Alpha Micro Components launches industry's smallest standalone GNSS module – EVA-7M from u-blox

Dec. 11, 2013 - PRLog -- M2M specialist, Alpha Micro Components has introduced the smallest standalone GNSS positioning module on the market, the EVA-7M from u-blox. Designed for high volume consumer and low- end commercial cost- and space-sensitive applications, this highly integrated 7 x 7 x 1.1 mm LGA module comprises all necessary components, including crystal and passives. Users need only add an antenna for instant global positioning capability.

The module supports US GPS, Russian GLONASS, Japanese QZSS, plus all SBAS augmentation systems. Based on u-blox' advanced GNSS technology u-blox 7, the module achieves -160 dBm sensitivity when tracking GPS satellites (-158 dBm with GLONASS satellites), fast acquisition time and the lowest power of any u-blox 7 module (16.5 mA at 3 V) thanks to an innovative high-efficiency power converter.

The EVA-7M eases implementation in end-products because RF and digital domains are kept well separated, and the LGA pads are configured in single rows. Unlike other GNSS receivers on the market, EVA is a standalone receiver which provides a position without the need for host integration or extra RF components. It is optimised for keeping eBOM and system costs to an absolute minimum.

"The EVA-7M brings embedded satellite positioning to the next level of portability,” said Thomas Nigg, VP Product Marketing at u-blox.  “The module has been developed with ease-of-manufacturing as a high priority. Its QFN-like footprint with connections along four sides and a high-level of component integration makes it a perfect solution for medium and high volume production runs. This ensures high first-pass production yield, crucial criteria especially for cost-sensitive, high-volume industrial and consumer applications."

Concluding, Christos Papakyriacou, Managing Director, Alpha Micro, said, “Cost effective and compact modules for high volume consumer and low- end commercial applications have long been a focus for Alpha Micro. We are delighted to add the EVA-7M to our product portfolio.  The EVA-7M, the industry’s smallest standalone GNSS module, offers end users one of the lowest system cost in the industry, minimal power consumption, simple integration with u-blox wireless modules and eases design and manufacturing. No host integration or external components are needed. A UART, USB, SPI and I2C interfaces provide flexible connections to a host processor. It can also communicate directly with u-blox' SARA 2G, LISA 3G and TOBY LTE cellular modules to support advanced tracking and location-aware applications.  A welcome addition to our comprehensive product range.”

The module is suitable for consumer, industrial and after-market vehicle applications. First samples will be available in Q1 2014.

For further information please visit http://www.alphamicro.net/franchises/u-blox/eva-7m.aspx