Sept/Oct 2005

GPS devices are getting both smaller and more capable. Among the latest examples of this trend is a new combined GPS and AGPS (Assisted GPS) unit from Fujitsu Media Devices and Fujitsu Microelectronics Europe. The ultra-compact unit measures just 10.9mm by 9.1mm by 1.4mm, and has a low power consumption of 180mW in Search mode, or 0.1mW in 'Deep Sleep' mode. This makes it ideal for embedding in mobile phones, the makers say, and it is designed for exactly this purpose.

Production is starting this October, and should result in the availability of devices just as the demand for GPS-enabled phones starts to build up.

Another promising GPS device for mobiles has been launched by Atmel and u-blox. Their ANTARIS 4 is said to be ideally suited battery-operated products such as PDAs, mobile phones and other portable devices, as well as automotive GPS applications. Features include a built-in USB port (doubling as a COM port), said to be ideal for connecting 'smart antennas' that are USB-powered.