Thumbnail-Sized GPS Receiver Unveiled

A thumbnail-sized surface mount GPS receiver was unveiled Thursday by Trimble and the firm said the tiny device would be ideal for use on Bluetooth appliances, sports gear, cameras, and computer and communications peripherals.

Called the Copernicus GPS module, the 12-channel receiver is contained in a 19mm x 19mm x 2.5mm shielded module packaged in tape and reel for pick and place manufacturing.

Trimble, which noted that its TrimCore software clears the way for GPS reception even through foliage and urban canyons, said it expects the Copernicus to be also in vehicle tracking, navigation, and security applications.

The company said the GPS module will be available in the third quarter.