Navigation module supports multiple systems

ALPS ELECTRIC EUROPE  has developed the “UMSZ2 Series” Multi GNSS Module for Automotive Use, providing support for multiple satellite positioning systems with a single module. Samples will be made available from April 2014.

Multiple Positioning Systems Supported with a Single Module

Navigation module supports multiple systems

The capability to support multiple satellite positioning systems is increasingly a requirement for automotive navigation systems. The UMSZ2 Series GNSS module from ALPS Electric meets these requirements.

Car navigation systems have become essential for driving comfort and require a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) to be able to compute and display complex routes. A number of positioning systems are already in use, including the United States’ GPS and, in recent years, the Russian GLONASS and Chinese BDS. Europe is readying for deployment of its Galileo system.

Because the positioning accuracy of satellite positioning systems can be improved by receiving signals from a large number of satellites, there is demand for modules that support multiple positioning systems. However, some countries are discouraging the use of other positioning systems than their own ones, considering mandatory customs duties on products that are not compatible with their own positioning systems. Consequently, there is a requirement that product components support multiple positioning systems.

In order to meet the complex requirements in this market, ALPS Electric has developed the UMSZ2 Series Multi GNSS Module for Automotive Use, which receives signals from multiple satellite systems. The UMSZ2 Series allows simultaneous reception of signals from multiple positioning systems with a small single unit, measuring just 25.0 × 20.0 × 2.6mm. An internal antenna status detection circuit, as required for GNSS signal reception, helps to reduce the customer’s workload in designing and installing such circuits.

The UMSZ2 Series operates off a single 3.3V power supply. Eliminating the need for a multiple power supply contributes to greater freedom in system design.

A dead reckoning function for updating position information inside tunnels or in other areas where a signal is unavailable will also be added as an option.