The SIM68 from SIMCom is a compact 32-channel GNSS module in SMT package intended for a broad range of OEM applications. The STA8088FG engine integrated in the SIM68 together with the 32 tracking and 2 fast acquisition channels helps to achieve fast time to first fix and improved -148dBm cold start sensitivity. The superior cold start sensitivity allows the SIM68 to acquire, track, and get position fix autonomously in difficult weak signal environment. The receiver’s -162dBm tracking sensitivity allows continuous position coverage in nearly all application environments.

The receiver is optimized for applications requiring high performance, low power, and low cost; suitable for a wide range of OEM configurations including mobile phone, PND, asset tracking, and vehicle navigation products. The metal RF shielding provides protection and allows standard surface mount device pick-and-place process in fully-automated assembly process; enabling high-volume, very cost-efficient production.

SIMCom offers an SIM68 evaluation kit, with an USB V2.0 full speed interface, that allows you to test, try and build your first prototype. For more data, price and delivery contact Texim Europe

Features
• Small footprint: 15 x 13 x 2.4mm, 34-pin LCC package
• 32 tracking & 2 fast acquisition channels
• Compatible with GPS,Galileo and Glonass systems
• High sensitivity:
Tracking: -162dBm
Navigation: -160dBm
Cold start: -148dBm
• Fast TTFF 1s in hot start, 35s in cold start
• High accuracy of 1.5m CEP
• Power consumption: 330mW acquisition, 214mW tracking
• Single 3.3V supply operation
• Operating temperature -40 to +85°C
• Rich set of interfaces:

Applications
• Mobile phone
• Personal navigation devices
• Asset tracking
• Vehicle navigation

Contact Texim Europe

Extending its portfolio of embedded Wi-Fi modules, Alpha Micro Components today announced the introduction of its Gainspan GS1011MIPS and GS1011MExS, two of the smallest modules on the market. At just 19.4 mm x 28.7 mm, the new modules provide a significant reduction in footprint and offer an easy to integrate, compact and cost-effective solution for any power critical cost sensitive wireless application in the emerging Internet of Things arena.

Despite the small form factor, the GS1011MIPS and GS1011MExS offer complete 802.11b ultra low power Wi-Fi client or AP solutions. The GS1011MIPS provides low power Wi-Fi connectivity with +8dBm of transmit output power, while the GS1011MExS is an extended range solution offering best in class transmit power of +18dBm.

The GS1011MIPS and GS1011MExS offer easy system integration and minimal use of host resources. The modules provide both UART and SPI interfaces, making it possible to connect to any 8/16/32 bit microcontroller using simple AT commands. The modules are pre-loaded with serial to Wi-Fi firmware with complete Wi-Fi functionality including security, WPS and provisioning features running on the module as well as the networking stack, an embedded HTTP server with network configuration pages, and limited AP capability for ease of provisioning.

The modules feature built-in trace or external antenna options through a U.FL connector, an industrial operating temperature range from -40 to 85 degrees Celsius, and are certified or pre-certified for all major regulatory requirements including FCC, IC and ETSI.

The size-optimized GS1011MIPS and GS1011MExS are the newest additions to Alpha Micro’s portfolio of Wi-Fi modules which include the soldered down GS1500M (802.11b/g/n) and ultra-low power GS1011M (802.11b), as well as the connectorized GS1011MIC.

“These ultra low power small form factor modules from Gainspan really do give developers the option of adding Wi-Fi connectivity, which is an incredibly ubiquitous standard, onto products traditionally targeted for ZigBee or Bluetooth. The interoperability of the 802.11 standard makes this a compelling alternative. We are seeing a host of HAN (Home Area Networks), telecare, and body worn tracking units now adopting this technology”, said Maxine Hewitt, Marketing Director, Alpha Micro Components. GainSpan’s expanding portfolio of modules, with the drivers to support various microcontrollers, and software solutions, is playing a critical role in helping device manufacturers get products to market quickly.”

» Contact details for Alpha Micro

Acal BFi is pleased to announce that it has been selected to join the TeliaSonera Global M2M Services Partnership Program. Under the partnership program, Acal BFi will provide hardware and product solutions for applications in the fast growing Nordic and Baltic wireless machine to machine (M2M) market place, throughout Norway, Sweden, Finland and Denmark.

M2M enables the connection, monitoring and control of remote devices across a wide range of industrial and commercial applications. This technology is growing at double digit rates throughout Europe.

The TeliaSonera Global M2M Partnership Program provides solutions, expertise, products and services in the M2M industry. Each member of the partnership program has a unique role and expertise that together enables the execution of M2M solutions.

Acal BFI supplies specialist electronic and photonic products and is a leading supplier of wireless technology for industrial applications in the Nordic region. It will provide access to wireless products that will enable customers to adopt M2M technology into products for their end markets.

Stefan Lof, Managing Director of Acal BFi in the Nordic region stated: ”The continuing growth of the M2M market is driven by the increasing range of industrial and commercial applications that benefit from wireless control and monitoring. TeliaSonera are the leading mobile network provider in the Nordic and Baltic region and we are delighted to be partnering with them to provide customers access to these key technologies.”

Hans Dahlberg, Head of TeliaSonera Global M2M Services, added: ” We are delighted that Acal BFi has joined the M2M Partnership Program. Their experience and range of products used in wireless technology applications will be a great addition to the M2M ecosystem and of benefit to companies looking to adopt M2M technology.”

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Avnet Embedded announces as an EMEA distributor of Option embedded solutions the wireless industry’s first 3G PCie module with an integrated SIM card holder and micro SD card holder and optional WiFi.

Markets such as digital signage have traditionally been challenging and expensive to integrate with embedded connectivity. The Option GTM671 WFS is an all-in-one connectivity solution on a single PCIe Minicard, specifically fit for such connected devices which typically don’t have SIM card holders. This solution makes integration of wireless connectivity into connected devices significantly easier, speeding up time to market and keeping costs at a manageable level, while providing peace of mind in terms of security and a seamless end user experience.

Bernard Schaballie, General Manager Embedded Solutions at Option: “Option has a long history of industry firsts. Combining an integrated SIM card and micro SD card holder on a single module is a hugely compelling solution for a wide range of M2M plays where connectivity, storage, security and user experience are of paramount importance.”

Alastair Worth, Marketing Director Wireless, Avnet Embedded “We are delighted that Option has introduced such a ground breaking product. The combination of new features allows our customers to create devices with unique functionality and to seamlessly 3G enable existing designs without any requirement for redesign”

» Contact details for Avnet

Acal BFi – a division of Acal plc – is the first distributor to sample the new PremierWave®-XN dual-band 802.11n multi-port device server from Lantronix. As part of the award-winning PremierWave family, this 802.11n server combines high-performance WiFi and Ethernet connectivity, with Lantronix’ SmartRoam™ technology for seamless mobile connectivity, and enhanced security within a compact 11cm x 8.9cm x 2.6cm module.

With development kits and a limited number of samples available from May 2012, Acal BFi will enable lead customers to develop next-generation machine-to-machine (M2M) applications featuring increased wireless speed, improved reliability and an extended transmission range over 2.4GHz or 5GHz.

“These new servers allow designers to respond to market demands for enhanced remote monitoring and control of larger and more complex network infrastructures by delivering optimal wireless performance, signal reliability and security,” explains Martin Kemp, European Sales & Marketing Manager, Acal BFi. “The PremierWave-XN device server allows applications with an existing Ethernet interface to easily add WiFi connectivity, with no modifications to the existing code, by using Lantronix’ proprietary Secure ComPort Redirector virtualisation software.”

“The launch of four new products in the past four months highlights the new, more customer-driven, aggressive global growth strategy for Lantronix,” said Martin Poppelaars, Vice President of EMEA Sales for Lantronix. “A key driver in this strategy is aligning ourselves with partners who have the technical expertise, along with established sales and distribution channels throughout Europe. Acal BFi has proven to be exactly this type of partner, and we look forward to working more closely with them to speed our time-to-market and accelerate our growth in the region.”

Acal BFi’s wireless communications team will provide specialist design support to customers implementing advanced M2M applications using the Lantronix PremierWave-XN device server.

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New from Alpha Micro Components is the u-blox LEA-6N all-in-one satellite positioning receiver module. Low-power and cost-effective, the module delivers fast, high-accuracy positioning and is targeted at industrial telematics applications in Russia such as vehicle tracking, mobile resource management and the ERA-GLONASS emergency call system.

The module works with GPS, Russian GLONASS, and Japanese QZSS satellite positioning systems. It also supports all civilian Satellite Based Augmentation Systems (SBAS).

The LEA-6N delivers clear new benefits for our industrial customers in terms of global support of all available satellite positioning systems, easy to mount LCC form factor, low power consumption and cost effectiveness, said Maxine Hewitt, Marketing Director, Alpha Micro Components. The LEA-6N also supports the CellLocateTM hybrid indoor positioning system from u-blox. When used together with our wireless modules, the location of valuable assets or people can be determined anywhere, indoors and outside.

Samples of LEA-6N are available now, with evaluation kit EVK-6N and mass production in June 2012.

» Contact details for Alpha Micro

New from Alpha Micro Components is the u-blox LEA-6N all-in-one satellite positioning receiver module. Low-power and cost-effective, the module delivers fast, high-accuracy positioning and is targeted at industrial telematics applications in Russia such as vehicle tracking, mobile resource management and the ERA-GLONASS emergency call system.

The module works with GPS, Russian GLONASS, and Japanese QZSS satellite positioning systems. It also supports all civilian Satellite Based Augmentation Systems (SBAS).

“The LEA-6N delivers clear new benefits for our industrial customers in terms of global support of all available satellite positioning systems, easy to mount LCC form factor, low power consumption and cost effectiveness”, said Maxine Hewitt, Marketing Director, Alpha Micro Components. “The LEA-6N also supports the CellLocateTM hybrid indoor positioning system from u-blox. When used together with our wireless modules, the location of valuable assets or people can be determined anywhere, indoors and outside.”

Samples of LEA-6N are available now, with evaluation kit EVK-6N and mass production in June 2012.

» Contact details for Alpha Micro

Rutronik announces new WiseMote™ Wi-Fi devices from Redpine Signals for RTLS and sensor network applications operating in 2.4 and 5 GHz bands, providing enterprise security and improved battery life.

The WiseMote™ WM1-20 (2.4 GHz) and WM1-50 (2.4/5 GHz) 802.11n from Redpine Signals work with any third-party hardware and software RTLS infrastructure. Their advanced features include enterprise security and single stream 802.11n, therefore making them ideal for deployment in enterprise environments. Operation in the 5 GHz band provides for close adherence to designed battery life compared to crowded 2.4 GHz channels.

The devices can be programmed to operate in a variety of modes, supporting multiple location tracking and update mechanisms. In Cisco Compatible Extensions (CCX) mode, they offer Cisco CCX compliant beaconing with configurable patterns, telemetry and alarm notifications. In Wi-Fi associated mode, they periodically connect to access points, communicating sensor and channel data to a server. In other beaconing modes, the devices support standard Wi-Fi clients with simple tag identification software to locate and identify assets.

Additionally, Redpine’s WM0 tag configurator and chokepoint device with low frequency excitation circuitry and an automated wireless configuration solution can be used to create a complete hardware and software infrastructure that enables third-party RTLS solution development.

» Contact Details for Rutronik

Acal BFi announces the first samples of the world’s smallest complete GPS receiver. The OriginGPS ORG1410 is a complete GPS System‐in‐Package (SiP), which allows high-volume, cost-sensitive applications to achieve high levels of integration and sensitivity, combined with low power consumption and an ultra-compact footprint.

“As the only pan-European partner for OriginGPS, Acal BFi is able to offer the first samples and development kits for this benchmark product. Our unique position also allows us to support customers, throughout Europe, with an unrivalled level of product knowledge, in addition to design support and manufacturing services which will allow customers to push their products’ GPS capabilities to new levels of performance and functionality,” explains Philippe Gruson, Electronics Division President Acal BFi.

The integration of a SiRFstarIV™ GPS processor enables the ORG1410 to operate in challenging GPS environments, such as indoor tracking or when the end-user is on the move. This high level of GPS performance is achieved by using innovative GPS firmware which can detect changes in context, temperature, and satellite signals, and opportunistically update its internal parameters which enables the ORG1410 to deliver near-continuous navigation.

Within its 10mm x 10mm package, the ORG1410 integrates an active antenna; RF shield; TCXO and RTC crystal; LNA and SAW filters; and UART, SPI or I2C host interfaces; whilst achieving ultra-low power consumption of less than 15mW; a fast position fix of under 1 second and sensitivity of ‐163dBm.

A limited number of ORG1410 samples, in addition to development kits for lead customers, are available immediately from Acal BFi.

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Acal BFi announces the first samples of a new quad-band, GSM/GPRS/GPS mobile platform, from Novatel Wireless, which enhances vehicle intelligence for fleet management and insurance telematics applications. The new MT 4000 device features low current consumption of less than 1.5mA in sleep mode; a 12V and 24V supply for fleet monitoring of cars, vans and trucks; as well as an optional Garmin Fleet Management Interface (FMI) for routing and optimisation. The module also has a 1-wire, Driver ID input for driver identification and analogue inputs which can be used for applications such as temperature monitoring.

“The number of global insurance telematics users is expected to rise by 90%, bringing the total number of users to 89 million by 2017. These users will demand platforms that deliver enhanced vehicle intelligence, ease-of-use and low up-front costs. The MT 4000 device meets these needs, in addition to offering wireless interface options which equip products with a global reach,” explains Philippe Gruson, President Electronics Division, at Acal BFi.

Designed for permanent in-vehicle installation, the MT 4000 integrates an innovative internal antenna design in addition to a flexible on-board Smart Agent event engine which supports configurable reporting of driver behaviour, polygon geo-fencing, messaging and other vehicle intelligence functions. The optional Garmin® Fleet Management Interface (FMI) provides fleet managers with the ability to reduce cost and increase safety and productivity with enhanced routing and optimisation.

Applications for the MT 4000 include fleets of passenger cars, vans, and trucks, as well as usage-based insurance schemes such as Pay-As-You-Drive and Pay-How-You-Drive, where the platform can be used to report distance travelled, duration and time of day, as well as driver behaviour and speed violations.

Specialist technical support from Acal BFi will help customers to implement the MT 4000 module quickly and with minimum engineering effort, including integration with Novatel Wireless’s N4A Communications and Management Software platform, which will allow for easy monitoring, management and remote reconfiguration of devices from almost anywhere in the world. In addition, Acal BFi will offer an assembly service, and ex-stock availability of cables and accessories for Novatel Wireless’ MT 4000 module.

Contact Acal