NOMAD K16 Series RTK GNSS Module Overview
NOMAD is an embedded L1/L5 RTK GNSS module series for robotics, autonomous systems, precision agriculture, monitoring, and OEM hardware designs. The K16 Series combines a compact 24-pin LCC package, a 200-channel receiver engine, NMEA output, RTCM correction input, and module-level interfaces for custom carrier-board development.
NOMAD K16 Series at a glance
- Surface-mount GNSS module for custom carrier boards
- External GNSS antenna and RF-path design required
- K16E adds integrated inertial-sensor support
Product scope
NOMAD is designed for hardware teams integrating RTK GNSS positioning directly onto a custom carrier board. The module combines the GNSS receiver platform and RF interface in a compact 24-pin LCC package, while leaving antenna selection, power design, host communication, and mechanical integration under the control of the system designer.
Two module variants are available. K16C provides standard RTK positioning at 1 Hz. K16E adds a BOSCH BMI325 6-axis IMU, dead-reckoning support, and navigation output up to 10 Hz for moving platforms.
Choose NOMAD when the GNSS hardware must be integrated directly into your own PCB design. For an enclosed receiver with an integrated antenna, cable, and host-ready interface, review the SCOUT receiver .
Engineering characteristics
The following characteristics define the module-level design decisions relevant to PCB integration and receiver selection.
Compact 24-pin LCC package
The nominal 12.2 × 16.3 × 2.4 mm LCC surface-mount package supports carrier-board integration in space-constrained systems.
Multi-constellation L1/L5 tracking
The 200-channel receiver engine supports GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, and QZSS, with L1/L5 dual-band tracking and GLONASS on L1.
Low-power architecture
Typical tracking current is 30 mA for K16C and 35 mA for K16E, supporting power-conscious embedded system design.
NMEA output and RTCM input
Standard NMEA 0183 output and RTCM v3.x correction-data input support host integration and RTK workflows.
Interference-resistant RF front end
The L1/L5 RF front end includes up to eight single-tone interference filters to reduce the effect of nearby interference.
Dead-reckoning variant
K16E adds a BOSCH BMI325 6-axis IMU and supports dead reckoning through short GNSS-degraded intervals.
Choose a NOMAD configuration
Compare K16C and K16E according to the expected motion profile, GNSS environment, required update rate, and host interface.
| Parameter | NOMAD K16C | NOMAD K16E |
|---|---|---|
| Positioning profile | Standard RTK | RTK + DR |
| GNSS platform | BEKEN BK1662 | BEKEN BK1662 |
| GNSS frequencies | L1 / L5 dual-band | L1 / L5 dual-band |
| IMU | Not included | BOSCH BMI325 · 6-axis IMU |
| Dead reckoning | Not included | Supported |
| Navigation update rate | 1 Hz | 10 Hz |
| Host interfaces | 1 × UART | 1 × UART |
| Typical integration profile | Open-sky robotics, monitoring, mapping, and lower-dynamics positioning workflows. | Moving robots, delivery vehicles, and platforms operating through short GNSS degradations. |
Review the NOMAD product page for current availability and module-level procurement information.
Application fit
NOMAD fits RTK evaluation, outdoor prototypes, and OEM development where GNSS is integrated directly onto a custom carrier board.
Robotics & prototyping
Embedded positioning for outdoor robots and cost-conscious RTK prototypes built on custom carrier boards.
Precision agriculture
GNSS integration for field-mapping devices, agricultural sensor nodes, and experimental guidance systems.
Moving prototypes
K16E adds inertial support for low-speed robots and test vehicles during short GNSS-degraded intervals.
Monitoring & sensing
Board-level GNSS integration for outdoor monitoring nodes, geofencing, and connected sensor systems.
Mapping & field evaluation
Embedded positioning for portable data-collection devices and open-sky RTK evaluation equipment.
Education & OEM development
A compact GNSS platform for student projects, custom PCB development, and OEM evaluation builds.
Continue with the documentation
Continue with the NOMAD documentation according to the hardware-design, protocol-reference, or compliance-review path relevant to your work.
Frequently asked questions
What is NOMAD?
NOMAD is an embedded L1/L5 RTK GNSS module series for OEM carrier-board designs. It combines a 200-channel GNSS receiver engine, NMEA output, RTCM correction input, and module-level integration interfaces in a compact 24-pin LCC package.
What is the difference between NOMAD K16C and K16E?
K16C provides standard RTK at 1 Hz. K16E adds a BOSCH BMI325 6-axis IMU, dead-reckoning support, and navigation output up to 10 Hz, with a default of 1 Hz. Both variants provide one UART interface.
What GNSS signals does NOMAD track?
NOMAD tracks GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, and QZSS on L1. L5 tracking covers GPS, Galileo, BeiDou, and QZSS.
Does NOMAD include a GNSS antenna?
No. NOMAD is a surface-mount GNSS module intended for custom PCB integration. The system designer must select the external antenna, design the RF path, and complete the carrier-board layout.
What correction data does NOMAD accept?
NOMAD accepts RTCM v3.x correction data for RTK positioning. MSM4 observation messages are the documented input format. The host system receives a compatible stream from an NTRIP client or another correction-data source and forwards it to the module over UART.
When should I use NOMAD instead of SCOUT?
Use NOMAD when the GNSS hardware must be integrated directly onto your carrier board. Use SCOUT when the project benefits from an enclosed receiver with an integrated antenna, cable, and USB-C host connection.
Where can I find package drawings and interface definitions?
The NOMAD Pin Definitions & Interfaces section covers signal definitions and module-level host connections. Mechanical & Dimensions covers package drawings and footprint references for the selected K16 variant.
Evaluating NOMAD for your hardware design?
Review the product page or discuss a module-level integration requirement with the Kalmix team.