DETROIT, June 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- u-blox, a leading fabless semiconductor provider of embedded positioning and wireless communication solutions for the consumer, industrial and automotive markets, announces the successful demonstration of an enhanced LEA-6H GPS module which also supports GLONASS navigation. The Russian GLONASS satellite system is an alternative as well as complementary system to the US-based Global Positioning System (GPS). It currently has 22 deployed satellites, with the complete constellation of 24 satellites needed for complete global coverage scheduled for end 2011.

GLONASS based navigation systems will soon be required to be used by all vehicles transporting passengers, large volumes, or hazardous materials in Russia, according to the Russian Ministry of Transport. Additionally, next generation navigation systems that implement both GPS and GLONASS receivers will be able to provide a higher level of performance for positioning systems worldwide.

"The successful blending of GPS and GLONASS functionality demonstrates the flexibility of u-blox' hardware and firmware receiver technology. We will be ready to mass produce GPS/GLONASS receivers once the system is fully operational," said Nikolaos Papadopoulos, President of u-blox America. First customer samples of the u-blox GPS/GLONASS receivers are scheduled for the second half of 2011.

The GLONASS demonstration can be seen at the u-blox booth number 35 at the Telematics Detroit 2011 exhibition during 8-9 June 2011 at the Suburban Collection Showplace, Novi, Michigan.

See http://www.telematicsupdate.com/detroit/ for details about the show. To set up a meeting in advance, please contact u-blox at: info_us@u-blox.com

About u-blox

u-blox (SIX: UBXN) is a leading fabless semiconductor provider of embedded positioning and wireless communication solutions for the consumer, industrial and automotive markets. Our solutions enable people, devices, vehicles and machines to locate their exact position and wirelessly communicate via voice, text or video. With a broad portfolio of GPS modules, chips, and software solutions together with wireless modules and solutions, u-blox is uniquely positioned to enable OEMs to develop innovative solutions quickly and cost-effectively. Headquartered in Switzerland and with global presence in Europe, Asia and the Americas, u-blox employs 200 people. Founded in 1997, u-blox is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange. (www.u-blox.com)

SOURCE u-blox