RockBLOCK APNT
RockBLOCK APNT gives developers, system integrators and OEMs a simple way to evaluate and integrate Iridium PNT, combining the Iridium PNT ASIC with practical power, antenna and host interfaces for resilient positioning and precise timing.
Key Capabilities
Built for evaluation, prototyping and embedded integration, RockBLOCK APNT provides direct access to Iridium PNT positioning and precise timing without requiring a design of your own PCB around the Iridium PNT ASIC.
Independent APNT Positioning
Add an independent position source to your system without redesigning your wider navigation architecture.
Resilient Signal
Iridium PNT signals are approximately 1,000 times stronger than standard GPS/GNSS signals, improving resilience where GNSS is degraded.
Precise UTC Referenced Timing
Build reliable timing into systems that depend on accurate synchronization, with verified UTC referenced 1PPS performance.
USB-C for Ease of Development
Power the board and connect to a virtual COM port over USB-C for evaluation, testing and development.
Flexible Embedded Interfaces
Integrate with your host system using LVTTL UART, with additional SPI, I²C, UART and GPIO interfaces available for embedded applications.
Evaluate, Prototype and Integrate
RockBLOCK APNT packages the Iridium PNT ASIC into a compact PCBA with the supporting power, antenna and host interfaces needed to start development.
Developers can begin evaluation over USB-C, then use serial and exposed embedded interfaces when integrating the board into a wider system. By taking care of the supporting hardware around the ASIC, RockBLOCK APNT reduces the amount of board-level development needed to move from initial evaluation into OEM or system-level integration.
RockBLOCK APNT receives Iridium PNT signals through an external antenna and makes the resulting position and timing information available to your host system. You can then integrate Iridium PNT alongside GNSS, navigation, timing or system monitoring functions, providing an independent source of position and timing without having to design the underlying Iridium PNT receiver hardware yourself.
APNT Hardware Comparison
 RockBLOCK APNT
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 RockBLOCK Pro APNT
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 RockFLEET Assured
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| Best For | Developers, OEMs and system integrators embedding Iridium PNT into their own product | Development, integration and field evaluation in a rugged enclosure | Maritime operators needing GNSS integrity monitoring and an independent APNT position source |
| Primary Role | Build Iridium PNT into your product | Evaluate and deploy APNT in a rugged device | Deploy a complete maritime assured monitoring system |
| Form Factor | Compact PCBA for embedded integration | Rugged, self-contained enclosed device | Marine grade above deck positioning and integrity antenna |
| Dimensions | 59 x 36.5 x 7.7 mm (2.32 x 1.44 x 0.30 in) | 121 x 75 x 53 mm (4.76 x 2.95 x 2.09 in) | 201 mm diameter x 125 mm height (7.91 in diameter x 4.92 in height) |
| Weight | 10 g (0.35 oz) | 400 g (14.1 oz) including antenna / 388 g (13.7 oz) SMA version | 1,460 g (3.22 lb) including antenna and mounting bracket |
| Environmental | -20°C to +70°C (-4°F to +158°F); requires customer enclosure | IP66, -40°C to +70°C (-40°F to +158°F) | IP67, -40°C to +70°C (-40°F to +158°F), marine-grade installation |
| Power | 5 V USB-C or 3.3 V; 1.2 W peak | 5–30 V DC or 5 V USB-C; 2.5 W max | 15–24 V DC direct / 10–30 V via Power Hub; 20 W terminal |
| Position Sources | Iridium PNT only | Iridium PNT + integrated multi-constellation GNSS | Iridium PNT + integrated GNSS |
| Satellite Communications | None; receive-only PNT | Iridium IMT, two-way messaging up to 100 KB | Iridium IMT for position, integrity and event reporting |
| Interfaces | USB-C, LVTTL UART, SPI, I²C, UART, GPIO | USB-C, RS232/RS485, GPIO, BLE | NMEA 2000 or NMEA 0183 / RS-422; BLE; API/platform integration |
| Onboard Processing | Host application determines how PNT data is used | ✓ Integrated processing | ✓ Continuous GNSS/APNT comparison and integrity monitoring |
| Pre-Order Now | Learn More | Learn More |
UAVs, Robotics and Autonomous Systems
Add resilient positioning to UAV, UGV and USV designs that need an additional source of position when GNSS is unreliable or disrupted.
Maritime Navigation and Vessel Systems
Add an independent position source to bridge, vessel tracking and navigation equipment, supporting position comparison when GNSS is jammed or spoofed.
Telecoms and Network Synchronization
Integrate UTC-referenced 1PPS timing into base stations, network equipment and timing appliances that depend on accurate synchronization.
Product Development and Prototyping
Evaluate the Iridium PNT ASIC and develop proof of concept systems using production relevant hardware interfaces before committing engineering resources to a wider product design.
Power and Critical Infrastructure
Add an independent timing source to utility, control and monitoring equipment where loss of GNSS-derived time can affect coordinated operations.
Technical Essentials
RockBLOCK APNT combines the Iridium PNT ASIC with the practical interfaces needed for evaluation and embedded development..
Ready to use Iridium PNT PCBA
Work with the Iridium PNT ASIC without designing and manufacturing your own carrier board first.
USB-C Development
Power the board and connect to a virtual COM port over USB-C, providing a straightforward starting point for evaluation and software development.
Embedded Host Interfaces
Move into your product design using LVTTL UART, SPI, I²C, UART and GPIO interfaces.
Compact Integration
At 59 × 36.5 × 7.7 mm and 10 g, the board can be incorporated into compact OEM and embedded systems.
External Antenna Connection
Connect a suitable Iridium capable antenna via u.FL rather than developing the RF connection around the ASIC yourself.
Flexible Power Options
Power the board from 5 V over USB-C during development, or integrate it into your product using a 3.3 V supply through the Molex PicoClasp connector.
Product Specifications
Physical Properties
- Form Factor
- Printed Circuit Board Assembly (PCBA)
- Dimensions
- 59 x 36.5 x 7.7 mm (2.32 x 1.44 x 0.30 in)
- Weight
- 10 g (0.35 oz)
- Mounting
- Two mounting holes positioned diagonally across board corners
Environmental
- Operating Temperature
- -20°C to +70°C (-4°F to +158°F)
- Ingress Protection
- None. Integrate within an enclosure suitable for your intended deployment environment.
Electrical and Power
- Power Input
- 5 V via USB-C or 3.3 V via Molex PicoClasp 5015680607
- Peak Power Consumption
- 1.2 W
- Idle Power Consumption
- 0.95 W
Iridium PNT
- Satellite Service
- Iridium PNT
- Receiver Type
- Receive only
- Position Source
- Iridium PNT only; no integrated GPS/GNSS receiver
- Position Accuracy
- Varies by latitude and operating conditions. Field testing demonstrated median accuracy of 25 m at 69°N and 42 m at 19°N.
- Timing Stability
- Less than 50 nanoseconds
- Timing Accuracy
- Verified average time offset within 5 nanoseconds of UTC(NIST) over 60 days
Connections and Interfaces
- Host Connection
- USB-C / Molex PicoClasp 5015680607
- Serial Interface
- LVTTL UART, 3.3 V logic, 5 V tolerant
- Serial Configuration
- 115,200 baud
- Communication Protocol
- Proprietary NMEA-0183 sentences
- SPI
- 1 port via 0.1 in / 2.54 mm pitch header
- I²C
- Up to 3 via 0.1 in / 2.54 mm pitch header
- UART
- Up to 3 via 0.1 in / 2.54 mm pitch header
- GPIO
- Up to 6 via 0.1 in / 2.54 mm pitch header
RF and Antenna
- Antenna Connector
- u.FL
- Antenna Type
- Iridium capable external antenna
- Frequency Range
- 1616–1626.5 MHz
- Recommended Antenna
- Calian 33-HC610-28
Developer Support
RockBLOCK A-PNT gives developers a working hardware platform for evaluating Iridium PNT before integrating it into a wider system.
Use USB-C for initial setup and testing, then transition to serial and embedded interfaces as your design develops. Enabling engineering teams to focus on how Iridium PNT fits into their application rather than first developing the supporting receiver hardware.
Resources
FAQs
RockBLOCK APNT combines the Iridium PNT ASIC with practical power, antenna and host interfaces in a ready-to-use PCBA.
This gives developers a straightforward way to evaluate Iridium PNT and move into embedded integration without first designing the supporting hardware around the ASIC.
Not necessarily. RockBLOCK APNT provides an independent Iridium PNT source and does not contain an integrated GPS/GNSS receiver.
Your host system can determine how Iridium PNT is used alongside GNSS or other position and timing sources.
RockBLOCK APNT is designed for both evaluation and embedded integration. USB-C provides a straightforward development interface, while serial and additional exposed interfaces support integration into a wider system.
No. RockBLOCK APNT is a receive only Iridium PNT device, and does not provide Iridium satellite messaging.
RockBLOCK APNT provides position information using proprietary NMEA-0183 sentences over the host interface.
Yes. It provides Iridium PNT derived 1PPS timing with less than 50 nanoseconds timing stability and a verified average offset within 5 nanoseconds of UTC(NIST).
RockBLOCK APNT connects to a suitable Iridium-capable external antenna through a u.FL connector. The current recommended antenna is the Calian 33-HC610-28.
Yes for deployments requiring environmental protection. RockBLOCK APNT is supplied as a PCBA, allowing OEMs and integrators to incorporate it into their own enclosure and product design.
There are several Iridium PNT airtime options, depending on factors such as the speed of your device and its deployment environment. Talk to us about your application and we’ll help you choose the right service.
Start building with Iridium PNT
RockBLOCK APNT gives you an integration ready way for evaluating Iridium PNT position and timing and developing it into your own product or system. Whether you need technical guidance or want to discuss volume orders, we’re here to help.
Fill in the form or email hello@groundcontrol.com, and we’ll reply within one working day.