u-blox 6 GPS · 50-Channel · 5Hz Update Rate · UART/I²C · Low-Cost Drone GPS Module
| Part Number | NEO-6M |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | u-blox |
| GNSS | GPS L1 C/A (single constellation) |
| Channels | 50 |
| Update Rate | 5 Hz (default 1 Hz) |
| Package | LCC 16mm × 12.2mm (module variant) |
| Supply Voltage | 2.7 V – 3.6 V |
| Current Draw | ~44 mA (continuous tracking) |
| Operating Temp | −40°C to +85°C |
| Frequency | 1575.42 MHz (GPS L1 C/A) |
|---|---|
| Tracking Sensitivity | −161 dBm |
| Acquisition Sensitivity | −148 dBm |
| Cold Start TTFF | <27 s (open sky) |
| Hot Start TTFF | <1 s |
| Position Accuracy | 2.5m CEP |
| Velocity Accuracy | 0.1 m/s |
| UART | 1× UART (NMEA/UBX, 4800–115200 baud) |
|---|---|
| I²C (DDC) | 1× (400 kHz) |
| SPI | Not supported on this variant |
| Timepulse | 1× (configurable) |
| EXTINT | 1× external interrupt |
| Part Number | NEO-6M-0-001 |
|---|---|
| Lead Time | 3–7 business days |
| Packaging | Tape & Reel |
The NEO-6M is u-blox's 6th generation GPS module, widely recognized as the most affordable and accessible GPS chip for hobbyist and entry-level drone applications. It supports GPS L1 C/A with 50 channels and provides up to 5Hz position update rate via UART (NMEA or proprietary UBX protocol).
The NEO-6M is the classic "APM GPS" module and is still widely used in ArduPilot SITL simulation, testing boards, and low-cost educational UAV kits. It's compatible with all ArduPilot, iNav, and Betaflight GPS modes.