Nov/Dec 2003

Businesses developing their own wireless automotive systems have a new platform on which to work - Wavecom's Automotive Development Lab. This is a suite of tools allowing developers to build systems that include IP connectivity protocols such as TCP/IP, POP3 and SMTP, as well as MQIsdp (WebSphere) protocols.

They can also take advantage of Wavecom's MUSE Platform development tool, Open AT, which incorporates a set of more than 550 AT commands, including a dedicated GPS set. Open AT enables customers to embed supplementary protocols directly in the module. The service offering provided by the Automotive Development Lab includes development support, Open AT training, manufacturing support and certification support.

Alongside this development, Wavecom has introduced a new WISMO hardware platform within the Automotive Development Lab, the WISMO Quik Q2501, which is adapted to the particular needs of the automotive industry. WISMO is Wavecom's brand name for its digital standard wireless module system.

The new unit, available next year, is said to be the only product currently available to combine dual-band GSM/GPRS with GPS capabilities in a single fully integrated module, which measures just 58mm by 32mm by 6mm. It offers two operating modes - either stand-alone, giving direct access to GPS data independent of GSM connectivity; or GSM Master, linking GPS data with GSM.

The company says GPS data can be integrated into voice, SMS/EMS or data applications, and full 16-channel GPS support is offered. It claims this makes the GPS component of the product the most accurate currently available on the market. The module has dual-band capability (900/1800 Mhz), and is GSM/GPRS Class 10 compliant.

Wavecom's technology solutions have also been used to provide wireless connectivity for a range of applications for professional use in the transport sector, including alarms, fleet management, logistics management and tracking systems.