PCI Express Mini Cards enable GPS on mobile computers.

u-blox AG Mar 02, 2009

Press Release Summary:

Based on 5 positioning engine, PCI-Express Mini Card (PCI-5S) and Half Mini Card (PCM-5S) enable OEMs to provide GPS, personal navigation, services/people finder, and geo-tagging on mobile computers. SuperSense technology can track weak GPS signals to -160 dBm, while Kick Start feature enables time-to-first-fix of less than 1 sec, even with weak signals. Using anti-jamming algorithms, products are immune to noise generated by PC bus, mobile phones, and local electronic devices.

Original Press Release:

u-blox Launches GPS Cards for Mobile Computers

The PCI Express Mini cards PCI-5S and PCM-5S empower next-generation mobile computers with GPS and location-based services

Thalwil, Switzerland - February 10, 2009 - u-blox, the leading provider of GPS technology, announces the immediate availability of a GPS "PCI Express Mini" card. The card enables next-generation laptop, netbook, mobile internet device and "Ultra Mobile" PC OEMs to provide GPS and location-based services such as personal navigation, services/people finder and geo-tagging.

"With the explosive potential of next-generation GPS applications and services for mobile PCs, it is the right time to introduce a robust PCI Express mini card supporting location-based services. u-blox delivers the market's highest GPS tracking sensitivity for a satisfying and seamless consumer experience," said Thomas Nigg, Vice President Product Marketing at u-blox.

Sales of mobile PCs with integrated GPS are projected to grow from 3 million units in 2007 to 45 million units in 2011.

The PCI Express Mini Card is based on the industry-leading u-blox 5 positioning engine delivering the world's fastest Time to First Fix (<1 sec). Requiring only an external antenna, the card comes in two sizes - PCI-Express Mini Card (PCI-5S) and PCI-Express Half Mini Card (PCM-5S) - to accommodate OEMs diverse needs. The cards implement u blox' unmatched SuperSense technology, which can track extremely weak GPS signals to -160 dBm as well as the Kick Start feature for a fast Time-to-first-Fix at weak signals. This allows seamless navigation in dense urban environments, even when using low-cost antennas.

Thanks to u-blox' proprietary anti-jamming algorithms, the products are highly immune to noise generated by the PC bus, mobile phones and local electronic devices. The drivers support Windows XP and Windows Vista. A driver for the upcoming Windows 7 is in preparation.

The PCI-5S and PCM-5S are in mass production. Please contact u-blox sales at sales@u-blox.com or visit u-blox' booth at Mobile World Congress, February 16-19, Barcelona, Spain, at Booth 1A15 for details.

About u-blox

u-blox is a fabless semiconductor positioning solutions provider for the automotive, mobile communications and infrastructure markets. u-blox develops chips and complete modules based on the Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) including GPS and GALILEO. Founded in 1997 and headquartered in Switzerland, the u-blox group is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange and has offices in the USA, in Singapore, Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, Korea and Japan. For more information, please visit www.u-blox.com.