u-blox M8 Multi-GNSS Receivers Achieve Higher Level of Performance, With Embedded Security

u-blox M8 Multi-GNSS Receivers Achieve Higher Level of Performance, With Embedded Security

The new u-blox M8 now also supports Galileo and increases sensitivity and security

THALWIL, Switzerland, January 26, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

    u-blox (SIX:UBXN), a global leader in wireless and positioning modules and chips,
announces the release of a new firmware, FW 3.01, for its u-blox M8 concurrent multi-GNSS
platform.

(Logo:
http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150826/261282LOGO )

    u-blox M8 FW 3.01 now also supports Galileo, in addition to GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, QZSS
and SBAS.  It can track up to three constellations concurrently and makes use of all SBAS
and QZSS augmentation systems at the same time. With Galileo fully deployed, the European
positioning system will provide access to 24 additional satellites, thereby significantly
increasing availability of GNSS signals and further improving position accuracy in
challenging urban environments. u-blox M8 supports Galileo-based eCall, the European
emergency call system, which will be required in new vehicles starting 2018. u-blox M8 is
also compliant with ERA-GLONASS, eCall's Russian equivalent.

    In addition, with FW 3.01, u-blox M8 now boosts the BeiDou acquisition sensitivity and
adds support to the Indian GAGAN augmentation system.

    u-blox M8 chips and modules are able to operate reliably in difficult environmental
conditions as well as in a security attack scenario. Because a growing number of wireless
systems rely on GNSS positioning, the threat of attacks, such as diversion of drones or
hijacking of car electronics, has become very real. Security mechanisms are now embedded
in FW 3.01, the result of years of intense research at u-blox R&D labs. An anti-spoofing
feature detects fake GNSS signals, and a message integrity protection system prevents
"man-in-the-middle" attacks. Yet another security function detects and suppresses jamming.
Since all this functionality is already built into u-blox M8 FW 3.01, these security
mechanisms are a lot more effective than an external system implementation.

    Automotive-grade u-blox M8 products benefit from an extended operating temperature of
-40 to +105degree(s)C and are AEC-Q100 Grade 2 qualified. The extended temperature range
allows more flexibility in vehicle integration, for instance by integrating a u-blox M8
GNSS receiver into a roof-top antenna where temperatures can reach 105degree(s)C.

    Another welcome feature of FW 3.01 is the 10% power reduction compared to earlier
firmware versions of u-blox M8.

    "u-blox has reached another milestone to provide customers with performance they need
for advanced applications," says Uffe Pless, Product Manager Positioning, at u-blox.
"u-blox is at the forefront of ensuring GNSS security and remains the supplier of choice
for professional and automotive GNSS implementations."

    The u-blox M8 platform supports applications where navigation performance, reliability,
and high accuracy are paramount, whereas the recently announced u-blox 8
[https://www.u-blox.com/en/press-release/u-blox-releases-u%E2%80%91blox%C2%A08-new-gpsglonass-receiver-platform-low-power-devices ]
platform addresses power sensitive applications
such as wearables. u-blox M8 and u-blox 8 products are pin- and software compatibles.

    Firmware to upgrade existing flash-ROM based u-blox M8 products can be downloaded from
the u-blox website [https://www.u-blox.com/en/position-time ]. Products with FW 3.01 in
ROM will become available in Q2' 2016.

    For more information about u-blox, please visit http://www.u-blox.com

       
         
        Contact: 
        Uffe Pless 
        Email: uffe.pless@u-blox.com 
        Phone: +41-44-722-7419 

     

    Photo:
    http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150826/261282LOGO

Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150826/261282LOGO
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Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150826/261282LOGO
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