Intermediate
20 min

Get stable global positioning with the RYS3520 and PIC18F45K80

Accurate and reliable multi-GNSS tracking for your embedded applications

GNSS 25 Click with EasyPIC v7

Published Jun 17, 2025

Click board™

GNSS 25 Click

Dev. board

EasyPIC v7

Compiler

NECTO Studio

MCU

PIC18F45K80

Reliable location tracking with multi-GNSS support and advanced interference filtering

A

A

Hardware Overview

How does it work?

GNSS 25 Click is based on the RYS3520, a high-sensitivity, high-performance multi-GNSS module from REYAX. Designed to deliver accurate and consistent positioning across a wide range of applications, this Click board™ supports multiple global navigation satellite systems including GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, and QZSS. The RYS3520 module receives signals on various frequency bands such as GPS L1 C/A and QZSS L1 C/A at 1575.42 MHz, GLONASS L1 between 1598.0625 and 1605.375 MHz, BDS B1I at 1561.098 MHz, B1C at 1575.42 MHz, and Galileo E1 also at 1575.42 MHz, ensuring compatibility with modern satellite constellations and improving positioning accuracy through multi-system data fusion. GNSS 25 Click is ideal for a variety of applications, including automotive navigation, asset tracking, drones, wearable devices, and other systems requiring stable and precise global positioning capabilities. The module uses the NMEA 0183 V4.10 protocol for standardized communication and supports SBAS ranging for even greater precision. It features advanced functionalities such as indoor and outdoor path detection and compensation, allowing it to adapt to different operating environments. To ensure robust signal reception even in the presence of noise, the module integrates a 12 multi-tone active

interference canceller, enhanced SAW filter, LNA, and temperature-compensated crystal oscillator (TCXO). These hardware enhancements contribute to reliable performance in harsh RF conditions. This Click board™ is designed in a unique format supporting the newly introduced MIKROE feature called "Click Snap." Unlike the standardized version of Click boards, this feature allows the main module area to become movable by breaking the PCB, opening up many new possibilities for implementation. Thanks to the Snap feature, the RYS3520 can operate autonomously by accessing its signals directly on the pins marked 1-8. Additionally, the Snap part includes a specified and fixed screw hole position, enabling users to secure the Snap board in their desired location. The RYS3520 communicates with the host MCU through a UART interface using the standard UART RX and TX pins. The default communication speed is set at 115200bps, ensuring efficient data exchange. Along with the communication and control pins, this Click board™ also includes a reset pin (RST) enabling easy module resetting, a yellow PPS LED indicator that detects a synchronized pulse signal from the RYS3520 once per second, and a battery holder for the backup power supply. To ensure successful communication with the GNSS 25 Click, the REQ pin must be held

low before issuing any command. Keeping this pin in a LOW state prepares the module to properly receive and process the incoming instruction without interruption or failure. The board also features one u.Fl connector for GNSS antenna that MIKROE offers, like the Active GPS antenna combined with an IPEX-SMA cable for flexible and efficient connectivity options. GNSS 25 Click includes several test points at the back of the board that provide access to key signals for monitoring and integration. The 1V8 test point offers a 1.8V power supply output, which can be used for external components requiring low-voltage power. The AON test point serves as a power control line for an external low-noise amplifier (LNA), enabling efficient management of RF signal amplification. Additionally, the VRF test point supplies power for external RF components, supporting flexible system design and optimization of RF performance. This Click board™ can be operated only with a 3.3V logic voltage level. The board must perform appropriate logic voltage level conversion before using MCUs with different logic levels. It also comes equipped with a library containing functions and example code that can be used as a reference for further development.

GNSS 25 Click hardware overview image

Features overview

Development board

EasyPIC v7 is the seventh generation of PIC development boards specially designed to develop embedded applications rapidly. It supports a wide range of 8-bit PIC microcontrollers from Microchip and has a broad set of unique functions, such as a powerful onboard mikroProg programmer and In-Circuit debugger over USB-B. The development board is well organized and designed so that the end-user has all the necessary elements in one place, such as switches, buttons, indicators, connectors, and others. With four different connectors for each port, EasyPIC v7 allows you to connect accessory boards, sensors, and custom electronics more efficiently than ever. Each part of

the EasyPIC v7 development board contains the components necessary for the most efficient operation of the same board. An integrated mikroProg, a fast USB 2.0 programmer with mikroICD hardware In-Circuit Debugger, offers many valuable programming/debugging options and seamless integration with the Mikroe software environment. Besides it also includes a clean and regulated power supply block for the development board. It can use various external power sources, including an external 12V power supply, 7-23V AC or 9-32V DC via DC connector/screw terminals, and a power source via the USB Type-B (USB-B) connector. Communication options such as

USB-UART and RS-232 are also included, alongside the well-established mikroBUS™ standard, three display options (7-segment, graphical, and character-based LCD), and several different DIP sockets. These sockets cover a wide range of 8-bit PIC MCUs, from PIC10F, PIC12F, PIC16F, PIC16Enh, PIC18F, PIC18FJ, and PIC18FK families. EasyPIC v7 is an integral part of the Mikroe ecosystem for rapid development. Natively supported by Mikroe software tools, it covers many aspects of prototyping and development thanks to a considerable number of different Click boards™ (over a thousand boards), the number of which is growing every day.

EasyPIC v7 horizontal image

Microcontroller Overview

MCU Card / MCU

default

Architecture

PIC

MCU Memory (KB)

32

Silicon Vendor

Microchip

Pin count

40

RAM (Bytes)

3648

You complete me!

Accessories

Active GPS antenna is designed to enhance the performance of your GPS and GNSS Click boards™. This external antenna boasts a robust construction, making it ideal for various weather conditions. With a frequency range of 1575.42MHz and a 50Ohm impedance, it ensures reliable signal reception. The antenna delivers a gain of greater than -4dBic within a wide angular range, securing over 75% coverage. The bandwidth of +/- 5MHz further guarantees precise data acquisition. Featuring a Right-Hand Circular Polarization (RHCP), this antenna offers stable signal reception. Its compact dimensions of 48.53915mm and a 2-meter cable make it easy to install. The magnetic antenna type with an SMA male connector ensures a secure and convenient connection. If you require a dependable external antenna for your locator device, our active GPS antenna is the perfect solution.

GNSS 25 Click accessories 1 image

IPEX-SMA cable is a type of RF (radio frequency) cable assembly. "IPEX" refers to the IPEX connector, a miniature coaxial connector commonly used in small electronic devices. "SMA" stands for SubMiniature Version A and is another coaxial connector commonly used in RF applications. An IPEX-SMA cable assembly has an IPEX connector on one end and an SMA connector on the other, allowing it to connect devices or components that use these specific connectors. These cables are often used in applications like WiFi or cellular antennas, GPS modules, and other RF communication systems where a reliable and low-loss connection is required.

GNSS 25 Click accessories 2 image

Used MCU Pins

mikroBUS™ mapper

NC
NC
AN
Reset
RE1
RST
ID COMM
RE0
CS
NC
NC
SCK
NC
NC
MISO
NC
NC
MOSI
Power Supply
3.3V
3.3V
Ground
GND
GND
Command Control
RC0
PWM
NC
NC
INT
UART TX
RC6
TX
UART RX
RC7
RX
NC
NC
SCL
NC
NC
SDA
NC
NC
5V
Ground
GND
GND
1

Take a closer look

Click board™ Schematic

GNSS 25 Click Schematic schematic

Step by step

Project assembly

EasyPIC v7 front image hardware assembly

Start by selecting your development board and Click board™. Begin with the EasyPIC v7 as your development board.

EasyPIC v7 front image hardware assembly
GNSS2 Click front image hardware assembly
MCU DIP 40 hardware assembly
GNSS2 Click complete accessories setup image hardware assembly
EasyPIC v7 Access MB 1 - upright/background hardware assembly
Necto image step 2 hardware assembly
Necto image step 3 hardware assembly
Necto image step 4 hardware assembly
NECTO Compiler Selection Step Image hardware assembly
NECTO Output Selection Step Image hardware assembly
Necto image step 6 hardware assembly
Necto DIP image step 7 hardware assembly
EasyPIC PRO v7a Display Selection Necto Step hardware assembly
Necto image step 9 hardware assembly
Necto image step 10 hardware assembly
Necto PreFlash Image hardware assembly

Track your results in real time

Application Output

1. Application Output - In Debug mode, the 'Application Output' window enables real-time data monitoring, offering direct insight into execution results. Ensure proper data display by configuring the environment correctly using the provided tutorial.

2. UART Terminal - Use the UART Terminal to monitor data transmission via a USB to UART converter, allowing direct communication between the Click board™ and your development system. Configure the baud rate and other serial settings according to your project's requirements to ensure proper functionality. For step-by-step setup instructions, refer to the provided tutorial.

3. Plot Output - The Plot feature offers a powerful way to visualize real-time sensor data, enabling trend analysis, debugging, and comparison of multiple data points. To set it up correctly, follow the provided tutorial, which includes a step-by-step example of using the Plot feature to display Click board™ readings. To use the Plot feature in your code, use the function: plot(*insert_graph_name*, variable_name);. This is a general format, and it is up to the user to replace 'insert_graph_name' with the actual graph name and 'variable_name' with the parameter to be displayed.

Software Support

Library Description

GNSS 25 Click demo application is developed using the NECTO Studio, ensuring compatibility with mikroSDK's open-source libraries and tools. Designed for plug-and-play implementation and testing, the demo is fully compatible with all development, starter, and mikromedia boards featuring a mikroBUS™ socket.

Example Description
This example demonstrates the use of GNSS 25 Click by reading and displaying the GNSS coordinates.

Key functions:

  • gnss25_cfg_setup - Config Object Initialization function.

  • gnss25_init - Initialization function.

  • gnss25_reset_device - This function resets the device by toggling the RST pin.

  • gnss25_generic_read - This function reads a desired number of data bytes by using UART serial interface.

  • gnss25_parse_gga - This function parses the GGA data from the read response buffer.

Application Init
Initializes the driver and resets the Click board.

Application Task
Reads the received data, parses the NMEA GGA info from it, and once it receives the position fix it will start displaying the coordinates on the USB UART.

Open Source

Code example

The complete application code and a ready-to-use project are available through the NECTO Studio Package Manager for direct installation in the NECTO Studio. The application code can also be found on the MIKROE GitHub account.

/*!
 * @file main.c
 * @brief GNSS 25 Click Example.
 *
 * # Description
 * This example demonstrates the use of GNSS 25 Click by reading and displaying
 * the GNSS coordinates.
 *
 * The demo application is composed of two sections :
 *
 * ## Application Init
 * Initializes the driver and resets the Click board.
 *
 * ## Application Task
 * Reads the received data, parses the NMEA GGA info from it, and once it receives 
 * the position fix it will start displaying the coordinates on the USB UART.
 *
 * ## Additional Function
 * - static void gnss25_clear_app_buf ( void )
 * - static void gnss25_log_app_buf ( void )
 * - static err_t gnss25_process ( gnss25_t *ctx )
 * - static void gnss25_parser_application ( uint8_t *rsp )
 *
 * @author Stefan Filipovic
 *
 */

#include "board.h"
#include "log.h"
#include "gnss25.h"

// Application buffer size
#define APP_BUFFER_SIZE             500
#define PROCESS_BUFFER_SIZE         200

static gnss25_t gnss25;
static log_t logger;

static uint8_t app_buf[ APP_BUFFER_SIZE ] = { 0 };
static int32_t app_buf_len = 0;

/**
 * @brief GNSS 25 clearing application buffer.
 * @details This function clears memory of application buffer and reset its length.
 * @note None.
 */
static void gnss25_clear_app_buf ( void );

/**
 * @brief GNSS 25 log application buffer.
 * @details This function logs data from application buffer to USB UART.
 * @note None.
 */
static void gnss25_log_app_buf ( void );

/**
 * @brief GNSS 25 data reading function.
 * @details This function reads data from device and concatenates data to application buffer. 
 * @param[in] ctx : Click context object.
 * See #gnss25_t object definition for detailed explanation.
 * @return @li @c  0 - Read some data.
 *         @li @c -1 - Nothing is read.
 * See #err_t definition for detailed explanation.
 * @note None.
 */
static err_t gnss25_process ( gnss25_t *ctx );

/**
 * @brief GNSS 25 parser application.
 * @param[in] rsp Response buffer.
 * @details This function logs GNSS data on the USB UART.
 * @return None.
 * @note None.
 */
static void gnss25_parser_application ( uint8_t *rsp );

void application_init ( void ) 
{
    log_cfg_t log_cfg;  /**< Logger config object. */
    gnss25_cfg_t gnss25_cfg;  /**< Click config object. */

    /** 
     * Logger initialization.
     * Default baud rate: 115200
     * Default log level: LOG_LEVEL_DEBUG
     * @note If USB_UART_RX and USB_UART_TX 
     * are defined as HAL_PIN_NC, you will 
     * need to define them manually for log to work. 
     * See @b LOG_MAP_USB_UART macro definition for detailed explanation.
     */
    LOG_MAP_USB_UART( log_cfg );
    log_init( &logger, &log_cfg );
    log_info( &logger, " Application Init " );

    // Click initialization.
    gnss25_cfg_setup( &gnss25_cfg );
    GNSS25_MAP_MIKROBUS( gnss25_cfg, MIKROBUS_1 );
    if ( UART_ERROR == gnss25_init( &gnss25, &gnss25_cfg ) ) 
    {
        log_error( &logger, " Communication init." );
        for ( ; ; );
    }
    gnss25_reset_device ( &gnss25 );

    log_info( &logger, " Application Task " );
}

void application_task ( void ) 
{
    if ( GNSS25_OK == gnss25_process( &gnss25 ) ) 
    {
        if ( app_buf_len > ( sizeof ( GNSS25_RSP_GGA ) + GNSS25_GGA_ELEMENT_SIZE ) ) 
        {
            gnss25_parser_application( app_buf );
        }
    }
}

int main ( void ) 
{
    /* Do not remove this line or clock might not be set correctly. */
    #ifdef PREINIT_SUPPORTED
    preinit();
    #endif
    
    application_init( );
    
    for ( ; ; ) 
    {
        application_task( );
    }

    return 0;
}

static void gnss25_clear_app_buf ( void ) 
{
    memset( app_buf, 0, app_buf_len );
    app_buf_len = 0;
}

static void gnss25_log_app_buf ( void )
{
    for ( int32_t buf_cnt = 0; buf_cnt < app_buf_len; buf_cnt++ )
    {
        log_printf( &logger, "%c", app_buf[ buf_cnt ] );
    }
}

static err_t gnss25_process ( gnss25_t *ctx ) 
{
    uint8_t rx_buf[ PROCESS_BUFFER_SIZE ] = { 0 };
    int32_t overflow_bytes = 0;
    int32_t rx_cnt = 0;
    int32_t rx_size = gnss25_generic_read( ctx, rx_buf, PROCESS_BUFFER_SIZE );
    if ( ( rx_size > 0 ) && ( rx_size <= APP_BUFFER_SIZE ) ) 
    {
        if ( ( app_buf_len + rx_size ) > APP_BUFFER_SIZE ) 
        {
            overflow_bytes = ( app_buf_len + rx_size ) - APP_BUFFER_SIZE;
            app_buf_len = APP_BUFFER_SIZE - rx_size;
            memmove ( app_buf, &app_buf[ overflow_bytes ], app_buf_len );
            memset ( &app_buf[ app_buf_len ], 0, overflow_bytes );
        }
        for ( rx_cnt = 0; rx_cnt < rx_size; rx_cnt++ ) 
        {
            if ( rx_buf[ rx_cnt ] ) 
            {
                app_buf[ app_buf_len++ ] = rx_buf[ rx_cnt ];
            }
        }
        return GNSS25_OK;
    }
    return GNSS25_ERROR;
}

static void gnss25_parser_application ( uint8_t *rsp )
{
    uint8_t element_buf[ 200 ] = { 0 };
    if ( GNSS25_OK == gnss25_parse_gga( rsp, GNSS25_GGA_LATITUDE, element_buf ) )
    {
        static uint8_t wait_for_fix_cnt = 0;
        if ( strlen( element_buf ) > 0 )
        {
            log_printf( &logger, "\r\n Latitude: %.2s degrees, %s minutes \r\n", element_buf, &element_buf[ 2 ] );
            memset( element_buf, 0, sizeof( element_buf ) );
            gnss25_parse_gga( rsp, GNSS25_GGA_LONGITUDE, element_buf );
            log_printf( &logger, " Longitude: %.3s degrees, %s minutes \r\n", element_buf, &element_buf[ 3 ] );
            memset( element_buf, 0, sizeof( element_buf ) );
            gnss25_parse_gga( rsp, GNSS25_GGA_ALTITUDE, element_buf );
            log_printf( &logger, " Altitude: %s m \r\n", element_buf );
            wait_for_fix_cnt = 0;
        }
        else
        {
            if ( wait_for_fix_cnt % 5 == 0 )
            {
                log_printf( &logger, " Waiting for the position fix...\r\n\n" );
                wait_for_fix_cnt = 0;
            }
            wait_for_fix_cnt++;
        }
        gnss25_clear_app_buf(  );
    }
}

// ------------------------------------------------------------------------ END

Additional Support

Resources

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