u-blox news Summer 2012
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Contents u-blox’ comprehensive approach to multi-GNSS positioning Dear readers, Beyond GPS: u-blox 7 We are proud to announce our 7th generation satellite positioning platform, u-blox 7. Based on our new UBX-G7020 satellite u-blox 7: features for Telematics
u-blox 7: perfect for Digital Still Cameras
receiver chip, this ground-breaking platform will power a whole new generation of positioning products that support multiple Global Navigation Satellite Systems (“GNSS”). While supporting all available as well as planned positioning systems including GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, Compass and QZSS, our new engine claims the lowest power consumption on the
Thomas Seiler, CEO u-blox
market, a factor of 3 below the nearest competing standalone solution. This is extremely important for our customers who require long battery life for mobile applications.
u-blox 7: features for Mobile Computing
With the announcement of our new chip, expect a steady stream of new product announcements as we upgrade our GNSS module families NEO, MAX and LEA to the new platform. As always, backwards compatibility with our u-blox 6 modules is guaranteed, and we will continue to fully support earlier products.
Case study automotive: Yupiteru selects u-blox QZSS technology for enhanced Radar Detector in Japan
For a summary of the global state of GNSS, and a quick overview of the features and benefits of u-blox 7, refer to pages 2 and 3 of this newsletter. As the world expands beyond GPS, it is our top priority at u-blox to support all new and
Case study consumer: u-blox’ CellLocateTM technology powers “WATCHIE®” universal person locator
upcoming positioning and augmentation systems worldwide while maintaining a smooth upgrade path for our customers. We look forward to maintaining a close relationship with you as we enter a new era in satellite positioning technology. Kind regards,
Case study industrial: Starcom launches “WatchLock” high-security padlock Thomas Seiler, CEO Upcoming events
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u-blox’ comprehensive approach to multi-GNSS positioning GPS is no longer the only game in town for satellite positioning
GPS has been around for 30 years, becoming the global defacto standard for navigation and positioning. This situation is rapidly changing. To reduce or eliminate the reliance on the US-based GPS satellite network for both government and civilian navigation and positioning systems, Russia, China and the EU are deploying their own parallel, large-area Global Navigation Satellite Systems (“GNSS”). Japan has also started to deploy its own satellite augmentation system designed to improve GPS performance in Japan and areas of Southeast Asia and Oceania. The reason for the appearance of numerous new GNSS systems is clear: many countries do not want to be 100% reliant on the US controlled GPS system which could in theory be deactivated or restricted. Designers of GNSS systems are now faced with new motives for designing systems that support multiple GNSS standards: • Government mandate and legal requirements to support own GNSS system inside one’s country (in addition to GPS) • Availability / redundancy: increased reliability by removing the dependence on any single positioning system • Increased performance in cities: the rapid growth of high-rise buildings means visibility of satellites belonging to any one system may be poor, in which case simply use a different one • Accuracy: the (often perceived) increase in accuracy derived from using more than one system simultaneously
One of the first applications of GLONASS is ERA-GLONASS, an automated vehicle emergency response system similar to the EU’s eCall system. GLONASS is functional today.
GLONASS global coverage: areas with lower PDOP (Position Dilution of Precision) values have best reception
European Union The EU is deploying its own satellite network called Galileo. There are currently 2 satellites in orbit with 2 more planned for 2012. The final deployment of a total of 30 satellites (27 operational and 3 backup) is planned for around 2019 when the system should be fully available. Based on an advanced version of CDMA, Galileo will operate over a very similar frequency band as GPS. The system is designed to support sub-meter accuracy. In addition to positioning, Galileo will provide additional “Search and Rescue” services which incorporate 2-way data communication with satellites, something no other GNSS system currently supports. Galileo is still in a test phase.
GPS, GALILEO and GLONASS L1 Frequencies
The state of GNSS Russia The first additional GNSS system to come online is Russia’s GLONASS (GLObal NAvigation Satellite System). GLONASS became fully operational in 2011 with 24 satellites. Like GPS, GLONASS provides global coverage, with positional accuracy typically less than 7 meters in Russia, and less than 9 meters outside of Russia. Occupying a frequency spectrum only 25 MHz away from GPS, GLONASS operates via frequency division multiple access (FDMA), while GPS utilizes Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) to distinguish between satellites. Page 2 | u-blox news
China China is developing their own GNSS system called BeiDou-2, also referred to as Compass. Also based on CDMA, the system currently has 10 satellites in orbit, offering navigation and positioning services to users in China and Southeast Asia. It will ultimately rely on 35 satellites to provide global positioning capability over its free service to within 10 meters accuracy. The global version of Compass is scheduled for completion in 2020. The state of Compass can be characterized as early local deployment and trial phase.
Japan Due to the high-rise nature of many of Japan’s cities, QZSS (Quasi-Zenith Satellite System) was defined as an augmentation system to aid GPS in urban canyons. The system will consist of 3 satellites which will transmit an array of correctional data to improve GPS performance to sub-meter accuracy. The first of 3 “Quasi-Zenith” (meaning “approximately directly overhead”) satellites was launched in Sept. 2010. In addition to positioning, QZSS will also deliver communications services targeted at mobile devices. With one QZSS satellite currently in orbit, the full complement of 3 satellites is expected to be completed by 2013. QZSS is already functional with one satellite in orbit, and supports devices operating in Japan, parts of Southeast Asia and Australia. Other GNSS augmentation systems Accurate positioning is highly dependent on atmospheric conditions, specifically the delay of GNSS signals while traversing the ionosphere. The 3 augmentation systems listed below (systems that aid GPS) have been available for some time now and are routinely used by GPS receivers to improve accuracy in specific geographic regions: • WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System, available in North America) • EGNOS (European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service, available in Europe and Russia) • MSAS (Multi-functional Satellite Augmentation System, available in Japan) Use of these augmentation systems is not limited to improving GPS performance; they can and will deliver the same benefits to other GNSS systems such as GLONASS and Galileo.
Beyond GPS: u-blox 7 To help system designers address the expanding range of GNSS systems and augmentation services, as well as other demanding criteria such as low-power consumption and small size, u-blox has paid special attention to the following design considerations with the release of u-blox 7, the company’s seventh-generation GNSS receiver platform based on the new UBX-G7020 multi-GNSS receiver chip: • Low-power consumption: as GNSS is mainly used in small, battery-powered mobile devices (positional information, after all, is most useful when tracking moving objects with no access to the power mains), power consumption is the most important feature of u-blox’ multi-GNSS receiver chip. Consuming only one-third the power of the nearest competing solution, as low as 7 mW in power-saving mode, the UBX-G7020 is the lowest power multi-GNSS receiver IC on the market. It supports GPS/ GLONASS/Galileo/QZSS and all SBAS augmentation services. • Small size and flexible interfacing: for chip-based designs, a small yet easily mountable chip with low EBOM and flexible interfacing results in the most compact design. The UBX-G7020-CT provides these features in a 3.0 x 3.4 mm chip scale package (CSP) supporting USB, I2C, SPI and UART interfaces. With built-in LNA, LDOs and DC/DC converter and on-chip ROM, a complete GNSS system can be realized with only 8 external components on a PCB area of less than 30 mm2.
u-blox multi-GNSS chip UBX-G7020-CT 3.0 x 3.4 x 0.6 mm (Chip Scale Package)
u-blox multi-GNSS chip UBX-G7020-KT 5.0 x 5.0 x 0.6 mm (QFN-40)
• Module form-factor continuity: for module-based designs, the constantly moving target of GNSS systems and their availability means each successive design upgrade should be possible without expensive hardware change: simply interchange the receiver module on the same footprint and upload new firmware. u-blox continues this “futureproof” tradition of form-factor and layout consistency with u-blox 7 and its industry standard LEA, NEO and MAX modules. • Design flexibility: u-blox supports all deployed GNSS systems while at the same time providing “hardware-ready” receivers that can adapt to systems that are not yet available or fully characterized. u-blox supports this philosophy as it allows designers to create devices supporting deployed standards on ROMbased modules, yet with flash versions available to adapt to satellite systems which are still in the trial phase such as Galileo and Compass.
u-blox multi-GNSS chip UBX-G7020-KA 5.0 x 5.0 x 0.6 mm (QFN-40, automotive)
• Standard and automotive grade: the UBX-G7020 continues u-blox’ support of applications in consumer, industrial as well as automotive markets (UBXG7020-KA conforms to AEC-Q100 and ISO/TS 16949 quality and manufacturing standards). Typical applications for u-blox 7 multiGNSS receivers include portable consumer electronics (cameras, notebooks, tablets, portable navigation devices, and personal trackers), industrial electronics (fleet and asset management systems) and automotive applications (emergency call, anti-theft and vehicle navigation systems). For more information about the u-blox 7 multi-GNSS platform, samples and evaluation kits, contact u-blox.
u-blox 7: features for Telematics Next generation multi-GNSS modules raise the bar for tracking performance
Positioning modules based on the new u-blox 7 multi-GNSS platform bring numerous attractive features to a wide range of telematics applications. In particular, they support the newly operational Russian GLONASS satellite navigation system in addition to GPS. Based on u-blox’ industry standard and backward compatible form factors MAX (the industry’s smallest GLONASS module!), NEO and LEA, they integrate all necessary passive components. The three module series cover a range of cost and performance optimized features Page 3 | u-blox news
to perfectly suit your designs. All are fully tested, drop-in positioning solutions; just add power and antenna! Extremely low power consumption also means u-blox 7 modules are the best solution for battery or solar powered tracking applications used for fleet and asset management, security applications, anti-theft, emergency call, and people tracking systems. The modules are future proofed: they support all GNSS and satellite augmentation systems (SBAS) and are hardwareready for the upcoming European Galileo and Chinese COMPASS satellite systems. Foundation for the future u-blox 7 is the technology foundation on which future upgrades of u-blox’ satellite positioning technology will be based. The
chip QFN form factor and module family packages and footprints will remain static. MAX-7 module family provides a range of interchangeable variants optimized for various antenna configuration and performance requirements. Future generations will maintain backwards pad-compatibility with previous generations to make hardware re-design as easy and quick as possible! Supporting all popular serial interfaces, u-blox 7 modules provide industry leading tracking and acquisition sensitivity. They include built-in autonomous satellite orbit prediction, support for u-blox’ AssistNow globally available assisted GPS service, compatibility with 1.8 and 3.0 volt designs and extended temperature range (–40 to +85 deg. C). Continued on next page. u-blox news | Page 3
u-blox 7 and indoor positioning
MAX-7: the world’s smallest GPS/GLONASS module
The modules are also compliant with u-blox’ CellLocateTM hybrid “indoor positioning” technology. When used together with u-blox’ GSM or UMTS wireless modules (LEON/LISA series), the unique solution enables standalone location estimation based on surrounding 2G/3G cell information in conjunction with GPS
positioning data. CellLocateTM delivers better results than GPS technology can accomplish alone: • Positioning performance can be improved and extended to areas where GPS satellite signals are 100% blocked, especially within buildings • Eliminates “no-fix” scenarios by providing at least an approximate fix wherever cell phone coverage is available • Overcomes GPS jamming scenarios to improve antitheft system performance
Manufacturing and quality u-blox works exclusively with world-class chip fabrication and module assembly partners. This means that all u-blox products conform to the industry’s highest quality standards (ISO/TS 16949, ISO 14001, ISO 9001). Our chips are also automotive qualified according to AEC-Q100. The bottom line: for telematics applications, u-blox GNSS receiver chips and modules provide market-leading value when it comes to size, power consumption, performance, features and cost. Contact u-blox for more details!
u-blox 7: perfect for Digital Still Cameras u-blox’ new UBXG7020 chip has been designed with multi-GNSS compatibility (GPS, GLONASS and QZSS), low-power and small size as prime considerations. This is especially attractive to manufacturers of Digital Still Cameras (DSCs) where compact, sleek designs have integrated tracking and photo-geotagging capabilities while still supporting long battery life, a tall order! With dimensions of only 3.0 x 3.5 x 0.56 mm in Chip Scale Package, the UBX-G7020 is among the smallest standalone GNSS receive chips on the market. Together with only 8 necessary external components, this results in a complete standalone GNSS
receiver design occupying a PCB area of less than 30 mm2, a key feature for integration into extremely small, cost-conscious DSC designs. Great camera features can quickly become disappointing when the battery runs out too quickly, a reason why u-blox designed the UBX-7020 with the lowest powerconsumption requirements on the market. In power saving mode, power consumption as low as 7 mW can be easily achieved. By exploiting the chip’s intelligent periodic “wake-up” feature, overall power consumption can be substantially lower when tracking over time. Even in worse case scenario when the camera is switched on for the first time and an initial position fix is calculated, power consumption is extremely low, only 35 mW!
To support camera features such as historical tracking of locations, showing where the photographer has been, the chip supports continuous output of position, velocity and time via a data logging port. The dedicated logging interface supports SQI flash, giving DSC manufacturers the option to use small size, low cost, flash memory with densities up to 64MB. With various options for datalogging frequency, a large amount of positional data can be stored. The UBX-G7020 supports low-voltage operation (down to 1.4V), a wide variety of interfaces (SPI, USB, SQI, UART), and built-in level shifters so that all I/Os are compatible with both 1.8 V and 3.3 V designs. Click here to download the product summary. Reference schematics for camera design are available, please contact u-blox!
u-blox 7: features for Mobile Computing With u-blox GPS technology a standard feature in many of today’s brandname mobile computing products such as notebooks, tablets and smartphones, we are keenly aware that consumer expectations continue to focus on rich location-based apps, instantaneous position fix, long battery life and small, sleek product designs. Enabling our customers to improve on these crucial features has been a driving force behind the development of u-blox’ 7th generation multi-GNSS receiver chip UBX-G7020. To minimize power consumption, the chip provides a power saving mode requiring only 7 mw, the lowest figure on the maru-blox news | Page 4
ket. It supports supply voltage ranges from 1.4 to 3.6V, with separate power planes for easy interface to other peripherals without need of additional glue-logic or level shifters. It also provides various power schemes to optimize performance versus power consumption. To address the need for minimum space requirements, the UBX-G7020-CT is among the world’s smallest standalone multiGNSS receiver chips resulting in a complete standalone positioning subsystem that fits within 30 mm2 of PCB space. The chip is also available in QFN40 whose pinout will remain static for future generations of the chip, facilitating ease of hardware and feature upgrade. Interfacing applications with the chip is made easy by the availability of drivers for
Windows 7/8 based on the Intel platform with additional drivers for Windows 8 for ARM available soon. USB, I2C, UART, SPI, and SQI interfaces are all included, making system integration simple and flexible. u-blox supports the chip with a complete Android Solution which enables easy integration of u-blox GPS/GNSS functionality in Android-based end-products such as smartphones and tablets. It includes a royalty-free GPS library, licensed for reuse in customer products. With complete documentation and reference designs available, module versions for quick evaluation, and a well-defined product roadmap, the UBX-G7020 is a perfect solution to enable location based features in all mobile computing products.
Case study automotive: Yupiteru selects u-blox QZSS technology for enhanced Radar Detector in Japan Industry’s first car radar detector and geographic information system based on Japan’s QZSS satellite service radar detector with touchscreen provides enhanced positioning performance and radar detection, plus vehicle diagnostic capabilities.
QZSS can boost GPS accuracy especially in urban canyons such as Tokyo
u-blox scored an industry first by providing advanced QZSS satellite positioning technology to Yupiteru, a Japanese manufacturer of telecommunications and car electronics for the Japanese market. Based on u-blox’ QZSS-enabled LEA-6H satellite receiver module, the GWR73SD
u-blox’ quick time to market with QZSS receiver technology allowed Yupiteru to be the first on the market with a highly accurate, highly reliable positioning device that already capitalizes on the first QZSS satellite in service. The GWR73SD is particularly attractive for drivers in urban environments in Japan where GPS satellites can be blocked by tall buildings. QZSS, or “Quasi-Zenith Satellite System” (meaning “approximately directly overhead”), is a new GPS augmentation system supporting Japan and Southeast Asia based on high-elevation, quasi-zenith satellites. The system can boost GPS accuracy to below one meter, especially in urban canyons such as Tokyo as the
The GWR73SD radar detector and geographic information system is based on u-blox’ QZSS satellite receiver technology
satellites are geostationary in the sky directly overhead in Japan. The first QZSS satellite has been in service since 2011. Performance of QZSS navigation systems will continue to improve as the 4 satellite configuration reaches completion in the late 2010s.
Case study consumer: u-blox’ CellLocateTM technology powers “WATCHIE®” universal person locator WATCHIE is a unique solution for people management, giving caregivers the ability to know where persons are located, both indoors and outside, anywhere at any time.
u-blox has provided their CellLocate™ hybrid GPS/cellular positioning technology to LOSTnFOUND, a Swiss based company specializing in intelligent solutions for the protection, monitoring and retrieval of people and property. The award winning product, “WATCHIE®”, was announced at the 27th International Conference of Alzheimer’s disease in London. WATCHIE is a wristwatch that capitalizes on the CellLocate positioning system integrated in u-blox’ LEON GSM and NEO-6 GPS modules. The solution
intelligently combines GPS satellite and mobile phone positioning data to support universal positioning, indoors and outside. With millions of new cases of Alzheimers diagnosed each year, the problem of monitoring and caring for persons with dementia has become an urgent problem for families and caregivers. WATCHIE is a unique solution for person management, giving caregivers the ability to know where users are located, both indoors and outside, anywhere at any time. The solution allows caregivers to pinpoint the location of a person, even when GPS signals are weak or 100% blocked such as within hospitals, assisted living facilities, garages and shopping malls. WATCHIE works in 145 countries thanks to its integrated SIM-card. It is inexpensive, flexible and easy to configure and use. Features include a panic button which transmits
position data instantly, fall alert, programmable SafeZones that trigger an alert when the wearer strays outside defined areas, and a comprehensive, user-friendly web-based control panel for management of multiple units. Individuals suffering dementia are prone to wander away unintentionally, and in seconds can become confused and lost. This is a problem as caregivers cannot always be present to watch over them. Currently available monitoring systems are also questionable in their approach to the privacy. They also only function in designated areas, and do not work indoors. For more information about WATCHIE, visit www.watchie.com. For more information about u-blox’ CellLocate indoor positioning technology, visit www.u-blox.com/en/celllocate.html.
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Case study industrial: Starcom launches “WatchLock” high-security padlock based on u-blox technology Security lock integrates u-blox GPS and GSM to monitor tampering, summon help WatchLock is theindustry’s first security lock that integrates u-blox GPS and GSM to monitor tampering and summon help
u-blox has been chosen as the GPS receiver and wireless module provider by Starcom Systems, a manufacturer of innovative products for telematics, fleet management and security applications. Starcom’s latest product is “WatchLock”, the industry’s first high-security padlock with built in u-blox GPS and GSM wireless communications capability. Watchlock combines a Mul-T-Lock® high security padlock with an electronic alarm system from Starcom Systems. WatchLock is the first padlock that can report tampering while simultaneously transmitting its location to an online web application, making it ideal
for both static (e.g. Warehouses, fuel pipes, fences) as well as mobile applications (e.g. trucks, trailers, vending machines). WatchLock is a unique product that provides a whole new level of security and peace of mind for industrial as well as private users. u-blox’ tight-integration of GPS and wireless communications technology has enabled the development of a highly sensitive, location-aware padlock perfect for a wide range of high-security applications. The WatchLock has recently won the prestigious “Physical Security Product of the Year” award at the IFSEC International 2012 event held in Birmingham, UK . WatchLock integrates a u-blox LEON GSM module together with a UBX-G6010 GPS receiver chip. All u-blox 6 GPS receivers are hardware and firmware compatible with
u-blox’ compact LEON 2G and LISA 3G wireless modules. This provides a mobile communications back-channel that enables numerous attractive “location-aware” features for consumer, automotive and industrial applications. WatchLock is the result of cooperative efforts between Mul-T-Lock® and Starcom Systems, two industry leaders whose experience, professionalism, and innovation ensure a high-quality, uncompromising product that provides solutions for realworld needs. For more information on Watchlock, please check its website at: www.watchlock.com For more information about u-blox’ satellite positioning receivers and wireless modem products, visit www.u-blox.com
Upcoming events Meet u-blox at the following events:
Embedded System Conf. Brazil 2012 Transamerica Expo Center Date: 26 – 27 June 2012 Place: São Paulo, SP, Brazil Stand: A1 (Smartcore – u-blox) To set up a meeting in advance, please contact: vendas@smartcore.com.br
CEATEC Japan 2012 Cutting-edge IT & Electronics Exhibition Date: 2 – 6 October 2012 Place: Makuhari Messe, Tokyo, Japan Stand: u-blox To set up a meeting in advance, please contact: info_jp@u-blox.com
Metering, Billing/CRM Europe 2012 No 1 smart energy event in Europe Date: 9 – 11 October 2012 Place: Amsterdam, Netherlands Stand: u-blox To set up a meeting in advance, please contact: info@u-blox.com
electronica India 2012 The leading trade fair in India and Asia Date: 11 – 13 September 2012 Place: Bangalore, India Stand: Omniscient To set up a meeting in advance, please contact: info@u-blox.com
CTIA Enterprise & Applications 2012 Global events of wireless professionals Date: 9 – 11 October 2012 Place: San Diego Convention Center Stand: u-blox 447 (M2M Zone) To set up a meeting in advance, please contact: info_us@u-blox.com
electronica 2012 inside tomorrow Date: 13 – 16 November 2012 Place: Neue Messe Munich Stand: u-blox To set up a meeting in advance, please contact: info@u-blox.com Imprint: Publisher / Copyright: June 2012 u-blox AG, Thalwil, Switzerland.
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