Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT


Low-power GPS module

18 April 2012 Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT

Fastrax has introduced the IT530, a low-power OEM GPS module in a tiny form factor. Advanced power-saving features ensure fast time to first fix (TTFF) without sacrificing battery life a critically important issue in location-aware, battery-powered devices.

The module boasts sensitivity of -148 dBm in acquisition,


-165 dBm in navigation and power consumption of just 35 mW at 3,3 V. With a form factor of 9,6 x 9,6 x 1,85 mm and a weight of 0,4 g, it has an identical footprint to the Fastrax IT430. A dual module reference design allows designers and OEMs to use either of the modules, saving the time and costs of PCB redesign.

The IT530 offers a fast and convenient user experience without draining battery by keeping GPS in full power mode. The new power-saving AlwaysLocate mode prolongs battery life by intelligently controlling receiver power modes and maintaining location information. Depending on the environment and motion, the module adaptively adjusts its navigation activity to balance positioning accuracy, fix rate and power consumption (typically between 2 and 8 mW).

In addition, the Embedded Assist System (EASY) reduces warm-start TTFF by up to 90% with assisting ephemeris data stored internally for up to three days. The additional server-assisted EPO file transfer extends the external A-GPS service to up to 14 days.

Handheld consumer electronics devices are typically packed in the smallest possible casing and include a number of electromagnetic interference (EMI) sources. Depending on the overall design and location of the GPS antenna, EMI may severely decrease positioning functionality and accuracy. An embedded jammer remover in the IT530 fights distorting EMI signals with active interference cancellation (AIC) of 12 CW type EMI sources up to -80 dBm, preventing GPS performance issues caused by challenging designs.

The embedded LOCUS logger function can store location information in the internal memory of the module for up to 16 hours at a predetermined interval, set at every 15 seconds as a default. Depending on the nature of the application, the logged data may be dumped and parsed from the log via the host port.

The Fastrax IT530 supports a direct power supply connection to a lithium battery as the extended input voltage range of +3,0–4,3 V allows the omission of an external regulator.



Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Smart farming with LoRaWAN
Otto Wireless Solutions Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
Real-time visibility is transforming modern agriculture, and Otto Wireless Solutions, together with Dragino, deliver this capability through a comprehensive suite of long-range IoT sensors and gateways designed for smart farming.

Read more...
RTK-enhanced GNSS and INS solution
Dizzy Enterprises Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
This latest XSENS MTi-8 Click provides high-accuracy positioning (RTK-supported) and orientation tracking in demanding outdoor embedded applications.

Read more...
High-performance double balanced RF mixer
RFiber Solutions Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
The AM5008 from Mercury Systems is a high-performance, double-balanced MMIC mixer designed for wideband applications spanning 2 GHz to 24 GHz.

Read more...
Compact 1250 V choke solution
Electrocomp Passive Components
TDK Corporation has introduced a new high-voltage common-mode choke series designed to support more compact and efficient 1250 V DC converter architectures in next-generation power electronics.

Read more...
Compact NFC antennas enable easy integration
Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
Leankon has expanded its 13,56 MHz NFC antenna portfolio with a comprehensive suite of nine off the shelf products designed for next generation IoT applications.

Read more...
Ultra-low jitter clocks
Altron Arrow Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
Skyworks has introduced a new family of ultra-low jitter programmable clocks designed to meet the increasing demands of next-gen connectivity.

Read more...
Efficient Bluetooth SoC
Altron Arrow Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
The EFR32BG29 wireless SoC from Silicon Labs is a highly efficient, high memory, low-power, and ultra compact SoC designed for secure and high-performance wireless networking for IoT devices.

Read more...
Minimal size, maximum flexibility
Würth Elektronik eiSos Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
Würth Elektronik has introduced two highly compact radio modules that give developers maximum freedom in designing proprietary wireless solutions that go beyond standard protocols.

Read more...
Super Wi-Fi extends industrial connectivity
NEC XON Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
Africa’s harshest mines, ports, and industrial parks are no longer bound by range, latency, and interference challenges.

Read more...
HackRF Pro advances Open SDR performance
IOT Electronics Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
Designed for engineers, researchers, and radio enthusiasts alike, the HackRF Pro can transmit and receive signals across a wide frequency range of 100 kHz to 6 GHz, making it a versatile tool for testing and developing modern and emerging radio technologies.

Read more...









While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved