Trimble introduced the Copernicus™ II GPS receiver, a thumbnail-sized, surface-mount, high sensitivity module that is a complete, ready-to-go receiver that provides position, velocity and time data. The receiver features Trimble patented software technology that provides faster startup times and even higher performance in foliage and urban canyon environments. Compatible with active or passive antennas, the Copernicus II GPS receiver is perfect for portable hand-held, battery-powered applications. The receiver’s small size and low power requirement make it ideal for use in portable appliances, sport accessories, personal navigators, cameras, computer, and communication peripherals, as well as vehicle tracking, navigation, and security applications.

Designed for the demands of automated high-volume production processes, the complete 12-channel GPS receiver in a 19mm x 19mm x 2.5mm shielded module is a small, thin, single-sided receiver is packaged in tape and reel for pick and place manufacturing processes. It features a 28 reflow-solderable edge castellation interface so the module can be incorporated in a product design without costly I/O and RF connectors. The Copernicus II is a direct drop-in replacement for Trimble’s earlier version of its popular Copernicus receiver. The Copernicus II receiver features major advancements in signal tracking for applications working in poor signal environments and a high-sensitivity stationary timing mode for time synchronization. With its higher sensitivity, performance and faster startup times, the Copernicus II GPS module enables 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.

The sensitive Copernicus II GPS receiver can autonomously acquire GPS satellite signals and quickly generate reliable position fixes in extremely challenging environments and under poor signal conditions. The unit also accepts aided GPS (A-GPS) data for faster startups in very weak conditions. The GPS module is a complete drop-in, ready-to-go receiver that provides position, velocity, and time data in a user’s choice of three protocols Trimble’s powerful TSIP protocol offers complete control over receiver operation and provides detailed satellite information. The TAIP protocol is an easy-to-use ASCII protocol designed specifically for track and trace applications. The bidirectional NMEA 0183 v3 0 protocol offers industry-standard data messages and a command set for easy interface to mapping software. With version 3.0 firmware, the ultra-sensitive Copernicus II GPS receiver can generate position fixes with high accuracy in extremely challenging environments and under poor signal conditions (down to -160dBm). The receiver consumes typically 120 milliwatts at full power with continuous tracking.

The Copernicus II Starter Kit provides everything a designer needs to begin adding state-of-the-art GPS capability into their application. The kit includes the reference interface board, which provides a visual layout of the Copernicus II module on a PCB including the RF signal trace and RF connector, as well as the I/O and power connections of the 28 signal pins. Also included are a power converter, power adapter, GPS antenna, and the software to readily check out how easy it is to add Copernicus II GPS to the application.

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