Matek - M9N-G4-3100 DroneCAN GNSS + Compass Module
by Matek Systems

The Matek M9N-G4-3100 is a high-precision GNSS + Compass module engineered for cutting-edge UAV and drone navigation systems. Powered by ArduPilot’s AP_Periph firmware, this versatile unit is designed for seamless integration with DroneCAN and UART/MSP protocols, providing superior flexibility and compatibility with ArduPilot and INAV flight controllers.

At the heart of the device lies the u-blox M9N series GNSS receiver, capable of concurrently tracking multiple satellite constellations — GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, and BeiDou — for enhanced positioning accuracy and signal reliability, even in challenging environments. This makes it ideal for high-demand drone operations requiring reliable 3D positioning and precise timing synchronization.

Equipped with the PNI RM3100 industrial-grade compass, the M9N-G4-3100 offers extremely accurate heading data with high resolution, low power usage, and resistance to magnetic hysteresis. Its high sampling rate and dynamic range make it suitable for advanced autonomous missions.

The onboard STM32G474 microcontroller supports CAN FD (up to 5 Mbps) and CAN 2.0 (1 Mbps), ensuring high-speed, low-latency data transmission. This module is compact (36x36x12mm), lightweight (only 16g), and power-efficient (100mA @ 5V), making it perfect for both professional and enthusiast drone builds.

It includes multiple connectivity interfaces, a robust mounting base, and is firmware-upgradable via USB or DroneCAN GUI. Compatible with ArduPilot (since 4.1.x) and INAV (since 2.6), the M9N-G4-3100 provides an excellent solution for precise GNSS and compass integration in advanced flight systems.

Specifications:

• GNSS Receiver: u-blox M9N (GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, BeiDou)

• Compass: PNI RM3100

• Antenna: 25x25x4mm GNSS patch

• MCU: STM32G474CE, 170MHz

• Interfaces: CAN (DroneCAN), UART2 (GNSS), UART3 (MSP), USB (for firmware)

• LED Indicators:

  • Blue (CAN bootloader status)

  • Green (GNSS PPS - 3D Fix)

  • Red (Power status)

• Voltage Input: 4.5V to 5.5V

• Power Draw: 100mA

• Temperature Range: -20°C to 80°C

• Dimensions: 36mm x 36mm x 12mm

• Weight: 16g

Package Includes:

• 1x M9N-G4-3100 module

• 1x 20cm JST-GH-4P to JST-GH-4P silicone cable

• Mounting base: 1x PCB plate, 4x silicon grommets, 4x Nylon standoffs (M3x7), 4x Nylon screws (M3x8)