Trimble announced Apr. 3 that its Trimble ASCII Interface Protocol (TAIP) has been added to the Lassen SQ Global Positioning System (GPS) module. TAIP enables system integrators using the Lassen SQ module to add smart tracking capabilities quickly and easily to applications, significantly reducing research and development costs, risk and time to market, according to the company. The announcement was made at CTIA Wireless 2003. The company says the Lassen SQ is an ultra-low power, postage stamp-sized GPS module for mobile devices such as cell phones, pagers, PDAs and digital cameras. It is also ideal for many smart tracking applications such as object tracking, Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL), theft prevention and recovery, security, cargo, trailer and tractor tracking. With its ultra-low power, the Lassen SQ module only uses 110 milliwatts, the lowest power consumption on the market today. The module, which uses FirstGPS technology, allows system integrators to add GPS capability to a device with minimal impact on its size or battery life, says the company. According to the company, TAIP makes it easy for the dispatcher or service center user. The user can automatically assign unique IDs to each vehicle or object and get customized reporting information. Unique IDs allow dispatchers to interact with specific vehicles, as well as disengage or reconfigure individual vehicles via the Internet while in the field at anytime. TAIP includes many features not available with NMEA 0183. “Adding TAIP to the Lassen SQ means that our lowest-power, smallest GPS module now carries our most powerful protocol for smart tracking applications,” said Joel Avey, director of marketing for Trimble’s Component Technologies Division. “And because it also minimizes any engineering required, it’s a win-win for integrators.” TAIP is a standard protocol embedded in other Trimble GPS modules, including the ACE III GPS receiver, the Lassen SK II and Lassen LP GPS modules. Existing users of the Lassen SQ GPS module can upgrade to TAIP for no charge. About Trimble Trimble is a provider of Global Positioning System (GPS) technology. In addition to providing GPS components, Trimble augments GPS with other positioning technologies as well as wireless communications and software to create complete customer solutions. Trimble’s worldwide presence and unique capabilities position the Company for growth in emerging applications including surveying, automobile navigation, machine guidance, asset tracking, wireless platforms, and telecommunications infrastructure. Founded in 1978 and headquartered in Sunnyvale, Calif., Trimble has more than 2,000 employees in more than 20 countries worldwide. For an interactive look at company news and products, visit Trimble’s Web site at www.trimble.com.