05.11.2008

Fastrax Collaborates with MediaTek for New High Quality GPS Receivers

Cutting component costs for market leading performance, Fastrax’ leading GPS expertise is integrated with MediaTek’s high performance GPS chipsets

Fastrax Ltd., a provider of high performance GPS receivers and GPS software solutions for original equipment manufacturers and available through GLYN High-Tech Distribution, recently introduced the new Fastrax UP500 module based on an ultra sensitive GPS chipset by MediaTek Inc., a leading fabless semiconductor company for wireless communications and digital media solutions. The cooperation between Fastrax and MediaTek is aimed at developing high quality GPS receivers that are specifically targeted for cost effective end-device manufacturing.

Based on the MediaTek MT3318 chipset, the new Fastrax UP500 is designed for easy and reliable mounting on customer applications. With cutting-edge technology, space requirements and integration costs are reduced to the minimum. Power supply and serial data connection are all that is required to make the Fastrax UP500 operational, enabling short time-to-market for new applications, as well as easy postinstallations in multiple applications.

With an integrated patch antenna of 18 x 18 mm and navigation sensitivity of -159 dBm, the Fastrax UP500 enables high performance navigation in the most stringent applications and a solid fix even in harsh GPS conditions. Most important for high quality GPS functionalities is the ultra-high acquisition sensitivity of -146 dBm in cold start, which enables quick time-to-first-fix even in urban blocked conditions where most GPS receivers would not be able to acquire a fix at all.

The combination of small footprint, easy connectivity and low power consumption makes Fastrax UP500 an ideal solution for navigation systems, asset tracking devices and battery operated consumer products such as personal navigation devices, handheld computers, cameras, and sports accessories. In addition, Fastrax UP500 is an attractive receiver for GPS mouse applications, due to its compact all-in-one design and easy interfacing.

“The cooperation with MediaTek enables us to strengthen our position as a provider of multiplatform GPS receivers. MediaTek is known for their high quality chipsets and it was natural for us to combine our expertise to advance the development of cost effective end devices,” comments Taneli Tuurnala, CEO and President of Fastrax. “The extension of our product offering with the new series of GPS receivers will provide new opportunities to our customers especially in Europe and US to integrate GPS into different consumer devices as well as industrial tracking products.”

“Fastrax has been known for its reputation in developing high-quality GPS receivers. We are glad to have this opportunity to partner with Fastrax. Fastrax UP500’s easy-to-deploy solution and affordable price will allow more device manufacturers to leverage the GPS function in their products,” commented S.R. Tsai, General Manager of Navigation BU at MediaTek

For more information and detailed technical data, please see the Fastrax web site at http://www.fastraxgps.com.

For pricing or more information, please send us an email at sales@glyn.com.au.