10 August 2007

u-Nav Software For GPS Apps With ARM-Based Host Processors

u-Nav Microelectronics has confirmed the availability of Install n Go, a reference application software that enables the easy integration of host-based GPS navigation software.

Based on u-Nav's Orion RX2 GPS receiver, the Install n Go is a full featured Windows CE host application program that initializes the Orion RX2 GPS hardware, manages the fully ported Hosted Orion RX2 navigation software and provides a standard NMEA interface for Windows mapping software through an integrated virtual serial communication port.

Compatible with ARM-based host processors, the Install n Go utilizes standard Windows CE drivers for serial communication to the GPS IC and control lines to the GPS subsystem, explained the company. When the GPS function is not in use, the Install n Go automatically places the u-Nav Orion RX2 in sleep mode to save power and reduce host memory utilization.

"Our solution truly minimizes the integration effort of a high performance GPS host-based solution by eliminating the complexity of device driver development and other modifications at the kernel level," explained Peter Benschop, u-Nav Director of Worldwide software. "With this quick integration software solution, no additional GPS software porting is needed to implement a fully functional cost optimized 20-channel GPS receiver with sensitivity levels of -160dBm."

The reference software is demonstrated on a standard handheld device running Windows PocketPC Operating System. The company, however, said that the Install n Go start up operation and user interface can be easily customized to fit the needs of different applications and markets.