GPS World

Tag: GNSS module

  • GlobalTop Unveils Tiny Mediatek Multi-GNSS Module

    The GlobalTop Firefly X1 GNSS module.
    The GlobalTop Firefly X1 GNSS module.

    GlobalTop Technology has launched FireFly X1, a tiny Mediatek-based multi-GNSS module. With a compact size of 9.0 x 9.5 x 2.1 millimeters, it’s one of the smallest multi-GNSS modules in the industry, the company said.

    “Compact size and low-power consumption will be the key [unique selling points] for the next generation of M2M Devices,” said Sam Khan, vice CEO of GlobalTop Technology. “After a comprehensive market study, we found that small size was one of the most important factors for companies when it came to GNSS module selection; other key factors included power consumption, TTFF, positioning accuracy, additional interfaces as well as quality and longevity of the module. I am proud to say that FireFly X1 delivers perfectly on all these criteria.”

    According to Khan, the FireFly X1 was designed with “sophisticated engineering and an entirely new set of ultra-compact quality components to reach this miniature size, while adding more features and interfaces at the same time.” It uses the latest MT3333 engine with full support for GPS, QZSS, GLONASS and BeiDou, and is Galileo ready.

    Tracking of up to two constellations simultaneously, and relying on the latest Mediatek firmware, it can provide positioning accuracy of up to 1.8 m CEP. Enabling EASY (self-generated orbit prediction), AGPS (ephermis file injection) and SBAS further enhances position accuracy.

    Despite a smaller size, FireFly X1 incorporates a complete set of high-quality components, including TCXO, RTC Crystal, SMPS, SAW Filter and an additional LNA to provide reliable performance.

    FireFly X1 combines miniature size with flexible multi-interface connectivity options such as SPI and I²C that can simplify a user’s design, and is designed for M2M devices relying on low-cost MCUs that offer limited serial interfaces.

    GlobalTop’s free customization service further expands the capability of FireFly X1 with features such as custom NMEA output sentence, distance calculation, geofencing, magnetic variation and last- position-retention. Advanced users can also customize the basic parameters of the module, including baud rate, update rate, internal logger settings, DGPS mode, 3D Fix, 1 PPS timing, and more.

    All modules are produced at GlobalTop’s in-house ISO 9001:2008 certified manufacturing facility, with 100 percent unit testing and complete quality control, allowing for a consistent annual yield rate of 99.98 percent.

    Samples and Evaluation Kits for FireFly X1 are now available. Please contact us or your local distributor for more information.

  • Telit GNSS Module Enables High-Performance Position Reporting

    Telit's Jupiter SE868-V3 module.
    Telit’s Jupiter SE868-V3 module.

    Telit Wireless Solutions has released a new GNSS module, the SE868-V3. The positioning module combines GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo and SBAS, which enables the creation of high-performance position reporting and navigation solutions.

    The SE868-V3 can navigate to -162 dBm and track to -166 dBm, providing improved performance in harsh environments. It is pin-to-pin compatible with the former SE868-V2 as well as the JF2. This advanced GNSS module can track GPS and GLONASS or GPS and Beidou constellations simultaneously and it is Galileo-ready.

    The 11 x 11 mm QFN package contains a powerful baseband processor, SQI Flash memory and GNSS chip with integrated low noise amplifier (LNA). The ultra-sensitive RF front-end enables multi-GNSS indoor fix and high-quality navigation in challenging outdoor scenarios such as dense urban areas, Telit said.

    In addition, the SE868-V3 supports ephemeris file injection (A-GPS) as well as Satellite-Based Augmentation System (SBAS) to increase position accuracy. Its onboard software engine is able to locally predict short-term ephemeris starting from data broadcast by GNSS satellites received by the module and stored in the internal Flash memory.

    “The SE868-V3 is yet another addition to our positioning product portfolio, which is the result of over 20 years of experience in GNSS applications,” said Felix Marchal, chief product officer, Telit. “Our products are compatible with the GPS constellation as well as its Russian counterpart GLONASS and China’s Beidou.”

  • Wi2Wi Offers GNSS Module for M2M and Wearable Markets

    Wi2Wi Corporation is releasing the W2SG0021i, a miniature GNSS module based on the CSR SiRFStarV chip.

    The W2SG0021i is a high-sensitivity, low-power stand-alone receiver designed for portable applications. It can concurrently track multiple satellite constellations (GPS, GLONASS, BDS, SBAS, and is Galileo-ready) and has ultra-fast time-to-first-fix, a small form factor, and high receive sensitivity for a broad spectrum of OEM products, including machine-to-machine (M2M) and consumer wearables.

    The module provides precision commercial-grade GNSS location identification over -40C to +85C. Measuring 7 x 7 millimeters, the W2SG0021i addresses the need for a cost-effective and high-performance GNSS module for major markets worldwide, the company said.

    M2M and wearable markets require GNSS modules with high position accuracy, low power, and very small form factor, said Wi2Wi CTO and vice president of engineering Tony Fardanesh. Wi2Wi pushes these limits in its GNSS, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth solutions, he said.

    Precision location features and the small form factor of W2SG0021i enable Wi2Wi to penetrate into the GNSS market globally.  Wi2Wi continues to invest in the research and development of high-precision connectivity solutions, timing devices and frequency controllers to the global customer base, said CEO Hans Black.

    The W2SG0021i samples and development kit will be available in Q1 2015.

    Wi2Wi designs, manufactures and markets miniaturized embedded wireless connectivity solutions (incorporating both hardware and software), high-precision timing devices, and frequency controllers for premium industrial/medical, avionics, home automation and government markets.

     

  • Unicore Announces BeiDou/GPS+MEMS GNSS Module, High-Precision Heading Board at ION GNSS+

    UM220-INS BDS/GPS+MEMS dual-system inertial navigation module.
    UM220-INS
    BDS/GPS+MEMS dual-system inertial navigation module. Photo: Unicore

    Unicore Communications, Inc., is showcasing two new products at ION GNSS+, being held September 10-12 in Tampa, Florida.

    The UM220-INS is a BeiDou/GPS+MEMS dual-system inertial navigation module for in-dash automotive navigation and high-end navigation. Besides dual-system (BeiDou+GPS) GNSS navigation, the UM220-INS features a built in six-axis MEMS and can output a GNSS+MEMS inertial positioning result, making it suitable for applications requiring high accuracy, high reliability, and high continuity positioning.

    The second product is the UB280, a BeiDou/GPS dual-system dual-antenna high-precision heading board for precise RTK position and heading. According to Unicore, UB280 is based on Unicore’s mature BeiDou compatible multi-system GNSS system-on-chip (SoC), features low-power design and dual-antenna input, can offer millimeter-level carrier phase observation value and centimeter-level RTK positioning accuracy, and supports multi-path mitigation. Its advanced technology of instant and long-distance RTK is designed for high-precision positioning, navigation, and heading applications in static and dynamic environments.

    Features of the UM220-INS include:

    • Built-in six-axis MEMS. UM220-INS has a built-in MEMS with a 3-axis gyroscope and a 3-axis accelerometer. The solution fusing GNSS and inertial MEMS enables car-navigation devices to provide a continuous and stable position under complicated environments such as basement parking and tunnels, regardless of satellite visibility.
    • High-Sensitivity Design. With Unicore’s Ultra-Sense high-sensitivity design, UM220-INS can provide excellent acquisition and tracking sensitivity under weak signal conditions, maintaining the position continuity and reliability of the receiver.
    • High-Integrated Design. Different from traditional GPS navigation products, built-in MEMS devices support the odometer / speed pulse, the reversing signal input, and more integrated, simplified overall unit manufacturers’ design.
    • DGNSS and AGNSS Supprt. UM220-INS has extended support for differential GNSS and assisted GNSS positioning functions, and supports RTCM2.3/3.0.
    • Backward Compatibility with UM220. The UM220-III N module is backward-compatible with the UM220 in size and interface, which makes upgrades easy.
    UB280 BDS/GPS dual-system dual-antenna high -precision heading board. Photo: Unicore
    UB280 BDS/GPS dual-system dual-antenna high -precision heading board. Photo: Unicore

    Features of the UB280 incude:

    • Design standard. This board is totally compatible with mainstream OEM boards in dimensions and electrical standards for the convenience of user’s further development. Apart from this, more hardware interfaces are available.
    • Rapid RTK Integer Ambiguity Resolution. With super strong RTK algorithms, it ensures more rapid initializing speed and can make a GNSS-RTK solution on multi-constellation, thus ensuring users take the lead in the interoperability era.
    • Web Interface. The UB280 supports an Ethernet interface, so users can configure the board through Ethernet, managing, upgrading, and restarting the device remotely.
    • Instant Heading Technology. With an innovative RTK algorithm, Unicore has developed the real-time dynamic heading technology on variable baseline length for a moving base station. High-quality carrier observation and perfect RTK algorithm can provide a 0.2° heading accuracy on a 1-meter baseline.
    • Graphical Interface. Based on the graphical Control and Display Tool (CDT), the state, SNR and elevating angle of the satellites of all the constellations could be displayed on the screen, which is convenient for application development.

    Unicore Communications is located in Booth 118 in the ION GNSS+ exhibit hall.

  • u-blox Launches Online Shop for GPS/GNSS Modules, Tools

    u-blox Launches Online Shop for GPS/GNSS Modules, Tools

    Swiss u-blox, a provider of cellular, short-range radio and GPS/GNSS semiconductor components, has launched a new online shop in the U.S. and Canada, with expanded features and reduced prices.

    u-blox’ Online Shop is a fast and secure way to obtain module samples and pre-production quantities of the company’s comprehensive line of cellular modem and GPS/GNSS positioning modules, u-blox said. Support tools such as evaluation kits and wireless module adapters can also be ordered.

    All module products and support tools are typically shipped within 24 hours directly from the u-blox U.S.-based warehouse in Reston, Virginia, near the Washington Dulles International Airport. Technical support for all products are provided from one of u-blox America’s three technical support centers in Virginia, Minnesota, and California.

    For convenience and improved production planning, customers can also request a specific delivery date at no extra cost. Customers with an established line of credit with u-blox America can order against invoice. Credit card and pre-payment options are available.

  • Trimble Introduces Compact OEM GNSS UHF Receiver Module for High-Accuracy Positioning

    Trimble Introduces Compact OEM GNSS UHF Receiver Module for High-Accuracy Positioning

    The Trimble BD930-UHF high-performance integrated UHF receiver.
    The Trimble BD930-UHF high-performance integrated UHF receiver.

    Trimble has introduced the Trimble BD930-UHF receiver and communication module. As part of Trimble’s GNSS OEM portfolio, the new compact module features centimeter-level, Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) positioning capabilities coupled with an integrated UHF receiver for precise mobile positioning. The BD930-UHF module’s connectivity and configuration capabilities allow system integrators and OEMs to easily add GNSS, centimeter-level positioning to specialized or custom hardware solutions.

    “The OEM and system integrator communities demand high performance, reliability and support for their positioning solutions,” said Dale Hermann, general manager of the Integrated Technologies division at Trimble. “The Trimble BD930-UHF delivers the latest GNSS and communication technology in an easy-to-integrate form factor for demanding conditions and applications such as field computing, port automation and lightweight robotic or unmanned vehicles. With the BD930-UHF module, customers are purchasing a solution not just a GNSS receiver.”

    Taking advantage of Trimble’s expertise in both GNSS and UHF communications, the Trimble BD930-UHF module has been designed for applications requiring centimeter accuracy in a compact package. By integrating wireless communications on the same module, the task of receiving RTK corrections is significantly simplified.

    The triple-frequency GPS/GLONASS/BeiDou/Galileo BD930-UHF provides customers with a multi-constellation solution that can reduce their integration effort and time to market. Ethernet connectivity and onboard web server allows high-speed data transfer and configuration via standard browsers. USB and RS232 ports are also supported. By tightly integrating communications with the GNSS receiver, integrators can reduce costs, power, weight and size.

    The Trimble BD930-UHF is expected to be available in July 2014 through Trimble’s Precision GNSS + Inertial sales channel worldwide.

  • SkyTraq Launches Miniature Programmable GNSS Receiver Module

    SkyTraq‘s new family of high-performance system-in-package (SiP) GNSS receiver modules supports GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS and SBAS.The modules integrate SkyTraq Venus8 positioning engine, 1MByte Flash memory, LNA, SAW filter, high precision 0.5ppm TCXO, RTC crystal, and other passive components within tiny 10mm x 10mm x 1.3mm package. The smallest configuration requires only antenna and power to have position fix and generate NMEA output.

    This new 10mm x 10m sized GNSS module family consists of Venus858F-GL GPS/GLONASS receiver module, Venus858F-BD GPS/Beidou receiver module, and Venus838F GPS receiver module. All three modules support additional QZSS and SBAS signal. The three modules are pin compatible; one application design works for all three models.

    Within the consumer and industrial GNSS segment, these modules feature industry’s fastest 50Hz GPS, 20Hz GPS/Beidou, and 20Hz GPS/GLONASS update rate, 29sec cold start TTFF, and better than -160dBm tracking sensitivity.

    Module interface includes two UART, four SPI, one 2-wire interface (I2C compliant), and two PWM among the 28 function-multiplexed digital I/O. A customized Arduino IDE can be used to program the modules, making use of the on-chip peripherals and sharing the internal 32bit RISC, IEEE-754 compliant FPU, and memory resources. Venus838F GPS module has roughly 50MIPS + 490KByte Flash + 45KByte RAM available for user programming.

    Optimized for lowest bill of material cost, the dime-sized modules are designed for high-volume cost-sensitive GNSS applications. Combined with properly tuned antenna fitted to customer’s application design, it provides optimal performance at lowest system cost.

    To lower barrier of adopting latest satellite navigation technology, the traditionally higher-priced GPS/GLONASS and GPS/Beidou receiver modules are offered at same price as the GPS receiver module.

    Volume delivery of all three modules to customers begins in May 2014; engineering sample, datasheet, reference design, and evaluation kits are available now.

  • Alps Electric Develops Multi-GNSS Module for Automotive Use

     

    Alps Electric has developed the UMSZ2 Series multi-GNSS module for automotive use, providing support for multiple satellite positioning systems with a single module. Samples will be made available starting in April.

    The module can receive signals from multiple GNSS, allowing simultaneous reception of signals from multiple positioning systems with the single unit. It is a surface mount module with dimensions of 25.0 × 20.0 × 2.6 mm. Also equipped with an internal antenna status detection circuit, as required for GNSS signal reception, the module helps to reduce the customer’s workload in designing and installing such circuits.

    Alps Electric harnessed RF circuit and software design technologies built up over the years to optimize the UMSZ2 Series’ circuitry and create a single-package multi GNSS module. The time taken to acquire a position fix after turning on the system was also shortened, realizing the industry’s fastest time to first fix.

    Furthermore, the UMSZ2 Series can operate off a single 3.3V power supply despite simultaneously receiving signals from multiple GNSS. Eliminating the need for a multiple power supply contributes to greater freedom in system design.

    A dead-reckoning function for updating position information inside tunnels or in other areas where a signal is unavailable will also be added as an option.

  • u-blox Launches 8th-Generation GNSS Modules

    The u-blox Lea module.
    The u-blox Lea module.

    u‑blox has introduced its MAX, NEO and LEA GNSS modules in its next-generation, multi-constellation positioning platform u‑blox M8.

    The new module series satisfies a wide range of requirements by providing a scalable range of features including antenna management, integrated filters, data logging, crystal or TCXO, and rich set of interfaces, u-blox said.

    The modules can acquire and track all visible GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, QZSS and SBAS satellites and can track any two GNSS systems simultaneously for increased reliability, accuracy and faster acquisition time. For an overview of all modules, click here to download u-blox’ GNSS module selector guide.

    “Our advanced u-blox M8 modules are the result of u-blox’ in-house GNSS chip design expertise and end-to-end ownership of the entire IC and module manufacturing processes. This gives us full control over features, quality and production allowing us to react quickly to customer requirements,” said Thomas Seiler, u-blox CEO. “Being independent of third-party GNSS chip suppliers means we offer our customers exactly the right feature set, chip and module options, smooth upgrade path and a clearly defined product roadmap extending years into the future.”

    u-blox’ online assisted-GNSS service, AssistNow, has also been radically improved to support an unbeatable level of global positioning performance. The free service is available in online and offline versions and supports both assisted GPS and GLONASS.

    The MAX-M8, NEO-M8 and LEA-M8 modules provide cutting edge positioning performance and -167 dBm tracking sensitivity for a wide range of applications including vehicle and asset tracking, eCall / ERA-GLONASS emergency call systems, vehicle telematics for insurance, road pricing and anti-theft devices, navigation, security, and point-of-sales terminals.

    u-blox continues to offer u-blox 7 based modules MAX, NEO and LEA-7 which remain optimal for low-power, cost-efficient, single-GNSS designs. The new u-blox M8 modules maintain hardware and software compatibility with u-blox 7 modules to allow easy upgrade or product variants utilizing the same PCB layout.

    u‑blox’ capability of delivering u-blox 7 and u-blox M8 GNSS technologies in both module and integrated circuit form-factors provides maximum design flexibility and protects customers’ development investments over successive product generations.

    First samples and evaluation kits for u-blox M8 modules are available for customer evaluation.

  • u-blox Launches EVA-7M Standalone GNSS Module

    u-blox Launches EVA-7M Standalone GNSS Module

    u-blox EVA-7M.
    u-blox EVA-7M.

    Swiss-based u‑blox has introduced its smallest standalone GNSS positioning module, the EVA-7M. Designed for cost and space sensitive applications, the highly integrated 7 x 7 x 1.1 mm LGA module comprises all necessary components, including crystal and passives: only an  antenna is needed for global positioning capability.

    The module supports GPS, GLONASS, QZSS, and all SBAS augmentation systems. Based on u-blox’ advanced GNSS technology u‑blox 7, the module achieves -160 dBm sensitivity when tracking GPS satellites (-158 dBm with GLONASS satellites), fast acquisition time and the lowest power of any u-blox 7 module (16.5 mA at 3 V), thanks to an innovative high-efficiency power converter.

    The EVA-7M eases implementation in end-products because RF and digital domains are kept well separated, and the LGA pads are configured in single rows. EVA is a standalone GNSS receiver which provides a position without the need for host integration or extra RF components. It is optimized for keeping eBOM and system costs to an absolute minimum.

    “The EVA-7M brings embedded satellite positioning to the next level of portability. The module has been developed with ease-of-manufacturing as a high priority. Its QFN-like footprint with connections along four sides and high-level of component integration makes it a perfect solution for medium and high volume production runs. This ensures high first-pass production yield, crucial criteria especially for cost-sensitive, high-volume industrial and consumer applications,” said Thomas Nigg, VP Product Marketing at u-blox.

    A UART, USB, SPI and I2C interface provide flexible connections to a host processor. EVA-7M can also communicate directly with u‑blox’ SARA 2G, LISA 3G and TOBY LTE cellular modules to support advanced tracking and location-aware applications.

    The module is suitable for consumer, industrial, and after-market vehicle applications. First samples will be available in Q1 2014.

  • Trimble Introduces Compact OEM Module with Triple Frequency GNSS Support

    The Trimble BD930 chip.
    The Trimble BD930 chip.

    Trimble today introduced the Trimble BD930 module as part of its GNSS OEM portfolio. This small module features triple-frequency support for GPS and GLONASS plus dual-frequency support for BeiDou and Galileo constellations. Capable of receiving a wide range of commercially available GNSS signals, the 220-channel BD930 takes advantage of all available signals to provide optimal and reliable RTK centimeter positioning.

    The announcement was made today at ION GNSS 2013 Conference and Exhibition.

    “The OEM and system integrator communities trust Trimble to supply high performance, accurate and reliability positioning solutions for their systems,” said Ed Norse, portfolio manager of Trimble’s GNSS OEM modules. “The Trimble BD930 delivers the latest GNSS technology in an easy-to-integrate form factor for demanding conditions and applications such as high-precision navigation and control, robotics and lightweight unmanned vehicles.”

    The triple-frequency Trimble BD930 (measuring 41 x 51 millmeters) is a small, yet powerful GNSS module specifically designed for applications requiring high accuracy in a compact package. Form-Fit-Function compatible with the Trimble BD920 receiver, the module tracks all available GNSS constellations including GPS, GLONASS, Galileo and BeiDou.

    The BD930 is designed for all levels of accuracy with an advanced engine that provides GNSS, DGNSS and RTK positioning in challenging environments such as under tree canopy and urban canyons. The BD930 allows for easy integration and rugged dependability. Flexible connectivity options — Ethernet, RS232 or USB — provide fast data transfer and easy configuration via standard Web browsers. External 10 MHz frequency input is supported for advanced applications.

    The Trimble BD930 module is expected to be available in the fourth quarter of 2013 through the Trimble Precision GNSS + Inertial worldwide sales channel.

     

  • Trimble Launches AP15 GNSS-Inertial Board Set for Positioning

    Trimble Launches AP15 GNSS-Inertial Board Set for Positioning

    AP15Trimble introduced today the Trimble AP15, the latest member of the AP series of OEM GNSS-Inertial board sets. The introduction was made at the AUVSI 2013 Conference and Exhibition, being held in Washington, D.C.

    The AP15 uses a custom Micro Electromechanical Machined (MEMS) based Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU). It is the first product to take advantage of Applanix’ proprietary calibration process — Applanix SmartCal, a new software compensation technology that allows Trimble to achieve exceptional performance from IMUs manufactured specifically for mobile mapping applications.

    The AP15 combines high-precision GNSS positioning with Applanix IN-Fusion GNSS-Inertial integration technology, all running on a powerful, dedicated Inertial Engine (IE) board. AP products provide the performance and functionality of Applanix’ POS systems in an embedded form-factor that is specifically designed for third-party manufacturers and systems integrators, Trimble said. The AP Series is designed for a variety of commercial mobile positioning and orientation applications including airborne, terrestrial and marine mapping and guidance for unmanned vehicles.

    Combined with a wheel-mounted Distance Measurement Instrument (DMI), the AP15 provides a full 6-degrees-of-freedom navigation solution for land vehicles that is capable of providing robust position and orientation information regardless of obstructions to GNSS-only positioning such as multipath or complete signal loss. Applanix IN-Fusion technology produces uninterrupted position, roll, pitch and true heading measurements of moving platforms by combining IMU data with raw GNSS observables and DMI velocity.

    GNSS functionality is provided by a Trimble GNSS module, a dual-antenna, 440 channel, multi-frequency survey-grade GNSS receiver that supports a wide range of satellite signals, including GPS L1/L2/L2C/L5 and GLONASS L1/L2 signals. The module also supports Satellite-Based Augmentation Service (SBAS) corrections, including the U.S. Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS), European Geostationary Overlay Service (EGNOS), Japan’s Multi-functional Satellite Augmentation System (MSAS) and the OmniStar VBS, HP and XP/G2 corrections.

    “Trimble is a leading provider of technology for positioning and orientation solutions and the introduction of the AP15 module continue this tradition,” said Kevin Andrews, product manager. “The AP15 has been designed as a more compact, lighter unit which can deliver excellent performance at lower cost.”

    The Trimble AP15 is expected to be available in October of 2013 through Applanix’ sales channel.