NRF9160 LTE + GPS at same time.

[Fran.S]

Hi.

  We are evualuating and testing NRF9160 DK and after a while testing and reading different threads of the forum I know the mode GPS + LTE in the nrf9160 only work in mode PSM and not at same time really.

  My question is the problem is internally Hardware or is a Software issue??. Because we are evaluating this system for location and send data to our cloud, but I don't know if it is the best solution for a traceability when we want to get the position every 10 seconds for example.

  If it is a hardware issue, I understand in the future with this module I can't do it, but if the problem is Software, I understand in nexts SDK you can resolv this issue.

  Awaiting your comments.

Best Regards.

[Carl Richard]

Hi, Fran!

This is not really an issue. The nRF9160 radio is shared between GPS and LTE, with LTE having the priority. When a device is connected to an LTE network it generally moves between two states "RRC Connected" and "RRC Idle". The GPS is allowed to operate while the device is in "RRC Idle" mode. In theory this means that GPS and LTE can operate more or less concurrently without the use of any additional features, however, we recommend that you use PSM, eDRX or both as this will give the GPS guaranteed periods of operation while LTE communication does not occur. 

You can read more about concurrent operation for GPS and LTE in the "Working with the nRF91 Series" and in the A-GPS sample documentation. Transmitting your position should every 10 seconds should in it self not be a problem with the nRF9160 if you use an appropriate PSM or eDRX configuration. 

Hope this clarifies things. If you have any further questions, please ask!

Best regards,
Carl Richard