Sarantel releases GPS receiver evaluation kit

Sarantel Ltd has announced the availability of the DioHelix-F GPS receiver evaluation kit that enables users to appraise the performance of the module in their system via the use of an RS-232 serial data interface.

The module combines the company's PowerHelix omnidirectional GPS miniature antenna with the Fastrax iTrax02/4 GPS receiver and measures a total of 66-by-30mm, while weighing 30g. It is mounted on a PCB and offers sockets for power supplies and USB connections.

The module exhibits an accuracy of ±10m and is suitable for use in PDAs, laptops, and automobile navigation systems. The RS-232 serial data stream contains NMEA standard navigational information to provide accurate, digital geographical fixes.

GPS processing is carried out in the iTRAX02/4 GPS module. The chip's RF section includes the RF IC, low-noise amplifier, GPS crystal, SAW filter, and the required passive components.

The DioHelix-F antenna operates on the GPS L1-band (1.57542GHz) and uses the PowerHelix design. It can be mounted side-by-side with Bluetooth and GPS applications, and exhibits a 3dB beamwidth of up to 120°.