Sierra Wireless introduces new GPS module and software plug-in

New AirPrime™ solution provides easy-to-use and optimized GPS feature integration for wireless applications requiring location information

Detroit, MI, USA - Sierra Wireless (NASDAQ: SWIR; TSX: SW) today announced the availability of a new GPS module and supporting software, optimized for wireless applications based on Sierra Wireless AirPrime™ Intelligent Embedded Modules. The new AirPrime™ XM0110 GPS Module with integrated SiRFstarIV™ GPS technology from CSR plc, a leading provider of multifunction connectivity and location platforms, lowers total product cost and enables faster time-to-market for GSM/GPS applications.

Among the first users of the new GPS solution is PFK, a South African designer and manufacturer of electronic systems. “The rapidly growing fleet management and tracking markets are creating great new business opportunities, but they are also extremely competitive,” said Luke Harrison, M2M product manager of PFK. “As one of the largest designers and manufacturers of automotive security products in South Africa, we are continuously looking for technology innovations to help us maintain our leadership position. The new GSM/GPS solution from Sierra Wireless provides the integrated, optimized package we needed to create a best-in-class series of tracking devices, and the remote software upgrade capability ensures that they will stay best-in-class for many years to come.”

Built upon CSR’s SiRFstarIV GSD4t GPS receiver, the AirPrime XM0110 GPS module is delivered in a compact and robust 16 pins castellation package which enables straightforward hardware integration and efficient manufacturing. The AirPrime XM0110 GPS module connects directly to the serial interface of the AirPrime wireless embedded module and can use the same power supply; the only external component required is the GPS antenna.

The AirPrime XM0110 GPS module offers a ready-to-use GPS solution which can be driven simply by AT commands (standard modem control commands), with AT command extension for GPS and Assisted GPS. In addition, to enable an even more optimized and cost-efficient customer product architecture, Sierra Wireless is introducing a new software plug-in for the Open AT® Operating System which is provided with most Sierra Wireless AirPrime™ embedded modules. The Location Plug-In for Open AT eliminates the need for an external processor to host applications, and features simple and generic application programming interfaces for GPS and Assisted GPS.

The GPS library and firmware and the customer application software can be remotely monitored and upgraded thanks to Sierra Wireless AirVantage™ Management Services for AirPrime, a set of device management solutions packaged for AirPrime™ Intelligent Embedded Modules and powered by the AirVantage Services Platform. It enables remote diagnosis and software upgrades, and can save users considerable operating costs. AirVantage Management Services may be expanded to a comprehensive M2M services offering from device management to asset data management, subscription management and billing services, based on the comprehensive AirVantage Services Platform.

PFK of South Africa is currently integrating the AirPrime XM0110 GPS module into a series of new products for fleet management, asset tracking and stolen vehicle recovery (SVR), all based on the Sierra Wireless AirPrime WMP100 intelligent embedded module. The new products include

* the 990, intended for use in vehicles as a backup to conventional SVR and fleet management systems or as a standalone system. Used as a backup system it will spend most of its life in a “sleep state” where it is not connected to the GSM network, which renders it immune to the techniques used by criminals to locate primary SVR systems.
* the 992, a flexible SVR product featuring early warning theft triggers based on movement, vehicle alarm and ignition inputs. It can interface with an external accelerometer to allow for accident detection and driving style analysis.
* the 998, a high end solution enabling functionalities such as wireless driver identification for up to 32 unique drivers, fuel level monitoring, immobilization of the vehicle, additional driving style inputs (‘riding’ the clutch, over revving), two way voice communications with the driver and accident/driving style detection via an accelerometer.
* the 999, an extension to the 998 which offers native dual CANBus connectivity, thereby providing an array of fleet management features.

Thanks to the high sensitivity of the Sierra Wireless XM0110 and its integrated A-GPS functionality, all of the new PFK products will be able to use an internal GPS antenna. This facilitates the installation and reduces the traceability of the product.

“The increasing use of GPS and location-based information is one of the strongest trends in the wireless machine-to-machine market,” said Didier Dutronc, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Sierra Wireless. “We are proud to provide our customers with one of the most reliable, integrated and cost-effective combined GSM/GPS solutions available today.”

Samples of AirPrime XM0110 GPS modules are currently available to beta customers. Commercial availability is expected in the third quarter of 2010.

For more information about the Sierra Wireless AirPrime XM0110 GPS module, please visit http://www.sierrawireless.com/en/productsandservices/AirPrime/Embedded_Modules/XM0110.aspx. To contact the Sierra Wireless Sales Desk, call +1 (604) 232-1488 or email sales@sierrawireless.com.

Note to editors:
To view and download images of Sierra Wireless products, please visit http://www.sierrawireless.com/Newsroom/productimages.aspx.

About Sierra Wireless
Sierra Wireless (NASDAQ: SWIR – TSX: SW) is expanding the wireless world with a comprehensive offering of hardware, software, and connected services for mobile lifestyles and machine-to-machine communications. Our customers count on us to help them succeed with early access to new wireless technologies and innovative, reliable, high-performing solutions for a broad range of applications. For more information about Sierra Wireless, visit www.sierrawireless.com.

AirPrime, AirVantage and Open AT are trademarks of Sierra Wireless. Other product or service names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.