u-blox introduces breakthrough 3D Automotive Dead Reckoning

Swissu-blox, a global leader in wireless and positioning modules and chips,introduces its next-generation semiconductor technology dedicated to advancedin-dash navigation, emergency call (i.e. eCall / ERA-GLONASS), usage-basedinsurance (UBI), road-pricing, and stolen vehicle recovery systems.

Theu-blox UBX-M8030-Kx-DR chip integrates a radical new technology,”3D Automotive Dead Reckoning” (3D ADR) which enables it to calculatea vehicle’s position, speed, as well as elevation in areas of poor or nosatellite visibility, a common scenario in high-density urban environments,stacked highways, or parking garages.

Click here to view a two-minute YouTube videodemonstration.

Thenew chip is yet another proof of u-blox’ position as theleading provider of positioning technology for automotive applications, alreadyadopted by major car manufacturers globally.

“Driversexpect car navigation systems to be fast, accurate, and work everywhere,regardless of satellite visibility. As cities expand, construction of moretunnels, multi-level overpasses and park garages is increasing. Our solutionmeets this challenge head-on; regardless of satellite visibility, our 3D ADRchip shows movement in three dimensions to maintain continuous and accuratepositioning in tunnels, stacked highways, multi-level or underground parkingfacilities,” said Thomas Nigg, VP product marketing at u‑blox.

Thetechnology aids traditional GNSS navigation systems such as GPS, GLONASS andBeiDou by blending them with individual wheel speed, gyroscope andaccelerometer information to maintain accurate 3D positioning even whensatellite signals are completely lost.

TheUBX-M8030-Kx-DR chip is self-calibrating to compensate for sensor aging andtemperature effects. It is compatible with virtually all vehicles and drivetrains (i.e. front-, rear-, all-wheel drive), and supports a variety of sensorcombinations. Sensor information can be derived from the vehicle’s sensors forthe most cost-efficient implementation, or from external sensors forafter-market solutions. The chip is AEC-Q100 qualified and is produced inISO/TS Automotive certified production sites.

Thechip requires minimum host integration or customization resulting in no risk,low cost, and fast time-to-market. Installation is uncritical thanks toautomated software calibration. 3D ADR is accurate even at low speeds.

Thechip allows for easy testing, simple and modular production set-up, and minimalBOM. The chip comes in a 40-pin QFN package measuring only 5 x 5 mm andincludes I²C, SPI, UART and USB interfaces.

Contact u-blox for more information.

About u-blox
Swiss-based u-blox (SIX:UBXN) is the global leader in positioning and wirelesssemiconductors for the consumer, industrial and automotive markets. Oursolutions enable people, vehicles and machines to locate their exact positionand wirelessly communicate via voice, text or video. With a broad portfolio ofchips, modules and software solutions, u-blox is uniquely positioned to enableOEMs to develop innovative personal, professional and M2M solutions quickly andcost-effectively. With headquarters in Thalwil, Switzerland, u-blox is globallypresent with offices in Europe, Asia-Pacific and the USA.
(www.u-blox.com)