Fastrax has unveiled the Fastrax IT600, which includes GPS, Russian-based Glonass, Japanese QZSS and SBAS in a single receiver module. Currently supporting Global Navigation Satellite Systems, the IT600 will 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 2.3mm, 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.

Features:

• GPS + Glonass + Galileo receiver module
• Hybrid positioning using several GNSS systems
• Supports dead reckoning
• Designed for automotive
• Small size 16.2mm x 18.8mm x 2.3mm
• Ultra High Sensitivity -162 dBm(Tracking)
• Cold start sensitivity -146dBm
• Low power consumption, 80mW-150mW depending on configurations
• Autonomous A-GPS (self-assisted 5 days)
• 10 Hz fix update rate (available later 2011)

Benefits:

• More satellites, higher accuracy
• Possible to develop true global device
• Not dependent on single GNSS system
• Acquire and track any mix of GPS, Glonass and Galileo*, QZSS and SBAS (WAAS, Egnos) signals
• Active jammer detection
• Dead reckoning support: 3-axis gyro, Odometer, Accelerometers and Differential wheel pulse via CAN interface

* Galileo support will be added later via software upgrade

Click here to view the product brochure.

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

For more information, or details on the full range of FASTRAX products available from Anglia, please email info@anglia.com

Alternatively, click on this link to go to the main FASTRAX section where you can view other news articles and product data.

Back to product news

Bookmark with:

info?

Delicious Digg Reddit Facebook StumbleUpon

Google Newsvine Yahoo

Show more

This news article was originally published in June 2011.