Global communications

announced yesterday that the OrbiTrak GSM, a new PC/104 module for intelligent vehicle and airborne computing systems requiring worldwide GSM/GPRS roaming and GPS positioning, is now in stock.

Said to be an ideal solution for demanding mobile communications and global positioning applications (bus, rail, ship, air), the OrbiTrak GSM combines wireless tri-band GSM/GPRS connectivity with a low-power 12-channel parallel-tracking GPS receiver in a single, highly integrated embedded board.

This compact (3.550 x 3.775”), hardened telematics module is built to resist high mechanical stress, thermal shock and extended temperature operation. Supporting full interrupt sharing for all its serial ports, the board includes a four-channel 16C550 UART with two RS-232 serial ports free for other devices.

Board configuration is done using FlexiSet EEPROM board settings, which eliminates banks of interrupts and base address jumpers. A 16-bit wide programmable digital I/O is provided to interface with other low-power digital devices, along with two automotive level digital inputs to connect to any 12V or 24V digital signals.

An audio interface port for a headset is also provided in order to give maximum comfort with user voice communications. A standard SIM card can be installed into the board’s onboard locking cardholder.

The GPS/GSM version of the OrbiTrak GSM is priced at $398/each in volume orders of 100 units or more. The GSM only version (from $298 each/100) is expected to be available in September.

To view the product datasheet, click here.