u-blox launches ultimate indoor/outdoor positioning module NEO-M8L with integrated 3D sensors

Swiss u-blox, a global leader in wireless and positioning modules and chips, introduces the NEO-M8L Automotive Dead Reckoning (ADR) module with integrated motion, direction and elevation sensors. The module integrates gyro and accelerometer with u?blox’ leading GNSS platform u-blox M8 to achieve the highest- performance indoor/outdoor positioning solution available, perfect for all road vehicle and high-accuracy navigation applications.

In addition to accessing the integrated module’s gyro and accelerometer data, accident reconstruction systems can provide the location of an accident to facilitate insurance claims even if a collision occurs in a tunnel or park house. High-end navigation devices are able to guide drivers through tunnels of several kilometers thanks to the unsurpassed accuracy of u-blox’ ADR system. Stolen vehicles can be located instantly due to continuous monitoring of sensor data and storage of location in non-volatile memory.

“Devices for usage-based insurance, stolen vehicle recovery, road pricing, fleet management, emergency services, and vehicle navigation depend on reliable, uninterrupted positioning including tunnels, park houses and stacked highways,” said Thomas Nigg, VP Product Strategy at u-blox. “The NEO-M8L is the ideal solution for all road vehicle based applications, able to calculate a position in all circumstances based on its own internal sensors, regardless of satellite visibility and end-device orientation.”

The NEO-M8L module will be demonstrated at the u-blox stand at electronica 2014 in Munich, 11-14 Nov., Hall A4 Stand 219.

The extremely compact module, only 12.2 x 16.0 x 2.5 mm, requires minimum host integration resulting in no risk, low cost, and fast time-to-market design. With uncritical orientation of the installed module, odometer function and autonomous data logging, it is the first all-in-one solution for all road vehicle applications requiring reliable and uninterrupted position in challenging environments such as urban canyons, tunnels and underground parking.

The NEO-M8L embeds u-blox’ breakthrough “3D Automotive Dead Reckoning” (3D ADR) chip technology. Using the vehicle’s speed information and module’s onboard sensors enables accurate positioning in three dimensions, even when satellite signals are completely lost and the end-device installation is not horizontal. An odometer function, based on the ADR technology, also provides accurate and continuous distance travelled.

The module is able to track all visible GNSS satellites including GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, QZSS and all SBAS (European’s Galileo will be support in a future firmware version). Concurrent reception of two GNSS systems is supported. The NEO-M8L module can output a position up to 20 times per second.

The module uses u?blox’ M8 GNSS chip and is available in Professional Product grade. This grade includes qualification according to the ISO16750 standard: “Road vehicles – Environmental conditions and testing for electrical and electronic equipment” and manufacturing in ISO/TS 16949 automotive-certified factories.

About u-blox

Swiss-based u-blox (SIX:UBXN) is a global leader in positioning and wireless semiconductors and modules for the consumer, industrial and automotive markets. Our solutions enable people, vehicles and machines to locate their exact position and wirelessly communicate via voice, text or video. With a broad portfolio of chips, modules and software solutions, u-blox is uniquely positioned to enable OEMs to develop innovative personal, professional and M2M solutions quickly and cost-effectively. With headquarters in Thalwil, Switzerland, u-blox is globally present with offices in Europe, Asia-Pacific and the USA.

(www.u-blox.com)