Fastrax Ltd., a pioneering supplier of high performance GNSS receivers, Software GNSS solutions and tracking systems for location-aware devices, today unveiled the Fastrax IT600, including GPS, Russian-based Glonass, Japanese QZSS and SBAS in a single receiver module. In addition to currently supported Global Navigation Satellite Systems, the IT600 is designed to also support other positioning systems such as European-based Galileo and Chinese Compass/Beidou2 in the future.

The new receiver module is specifically designed to serve the needs of the automotive industry. Enabling both GPS and Glonass generally doubles the number of visible satellites compared with using GPS only, reducing the time to first fix and increasing positioning accuracy, especially while driving in urban canyons. Fastrax IT600 provides ultimate level of reliability and highly accurate positioning even in challenging environments.

Advanced dead reckoning estimates the position of the vehicle when satellite signals are unavailable - which inevitably happens in tunnels and parking garages. The IT600 can utilize an analog gyro and odometer pulse and can later be complemented with a digital 3-axis gyro and differential wheel pulse from a vehicle's CAN interface in order to compensate for possible unavailability of GNSS signals.

Fastrax IT600 features 32 dedicated tracking channels that are dynamically assigned to acquire and track a mix of GPS, Glonass, QZSS, Galileo and Compass/Beidou2 signals. The module is able to operate normally with only one of the Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) or utilize several systems simultaneously.

Fastrax IT600 is based on the newly introduced ST Teseo II GNSS chipset (STA8088EX), marking the first time a Fastrax module is based on a chipset from STMicroelectronics. The support for multiple GNSS systems and advanced dead reckoning enables module customers to benefit from additional satellite systems and improved tracking capability and accuracy, without having to make different designs for different markets.

"The cooperation with STMicroelectronics and the new Fastrax IT600 are important milestones for us towards the automotive market", said Taneli Tuurnala, CEO and President of Fastrax. "A single module supporting multiple GNSS systems shows that the development of satellite based positioning is on a strong upward curve. Adding full blown dead reckoning support is much appreciated among our existing customer base, in addition to the new customers that have already shown interest in the new product."

"Fastrax's worldwide sales channels help bring our GNSS technology to a wider customer base", said Antonio Radaelli, Navigation & MultiMedia BU Director of STMicroelectronics. "We are selective in choosing partners, and the decision to cooperate with Fastrax for GNSS modules is based on their high level of technical expertise."

Fastrax IT600 features same small form factor as other Fastrax IT multiplatform modules, 16.2 x 18.8 x 2.3 mm, however the pin-out is different. The low power consumption of 80 mW is further decreased with the ability to turn off unused tracking channels.

Samples of Fastrax IT600 are available in September 2011, and volume production is estimated to start in October 2011.