u-blox has introduced the F11 platform, a new family of low-power GNSS chips and modules that includes the UBX-F11270-KB and UBX-F11170-CC dual-band GNSS chips, the UBX-M11070-KB chip (L1-only), the MAX-M11N module (L1-only), and the EVK-F112 evaluation kit. These are designed for battery-powered applications such as aftermarket telematics, asset tracking, wearables, drones, micromobility, and other industrial and consumer devices.
Among those, the UBX-F11270-KB and UBX-F11170-CC support dual-band L1/L5 GNSS that automatically switch between L1/L5 operation based on signal conditions. The UBX-M11070-KB chip and MAX-M11N module are L1 band only, but all the modules and chips in the series support LEAP (Low Energy Accurate Positioning) mode with a typical power consumption of around 7 mW. Other features include indoor detection, polygonal geofencing, and multipath mitigation.
u-blox UBX-F11270-KB and UBX-F11170-CC specifications:
- GNSS Engine – u-blox F11 platform
- Memory / Storage
- UBX-F11270-KB – Embedded flash memory supports firmware upgrade
- UBX-F11170-CC – Optional external SPI flash supports firmware upgrade
- UBX-M11070-KB – ROM-based (programming is permanent)
- GNSS reception
- Supported constellations
- L1 band – GPS, Galileo (E1B/C), BeiDou (B1I, B1C), QZSS, and SBAS (All chips)
- L5 band – GPS, Galileo (E5a), BeiDou (B2a), QZSS, and NavIC (UBX-F11 only)
- Concurrent GNSS – Up to 3 concurrent constellations
- Nav. Update Rate – Up to 25 Hz (single GNSS) or 10 Hz (3 concurrent GNSS)
- Position Accuracy – 1.0 m CEP (with SBAS); 1.5 m CEP (without SBAS)
- Acquisition (TTFF) – Cold start: 28s; Aided start: 2s; Hot start: 2s
- Sensitivity – Tracking & Nav: -167 dBm; Reacquisition: -160 dBm; Cold start: -148 dBm; Hot start: -159 dBm
- Supported constellations
- Interfaces
- 1x UART
- 1x DDC (I2C compliant)
- 1x SPI (UBX-F11170-CC only)
- 1x Configurable time pulse
- 1x EXTINT interrupt input
- Security features
- RF interference and jamming detection and reporting
- Spoofing detection and reporting
- Receiver configuration lock by command
- Signed UBX messages (SHA-256)
- OSNMA authentication
- Debug – JTAG debug interface (disabled by default)
- Power
- Supply voltage – 0.9 V to 1.8 V
- I/O voltage – 1.8 V or 3.3 V
- Backup supply – 1.65 V to 3.6 V
- Consumption – 7 mW in LEAP (Low Energy Accurate Positioning) mode with 3 GNSS configurations
- Package
- UBX-F11170-CC – 33-pin WL-CSP, 2.39 x 2.39 x 0.36 mm
- UBX-F11270-KB / UBX-M11070-KB – 28-pin QFN, 5.0 x 5.0 x 0.55 mm
- Temperature Range – -40°C to +85°C (Operating); -40°C to +125°C (Storage)
u-blox states that the F11 series runs SPG 7.00 firmware and supports configuration via the UBX protocol, with NMEA available for standard GNSS output. Software support is provided through u-center 2 for Windows, which can be used to configure receiver settings, monitor GNSS data, log measurements, and perform firmware updates. The firmware supports features including LEAP power mode, selective L5 operation, polygonal geofencing, and AssistNow-aided services, and can be updated via the host interface or through OEM OTA implementations.
u-blox also offers the EVK-F112 GNSS evaluation kit for the F11 series. The kit includes the evaluation board, GNSS antenna, and USB Type-C cable in a rugged enclosure with a 14-pin header for accessing I/O signals and measuring power consumption. It connects to a PC over USB or RS-232 and works with the aforementioned u-center 2 software.
We previously wrote about the u-blox MAX-M10N module with LEAP (Low Energy Accurate Positioning) mode for a reduced power consumption of around 12 mW. However, it’s limited to L1 single-band GNSS operation, making it more susceptible to “multipath interference” in dense urban areas and under heavy tree cover, while the new F11 platform introduces L1/L5 dual-band GNSS, with the L5 band improving positioning accuracy under these conditions by providing greater resistance to multipath effects.
Since continuous dual-band operation increases power consumption, the F11 platform implements Selective L5, which automatically switches between L1-only and L1/L5 operation based on signal conditions. In open-sky environments, the receiver remains in L1-only mode, while the L5 band is enabled only when required. For applications that do not require dual-band GNSS, u-blox has also introduced the MAX-M11N module with a typical consumption of 7 mW, which can be considered the more efficient successor to the MAX-M10N module.
The UBX-F11270-KB and UBX-F11170-CC dual-band chips, along with the single-band M11 alternatives (the UBX-M11070-KB chip and the MAX-M11N module) and the EVK-F112 evaluation kit, are now available for engineering sample requests. A dual-band module version, the MAX-F11N, is expected to become available in Q4 2026. You can find more information on the u-blox F11 product page and in the press release.
Debashis Das is a technical content writer and embedded engineer with over five years of experience in the industry. With expertise in Embedded C, PCB Design, and SEO optimization, he effectively blends difficult technical topics with clear communication
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