u-blox introduces GSM/GPRS module at CeBIT, 3-8 March

Thalwil, Switzerland – February 25, 2009 – With the release of a new surface-mount GSM transceiver module “LEON”, u-blox is pleased to announce its entry into the rapidly expanding embedded GSM/GPRS market. When combined with u-blox’ standard GPS modules, OEMs now have a one-stop solution that merges GPS positioning and tracking with the power to communicate over the world’s largest mobile network. The module is ideal for cost-sensitive industrial applications such as fleet management, asset and personnel tracking, vehicle recovery, point-of-sales terminals and metering.

“Establishing core competencies in both GPS and GSM is a key part of u-blox’ strategy to provide the smallest, highest-performance, most cost effective module solution to the fast-growing mobile tracking market. Customers are increasingly demanding GPS with mobile connectivity to locate, track and manage valuable assets. The combined GSM/GPS technologies from a single supplier will meet our customers’ needs for faster time-to-market, and lower production costs,” said Thomas Seiler, CEO of u-blox. 

LEON operates as a stand-alone GSM transceiver module or together with u-blox’ GPS modules via a simple I²C interface allowing for a simple interface of both modules via one single UART. It is the first of a series of cellular surface-mount modules from u-blox. The modules’ small footprint of only 18.9 x 29.5 x 2.84 mm and SMT pads on only two sides of the package results in simple mounting, cheaper PCB layout and easier quality control as compared to Ball-Grid or Land-Grid Array solutions. LEON features a low current consumption (1.6 mA in standby mode), and wide operating temperature (–30°C to +85°C). The module supports GPRS class 10 as well as voice communications (e.g. for emergency services) and comes equipped with embedded TCP/IP stack and AssistNow client.