Fastrax UC530 GPS module

The Fastrax UC530 GPS module is a small OEM GPS receiver with an integrated chip antenna. It features the same ultrasmall form factor as the UC430, while providing benefits to designers, developers and manufacturers of handheld digital devices.

The module features high sensitivity (-165 dBm in tracking) and typically 45 mW average power. It is easily embeddable in space-restricted environments because of its size (9.6 x 14.0 x 1.95 mm) and extended input voltage range of 3.0 to 4.3.

The integrated chip antenna claims to provide better radiation efficiency than small patch antennas, performs well against larger and heavier patch antennas and has a circular radiation pattern. The optional connectivity to an external GPS antenna extends the applicability of the module to a wider range of devices from handheld computers to asset tracking systems. When the optional external antenna is used, the embedded antenna works as a backup.

The power-saving AlwaysLocate mode prolongs battery life while maintaining location information, similar to the IT530 GPS receiver module. Depending on the environment and motion, the module adjusts its navigation activity to balance positioning accuracy, fix rate and power consumption. In addition, the Embedded Assist System reduces warm-start TTFF by up to 90% with autonomously calculated ephemeris data for next three days. The additional server-assisted EPO file transfer extends the external A-GPS service to up to 14 days.

The embedded jammer remover is claimed to help solve issues with distorting signals due to electromagnetic interference. Active Interference Cancellation tracks and removes up to 12 CW type EMI sources up to -80 dBm. Also embedded is the LOCUS logger function, which stores location information in the internal memory. With a typical log interval of 15 s, log capacity is 16 h.