WearableCoder.

com

SkyTraqs multi-GNSS Receiver Module lets you build GNSS based

wearable and IOT applications
Are you building any wearable gadget or an IoT(Internet of Things) application that tracks the
wearers position via Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) with lot of accuracy but worried about which
suitable hardware to use? Then you are reading the right post. SkyTraq Technology Inc., a leading fabless GNSS
positioning technology based company in its press release on 13 January 2015 has announced about its multiGNSS receiver module with a sensor hub function called Venus828F LGA module.

Image Source: skytraq.com.tw

Its 7mm x 7mm form factor enables many hardware designers to employ this module in their
wearable devices and IOT applications. Venus828F LGA module has GNSS chipset, 0.5ppm TCXO, Flash
memory, LDO regulator, DC/DC switching regulator, and passive components thus it is a full blown GNSS
receiver. The Venus828F module shows accurate position, velocity and time information in standard NMEA0183 format thereby facilitating the ease of use and fast time to market.
Venus828F features low power consumption, 29sec cold start TTFF, -165dBm tracking sensitivity,
10nsec 1PPS timing accuracy, on-board geo-fencing, 8Mbit ~ 512Mbit external SPI Flash data logging, and
industrial operating temperature range of -40 ~ +85 degC. It has UART and I2C interface for flexible connection
to the host processor.

WearableCoder.com
Venus828F calculates the data from MEMS sensor using sensor hub enable firmware via SPI and I2C
interface thereby offloading computation from the host processor. Thus wearable device developers or IoT
engineers can concentrate on their applications and can refrain from developing sensor-fusion algorithms from
the scratch.
As the existing multi-GNSS modules which are not fully optimized compared to GPS only firmware
that has optimal performance. But now Venus828F multi-GNSS receiver module with Flash memory will be
shipped latest firmware that has robust and optimal performance. Thats not all. Venus828F multi-GNSS
receiver module comes with upgradeable firmware if the design of the application in which it is already being
used under allows to upgrade.
As the production of wearable and IoT applications in the near future is expected to be high, the price
of Venus828F is expected to be pretty much comparable to crystal-based ROM GPS modules that are available
in the market. Venus828F will thus set benchmark in terms of performance (with its accuracy, speed and
features), size (a form factor of 7mm x 7mm), and cost for multi-GNSS receiver modules (as compared to
existing crystal-based ROM GPS modules)
Venus828F engineering sample, datasheet and reference design are available now. The Volume
production delivery of the Venus828F begins in March 2015 to the customers. Sensor hub firmware feature
will be available in Q2 2015.