Helsinki, Finland - May 4, 2010 - Fastrax Ltd., a pioneering supplier of high performance GPS receivers, Software GPS solutions and tracking systems for location-aware devices, today introduced the Fastrax IT520, the smallest GPS receiver in Fastrax's IT500 series GPS modules. The Fastrax IT520 features a form factor of only 10.4 x 14.0 x 2.3 mm, allowing for easy utilization in a variety of applications, including asset tracking and navigation systems, and battery operated consumer products.
The Fastrax IT520 provides all of the same features and extremely high performance as the widely used and highly appreciated Fastrax IT500, packed into an impressively miniature form factor. The new module takes 50 percent less space than its predecessor, allowing for inclusion into tiny casings. With the optional built-in USB 2.0 interface, Fastrax IT520 is also ideally suited for GPS mouse and Mini PCI card applications.
"In GPS modules, size certainly does matter", said Taneli Tuurnala, CEO and President, Fastrax. "The small IT520 module was developed based on feedback from our customers. Location-based features and applications are introduced in more and more innovative devices, and users are getting accustomed to the added benefits. In the coming years, we'll see GPS modules integrated into an increasing number of mobile phones, digital cameras, sports accessories, wristwatches, and the like."
In addition, Fastrax introduced the Fastrax UP501 GPS module with an integrated antenna. The updated and improved version of the Fastrax UP500 is footprint and pin compatible with its predecessor. The module is now based on the same Mediatek MT3329 GPS chipset as the Fastrax IT520 and the Fastrax IT500. All these modules have 66 acquisition channels and 22 tracking channels, and feature extraordinarily high -148dBm cold start sensitivity and -165dBm navigation sensitivity. The optimized performance enables navigation in even the most demanding applications and environments, and ensures a solid fix even in harsh GPS visibility environments.
"While waiting for location information to appear, every second feels long", added Taneli Tuurnala. "Ensuring a smooth user experience in consumer applications requires fast and reliable operation, and long battery life. Under the hood, this translates into a combination of high sensitivity, fast signal acquisition and low power consumption. It is our aim to continue providing the best possible GPS module offering for these demanding environments and applications."
The Fastrax UP501 is electrically and mechanically compatible with the Fastrax UP500, making upgrading easy for the designers. This saves considerable amounts of development time, testing, documentation and support costs, while reducing time to market to an absolute minimum. The UP501 is also available with optional onboard battery back-up and RS232 connectivity.
Engineering samples of Fastrax IT520 and Fastrax UP501 are available in the end of May 2010, and volume production is estimated to start in July 2010.
