Antenna modules based on Antenova's MStar MSB2122 GPS receiver IC have been announced by the company. The GPS RadioNova RF antenna modules have been integrated into a thin, credit-card-size personal-tracker reference design suited for personal-safety, executive-security and lone-worker applications. There are two versions available, the M10295 and M10300, which incorporate the Poseidon low-current-consumption GPS IC with the company's GPS antenna technology. The M10295 is designed for low-profile planar mounting with all front-end components contained in a 28x13x4.7mm-package module providing a complete GPS system solution. The device also incorporates an antenna switch with built-in current sensing for optional active-antenna connection. A lower profile version of 3.1mm in height is also available for ultra-thin-device applications. A credit-card-size personal-tracker reference design incorporating the RF antenna module is available. The M10300 is a 25x8x6mm module consisting of a surface-mount RF module and a passive antenna. It contains all the front-end components for a complete GPS receiver, says the company. It is claimed to provide an optimal radiation pattern for GPS reception on small—typically 40x40mm or smaller—boards and has been optimised for watch and small tracker applications. Both devices support stand-alone autonomous and assisted GPS or A-GPS operation through MStar's ephemeris data network.
