u-blox 6 GPS receiver platform

u-blox has upgraded its latest GPS receiver platform u-blox 6 to give users access to features such as improved sensitivity, lower power consumption, improved anti-jamming performance, jamming detection and shorter time-to-first-fix.

The firmware delivers an improved tracking sensitivity down to -162 dBm with enhanced acquisition and re-acquisition sensitivity, making it one of the most sensitive receivers available.

Other new features include AssistNow Autonomous, a free feature similar to Assisted-GPS without the need for a host or external network connection. The concept reduces time-to-first-fix by capitalising on the periodic nature of GPS satellites, allowing the GPS receiver to autonomously predict satellite positions based on previously captured ephemeris.

Power management has been impoved, allowing the receiver to independently power-down unnecessary circuitry when not needed. The result is a power saving of more than 50% in a weak signal environment.

‘Jamming Detection’ allows the receiver to detect the possible presence of GPS jammers. This can add to security and robustness, for example when dealing with vehicle theft.

Security systems can use this feature to activate an alarm or alert signal, or initiate a backup positioning system such as one based on GSM cellular positioning.

Another new feature is support for the RTCM protocol (Radio Technical Commission for Maritime Services), allowing receivers to increase positional accuracy in maritime applications using differential correctional data received by RTCM beacons.