A small low power GPS module has been developed by Fastrax for portable devices.
The Helsinki-based firm has used SiRFstarIV silicon from Cambridge chip maker CSR to get the IT430, as it is known, down to 9.6x9.6x1.9mm including TCXO, RTC and SAW filter.
"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," said Fastrax.
The module consumes 56mW at 1.8V in operation mode and 20µA hibernating.
What cuts both satellite lock time and average power is the 500µA (average) 'SiRFAware' mode, in which the module autonomously activates periodically to maintain awareness of its location - allowing a quick lock when required.
The module supports both active and passive antennas with an input for externally generated antenna bias supply.
Engineering samples will be available in July or August, and volume production is expected in mid Q4.