Rutronik distributes the new Fastrax IT530 GPS module featuring decreased power drain and reduced time to first fix in portable, battery-operated devices. The Fastrax IT530 is an ultra-low power consuming and super-sensitive OEM GPS module in a tiny form factor. Made available through distributor Rutronik, the device solves a critically important issue in location-aware, battery-powered consumer products: ensuring a very fast time to first fix (TTFF) without sacrificing battery life. Its sensitivity of -149 dBm in acquisition, -165 dBm in navigation and power consumption of just 35 mW at 3.3 V are ideally suited to battery-operated devices. Measuring 9.6 x 9.6 x 1.85 mm and weighing 0.4 g, the module has an identical footprint as the popular Fastrax IT430. The new power-saving mode AlwaysLocate™ prolongs battery life by controlling receiver power modes and maintaining location information. Depending on the environment and motion, the module adaptively adjusts its navigation activity to balance positioning accuracy, fix rate and power consumption. The Embedded Assist System (EASY™) reduces warm-start TTFF by up to 90% with assisting ephemeris data stored internally for up to three days. Additionally, the server-assisted EPO™ file transfer extends the external A-GPS service to a maximum of 14 days. Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) sources can severely decrease positioning functionality and accuracy of small handheld electronic devices. An embedded jammer remover in the Fastrax IT530 fights distorting signals with Active Interference Cancellation (AIC) of 12 CW type EMI sources up to -80 dBm. Using the LOCUS™ logger function, the device can store location information in the internal memory for up to 16 hours at a predetermined. www.rutronik.com
