Fastrax has introduced the Fastrax UC530 – a new edition of what is believed to be the world’s smallest OEM GPS receiver with an integrated chip antenna. The module features the same small form factor as the UC430, while providing new benefits to designers, developers and manufacturers of handheld digital devices.
The UC530 features high sensitivity (-165 dBm in tracking) and low power consumption, typically only 45 mW average power. The antenna module is easily embeddable in space-restricted environments thanks to its footprint of 9,6 x 14,0 x 1,95 mm and extended input voltage range of +3,0 V to +4,3 V. The ability to directly connect the module to a lithium battery allows hardware designers to omit cost-adding regulators. Full SMT design reduces the need for external components and minimises manufacturing costs.
The integrated chip antenna exhibits better radiation efficiency than small patch antennas and performs well against larger and heavier patch antennas. Its circular radiation pattern brings flexibility to hardware design. The optional connectivity to an external GPS antenna extends the applicability of the module to a wider range of devices from handheld computers to asset tracking systems. When the optional external antenna is used, the embedded antenna works as a low-cost backup.
The new power-saving AlwaysLocate mode prolongs battery life while maintaining location information. Depending on the environment and motion, the module adjusts its navigation activity to balance positioning accuracy, fix rate and power consumption. In addition, the Embedded Assist System (EASY) reduces warm-start TTFF by up to 90% with autonomously calculated ephemeris data for the next three days. The additional server-assisted EPO file transfer extends the external A-GPS service to up to 14 days when desired.
The embedded jammer remover in the UC530 helps solve issues with distorting signals due to electromagnetic interference (EMI). Active Interference Cancellation (AIC) tracks and removes up to 12 CW (Carrier Wave) type EMI sources up to -80 dBm. Also embedded is the LOCUS logger function, which stores location information in internal memory. With a typical log interval of 15 seconds, log capacity is 16 hours.
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