World’s smallest tracking device integrates u-blox GNSS

The CAM-M8Q's low height, makes very thin customer designs possible. The surface-mount device delivers high sensitivity and minimal acquisition times (from 26s for cold start and as little as 1s for a hot start) despite the compact form factor. It includes sophisticated interference suppression which, according to u-blox, ensures maximum performance even in GNSS-hostile environments.

The module supports concurrent GNSS operation (GPS and GLONASS, GPS and BeiDou or GLONASS and BeiDou) to enable reliable and accurate satellite positioning anywhere in the world. It provides low power consumption of 28mA at 3.0V, with high-sensitivity, high jamming immunity and consistent omnidirectional antenna performance, regardless of orientation.

In addition to real time tracking via a free Android or iPhone mobile phone app, Trax provides flexible geofence alerts, and gives the example of monitoring how fast a teenager is driving. It is suitable for indoor use due to a proprietary dead reckoning algorithm which delivers a position even when satellites are out of sight. For wireless connectivity, it integrates a u-blox SARA-G3 GSM/GPRS module.

The personal tracking device provides an “augmented reality” mode that helps users locate their trackers using a smartphone’s built-in camera view. Accurate to within 1.5m, Trax comes with an integrated SIM-card and two years of free data and roaming in 33 countries. It is charged via USB and typically lasts between two and four days on a full battery.