Page 1 | u-blox news

Contents

u-blox introducesCellLocate™

u-blox develops Stolen Vehi-cle Tracking reference design for the Brazilian market

u-blox launches LISA, the world’s smallest 3G surface-mount module family

u-blox announces MAX-6, ultra-compact GPS modules for industrial applications

u-blox Product Catalog 12 available in English,Japanese, Chinese, Korean

u-blox’ solution for European eCall and ERA GLONASS

u-blox introduces wireless Machine-to-Machine (M2M) PICtail™ Daughter Board

Case study GPS: China’s largest maker of in-car info-tainment systems selects u-blox GPS technology

Case study wireless 1:Iota GSM-Bluetooth hub

Case study wireless 2:Viota connected navigation devices rely on u-blox GSM

Thomas Seiler - CEO, u-blox

Spring 2011

u-blox newsIntroducing CellLocate™ cellular positioning technology Previous Issue

Dear Readers:

I would like to thank all our customers and partners for your firm belief in and commitment to our GPS and wireless products and services during the past year. The market successes you have achieved using our products are also a positive reflection on our dedication to supporting you during every phase of the design cycle.

The win-win relationship that we have established with our customers has not only helped to enhance their market advantage, it has allowed us to make 2010 the most successful year in the history of our company. We are committed to leveraging this achievement to continue to improve our products and customer support.

For the current year we look forward to several exciting new developments and hot new prod-ucts in both our GPS receiver and 2G/3G modem product lines. This includes a new embedded technology we call CellLocate™. Currently embedded in our LEON series of 2.5G modems, CellLocate enables stand-alone location estimation based on surrounding GSM cell information in conjunction with GPS. With the combined technologies, CellLocate can provide a position fix even in situations where GPS signals are blocked such as indoors, or when the GPS receiver is jammed.

We have also launched a couple of very interesting new products: the LISA-H module series, a variant of our 3G modem family which support M2M applications requiring 3G network com-patibility, but not the maximum UMTS bandwidth. On the GPS side, we introduced MAX-6, a new form factor and family of compact GPS modules optimized for rugged industrial telematics applications.

To help you bring your products to market even faster, we have created two off-the-shelf development platforms for telematics applications to help you design feature-packed products quickly: one for customers designing around the Microchip PIC32 platform, the other an off-the-shelf reference design for Stolen Vehicle Tracking terminals.

We have also issued some interesting articles about u-blox’ solution for European eCall and Rus-sian ERA GLONASS, as well as a few recent case studies based on successful customer imple-mentation of our GPS and Wireless modules.

And last, but not least, we have published our latest Product Catalog 12 for 2011, with a comprehensive overview of all our latest products, software and services. Choose your preferred language, and download the free PDF on Page 3.

As always, our goal is to order remain your preferred partner for embedded wireless and GPS components.

Sincerely

Thomas SeilerCEO, u-blox

Page 2 | u-blox news

u-blox introduces CellLocate™ and Hybrid positioning technologyIncreased reliability and indoor positioning based on mobile network attributes

Although GPS is a widespread technology, the reliance on the visibility of extremely weak GPS satellite signals means position-ing is not always possible, particularly in shielded environments such as indoors and enclosed park houses, or when a GPS jam-ming signal is present. The situation can be improved by augmenting GPS receiver data with mobile network cells informa-tion to provide a level of redundancy that can benefit numerous applications.

u-blox, through its in-house development of wireless modules and positioning tech-nologies, has embedded cellular position-ing feature, CellLocate™, into its LEON family of 2.5G wireless modules. The tech-nology enables location estimation based on surrounding GSM cell information complementing GPS positioning data to improve positioning in several use cases: • GPS signals are blocked: a GPS receiv-

er cannot determine a position when satellite signals are unavailable, such as within tunnels, buildings, or metallic

containers. For fleet and supply chain management, this condition can be un-acceptable. In this case a redundant cell-based positioning system using GSM cell information can provide an estimated position. This is attractive for vehicle or container tracking applications where an approximate location of valuable assets is preferable to no position fix at all. This system is functional within warehouses, rail stations, airports and tunnels.

• GPS signals are jammed: GPS jam-ming devices are easily obtained for less than a hundred dollars. These devices can neutralize GPS receivers, and are often employed during vehicle theft. A backup cell-based system in this case acts as a secondary system, as GSM cell signals are available even when satellite signals are blocked by jamming. The GPS receiver can also add intelligence to the system as u-blox GPS receivers can

detect when a jamming signal is present, putting the system into an “attempted

theft” condition.

• Machine-to-Machine (M2M) applications: Many M2M applications require posi-

tioning capability within a bounded area such as within a city, along main vehicle or rail links, or within specific venues such as an exhibition, entertainment or healthcare facilities. Positioning reliability in these areas can be improved by using cellular signals as well as GPS to provide accurate positioning. Based on an exten-sion of u-blox’ AssistNow Online GPS assistance service, u-blox’ CellLocate technology is used to match cellular positioning data coupled with previously successful GPS fixes. This “learning” solution can be practical for M2M appli-cations where units are repeatedly used in specific areas such as a taxi fleet in a city, or containers and palettes travelling between warehouses. In these cases a specific database of useful cell data is quickly generated and the service is able to reliably give the current position to the user.

The above scenarios exploit the combina-tion of Cellular and GPS positioning data (Hybrid positioning) to deliver better results than GPS technology could accomplish alone:

• Positioning performance can be im-proved and extended to areas where GPS satellite signals are 100% blocked, especially within buildings

• Eliminate “no-fix” scenarios by pro-viding at least an approximate fix wher-ever cell phone coverage is available

• Overcome GPS jamming scenarios to improve antitheft system performance

Contact u-blox for more details about CellLocateTM technology.

To help our customers bring their telemat-ics products to market even faster, u-blox announces the immediate availability of an off-the-shelf reference. The design, the C16-G26Q, addresses all key requirements for a cost efficient tracking solution.

The design implements a tight integration of u-blox’ NEO GPS and LEON GSM mod-ules, plus surface-mount GPS and GSM antennas to facilitate covert installation. It is compatible with a specially developed Giesecke & Devrient (G&D) SIM solution that gives car owners a free choice of service provider.

The design also comes with built-in assist-ed-GPS capability to support accelerated positioning in weak signal environments. It also enables positioning where there is no GPS coverage, such as underground park-ing garages and tunnels.

Available in automotive grade, u-blox’ LEON Automotive GSM module is certi-fied by a large number of operators world-wide, as well as by all major international standards bodies.

For more information, contact the u-blox sales office nearest you.

u-blox develops Stolen Vehicle Tracking reference designu-blox customers can now take advantage of a complete SVT reference design including GPS and GSM

C16-G26Q: u-blox’ turnkey SVT reference design for the Brazil automotive market

Page 3 | u-blox news

u-blox launches LISA, the world’s smallest 3G surface-mount module familyWireless modules support broadband as well as remote monitoring applications

LISA is a new family of surface-mount, ultra-fast wireless modules based on global UMTS/HSPA standards. The LISA-U modules enable high-bandwidth applications such as mobile Internet and car infotainment systems, as well as applications requiring voice communications such as eCall. The LISA-H modules are dedicated to data-only telematics and telemetry applications that do not require the full 3G bandwidth.

All LISA modules provide secure data exchange for sensitive applications such as automatic meter reading, road pricing, anti-theft and point of sales terminals. They

are also ideal for embedded mobile commu-nications in countries where 2G networks are being phased out or are already being replaced by 3G networks.

LISA leads the industry in terms of wire-less modem size, power consumption and performance enabling OEMs to design compact, cutting-edge products that deliver a fast and secure broadband experience to consumer and professional end-users. The family includes variants supporting wire-less standards worldwide. LISA is layout compatible with u-blox’ LEON 2.5G module enabling mounting of either module on the same PCB footprint.

LISA-U supports dual-band HSPA, 7.2 Mb/s download and 5.6 Mb/s upload speeds. LISA-H supports dual-band HSDPA 3.5 Mb/s download and UMTS 384 Kb/s upload speeds. All LISA modules also support

quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE, class 12. An embedded TCP/IP stack supports multiple sockets. SSL is provided for FTP and HTTP. Akey feature of LISA modules is low idle-modepower consumption of less than 2 mA, and wide operating voltage, 3.4 – 4.2 V.

All LISA modules include an assisted GPS client for on- and offline telematics applica-tions, and comes in a compact 33.2 x 22.4 x 2.7 mm 76 pin Leadless Chip Carrier (LLC), surface mount package.

The highly-integrated module includes ver-sions which support both voice and data, or data-only. LISA requires only an external antenna. LISA samples and evaluation kit EVK-U12/13 is available on the u-bloxOnline Shop. Samples of LISA will be available by end of Q2 2011 and initial production will being in early Q3.

LISA familyof ultra-small3G modules

MAX-6 works seamlessly with u-blox wireless modems to save space, power, and costs

u-blox announces MAX-6, ultra-compact GPS modules for industrial applications

u-blox introduces MAX-6, a new form factor and family of ultra-miniature, ruggedGPS modules optimized for industrial and telematics applications.

The MAX-6 family delivers all the benefits of the u-blox 6 GPS platform in a more compact form factor than ever before: high-sensitivity, intelligent power manage-ment and seamless operation with u-blox’ 2G and 3G wireless module families LEON

and LISA. MAX comes in an ultra-com-pact, easy-to-mount 9.7 x 10.1 mm LCC package, and supports industrial tempera-ture range.

MAX-6 meets increasing market demand for smaller footprints, and lower power requirements for GPS positioning. MAX-6 has been designed as the perfect position-ing partner for u-blox’ wireless modems to enable the design of robust, ultra-small tracking devices that can be mounted in harsh, covert environments.

MAX-6 integrates either a cost-effective standard crystal or TCXO for high perfor-

mance applications down to 1.8 V.

MAX-6 modules are manufactured in ISO/TS 16949 certified sites. Qualification tests on MAX-6 modules are performed as stipulated in the ISO16750 standard: “Road vehicles – Environmental conditions and testing for electrical and electronic equipment”.

Samples are available by end Q2 2011, im-mediately followed by production ramp-up.

For more information, visit the MAX-6 webpage, or contact the u-blox sales office nearest you.

MAX-6 worksseamlessly with u-blox

wireless modemsto support industrial

telematics

We are pleased to present you with Product Catalog 12 in PDF format, containing the latest update of all our products and ser-vices, including u-blox’ latest generation of low-power GPS receiver products based on our new u-blox 6 platform, plus compact, cutting-edge wireless communication modules and reference designs implement-ing 2G and 3G mobile communication technologies.

With our wireless modules and designs, u-blox supports a wide range of embeddedmobile communication applications, par-ticularly for Machine-to-Machine (M2M) applications. They support both voice and data functionality from stationary, low bandwidth applications such as vehicle tracking and remote meter reading, to products demanding high-bandwidth 3G performance such as Mobile Internet Devices and in-car communication and multimedia systems.

Product Catalog 12 available!We invite you to download our newly pub-lished Product Catalog 12 (5.4 MB PDF). It is also available in Chinese, Japanese and Korean.

u-blox Product Catalog 12:GPS and Wireless Solutions

Page 4 | u-blox news

A European initiative to combine GSM and GPS for vehicle emergency services is eCall, a project by the European Commis-sion to provide rapid assistance to motor-ists involved in a collision anywhere in the European Union. A similar emergency call system, ERA GLONASS is also planned for full deployment in Russia by 2013.

With deep knowledge in both GPS and GSM, eCall and ERA GLONASS are perfect applications of u-blox’ converged technologies

u-blox’ solution for European eCall and ERA GLONASS

As the only provider of embedded GPS and GSM modules, u-blox’ eCall and ERA GLONASS solutions provide many features that optimize the interoperation of GPS and GSM subsystems: a common host interface, embedded TCP/IP stack, embedded assisted GPS (“AssistNow”) client, embedded dead-reckoning, in-band modem, firmware update over-the-air, and automotive grade components.

u-blox’ LEON-G100 Automotive GSM/GPRS modem has been specially designed to support the in-band modem require-ments of both eCall and the Russian-based ERA GLONASS system. For eCall, u-blox already has solutions for both wireless and GPS receiver subsystems.

To serve the Russian market, LEON covers the GSM requirements, while u-blox ERA GLONASS compliant satellite receiver chips and modules are planned for the near future.

For further information about u-blox’ technology for European eCall and Russian ERA GLONASS systems and test environ-ments, please contact the u-blox sales representative nearest you.

The European Union’s eCall concept

LEON: GSM/GPRSmodem from u-bloxwith inband modem

supporting eCALLand ERA GLONASS

Development platform based on u-blox’ GPS and GSM/GPRS modules makes it easy for customers to create low-cost M2M applications with location-awareness

u-blox introduces wireless Machine-to-Machine (M2M)PICtail™ Daughter Board with u-blox GPS and GSM modulesfor Microchip PIC32 processor development platform

Microchip Technology, with its famous PIC series, is the world’s number 1 microcon-troller vendor. Due to the popularity of the PIC platform, many developers wish to add location awareness and com-munications to their PIC-based designs. This includes designers of fleet and asset management systems, traffic as well as monitoring and accident reconstruction systems. To address this requirement, Microchip now provides a Machine-to-

Machine (M2M) PICtail™ Daughter Board that comes with all of the hard-ware, wireless-communication protocols and application-code examples needed to help designers jump start their fleet-management or location-based service application.

Developed with u-blox, the new Daugh-ter Board includes the u-blox NEO-6Q GPS and LEON GSM/GPRS modules. It interfaces directly with Microchip’s Mul-timedia Expansion Board, and PIC32 Starter Kit to create a complete telemat-ics development platform that enables the quick and easy creation of designs offering communications, as well as a complete graphics interface, with audio, accelerom-eter and networking capabilities.

In addition to integrated GPS for tracking via satellites, the M2M PICtail Daughter Board comes with GSM and GPRS tech-nology to enable phone, text, e-mail and Web communications, including images and location information. Microchip also

offers free-for-download M2M software libraries to give developers a head start on their coding efforts and reduce time to market.

Daughter Board Pricing & Availability

The M2M PICtail Daughter Board costs $199 and is available for purchase at microchipDIRECT today. Designers who already own a Microchip Multimedia Ex-pansion Board (price $249.99) and PIC32 Starter Kit (price $49.99) can simply pur-chase the Daughter Board to add GPS/GSM/GPRS functionality to their designs. Alternatively, all three boards required for the platform can be purchased individu-ally, for under $500 total, including the debugger/programmer that is built into the PIC32 Starter Kit.

For further information, contact any Microchip sales representative or au-thorized worldwide distributor, or visit Microchip’s Web site or order online at microchipDIRECT.

Microchip M2M PICtail™ Daughter Boardwith u-blox GPS and GSM Modules

Public SafetyAnswering

Point(PSAP)

Page 5 | u-blox news

Imprint: Publisher / Copyright: April 2011 u-blox AG, Thalwil, Switzerland.

Case study GPS: China’s largest maker of in-car infotainment systems selects u-blox GPS technologyAgreement signed for u-blox to become main supplier of GPS modules to Coagent

u-blox has entered into an agreement with Guangdong Coagent Electronic & Science Technology Co. Ltd, China’s largest suppli-er of In-Car Navigation and Entertainment systems. Coagent’s products are sold to the worldwide automotive after-markets as well as to the huge first-mount market in China.

Coagent has selected u-blox’ NEO-6 as its preferred GPS receiver module and will design it into all its product lines. In return, u-blox will deliver its latest GPS technology and provide support for Coagent’s product development. Coagent’s flagship car information and enter-tainment platform “E-Car” has already inte-grated NEO-6 as its GPS receiver.

The trend in in-car infotainment systems is the integration of entertainment, naviga-tion, communication, and mobile Internet to provide a new level of location-relevant features. Coagent’s choice of the NEO-6 GPS

receiver module was based on the u-blox’ consistent form factor philosophy that guar-antees layout and hardware compatibility with each new technology generation.

Additionally, u-blox’ GPS/wireless architec-ture supports the trend towards location awareness to facilitate delivery of the latest in-car information and entertainment services.

Case study wireless 2: Viota connected navigation devices rely on u-blox GSM

Viota, based in Shenzhen, China, is a glo-bal provider of a wide range of personal navigation devices (PNDs). Their latest line of connected PNDs with touchscreen inte-grates u-blox’ LEON GSM/GPRS module to support update of map and navigation data.

The V501G, V503G, V4360 and V502G also function as multimedia players sup-porting eBook and photo album applica-tions, plus MP3 audio and MP4 video playback.

The 50-pin Leadless Chip Carrier surface mountable LEON reduces the complex-ity of the manufacturing process, and improves product reliability. Low power consumption is a key feature of LEON to facilitate long battery life and a feature-rich TCP/IP stack reduces time-to-market by letting software designers react quickly to changing customer needs.

The wearable IotaFLEX Clip relays GSM voice and messaging to Bluetooth enabled

devices nearby

Case study wireless 1: Iota GSM-Bluetooth hubFLEX device seamlessly shares your mobile connection with Android devices

Iota, a US-based innovation leader in con-sumer connectivity, has selected u-blox’ LEON GSM modem to power a revolu-tionary new device, the Iota FLEX.

The unique, wearable FLEX Clip is capable of sharing GSM/GPRS voice and messag-ing connectivity via Bluetooth enabled An-droid devices such as notebooks, tablets,

and handheld personal media players, plus other Bluetooth devices such as cordless phone systems, and personal navigation devices.

The concept gives consumers the freedom to seamlessly access a mobile connection via any one of their devices, not just their mobile phone. The palm-sized FLEX Clip makes a subscriber’s mobile connection and personal profile available on any one of his or her portable devices nearby.

The Iota FLEX holds the user’s mobile “identity”: phone number, SIM card, and wireless network access, freeing the user from only using their mobile number with

one mobile phone. Their identity then follows the user to any Android device, seamlessly switching to whichever device is in the user’s personal space, via Blue-tooth. The user places or receives calls and messages through a simple application on the Android device.

The sleek, stylish FLEX is small and fun to wear – it can clip to a pocket or handbag, or slip inside a backpack or briefcase. For more information about the Iota FLEX, visit http://www.iotahq.com.

For more information about u-blox’ LEON GSM/GPRS module, visit www.u-blox.com/en/wireless-modules.html

The Viota V503G supports

“4 in 1” features: GPS navigation,

GSM/SMS,wireless Internet,

and Tracking

LEON module selected for Internet connectivity by global provider of personal navigation devices

Viota products support worldwide mobile communication standards and exports its PND, in-dash navigation and connected GPS products worldwide as OEM and ODM branded products.

LEON GSM/GPRS module supports

worldwidestandards for

wireless voice, SMS, and Internet

connectivity

Coagent has selected u-blox’ NEO-6 as pre-

ferred GPS receiver for all its Caska and Kognd car entertainment and

navigation product lines

u-blox NEO-6GPS module

series