modules, GPS patch antenna modules, MEMS modules, and traffic information RDS-TMC modules. These components are used in satellite positioning technology applications for vehicle traffic management, driver guidance devices, supply chain management, and personal devices, such as wristwatches. The company serves industries including maritime transportation, consumer products, automotive, public safety infrastructure, and mapping.
MakerFocus was established in 2019 in Shenzhen, Guangdong, China, as a manufacturer and provider of open-source hardware, Arduino accessories, and Raspberry Pi development modules. The product portfolio of the company comprises the W1209 12V DC Digital Temperature Controller Module, Bluetooth Amplifier Board Hifi Stereo 2.0 TPA3116D2 2X100W Audio Amplifier Module, and Raspberry Pi Pico-W Development Board Master Control RP2040 Micro USB Interface, among others. The products are used in cash register scanning, warehouse inventory management, and object tracking, facilitating seamless data transfer via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and LoRa. The company caters to various industries, including information technology, telecom, transportation, and IoT-enabled solutions.
Adafruit Industries, established in 2005, is an American manufacturer based in New York, specializing in electronics and do-it-yourself (DIY) electronics kits. The company offers a diverse array of products, including breakout and development boards, circuit playgrounds, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), robotics, computer numerical control (CNC) components, and various electronics project accessories. Adafruit also supports open-source hardware and software, hosting all of its code and hardware on GitHub, a website service for managing code and files. Adafruit also provides a range of tutorials, guides, and project ideas aimed at inspiring and educating electronics enthusiasts, makers, and hobbyists in creating interactive electronic projects.
Mid-Continent Instrument Co. Inc., established in 1964 and headquartered in Kansas, USA, is a manufacturer and supplier of superior instruments, avionics, and power solutions for the aerospace industry. The company specializes in aircraft instruments for various aviation sectors, including business, commercial, and air mobility. Its true blue power division prioritizes certified electrical systems and lithium-ion batteries, providing USB chargers, converters, and emergency power supplies. Its lithium-ion batteries, such as the TB17 and TB44, are FAA TSO-certified. The company has received the Aetna Workplace Well-being Gold Award and the Aircraft Electronics Association Bruce Grammon Member of the Year Award.
Kyland Technology Co., Ltd, founded in 2004 and headquartered in Beijing, Shijingshan District, China, is a manufacturer and distributor of industrial internet technology. The company offers an array of products, including the Industrial Internet operating system Intewell, intelligent control series products, industrial communication chips, industrial communication network products, high-precision industrial time-frequency products, and industrial safety products. These products have industrial applications in areas such as rail transportation, renewable energy, nuclear power, urban intelligent transportation, and shipbuilding. The company also provides network management software and cybersecurity solutions to protect critical infrastructure.
Phi Education Solutions Pvt Ltd is an Indian manufacturer and distributor of educational products pertaining to robotics and AI that was established in Pune, Maharashtra in 2014. The company offers printed as well as digital books on robotics, AI, machine learning, and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), as well as hardware and software robotics kits allowing students to build and program robots. These include PhiCloud1, PhiSim, and PhiCAD. The company’s products are used primarily in India’s educational institutions, as well as in the government and corporate sectors.
Richardson RFPD, based in Geneva, Illinois, is an electronic component distributor that became a subsidiary of Arrow Electronics in 2011. The company stocks products such as antennas, power supplies, and ICs, and its engineering team brings together over 600 years of combined design experience in IoT product development, wireless, and RF, making it competent from conception to production. The company is ISO 9001 certified and has three international distribution hubs in Asia, Europe, and North America. It sells products from several brands, including Advanced Thermal Solutions, Empower RF Systems Inc., and Carlisle Interconnect Technologies.
Novotech Technologies is a Canadian distributor of IoT and machine-to-machine (M2M) products that was established in Ottawa, Ontario in 2001. The company’s product lineup includes cellular signal boosters and antennae, cellular routers, modems, and gateways, and timing modules for synchronizing critical systems. It also offers custom programming, kitting, cabling, and labeling services for customer projects. The company’s products are used by clients in the healthcare, residential, commercial, and transportation sectors, as well as in the development of smart cities.
Ranking as of December 2024
Derivation Method| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Adafruit |
11.5%
|
| 2 | SparkFun Electronics |
8.9%
|
| 3 | MakerFocus |
7.2%
|
| 4 | TOP-electronics USA |
7.2%
|
| 5 | Rohde & Schwarz USA, Inc. |
6.8%
|
| 6 | Kyland Technology Co., Ltd |
6.4%
|
| 7 | Dynon Avionics |
6.4%
|
| 8 | NOVOTECH TECHNOLOGIES |
6.4%
|
| 9 | Spectrum Control |
6.4%
|
| 10 | Elekon AG |
5.5%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the gps module page as of December 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
| Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
|
United States of America
|
5 | 55.6% |
France
|
1 | 11.1% |
Czech Republic
|
1 | 11.1% |
Switzerland
|
1 | 11.1% |
|
Canada
|
1 | 11.1% |
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