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MSC introduces Navigation Module with GPS/GSM/Gyro Functionality for its EXM32 Embedded Computing Modules MSC introduces the compact “EXM32 Navigation Module” which is an add-on module for its line of EXM32 Embedded Computing Modules. The 90 x 65 mm card offers GPS and inertia navigation by means of a gyro sensor as well as GSM and GPRS functions for wireless voice and data communication. The combination of this module and an EXM32 CPU module results in a very compact, high performance and low power navigation solution and telematics system at a very low price. The on-board gyro function solves the problem of “Dead Reckoning” in tunnels or within buildings where GPS systems cannot track satellites.
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The Embedded Computing Modules “EXM32” are a family of very compact and powerful CPU modules based on the 32-bit RISC processor Renesas SH7760. This processor belongs to the Renesas SH4 family and delivers up to 360 MIPS and 1.4 GFLOPS at 200 MHz clock, while power consumption remains at less than 1W. At a small size of only 90 x 65 mm, the module combines all functions of an Embedded PC with features such as FireWire IEEE1394 and CAN. In the past, EXM32 systems have predominantly been used for industrial control and POS terminals (Point Of Sales) with extensive user interaction as well as for multimedia control in vehicles. Now MSC closes a gap in the application range by introducing a plug-on module for the EXM32 CPU modules which adds some functions required for navigation and telematics systems: GPS, GSM/GPRS and gyro sensors.
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Connected to the specific multi-use antenna, the EXM32-NavMod and its 16 channel GPS subsystem will deliver the current geographic position with a precision of 3 meters (CEP). Cold start signal acquisition takes less than 45 seconds, while each subsequent acquisition is available after less than a second Ö provided that satellites can be tracked. If signal reception is less than sufficient, “Dead Reckoning” can be invoked which uses a multitude of sensor signals (wheel pulses, speed signal, gyro sensor) to determine the distance from the last position determined by GPS. The combination of these sensor signals is controlled by a dedicated 16-bit microcontroller.
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The GSM functions on the navigation module support two types of wireless communication which are crucial for telematics applications: voice and data. Voice is transmitted via I²S Audio down to the EXM32 processor system. Data transmission via the GPRS is fast and efficient. Due to the module’s dual-band GSM features, wirless transmission can be used almost everywhere on earth, and a socket for the GSM SIM card is provided. The navigation module is loosely connected to the remaining EXM32 processor system: UART channels are used for data communication so that each subsystem can work independently from the other. Some control functions use the I²C channel, and audio travels along the I²S channel between CPU and navigation module. Software drivers simplify the operation and programming of the GPS and GSM functions.
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About EXM32
The EXM32 module standard was conceived by MSC for use in rough environments. The modules are specified in the industrial temperature range and do not require any cooling measures. However, they are offering enough performance to be used in multimedia applications. Main application areas are in man-machine user interaction and in portable, battery-powered systems. The existing EXM32 CPU modules are all based on the Renesas SH7760 and differ in the amount of DRAM and Flash memory as well as in their set of peripheral controllers (graphics, FireWire). EXM32 Modules featuring new, more powerful processors are in preparation.MSC offers EXM32 Starter Kits for Windows CE and QNX which allows a cost-efficient evaluation of the Renesas SH7760 microcontroller and the EXM32 modules, respectively. Also there are “EXM32 Development Kits” for WinCE and QNX, respectively, which are using the full-featured EXM32 Motherboard. Further information on the EXM32 product family can be found on the Internet under www.exm32.com or on the MSC website.
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