u-blox automotive dead-reckoning GPS solution needs minimum host integration

u-blox has released a new Automotive Dead Reckoning (ADR) solution that has recently been implemented in in-dash navigation and eCall systems at Tier-1 automotive car electronics suppliers to top German auto makers. The solution blends input from GPS satellites with vehicle sensors to determine position even where GPS signals are blocked or weak. It is compatible with virtually any car model or drive train type.

Dead Reckoning capability is becoming a standard feature in all in-car navigation and telematics systems, a market that is predicted to grow at a rate of 20% per year, from 20 million units sold in 2010 to 49 million units in 2015.

“Our ADR solution is revolutionary in that it requires no customization and runs entirely on the GPS chip.” said Thomas Seiler, u-blox CEO. “The off-the-shelf solution requires minimum integration efforts, reducing risk, cost, and time-to-market”.

In addition to vehicle navigation, ADR supports a growing number of safety, security and road-pricing applications such as emergency call, pay-as-you-drive insurance, road pricing, and stolen vehicle tracking. The solution ensures uninterrupted navigation and tracking using aiding data from wheel tick sensors and optional gyroscope acquired from the vehicle data bus. It is completely self-calibrating, requiring no pre-configuration.

The solution runs on u blox’ automotive grade GPS receiver chips which are all AEC-Q100 compliant and manufactured according to the TS-16949 Quality Management Standard.

Other posts you may be interested in reading:

1. IPextreme, Infineon offer Bluetooth IP solution
2. Xilinx and Inova semiconductors simplify design integration of high-vandwidth video connections
3. NAVTEQ, Nokia, and Magneti Marelli plan smartphone-infotainment integration