HS-MX1203GT: High Performance Embedded Class B & B+ AIS Transceiver Module

The HS-MX1203GT is a next-generation, compact embedded AIS transceiver module supporting both Class B (2W CSTDMA) and Class B+ (5W SOTDMA) operations. With ultra-compact 70x70x14mm dimensions and comprehensive interface support, it provides the perfect embedded solution for vessel navigation systems, unmanned vehicles, and maritime IoT applications.

Features and Specifications

• Utilizes a dedicated low-power processor chip supporting full Class B AIS protocol
• Integrates full-stack baseband processing and RF transceiver functionality
• Meets ultra-high sensitivity reception requirements down to -119dBm
• Supports software upgrades and device control via TTL serial port
• Support automatic reception and processing of AIS information from other vessels or VTS shore stations
• Supports multiple data format interfaces, including NMEA2000, NMEA0183, and GNSS
• Can extract position, heading, speed, and other information, encapsulating it according to the standard format of AIS messages
• Capable of connecting to and transmitting data to shipboard multifunction displays and other naval equipment, enabling ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore interconnection and collaboration
• Complies with IEC 60945, IEC 62287-1/2, IEC61162-1/2, IEC61108-1, ITU-R M1371-5 and NMEA2000 @ Edition2.20 standards
• Ultra-compact dimensions: 70mm x 70mm x 14mm
• Suitable for general marine navigation and communication systems, shore-based portable base stations, inland waterway and offshore navigation buoys, offshore platforms, marine buoys, offshore wind farm electronic fences, inland electric vessels, unmanned vessels, and bridge collision avoidance warning systems.

Dimensions

Figure 2 Module size diagram (70 mm x 70mm x 14mm)

Figure 3  HS-MX1203GT 3D Height Limit Diagram

Interface Definitions

Connector ①
Serial Number	Definition	Connection Instructions	Remarks
①	VHF	Connect to the AIS Antenna	MCX(Female)

Connector ②
Serial Number	Definition	Connection Instructions	Remarks
②	GPS	Connect to the GPS/BeiDou Antenna	MCX(Female)

Connector ③
Serial Number	Definition	Connection Instructions	Remarks
③	–	Power Supply, Negative
	+	Power Supply, Positive,_12V DC

Connector ④
Serial Number	Definition	Connection Instructions	Remarks
1	GND	Ground
2	TX1	TTL1 Serial Port Signal Output
3	RX1	TTL1 Serial Port Signal Input
4	GND	Ground
5	TX2	TTL2 Serial Port Signal Output
6	RX2	TTL2 Serial Port Signal Input
7	GND	Ground
8	NC	Floating
9	NC	Floating
10	GND	Ground
11	CTX	CAN Signal Output
12	CRX	CAN Signal Input
13	GND	Ground
14	TX3	External GPS Signal Output
15	RX3	External GPS Signal Input
16	PPS	External GPS UTC Input
17	GND	Ground
18	SLT	SILENT MODE (Active Low)
19	NC	Floating
20	NC	Floating
21	NC	Floating
22	NC	Floating
23	WKP	Floating
24	GND	Ground

Connector ⑤ (LED indicator)
Serial Number	Definition	Connection Instructions	Remarks
1	GND	Ground
2	LED ERRO	Device Error Indicator
3	LED GPS	GPS Status Indicator
4	LED RX	Device Rx Status Indicator
5	LED TX	Device Tx Status Indicator
6	LED OTHER	Device Other Status Indicator
7	3V3 IN	3.3V Voltage Input
8	GND	Ground
9	GND	Ground
10	GND	Ground

Table 2  Interface Definitions

Connections

Power Supply
The module’s power supply is connected to pin ③ on the board via a 12VDC regulated power supply. Ensure correct polarity is maintained

Figure 4 Power Interface

Data and Communication Interface

The module’s external data communication and control ports must be connected to the 24-pin composite communication interface on pin ④ of the board. Refer to Table 1 for pin definitions.

Figure 5 Composite Data Communication Interface

Pin	Function	Description	Remarks
1	SILENT_MODE_IN	Silent Mode Input	Active low
2	TTL1_M_RX	Serial Port 1 Data Input	3.3V  TTL
3	TTL1_M_TX	Serial Port 1 Data Output	3.3V TTL
4	WKUP	WKUP function	Software not supported
5	GND	Ground
6	EXT_GPS_TX	External GPS Data Output	When using external GPS
7	EXT_GPS_RX	External GPS data input	When using external GPS
8	TTL2_M_RX	Serial Port2 Data Input	This port is currently disabled
9	TTL2_M_TX	Serial Port2 Data Output	This port is currently disabled

Figure 6  External Communication Serial Port Adapter Board and Definitions

AIS and GPS Antenna Connections

The external AIS antenna connects via the board’s VHF port ①, while the GPS antenna connects via the board’s GPS port ②. Never power on the module without both AIS and GPS antennas connected

Figure 7  VHF Antenna Connection

Figure 8 GPS Antenna Connection

LED Status Indicators

Operating and status indicators are defined in Table 2 under Interface ⑤.

Figure 9 Operating and Status Indicator Interface

Application Notes

• The HS-MX1203GT accepts 12V or 24V DC power input. After power-up, allow 1 second for initialization before normal operation begins.
• The UART1 is a standard 3.3V TTL serial port data output with a baud rate of 38400bps.
• The UART2 is reserved for the serial port and has no data output.
• Module Configuration MMSI needs to be configured, and the output is the source data of the AIS message, which needs to be when the vessel has a power cut-off controller, HS-MX1203GT power

Figure 10 HS-MX1203GT Power Control Recommendation

Software Configurations

Power Settings

The default power setting of the module factory is 2W. The high, medium and low power setting commands are as follows:
1）5W，$PAIS,CMD,7,CFG,TX_POWER,H,040 2）2W，$PAIS,CMD,7,CFG,TX_POWER,M,045
3）1W，$PAIS,CMD,7,CFG,TX_POWER,L,0*44

Other configurations

Please refer to the HS-MX1203GT Configuration Command Guide.