THALWIL, Switzerland, Feb. 10, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- 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 (less than 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.
(A high-resolution picture is available from http://www.u-blox.com/news/pci.jpg)
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 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.
Disclaimer
This publication may contain certain forward-looking statements, which can contain statements regarding acquisitions, new projects or potential future revenues or strategy, plans or intentions. All forward-looking statements are based only on data, appraisals and assumptions made and available to u-blox at the time of the preparation of such information. The actual situation and results can be materially different from forward-looking statements. u-blox does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements.