Anglia Components |
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Fastrax introduces always location-aware IT400 series GPS modules with an innovative battery saving stand-by mode
Until now, location aware features such as automatic geotagging of digital photos have suffered from longish times for location information to show. The situation is especially challenging in urban environments, where the limited visibility of GPS satellites and interference caused by indirect signals reflected from buildings make it more difficult to reliably determine a position. Convenient use of location aware applications in battery driven applications previously required keeping the GPS active at all times, leading to increased battery consumption. With its new innovative SiRFAware mode, Fastrax IT430 autonomously activates periodically to maintain awareness of its location at all times and consumes only 500 μA average current. As a result, updated location information is available almost immediately when activated, without compromising battery life. “It’s rewarding to see how our new generation SiRFstarIV positioning technology is embraced and utilized by innovative companies for the benefit of both consumers and professional users”, said Mr. Dipak Raval, European Sales Manager at CSR. “Fastrax has excellent capability to leverage its worldwide coverage and strong expertise to deliver a product that provides a better user experience. We look forward to the market ramp up of the Fastrax IT430 GPS module in a broad range of products.” “New features such as the always location-aware mode combined with extremely low power consumption and ultra-small size are highly desired by our customers”, said Taneli Tuurnala, CEO and President of Fastrax. “Our aim is to further strengthen and widen Fastrax’s module offering to ensure we always have a suitable solution for any satellite-based positioning needs.” Fastrax IT430 features a miniature form factor of only 9.6 x 9.6 x 1.85 mm, which makes it one of the smallest complete GPS modules available on the market. With the included TCXO, RTC and SAW filter, the amount of required external components is reduced to a minimum. The module supports both active and passive antennas with an input for externally generated antenna bias supply. The Fastrax IT430 is especially well suited to battery operated devices using 1.8 V internal power regulation. The low-powered GPS module consumes only 56 mW at 1.8 V in full operation mode and only 20 μA current in hibernate state. The small size and low power consumption allow easy utilization in a variety of applications, including the smallest battery-operated products. For more information, or details on the full range of FASTRAX products available from Anglia, please call +44 (0)1945 474747 or email info@anglia.com
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This news article was originally published in September 2010.
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18/10/10