17 GNSS Module Manufacturers in 2024
This section provides an overview for gnss modules as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 17 gnss module manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked gnss module companies as of April, 2024: 1.Sierra Wireless, 2.Avnet, Inc., 3.TerrisGPS.
Table of Contents
What Is a GNSS Module?
A GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) module is a module that uses signals from satellites to obtain positional information and other data.
It refers to the GPS of the United States, GLONASS of Russia, Galileo of the EU, BeiDou satellite positioning system of China, and QZSS of Japan, which are representative systems for determining positional information.
By using signals sent from various satellite systems, it is possible to measure position information with higher precision.
Uses of GNSS Modules
GNSS modules are used to measure a vehicle's position, speed, and direction of travel information, as well as to acquire location information for mapping functions on smartphones. Other applications include tablets, smart watches, laptops, medical applications, smart agriculture, precision location, smart trains, robotics, autonomous vehicles, industrial automation, logistics and asset tracking, drones, agricultural machinery, and construction heavy equipment.
When selecting a GNSS module, considerations should include the size and cost of the module and the size of the signal received from the antenna and processed. Other considerations include shock strength against dropping for smartphones and tablet PCs, and heat and vibration strength for GNSS modules for automotive applications.
Principle of GNSS Modules
The position and time information sent from multiple satellites is received by the signal receiver. The distance between the satellite and GNSS is determined from the received time, the time the signal was transmitted, and the speed at which the signal is traveling.
On the other hand, signals transmitted by satellites are often weak, and various obstacles, environmental noise, and interference in the reception environment can hinder signal reception, making it challenging to determine accurate location information. Therefore, there are products that implement advanced signal processing to determine accurate position information.
Structure of GNSS Modules
The components of a GNSS module include a receiver, a low-noise amplifier, and a GNSS receiver. Weak signals emitted from satellites are received by the signal receiver and amplified by a low-noise amplifier.
The amplified signals are processed by the GNSS receiver to calculate position information. The position information is then sent to the device connected to the GNSS module for use in position-based applications.
Other Information About the GNSS Module
1. Main Error Sources of GNSS Modules
Although GNSS modules can provide high-quality position measurements by catching signals from satellites, errors can occur due to factors such as satellite orbit, satellite clock, ionospheric delay, tropospheric delay, receiver (antenna), multipath, etc. The reasons for errors caused by each factor are described below:
Satellite Orbit Factor
Positioning calculations are performed by receiving ephemeris data (satellite orbit data) and almanac data (satellite orbit history) from satellites. Ephemeris data is updated every two hours and Almanac data every six days. Therefore, during the periods when both data are not updated, the position must be estimated based on the most recent data, which may lead to errors.
Satellite Clock Factor
Data from satellites contains satellite clock information. There is a lag time between when the satellite clock information is transmitted from the satellite and when it is caught by the receiver.
Ionospheric Delay Factor
The ionosphere is a region between 50km and 1,000km above the Earth's surface where solar activity causes variations in the type and density of gases. When radio waves from satellites pass through the ionosphere, the refraction of light causes a delay in the transmission speed.
Tropospheric Delay Factor
The troposphere is the area between the ground and 11km above the ground. When radio waves from satellites pass through the troposphere, as in the ionosphere, the refraction of light causes a delay in the transmission speed.
Receiver (Antenna) Factor
After the satellite information is received by the antenna, various factors such as cable, circuit, and radio delays, as well as the speed of positioning calculation operations and memory access speed, can affect the error.
Multipath Factor
Multipath refers to radio waves that bounce off reflective objects and thus are delayed behind directly incident radio waves. In the case of radio waves from satellites, there are cases where the output of multipath radio waves is larger than that of directly incident radio waves. In this case, the positioning calculation may be performed using the multipath data with higher output.
2. Positioning Method of GNSS Module
GNSS module positioning methods can be broadly classified into two types: single positioning and relative positioning.
Independent Positioning
In stand-alone positioning, signals from four or more satellites are received by a single receiver to perform positioning. The accuracy of single-satellite positioning is limited to 10 to 20 meters due to satellite clock factor errors.
Relative Positioning
Relative positioning performs simultaneous, independent positioning at the reference point for which precise coordinates are required and at the point to be measured. In this case, information from multiple receivers is used, enabling higher quality positioning than with stand-alone positioning.
List of 17 GNSS Module Manufacturers
*Including some distributors, etc.
Sort by Features
- Default
- Company Size: largest first
- Year Founded: oldest first
- Year Founded: earliest first
Sort by Area
- United States of America
- Canada
- China
- Japan
- Taiwan
-
-
-
Trimble Inc.
GNSS systems
Manufacturer Overview
Trimble, a company founded in 1978 and headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, is an industrial technology manufacturer that provides solutions to enable professionals to improve their work processes. The company offers a wide range of products and services, including guidance and steering, agronomic solutions, displays, and more. It also offers satellite navigation systems, hardware, and software. Its software enables surveyors to transform field data from GNSS receivers, total stations, laser scanners, mobile mapping systems, and more. It has achieved ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and OHSAS 18001 certification. It maintains a business in the US, Sweden, Germany, Finland, and more.
-
-
-
-
-
Inertial Sense
GNSS
Manufacturer Overview
Inertial Sense is an American autonomous navigation systems and precision sensors manufacturer that was established in Provo, Utah in 2014. The company’s specialized product portfolio includes dual global navigation satellite system (GNSS) compass modules, real-time kinematic (RTK) sensor modules that combine functions with GNSS receivers for precision positioning capabilities, and sensor modules with attitude heading reference systems (AHRS). The company’s products are used mainly in the space exploration sector, including in unmanned vehicle payload delivery, drone navigation, and antennae and camera pointing operations.
-
-
-
-
-
Avnet, Inc.
GNSS Modules
Distributor Overview
Avnet, Inc. is an American distributor of electronic components and IT software originally founded in 1921 before its incorporation in 1961. Headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, the company offers various electronic components including analog switches, microcontrollers, and circuit protectors, as well as IT solutions such as cloud computing and data analytics software. These are used by their clients in the automotive, transportation, security, and communication sectors. Avnet, Inc. operates in over 140 countries across North America, Asia, and Europe, and has several subsidiaries including Hackster.io, Dragon Innovation, and EBV Elektronik.
-
-
-
-
-
NovAtel Inc.
GNSS Receivers
Manufacturer Overview
NovAtel Inc., established in 1978 and headquartered in Calgary, Canada, is a manufacturer that provides solutions for assured autonomy and positioning on land, sea, and air. The company offers a wide range of products, including GNSS receivers, GNSS inertial navigation systems, GPS and GNSS antennas, and anti-jam antenna. It also offers GPS and GNSS correction services, ground reference, and combined Systems. Its product is designed for low power consumption and multi-frequency tracking. It has been certified for ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015. It supplies products to the national aviation ground networks of the USA, Japan, Europe, China, and India.
-
-
-
-
-
ALPS ALPINE CO., LTD
GNSS Module
Manufacturer Overview
ALPS ALPINE CO., established in 1948, is a manufacturer and supplier of sensors＆communication, modules＆systems, and components based in Tokyo, Japan. The company serves the energy, healthcare, automotive, mobile, and consumer electronics domains, where they combine and build on core device technology, including human-machine interfaces, SENSORING™, and connectivity. For example, in the healthcare industry, they supply components for medical equipment, including control switches, sensors, lenses, and joysticks, and the Senclear™ Microfluidic Devices for drug discovery and development. Their power conversion modules, current sensors inverters, and converters are used in the energy industry in storage batteries, solar power systems, and electric vehicle charging systems.
-
-
-
-
-
Sierra Wireless
GNSS Modules
Manufacturer Overview
Sierra Wireless, founded in 1993 and headquartered in Richmond, British Columbia, Canada, is a manufacturer and supplier of wireless communication solutions. The company’s product range consists of cellular modules, routers, gateways, and software, catering to industries like transportation, industrial, healthcare, retail, utilities, and government. Offering consulting, training, and support services, the company is devoted to delivering wireless communications solutions. The company's passion for customer satisfaction drives the development of new products and services. Holding ISO 9001:2015 certification, it maintains quality standards. The company is also an ideal provider with a global customer base.
-
-
-
-
-
Quectel
GNSS IoT Modules
Manufacturer Overview
Quectel is a Chinese manufacturer of cellular IoT antennas and modules that was established in Shanghai in 2010. The company’s product lineup includes LDS, combo, and FPC IoT antennas for improving the performance or reliability of wireless communications, as well as IoT modules supporting various technologies such as NB-IoT, 5G, and LTE. It also offers certification services for clients in need of additional support. The company operates internationally, with several overseas subsidiaries including Quectel Wireless Solutions (Europe) GmbH, Quectel Wireless Solutions (USA) Inc., and Quectel Wireless Solutions (India) Private Limited.
-
-
-
-
-
LOCOSYS Technology Inc..
GNSS Module
Manufacturer Overview
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.
-
-
-
-
-
Leica Geosystems AG
GNSS Systems
Manufacturer Overview
Leica Geosystems AG, founded in 1921 and based in Heerbrugg, Switzerland, is a manufacturer of systems and products in surveying and geographical measurement. The company is part of Hexagon. Its products include laser scanners, machine control systems, lasers, levels, and mobile mapping systems used in several fields, including mining, monitoring, agriculture, natural resources, and transportation. It is ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified, and in 1985, it launched the first GPS receiver, WILD WM101, for surveying applications. It acquired civilian businesses from Magnavox and introduced the first in-house GPS product in 1994.
-
-
-
-
-
STMicroelectronics
GNSS Modules
Manufacturer Overview
ST Micro Electronics is a global semiconductor company serving customers with innovations to have a positive impact on people's lives. Their product line is micro electronic systems, such as switches, controllers, sensors and drivers. The main selling point of ST Micro Electronics is its provision of sustainable products, and introducing their electronics to create a more sustainable world. The company, as well as providing the electronic devices, also provides software and support, ensuring that all fields are covered to provide a fully provide a supported and strong relationship with their customer base. ST Micro Electronics believe that technology plays a key role in helping to solve environmental and social challenges, which is why their semiconductor technologies start with their employees, their customers and partners.
-
-
-
-
-
Linx Technologies
GNSS Modules
Manufacturer Overview
Linx Technologies is a manufacturer of wireless components, was founded in 1997, and is headquartered in Merlin, Oregon, United States. The company offers a wide range of products such as wireless modules, antennas, connectors, and passive components. These products are used in various industries, including aerospace, industrial automation, medical devices, and consumer electronics. Their products enable wireless communication, facilitating data transmission and connectivity in diverse environments. The company also provides services such as 3D printing, electrical installation training, and custom design services.
-
-
-
-
Manufacturer Overview
Telit, established in 1986 and based in Irvine, California, USA, is a manufacturer and distributor of Internet of Things (IoT) solutions. The company's product range includes cellular 5G modules, cellular LTE modules, Wi-Fi & Bluetooth modules, positioning modules, and smart modules. These products are essential for enabling seamless connectivity and positioning in various IoT applications. Serving sectors such as device manufacturing, semiconductors, connected factories, and SCADA and HMI visualization, it also offers services in engineering and R&D, device compliance and certification, IoT security, and supply chain management.
-
-
-
-
Novatest Srl
Geodesy
Company Overview
Novatest Srl., established in 2010 and based in Ancona, Italy, is a manufacturer and supplier of NDT instruments. The company also distributes tools for precise surveys, monitoring, and non-destructive testing. It adheres to the ISO 9001:2015 standards for the quality management system. In accordance with UNI/PdR 56:2019 and ISO 9712 standards, the company provides training sessions for the certification of individuals participating in non-destructive tests. It offers specific sensors for static and dynamic infrastructure monitoring and geotechnical monitoring. The company provides superior technical tools and devices to ensure geophysical research is as accurate as possible.
-
-
-
-
-
Yuechung International Corp(YIC)
GNSS Modules
Company Overview
(YIC) is dedicated to providing the highest quality frequency control products (X’ tal / OSC / VCXO / TCXO ...), GNSS modules, GNSS receivers, and RF antennas. Our technical expertise and assistance help you find the ideal solution for your project, specialize in custom product development, and collaborate closely with customers to design and launch innovative, niche products tailored to their unique requirements. We are committed to delivering the best quality and services at a reasonable price and the shortest lead time. We strive to establish long-term, win-win relationships with our customers and gain 100% confidence in the support and service capability of YIC’s Frequency Control Products & GNSS/RF Products-related technology and applications.
-
-
-
-
-
FURUNO ELECTRIC CO.,LTD.
GNSS Modules
Company Overview
FURUNO ELECTRIC CO. LTD., Founded in 1948 by Kiyotaka Furuno, is a Japanese electronics company specializing in marine electronics, including radar systems, fish finders, and navigational instruments. With headquarters in Nishinomiya, Japan, FURUNO also produces global positioning systems, medical equipment, and meteorological instrumentation. Established as FURUNO ELECTRIC SHOKAI LTD., it commercialized the world's first practical fish finder in 1948, resulting in its expansion into various marine sectors. The company has a long history of technological advancement and has made significant contributions to the marine electronics industry since its inception.
-
-
-
-
-
everything RF
GNSS Modules
-
-
-
-
-
TerrisGPS
GNSS
Distributor Overview
TerrisGPS is a Canadian OEM GPS products distributor that was established in 2009 in Gatineau, Quebec. The company stocks global navigation satellite system (GNSS) enclosures for housing and protecting GNSS boards or components, GNSS modules compatible with GLONASS, Galileo and GPS signals, and development kits for testing and integration applications. It also offers related accessories such as splitter, amplifiers, and repeaters. The company’s products are commonly used in unmanned space exploration missions, military and/or defense operations, and in mapping applications such as geodesy or cartography.
-
-
GNSS Module Manufacturer Ranking
*Including some distributors, etc.Ranking as of April 2024
Derivation Method| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sierra Wireless |
11.0%
|
| 2 | Avnet, Inc. |
11.0%
|
| 3 | TerrisGPS |
8.5%
|
| 4 | Inertial Sense |
8.0%
|
| 5 | everything RF |
7.5%
|
| 6 | Telit |
6.5%
|
| 7 | Linx Technologies |
6.5%
|
| 8 | FURUNO ELECTRIC CO.,LTD. |
6.0%
|
| 9 | Quectel |
6.0%
|
| 10 | NovAtel Inc. |
4.5%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the gnss module page as of April 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
- ALPS ALPINE CO., LTD: 29,926
- Avnet, Inc.: 15,300
- FURUNO ELECTRIC CO.,LTD.: 3,310
Newly Established Company
- Inertial Sense: 2013 (11 years ago)
- Quectel: 2010 (14 years ago)
- Yuechung International Corp(YIC): 1994 (30 years ago)
Company with a History
- Avnet, Inc.: 1921 (103 years ago)
- NovAtel Inc.: 1978 (46 years ago)
- Yuechung International Corp(YIC): 1994 (30 years ago)
GNSS Module Manufacturers in United States
*Including some distributors, etc.
Global Distribution of GNSS Module Manufacturers by Country
*Including some distributors, etc.
| Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
United States of America
|
3 | 30.0% |
Canada
|
3 | 30.0% |
Japan
|
2 | 20.0% |
China
|
1 | 10.0% |
Taiwan
|
1 | 10.0% |
