Microchip Introduces Wireless Machine-to-Machine (M2M) PICtail(TM) Daughter Board with u-blox GPS and GSM Module

Download as PDF

Board Based Upon u-blox GPS and GSM/GPRS Modules Makes It Easy to Create Low-Cost M2M Applications with Location-Awareness Capabilities

CHANDLER, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Microchip Technology Inc. (NASDAQ: MCHP), a leading provider of microcontroller, analog and Flash-IP solutions, today announced a Machine-to-Machine (M2M) PICtail(TM) Daughter Board (part # AC320011) that comes with all of the hardware, wireless-communication protocols and application-code examples needed to help designers jump start their fleet-management or location-based service application. Developed with u-blox, the new Daughter Board includes the u-blox NEO-6Q GPS and LEON GSM/GPRS modules, and interfaces with Microchip's Multimedia Expansion Board (part # DM320005), and PIC32 Starter Kit (part # DM320001). The board enables the quick and easy creation of designs offering communications, as well as a complete graphics interface, with audio, accelerometer and networking capabilities.

Many developers wish to add location awareness and communications to their designs, such as those involving fleet management, monitoring traffic congestion and observing driving habits for insurance-rate structures. In addition to integrated GPS for tracking via satellites, the M2M PICtail Daughter Board comes with Global System for Mobile (GSM) and General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) technology to enable phone, text, e-mail and Web communications, including images and location information. Microchip also offers free-for-download M2M software libraries, to give developers a head start on their coding efforts and reduce time to market.

"The M2M PICtail Daughter Board provides developers with an easy-to-use, economical platform for the development of fleet-management, asset-tracking and telematic applications, among others," said Sumit Mitra, vice president of Microchip's High-Performance Microcontroller Division. "Together with our Multimedia Expansion Board and PIC32 Starter Kit, Microchip provides a flexible solution that enables customers to get to market sooner."

Thomas Nigg, vice president of product marketing at u-blox, said, "As a leading provider of embedded GPS and wireless communications technology in the market for telematics applications, we are pleased that Microchip has chosen to partner with us to develop the M2M PICtail solution. With this platform, our customers can drastically cut their development time and bring their products to market more quickly."

Daughter Board Pricing & Availability

The M2M PICtail Daughter Board (part # AC320011, $199) is available for purchase at microchipDIRECT (http://www.microchip.com/get/9B8F), today. Designers who already own a Microchip Multimedia Expansion Board (part # DM320005, $249.99) and PIC32 Starter Kit (part # DM320001, $49.99) can simply purchase the Daughter Board to add GPS/GSM/GPRS functionality to their designs. Alternatively, all three components can be purchased individually, for under $500 total, including the debugger/programmer that is built into the PIC32 Starter Kit.

For further information, contact any Microchip sales representative or authorized worldwide distributor, or visit Microchip's Web site at http://www.microchip.com/get/9WJD. To purchase products mentioned in this press release, go to microchipDIRECT or contact one of Microchip's authorized distribution partners.

About Microchip Technology

Microchip Technology Inc. (NASDAQ: MCHP) is a leading provider of microcontroller, analog and Flash-IP solutions, providing low-risk product development, lower total system cost and faster time to market for thousands of diverse customer applications worldwide. Headquartered in Chandler, Ariz., Microchip offers outstanding technical support along with dependable delivery and quality. For more information, visit the Microchip Web site (http://www.microchip.com/get/MDQA).

About u-blox

u-blox 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. (http://www.microchip.com/get/DED0)

Note: The Microchip name and logo, and PIC are registered trademarks of Microchip Technology Incorporated in the U.S.A., and other countries. PICtail is a trademark of Microchip Technology Inc. in the U.S.A., and other countries. All other trademarks mentioned herein are the property of their respective companies.

High-res photo available through editorial contact or Flickr (feel free to publish): http://www.microchip.com/get/577N

Tags / Keywords: Microchip, MCHP, machine-to-machine, M2M, fleet management, location-based service, GPS

RSS Feed for Microchip Product News: http://www.microchip.com/get/94JM 


    Source: Microchip Technology Inc.

Released April 19, 2011