SUNNYVALE, Calif. — Trimble (NASDAQ: TRMB) introduced the Condorfamily of GPS modules. The new modules feature major advancements in signal tracking for applications working in poor signal environments. With their higher sensitivity, performance and faster startup times, the Condor GPS modules enable system integrators to easily add Global Positioning System (GPS) capability to a mobile device with minimal impact on its size or battery life at a very economical price.

Trimble's Condor GPS modules are complete, ready-to-go receivers that provide position, velocity and time data with leading edge acquisition times. Compatible with active or passive antennas, the Condor GPS receivers can be used in portable handheld, battery-powered applications such as sport accessories, PDAs, cameras, computer and communication peripherals as well as vehicle tracking, navigation, and security products.

"Trimble's Condor family of GPS modules represents a smart alternative to GPS chipsets for a variety of consumer and commercial positioning applications. The modules offer lower development costs, multiple form factors for flexibility, and high-quality positioning backed by Trimble's 30 plus years of GPS experience," said Steve Ruff, general manager of Trimble's Embedded Products. The Condor GPS family includes modules with different form factors and interface options:

The tiny Condor C1011 module packs powerful positioning performance into a small size, 10mm x 11mm x 2.01mm, which is ideal for portable navigation products. It features a 36-ball surface-mount interface Land Grid Array (LGA) that can be electrically connected to a printed circuit board (PCB) by using a socket or soldering it directly to the PCB.

The Condor C1919 is a 19mm x 19mm x 2.5mm surface-mount format common with the Trimble Copernicus II and Panda GPS modules. As a surface-mount module with 28 reflow-solderable edge castellations, the C1919 requires no costly I/O and RF connectors.

Continuing Trimble's tradition of advancing technology while preserving a customer's investment, the Condor C2626 module measuring 26mm x 26mm x 6mm leverages the popular Lassen iQ form factor. It features a single 8-pin (2x4) male header connector for power and data I/O.

The Condor modules can generate position fixes with high accuracy in extremely challenging environments and under poor signal conditions (down to -160dBm). The receiver consumes typically 37 mA at 3.3 V with continuous tracking. In addition, the Condor receivers provide a configurable 1 PPS synchronized to GPS/UTC, typically within 25 nanoseconds (one sigma) and an update rate up to 10Hz.

Trimble's Condor GPS modules are capable of receiving Satellite Based Augmentation System (SBAS) corrections, including the U.S. Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) and the European Geostationary Overlay Service (EGNOS). They also support GPS assistance (aGPS).

The Condor GPS starter kit includes all the tools necessary to test and evaluate the Condor GPS receiver, including: a Condor GPS receiver in a rugged enclosure suitable for testing and data collection; a GPS antenna; PC-based analysis tools; and documentation.

The Condor C1919 and C1011 GPS modules are currently available through Trimble's Advanced Devices dealer network. The Condor C2626 is expected to be available in first quarter of 2010.

New Antenna Companion Modules

Trimble also introduced new Antenna Companion Modules (ACM) that combine a GPS receiver and a matched antenna in an easy to integrate module—the Trimble Silvana ACM and Anapala ACM. Both are compatible with Trimble's Copernicus II, Panda and Condor GPS solutions.

Silvana ACM offers an onboard antenna as well as a connector for an external antenna. An antenna detection circuit automatically switches to the external antenna, when connected. With Silvana, one flexible solution serves both internal and external antenna applications.

The Anapala ACM also supports multiple GPS solutions, but relies on the integral matched antenna.

Trimble's Silvana and Anapala ACMs are expected to be available in first quarter of 2010 through Trimble's Advanced Devices dealer network.


About Trimble
Trimble applies technology to make field and mobile workers in businesses and government significantly more productive. Solutions are focused on applications requiring position or location—including surveying, construction, agriculture, fleet and asset management, public safety and mapping. In addition to utilizing positioning technologies, such as GPS, lasers and optics, Trimble solutions may include software content specific to the needs of the user. Wireless technologies are utilized to deliver the solution to the user and to ensure a tight coupling of the field and the back office. Founded in 1978, Trimble is headquartered in Sunnyvale, Calif.