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GPRS+GPS Combo Module PCBA – Integrated Communication & Positioning Solution


Project Background

Many IoT applications require both wireless data transmission and location tracking — from asset monitoring and vehicle tracking to wearable devices and smart city infrastructure. This project required a compact, low-power module that integrates GPRS communication and GPS positioning into a single solution.

Key Hardware Requirements:

  • Dual-Function Integration: GPRS communication + GPS positioning on a single board

  • High Sensitivity: Reliable GPS lock in urban canyons and challenging environments

  • Low Power Consumption: Extended battery life for portable tracking devices

  • Industrial-Grade Reliability: Wide operating temperature range for outdoor use

  • Compact Form Factor: Small footprint for integration into space-constrained devices

  • Global Compatibility: Quad-band GSM/GPRS for worldwide deployment

Our PCBA Solution

We designed a compact industrial-grade GPRS+GPS combo module PCBA integrating a quad-band GSM/GPRS modem with a high-sensitivity GPS receiver on a single board. The module provides seamless wireless data transmission and precise location tracking for IoT and M2M applications.

Key design features:

  1. RF Integration & Isolation

    • Carefully designed PCB layout to minimize interference between GPRS (850/900/1800/1900MHz) and GPS (1.5GHz) RF paths

    • Optimized antenna matching and placement for both GPRS and GPS signals

    • Shielded RF sections to prevent desensitization of the GPS receiver during GPRS transmission

    • IPEX antenna connectors for both GPRS and GPS antennas

  2. High-Performance GPS

    • 56-channel GPS receiver with -162dBm sensitivity

    • 2.5m horizontal positioning accuracy

    • Cold start: 26s first fix, Hot start: 1s

    • AGPS support for faster TTFF

    • Support for periodic GPS data reporting (timed upload)

  3. Communication & Control

    • Quad-band GSM/GPRS (850/900/1800/1900MHz)

    • GPRS Class 12 (85.6kbps up/down)

    • UART serial interface for data communication

    • Multiple GPIOs for remote control and sensor interfacing

    • Built-in MQTT protocol support

    • OTA firmware update capability

  4. Low-Power Design

    • Standby current: Less than 2.0mA

    • Sleep mode for extended battery life

    • Optimized power management for battery-powered applications

    • Wide voltage input range (3.3V-4.5V, typical 3.8V)

  5. PCB Manufacturing

    • Industrial-grade components for -40°C to +85°C operation

    • SMT-friendly design for automated assembly

    • Compact form factor optimized for space-constrained applications

    • CCC certified

Technical Specifications

ParameterSpecification
CommunicationGSM/GPRS 850/900/1800/1900MHz (quad-band)
GPRS ClassClass 12 (85.6kbps up/down)
GPS Sensitivity-162dBm
GPS Channels56 channels
Positioning Accuracy2.5m (horizontal)
TTFF Cold Start26s
TTFF Hot Start1s
AGPS SupportYes
Standby CurrentLess than 2.0mA
Operating Voltage3.3V – 4.5V (typical 3.8V)
Operating Temperature-40°C to +85°C
InterfaceUART, GPIO
AntennaIPEX connectors (GPRS + GPS)
CertificationCCC
ApplicationIoT tracking, asset monitoring, vehicle telematics

Results and Value Delivered

  • Integrated Solution: Combines GPRS communication and GPS positioning in a single module

  • Reliable Tracking: High-sensitivity GPS with 2.5m accuracy for precise location

  • Low Power: Less than 2mA standby current for extended battery life

  • Industrial-Grade: Wide temperature range for outdoor deployment

  • Manufacturing Ready: Optimized for high-volume production

  • Flexible Integration: UART and GPIO interfaces for various applications

Application Areas

  • Asset and container tracking

  • Vehicle GPS tracking and fleet management

  • Wearable devices and personal trackers

  • Smart city infrastructure monitoring

  • IoT sensor networks with location capability

  • Telematics and vehicle diagnostics

  • Agricultural equipment monitoring


Ready to develop your GPS tracking or IoT asset monitoring project? Contact us to learn how AnyPCBA can support your product development and production.

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