Case studies

Unlocking the Power of Precision Agriculture with Nordian's OEM Board and PX9 Solution

Nordian’s innovative OEM board and PX9 solution, leveraging u-blox’s ZED-F9P GNSS and NEO-D9S modules and PointPerfect correction service, offer a game-changing approach to addressing these challenges.

man in the filed operating drone or agricultural machine

The agricultural and heavy machinery sectors are undergoing a transformation as precision technology becomes a cornerstone of operational efficiency. However, implementing high-accuracy GNSS solutions remains a complex challenge for many Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and businesses in these industries. Nordian’s innovative OEM board and PX9 solution, leveraging u-blox’s ZED-F9P GNSS and NEO-D9S modules and PointPerfect correction service, offer a game-changing approach to addressing these challenges.

nordian ndn px9-module

While many companies are familiar with the impressive capabilities of u-blox’s F9P and companion NEO D9S L-band receiver, not all are aware of the critical role that the PointPerfect correction service plays in delivering global centimeter-level positioning accuracy. Nordian’s solution takes this technology to the next level by addressing common blockers such as seamless L-band access, reference frame conversion and ionospheric adaptations. The result is a robust, plug-and-play platform that removes development barriers and makes high-precision positioning both accessible and scalable.

 

The Building Blocks of Nordian’s Solution

  1. The ZED-F9P GNSS Module combined with the NEO-D9S
    At the heart of Nordian’s solution is u-blox’s ZED-F9P, a high-precision multi-band GNSS module and the NEO-D9S module. Integrating the NEO-D9S with ZED-F9P (with no engineering needed) adds capability to receive corrections via L-Band as well as IP, ensuring centimeter-level positioning when cellular coverage is not available, enabling continuity for applications in agriculture, mining, and heavy machinery.
     
  2. PointPerfect Correction Service
    The PointPerfect correction service complements the ZED-F9P/NEO-D9S combination by delivering real-time GNSS corrections globally through satellite and internet-based connections. Unlike traditional correction services, PointPerfect is cost-effective, with pay-as-you-go pricing that makes it accessible to medium-sized businesses and OEMs. It provides seamless accuracy regardless of connectivity type, switching intelligently between cellular and satellite networks as needed. 
     
  3. Nordian's Enhancements
    Nordian’s OEM board and PX9 solution builds on the ZED-F9P/NEO-D9S modules combined with PointPerfect with critical enhancements, including:
  • L-Band Access Management: Ensures seamless, secure delivery of correction data via satellite.
  • Reference Frame Conversion and Smoothing: Handles regional reference frame adjustments to maintain consistent accuracy across tectonic plate movements and country-specific regulations.
  • Ionospheric Adaptations: Improves reliability under challenging atmospheric conditions.
     

These features enable high-precision positioning that is ready to use out-of-the-box, significantly reducing the time, cost, and complexity of development.

 


Why Nordian’s Solution Stands Out

1. Plug-and-Play Simplicity

Nordian’s OEM board and PX9 solution are designed for seamless integration. By offering a fully optimized, pre-configured platform, Nordian removes the development burden for OEMs and businesses. This is particularly valuable for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that lack the resources for extensive in-house engineering.

2. Cost-Effective High Precision

Traditional high-precision GNSS solutions can cost thousands of dollars annually, limiting their accessibility to only the largest players in the market. With PointPerfect, Nordian’s solution offers similar or better accuracy at a fraction of the cost, opening the door for businesses and operations to adopt precision technology. This democratization of high-precision GNSS not only saves on cost but also enables medium-sized farms to capitalize on a range of benefits including in the agriculture industry to: reduce fuel consumption, cut waste, and minimize environmental impact.

3. Adaptability Across Applications

Nordian’s platform supports a wide range of applications, from precision agriculture to mining and surveying. Its compatibility with standard 20-pin connectors and legacy receivers ensures easy adoption and replacement of outdated systems, making it a future-proof investment.

4. Reliability in Challenging Conditions

In industries like agriculture and mining, where connectivity is often unreliable, Nordian’s solution excels. It combines cellular and satellite correction delivery, automatically switching between the two to maintain seamless performance. Features like "SmoothTrack," which ensures uninterrupted operation during temporary signal losses, make the system especially reliable for critical applications like auto-steering in tractors.

5. Enhanced User Experience

Nordian’s dashboard simplifies the user experience by automating key management and subscription activation. With secure serial number tracking, customers gain access to precise positioning services without worrying about unauthorized usage. This streamlined approach eliminates the technical complexity often associated with high-precision GNSS systems.

 

Real-World Benefits for AgTech and Heavy Machinery

  1. Agriculture
    Nordian’s solution enables farmers to improve crop yields, reduce operational costs, and minimize waste. For medium-sized farms, the affordability of PointPerfect makes it possible to leverage precision technology without stretching budgets. Features like real-time tracking and diagnostics also enhance operational oversight, allowing farm owners to monitor and optimize equipment use remotely.
     
  2. Heavy Machinery
    In industries such as mining and construction, precision GNSS is critical for tasks like terrain mapping and autonomous vehicle navigation. Nordian’s system offers plug-and-play compatibility with existing hardware, enabling companies to upgrade their fleets with minimal downtime or cost. 
     
  3. Surveying
    Surveyors benefit from Nordian’s reference frame conversion capabilities, which handle the complexities of regional positioning regulations. This feature ensures consistent accuracy regardless of location, eliminating the need for manual adjustments and improving overall efficiency. 
     
 

 

Looking accurately ahead: Expanding Possibilities

Nordian’s OEM board and PX9 solution are not just technological innovations—they represent a shift in how precision GNSS solutions are delivered. By reducing costs, simplifying adoption, and enhancing reliability, Nordian is helping businesses across agriculture, mining, and surveying unlock the full potential of precision technology. With upcoming advancements like two-way satellite communication for diagnostics and tracking, the platform is poised to further transform these industries.

For any business looking to embrace precision positioning without the typical hurdles, Nordian’s solution offers a practical, scalable, and affordable answer. Whether you're managing a fleet of autonomous tractors or conducting complex land surveys, Nordian ensures you have the tools to succeed in an increasingly competitive landscape.