Miniaturized GPS paves the way for new positioning applications

A California-based surveyor's technology provider called Trimble introduced today a new GPS thumbnail-sized GPS receiver designed to work better in poor signal environments than other GPS technology.

The Trimble Copernicus II GPS receiver offers users position, velocity and time data, using a 12-channel GPS receiver that measures 19 mm x 19 mm x 2.5 mm. The ultra-thin, surface mount GPS module is ideal for any device that needs GPS capabilities, such as phones or computer devices. Its design and ability to use active and passive antennas opens up a myriad of possibilities for integration into Bluetooth devices, personal navigators for vehicles or boats, cameras, computer communication devices, portable GPS devices, and security products.

The Copernicus II has similar specifications to its predecessor, the Copernicus, but has been modified so it has a higher sensitivity for poor signal environments, and can start up and perform better than similar products. Trimble plans to include a power converter, power adapter, GPS antenna, and software along with each Copernicus II GPS chip sold to manufacturers. In addition, a reference interface board also is included, giving designers a visual layout of the Copernicus II and its 28 signal pins, RF signal trace, RF connector, and I/O and power connections.

Although companies such as Garmin and TomTom garner more headlines due to their products being designed more for the consumer market, Trimble is a well known company that provides the hardware typically implemented into products available to engineering, construction, agriculture, and similar corporate fields.

In the consumer space, however, the company has seen some of its GPS technology included in products from Nokia and other phone manufacturers. For example, since July 2007, Trimble has been offering cell phone manufacturers that embed GPS devices into their smartphones, an outdoor trip planning package called Trimble Outdoors.

The Trimble Copernicus II GPS receiver will be publicly displayed during CeBIT Australia in Sydney later this month. It should be available to consumers in Q3 this year.