Page 1 | u-blox news

Contents

Acquisition of Fastrax expands u-blox’ positioning market footprint

u-blox introduces SARA, versatile ultra-small GSM module series for M2M

Acquisition of Cognovo and 4M Wireless gives u-blox own 4G chip and stack technology

u-blox launches cost-effective UMTS/HSPA wireless modules

Product Catalog 14 now available

Connected World selects u-blox

u-blox wins prestigious Swiss Information and Communication Technology award (ICT)

u-blox aids Philippines flood victims

Case study Marine:Multifunction marine dis-plays from Raymarine feature u-blox GPS

Case study Industrial:Rosmerta vehicle tracking system based on u-blox GPS/GSM technology

u-blox wireless modem certifications: update

Upcoming events

Autumn 2012

u-blox newsPrevious Issue

Dear Readers,

2012 has been a very exciting and eventful year for u-blox,

with three new additions made to u-blox’ global organization:

Finland-based GNSS module experts Fastrax, UK-based 4G chip

design specialists Cognovo and 4G protocol stack developers

4M Wireless. We are glad to have added so many top notch

experts to the u-blox team!

These acquisitions are aimed at strengthening our leadership

position in global positioning and embedded wireless communi-

cations, while making sure we maintain our technology lead well into the future. All three

companies bring industry-proven, cutting edge technologies, particularly in the areas of

wireless core technology for mobile communications based on the LTE standard.

As we move forward into a multi-GNSS world where GPS coexists with numerous other

satellite navigation systems such as GLONASS, Compass, QZSS and Galileo, we are ready

to meet the challenges and demands of our customers: multi-GNSS support, high-level of

integration with the world’s lowest power consumption in the smallest packages possible.

On the wireless side of our business, we clearly see the looming dominance of 4G technol-

ogy. LTE is a huge step forwards for operators, providing the most efficient and cost-effec-

tive use of spectrum, while supporting the next generation of exciting new high-bandwidth

applications and services. Our entry into the 4G modem business means we will meet

this challenge head-on. We envisage a world where humans and computers are able to

seamlessly communicate based on rich, ultra high-speed video, audio, and data. Combined

with our positioning technologies, our products are dedicated to enabling compelling new

products and services in the automotive, industrial and consumer markets.

Ultimately it is you, our customers, who will be creating these new products. With u-blox as

your partner for global positioning and embedded wireless communications, our goal is to

make sure your products stay ahead of your competition!

With kind regards,

Thomas Seiler, CEO

Thomas Seiler, CEO u-blox

Page 2 | u-blox news

Acquisition of Fastrax expands u-blox’ positioning market footprintu-blox immediately gains new GPS/GLONASS modules, software GNSS, smart-antennas and profitable business

Fastrax’ complementary products andIP will capitalize on u-blox’

advanced R&D, global sales and high-volume manufacturing

On October 30, u-blox announced the ac-quisition of privately owned, Finnish-based Fastrax Oy, a company that specializes in a broad range of GNSS positioning and antenna modules. The company brings additional products to u-blox’ portfolio, including software GNSS solutions used for consumer and industrial applications, and advanced GNSS modules that include integrated antenna.

Over its 12 year history, Fastrax has established itself as a successful player in the global positioning markets worldwide. Their modules exploit the best features of four leading GNSS chip vendors and include advanced modules with integrated antenna. These products are an excellent complement to u-blox’ existing portfolio, and will benefit from u-blox’ economy of scale in terms of our advanced R&D capabilities, semiconductor technologies, global sales channels, established supply chain and high-volume manufacturing resources.

As a direct result of the acquisition, two new parallel GPS/GLONASS receiver mod-ules have been launched by u-blox:

IT530M,surface-mount,

parallel GPS/GLONASS receiver

UC530M,the world’s smallest

parallel GPS/GLONASS module with built-in

antenna

The new IT530M positioning module ex-pands u-blox’ portfolio to include support for GPS and GLONASS navigation satellite systems in parallel. This is an important development for our customers, as it can enhance position availability in areas of adverse reception or at high latitudes such as in the polar regions of Russia.

The IT530M features a small foot print, low power consumption, and sophisti-cated interference suppression, ensuring maximum performance even in GPS-hostile environments. The 9.6 x 9.6 mm module is pin-compatible with Fastrax’ IT530 modules, which allows for easy upgrade from existing designs.

The antenna module UC530M is easily embeddable in space-restricted environ-ments thanks to its tiny footprint of only 9.6 x 14.0 x 1.95 mm. The highly integrat-ed surface mount design reduces the need for external components and minimizes manufacturing costs.

Location-aware functionality in ever-smaller consumer and industrial devices is a clear market trend. This presents an increas-ing challenge to OEMs; manufacturers are confronted with the difficult task of providing fast and accurate positioning in

compact devices, while time-to-market and price pressure call for minimal R&D effort and low cost. The new UC530M is built to address these requirements: a complete low-power, high performance multi-GNSS receiver with integrated chip antenna. The module is easy to integrate in a wide variety of devices cost-effectively.

With high sensitivity, –165 dBm in tracking, and very low power consumption, typically only 66 mW average power consumption, the UC530M can be directly connected to a lithium battery, eliminating costly voltage regulators. Advanced low power modes are also supported along with 3 days self-assistance support. Additional functionality includes a logger function which stores location information in internal memory. With a typical log interval of 15 seconds, log capacity can be up to 16 hours.

The module is drop-in compatible with the UC530 GPS antenna module.

Both modules will be available for sampling in Dec 2012.

u-blox introduces SARA, versatile ultra-small GSM module series for M2MCost-effective modules work seamlessly with u-blox positioning products, migrates easily to UMTS/CDMA

u-blox has launched SARA, a new line of versatile, low-power GSM/GPRS modules targeted at cost-sensitive applications. The new line of GSM modules is designed to give customers exactly the features they need. The interchangeable and fully cross-compatible SARA modules cover low to high-end features to give our M2M customers the precise cost/performance tradeoffs they need to develop the most cost-effective designs.

Packaged in a compact 16 x 26 mm LGA module, SARA modules provide a perfect

solution to a wide range of M2M applica-tions requiring dual or quad-band GSM/GPRS, voice and/or data, optional Internet suite (embedded TCP/IP, UDP/IP, HTTP and FTP), and in-band modem support for eCall and ERA GLONASS emergency call applications. Extremely low power con-sumption (less than 40 µA in power off mode and less than 0.9 mA in idle mode) makes SARA perfect for portable/battery powered applications.

SARA modules are ideally suited for M2M and automotive applications such as Auto-matic Meter Reading (AMR), Remote Moni-toring Automation and Control (RMAC), surveillance and security, road pricing, asset tracking, fleet management, anti-theft sys-tems and Point of Sales (PoS) terminals.

The SARA Land Grid Array (LGA) form factor enables compact designs and easy

integration, and supports simple migration to u-blox’ LISA UMTS and CDMA modules via PCB layout compatibility. Support for A-GPS and u-blox’ unique CellLocateTM positioning technology is embedded to facilitate advanced telematics applications including indoor positioning.

RIL software for Android and Embedded Windows is available free of charge. SARA modules are manufactured in ISO/TS 16949 certified sites. Each module is intensively inspected and tested during production. The modules are fully qualified according to ISO 16750 – Environmen-tal conditions and electrical testing for electrical and electronic equipment for road vehicles to provide high durability and reliability.

The first of the series, the SARA-G350, is sampling now with production in Q1 2013.

u-blox‘ SARA line of GSM modules

are designedto give M2M

customers exactly the features they

need

Page 3 | u-blox news u-blox news | Page 3

In rapid succession, u-blox recently acquired two leading companies with advanced know-how in 4G mobile com-munications technology: Cognovo Ltd., a company specializing in “Software Defined Modem” (SDM) chip develop-ment technology, and 4M Wireless, a company that develops software stack and test solutions that are crucial for fourth generation LTE (4G) mobile wire-less devices.

“This is a very exciting acquisition for u-blox as it positions us as an agile and

cost-effective supplier of high-speed wireless modem products based on our own chip IP. This allows us to meet market demand for connected systems that require positioning, connectivity and application specific functionality on a single integrated circuit,” said Thomas Seiler, u-blox CEO. “This new founda-tion broadens our serviceable market, and will increase our margins in the automotive, consumer and industrial sectors.”

Cognovo’s “Software Defined Modem” (SDM) technology and development tools quickly translate complex radio modem designs into fully character-ized low-power semiconductor chips. The combination of technologies from Cognovo and 4M Wireless will result in a new wireless modem platform based

on IP owned by u-blox. Proven designCognovo has already demonstrated their SDM baseband chip running high-speed 4G cellular functionality working with the LTE protocol stack from 4M Wireless at Mobile World Congress.

With these acquisitions, u-blox lays the groundwork for establishing a leading position in 4G wireless modems similar to the strategy that u-blox followed to become the market leader in GPS/GNSS modules. The market for 4G modems used for machine-to-machine (M2M) applications is predicted to grow rapidly, surpassing 20 million units by 2016.

u-blox is planning to launch its first 4G modem products in 2013.

Acquisition of Cognovo and 4M Wireless gives u-blox own 4G chip and stack technologyARM spin-off Cognovo and 4G stack specialist 4M Wireless will enable u-blox to address new markets for high-speed LTE modems

Cognovo’s 4G baseband chip was

successfully demonstrated

at Mobile World Congress

u-blox launches cost-effective UMTS/HSPA wireless modulesDual-band LISA 3G modems support M2M devices operating in Europe, Asia and the Americas

LISA-U260/U270 dual-band

UMTS modulesgives u-blox cus-

tomers awider choice

of cost/feature options

u-blox has expanded its industry-stan-dard LISA 3G module series with two new products: the LISA-U260 supporting frequency bands II and V used mainly in the Americas, and LISA-U270 supporting bands I and VIII used mainly in EMEA and most of Asia. The modems provide high-speed data and voice connectivity used in diverse M2M applications.

The LISA-U260 and U270 expand the LISA modem series to allow customers to choose a module that precisely meets their cost/feature requirements while pro-viding a low-cost option for UMTS con-nectivity for devices meant to function in specific regions and operator networks.

These two new LISA modules comple-ment u-blox’ current line of LISA-U200/U230 universal UMTS modules which support all 6 global UMTS bands, and LISA-C200 CDMA modem dedicated for devices operating in the USA.

The modems are targeted at machine-to machine solutions like security systems, fixed wireless terminals and metering, as well as automotive applications such as in-car infotainment, connected naviga-tion, emergency call, fleet management, and anti-theft systems. Other applica-tions include mobile Internet terminals, tablet computers and personal tracking devices.

The LISA Leadless Chip Carrier (LCC) form factor enables easy manufacturing and quality control, and supports sim-ple migration from u-blox’ LEON GSM/GPRS modules. Support for A-GPS and

u-blox’ unique CellLocateTM position-ing technology is embedded to facili-tate advanced telematics applications including indoor positioning. Features include compatibility with quad-band GPRS/EDGE and operating temperature –40 to +85 deg. C.

RIL software for Android and Embed-ded Windows is available free of charge.

LISA modules are manufactured in ISO/TS 16949 certified sites. Each module is intensively inspected and tested during production. The modules are fully qualified according to ISO 16750 – Environmental conditions and electri-cal testing for electrical and electronic equipment for road vehicles to provide high durability and reliability.

u-blox news | Page 4

Connected World selects u-bloxPrestigious M2M magazine selects u-blox again as one of the most innovative providers of M2M and connected devices

u-blox is pleased to have been included again in this elite list of vendors by Connected World magazine. Chosen

by the editors, the list provides a guide to the top 100 companies truly making a

difference in connected devices and M2M during 2012.

Companies appearing on the list are cho-sen from hundreds of firms, both private and publicly traded. The criteria for the listing include: sales and earnings growth, contribution to the connected-devices

space, and innovation in multiple markets served during the past 12 months.

“It is an honor to receive this recognition for the third year in a row and we are especially pleased that our customers can immediately benefit from our innovation” said Thomas Seiler, u-blox CEO.

u-blox wins prestigious Swiss Information and Communication Technology award (ICT)On November 7, u-blox won top honors at the annual internationally recognized Swiss ICT Symposium in Lucerne, Switzerland. u-blox was presented with the “Champion” award for a clear, logical and sustainable business model and track record.

u-blox was among 10 finalist companies selected from among hundreds of candi-dates in the Swiss ICT industry. The winner

was determined by a jury of Swiss ICT industry experts with the goal of promot-ing entrepreneurial action and to motivate employees in the Swiss ICT industry.

More details can be found at www.swissict-award.ch

u-blox aids Philippines flood victims

In August of this year, the Philippines expe-rienced disastrous flooding due to tropical

storms and torrential monsoon rains, leav-ing much of the capital city Manila under water. Emergency appeal was launched by the Red Cross on August 9th to deliver urgent humanitarian assistance to tens of thousands of flood-affected families, many of whom were forced to flee to one of hundreds of evacuation centers.

u-blox, who has been a long-time partner of Philippines-based Amkor for semicon-ductor chip fabrication, immediately re-

sponded to the disaster by donating funds to the Red Cross to allow them to provide 1428 families with emergency food rations.

Natural disaster relief is one part of u-blox’ Corporate Social Responsibility program which includes support for environmental sustainability in Ghana, and education for under-privileged children in Nepal. For more information, visit our website at: www.u-blox.com/en/sustainability.html

Product Catalog 14 now availableu-blox’ Product Catalog 14 describes all our products and services, including the latest generation of low-power position-ing chips and modules, plus compact, cutting-edge wireless modules implement-ing GSM, UMTS and CDMA2000 mobile communication technologies.

Our Positioning and Wireless products support a wide range of embedded designs for automotive, consumer and industrial Machine-to-Machine (M2M) applications.

A summary of the contents is listed below. Click on the links below to go directly to a topic of interest:

• Contents / Introduction by u-blox CEO• Positioning modules• Positioning chips• Wireless modules• Services• Support: eval kits and tools• Our technologies and quality

Or download our complete catalog as PDF or eBook.

We look forward to supporting your new designs!

u-blox news | Page 5

Case study Marine:Multifunction marine displays from Raymarine feature u-blox GPSSleek displays include navigation, radar, sonar, cartography and thermal imaging

Raymarine, an industry leader in Marine Electronics, recently launched its latest range of intelligent marine multifunc-tion displays (MFDs); new e Series and c Series use u-blox’ compact AMY-6M GPS satellite receiver module to facili-tate accurate positioning for marine applications such as navigation and cartography.

“Reliable GPS positioning is the basis for many core applications. After evalu-ating several options on the market, u-blox’ GPS module technology proved superior in terms of tracking sensitiv-ity and accuracy. In particular, we found the AMY-6M to deliver excellent performance, making it ideal for our new range of MFDs.” said Chris Jones, Director of Product Management at Raymarine.

“Raymarine’s latest multifunction displays leverage multiple features of our leading GPS module technology, including compact size, high-sensitivity, wide operating temperature range, and immunity to RF noise. These are all im-portant criteria when navigating at sea, and we are pleased that Raymarine has decided to partner with u-blox as their

GNSS supplier,” said Armin Böshenz, u-blox VP of Sales, EMEA.

Raymarine’s feature-rich new MFDs bring advanced power, expanded networking and wireless connectivity to boaters looking for the most techni-cally innovative and intuitive way to access information and control on-board systems. The MFDs also network with other units including tablets and smartphones via Raymarine’s new apps; making navigation charts, thermal video, radar and sonar information more accessible and portable than ever before.

Raymarine e Series multifunction marine displays feature u-blox GPS module technology

Case study Industrial:Rosmerta vehicle tracking system based on u-blox GPS/GSM technology“Multitrack” tracking system perfect for personal and corporate vehicles in India

u-blox has been selected for global positioning and GSM wireless module technology by Rosmerta, a leading man-ufacturer of transport and road safety devices in India. The device, Multitrack, integrates u-blox’ NEO GPS receiver and LEON GSM/GPRS modules.

“Multitrack takes advantage of u-blox’ extremely sensitive GPS receiver and

embedded wireless communications technology to provide a simple and use-ful way to keep an accurate overview of vehicles and assets” said Arvind Kumar, President of Rosmerta “It provides a simple, cost-effective way for businesses to keep track of their most valuable as-sets, as well as provide peace of mind to parents and students.”

The immense size and population of In-dia, now over 1.2 billion people, means that tracking of assets and people is playing an ever-increasing role in supply chain and transportation efficiency, as well as for the safety and security of people.

Multitrack is an integrated high security vehicle tracking device used in personal and corporate vehicles in the logistics & transportation industries, public and

school transport, government vehicles, and taxis. The system allows companies and organizations to efficiently track and locate their vehicles via mobile no-tifications and web interface, as well as keep parents informed when students board their school bus, and when they are approaching their drop-off point.

Multitrack provides actual as well as his-torical record of an asset’s location. The data is available on maps, both in real-time and offline mode using customiz-able web-application software.

For more information about the Multi-track, visit www.multispeedgears.com/Vehicle_Tracking_System.html

Multitrack relies on u-blox’ GPS satellite receiver and GSM/GPRS module technologies

Page 6 | u-blox news

Imprint: Publisher / Copyright: November 2012 u-blox AG, Thalwil, Switzerland.

u-blox wireless modem certifications: update2G and 3G modem families achieve worldwide approvals

u-blox’ LISA 3G and LEON 2G wireless modem series continue to achieve approval for operation over many of the world’s largest mobile net-works. As of November 2012, the following certifications have been awarded:

LISA-U2 UMTS/HSPA(+) modem series:

• Industry/regulatory: PTCRB, GCF, R&TTE/CE, FCC, IC (Canada), JATE/TELEC (Japan), A-tick (Australia), IDA (Singapore), Anatel (Brazil, Nov. 2012), NCC (Taiwan, Nov. 2012), CCC (China, Q1 2013), KCC (S. Korea, Q1 2013)

• Operators: AT&T (USA), DoCoMo (Japan), Telstra (Australia), Vodafone (All Vodafone networks), Telecom NZ (New Zeland), Rogers (Canada, Dec. 2012), BellMobility (Canada, Q1 2013).

LISA-C200 CDMA 1xRTT module:

• Industry/regulatory: FCC, IC, CCF• Operators: Sprint, Verizon, Aeris

FW75-C200 CDMA 1xRTT module:

• Industry/regulatory: FCC, IC, CCF• Operators: Sprint, Verizon, Aeris

FW2770p CDMA EV-DO PCI Express module:

• Industry/regulatory: FCC, CDG1 and 2, CCF• Operators: Sprint, Verizon

FW2763p CDMA 1xRTT PCI Express module:

• Industry/regulatory: FCC, CDG1 and 2, CCF• Operators: Sprint

LEON-G100, G200 GSM/GPRS 2.5G module series:

• Industry/regulatory: GCF, PTCRB, RTTE/CE, FCC, IC, Anatel, GOST(Russia), ICASA (S. Africa), Ukraine, Israel, SRRC (China), NCC (Taiwan), A-tick (Australia), IdA (Singapore), Mexican TA

• Operators: AT&T (USA), Rogers (Canada), Orange (Europe), Telefonica Moviles (Colombia), MTN (S. Africa)

SARA-G3 2.5G module series:• Certifications in-progress

Please check the u-blox website for the latest certifications status.

Meet u-blox at the following events

Telematics India 2012Vehicle Tracking - Fleet Management - Navigation TechnologiesDate: 29. - 30. November 2012Place: The Lalit Ashok Bangalore, IndiaStand: u-bloxTo set up a meeting in advance, pleasecontact: info_ap@u-blox.com

Telematics@China 2012International forum for vehicle OEMs in ChinaDate: 04. - 06. December 2012Place: Shanghai, ChinaStand: u-bloxTo set up a meeting in advance, pleasecontact: info_cn@u-blox.com

embeddedworld 2013... it’s a smarter worldDate: 26. - 28. February 2013Place: Nuremberg, GermanyStand: u-blox 4A-325To set up a meeting in advance, pleasecontact: info@u-blox.com