Trimble has rolled out its Copernicus II GPS receiver that ought to see action in many a miniaturized gizmo in the near future. After all, it shares roughly the same measurements as the average thumbnail, being a surface-mount, high sensitivity module. Some of the major advancements found in the Copernicus II receiver include the ability of signal tracking for applications functioning despite being in poor signal environments and a high-sensitivity stationary timing mode for time synchronization. Thanks to its higher sensitivity, performance and faster startup times, the Copernicus II GPS module allows system integrators to add Global Positioning System (GPS) capability to a mobile device with minimal impact on its size or battery life without breaking the bank, and these savings will also be passed down to consumers which is always a good thing considering the global credit crunch at this point in time.

The Copernicus II GPS module is a complete, ready-to-go receiver that provides position, velocity and time data. The receiver features Trimble patented software technology that provides faster startup times and even higher performance in foliage and urban canyon environments. Compatible with active or passive antennas, the Copernicus II GPS receiver can be used in portable handheld, battery-powered applications such as Bluetooth appliances, sport accessories, personal navigators or cameras, computer and communication peripherals as well as vehicle tracking, navigation, and security products.

The Copernicus II GPS receiver will come with version 3.0 firmware, allowing it to generate position fixes with high accuracy in extremely challenging environments and under poor signal conditions, even down to -160dBm. This GPS receiver won’t consume much power at all, where a typical session takes just 120 milliwatts at full power with continuous tracking. Trimble is expected to release the Copernicus II GPS receiver sometime in the third quarter of this year.

Press Release