Positioning and wireless technologies drive new smart bus solution

U-blox’s technology is powering a new smart bus solution from Baoruh Electronic in Taiwan which combines LTE-based telematics and Automated Fare for intelligent fleet management. The new POS One smart bus solution uses the NEO-M8U positioning module from the company for enhanced positioning accuracy thanks to acceleration and gyroscope sensors incorporated in this module. A TOBY-L280 cellular module transmits vehicle telematics and on-board payment transactions over a high speed LTE connection to back systems. An ELLA-W131 module provides additional Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity for ease of access to vehicle data logs and video recordings. "We chose U-blox because of its industry leading performance, automotive grade design, and reliability," says James Chung, president of Baoruh Electronic. "Using their modules we were able to offer a total smart bus solution featuring accurate positioning combined with a reliable, low latency connection for payment processing and vehicle telematics." The NEO-M8U GNSS and Untethered Dead Reckoning module used by Baoruh's new solution enables accurate positioning even without a clear sky view, such as in urban canyons, underground parking or tunnels, by using integrated three dimensional inertial sensors to complement GNSS positioning data. The module used for communications with fleet management and payment systems provides ultra-fast 150Mbps 4G speeds with 3G fallback. The high speed connectivity not only gives fast and reliable payment processing but can be used for video streaming from interior or exterior vehicle cameras. An ELLA-W131 multiradio module provides Wi-Fi as well as Bluetooth connectivity. Simultaneous client and access point operation is supported, allowing the module to act as a wireless hotspot and at the same time be connected as a client to another Wi-Fi access point. "This collaboration with Baoruh Electronic shows illustrates how we provide core technology for advanced IoT solutions by combining U-blox's positioning and wireless modules," said Ming Chiang, country manager, U-blox Taiwan. "We look forward to continuing our collaboration as they expand their vehicle telematics product line."