ChipScout

Communication

NEO-M8N

Multi-GNSS receiver module used in drones, robotics, and tracking products.

u-bloxActiveModerate

Best For

Projects needing Multi-GNSS and Drones with a commonly available communication part.

Avoid If

You need production-grade certainty without checking the exact module vendor, pinout, and library maintenance status.

Quick Decision Notes

NEO-M8N is indexed as a communication part from u-blox. ChipScout tracks it by practical maker-facing dimensions: interfaces, library readiness, estimated price, field-level sources, and whether the page is strong enough for selection rather than only lookup.

Technical Specifications

FunctionGNSS positioningSource: u-blox
InterfaceUART / I2CSource: u-blox
ConstellationsGPS / GLONASS / BeiDou classSource: u-blox
Working Voltage3.3V moduleSource: u-blox

Common Use Cases

  • Maker prototypes
  • Low-cost modules
  • Educational hardware

Known Issues

  • Breakout boards may use different pin labels or regulator choices
  • Clone modules can differ from the original datasheet part

Interfaces and Library Support

Interfaces
UARTI2C
Wireless
GNSS
Voltage
3.3V
Libraries
Arduino verifiedMicroPython pending
Data Integrity84% confidence
Sourcehttps://www.u-blox.com/
Last verified2026-05-20
Core specsVerified
PinoutAvailable
Library supportChecked
Price rangePresent
Found a wrong spec?

Every field is meant to be source-backed. Corrections should include a datasheet URL, vendor page, module photo, or reproducible library test.

Submit correction

Source Resources

Datasheethttps://www.u-blox.com/u-bloxLibraryNEO-M8N Arduino library lookupArduino

Pinout Table

VCC3.3VPower the module from a rail that matches the breakout board, not just the bare IC.
GNDCommon groundConnect ground between the controller, sensor/module, and external power supply.
SDAMCU I2C dataUse pull-ups appropriate for the board voltage; many modules already include them.
SCLMCU I2C clockKeep wiring short for breadboard prototypes and lower bus speed if unstable.
TXMCU RXCross TX to RX between the module and controller.
RXMCU TXCheck whether the module is 3.3V logic before connecting to 5V boards.

Pinout is not yet source-verified. Use the table as an integration checklist, then confirm exact pins against the module vendor page before wiring hardware.

Common Wiring

VCC

Power the module from a rail that matches the breakout board, not just the bare IC.

GND

Connect ground between the controller, sensor/module, and external power supply.

SDA

Use pull-ups appropriate for the board voltage; many modules already include them.

SCL

Keep wiring short for breadboard prototypes and lower bus speed if unstable.

Arduino Example

#include <Wire.h>

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(115200);
  Wire.begin();
  Serial.println("NEO-M8N I2C wiring smoke test");
}

void loop() {
  // Replace this with the maintained NEO-M8N library call.
  Serial.println("Check NEO-M8N on the I2C bus, then read a sample.");
  delay(1000);
}
NEO-M8N Arduino library lookup

MicroPython Example

MicroPython support is pending. Treat community scripts as prototypes until a maintained driver is linked and tested on a known development board.

Recommended Development Boards

ESP32-C3 development board

Low-cost Wi-Fi/BLE board with enough interfaces for most sensors and modules.

Arduino Uno R4 / compatible

Good baseline for beginner wiring and library validation.

Raspberry Pi Pico W

Practical MicroPython target for I2C, SPI, UART, PWM, and ADC experiments.

Alternative Model Reasons

A7670CCommunicationCompare this option when price or module availability is the deciding constraint.
ATGM336HCommunicationCompare this option when price or module availability is the deciding constraint.
BC26CommunicationCompare this option when price or module availability is the deciding constraint.
CC1101CommunicationCompare this option when price or module availability is the deciding constraint.

Common Questions

What is NEO-M8N best used for?

Projects needing Multi-GNSS and Drones with a commonly available communication part.

Does NEO-M8N support Arduino or MicroPython?

NEO-M8N has verified Arduino support and MicroPython support pending verification.

What interfaces does NEO-M8N use?

NEO-M8N lists UART, I2C; wireless support is GNSS.

Compare NEO-M8N vs A7670C

Alternatives and Related Parts

A7670C

SIMCom

4G Cat.1 cellular module used in low-cost IoT telemetry products.

China-madeCommunication74% confidence

ATGM336H

Zhongke Micro

China-made GNSS module commonly used as a low-cost GPS receiver in maker projects.

China-madeCommunication74% confidence

BC26

Quectel

NB-IoT module used for low-power cellular sensor applications.

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CC1101

Texas Instruments

Sub-GHz transceiver used in low-power wireless links and RF experimentation.

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