Telit Wireless Solutions, a specialist in machine-to-machine (M2M) communications, and Xirgo Technologies, LLC, a wireless solution provider, have jointly developed a wireless car tracking device. The XT-2000 IntelliPort is an M2M application that enables users to record and transmit driving and diagnostic data via the Telit GE864 QUAD module and a GSM cellular network carrier. Such information delivered live and instantaneously to companies with a vested interest in short or long-term car maintenance, fleet management, or consumer pay-as-you-drive applications.
The small tracking device, measuring 1.8 x 1.5 x 1 inches and weighing less than 2 ounces, fits effortlessly in the ODB-II port located directly under the car dashboard. The OBD-II port is standard in vehicles built for North America since 1996. Integrating cellular and optional GPS antenna, the IntelliPort also supports the five most widely used OBD-II protocols. Upon placing the device in the car, IntelliPort drivers, fleet owners, finance companies and insurance providers can easily monitor location, status and diagnostic codes available through the OBD port of their vehicles.
"Available with or without integrated GPS functionality, IntelliPort is by far the most technologically advanced OBD-II port compatible remote diagnostic device on the market today," said Shawn Aleman, Vice President of Business Development for Xirgo. "We needed a small, rugged and reliable wireless communications module to build a logging and reporting diagnostic device that did not require any more effort than pushing a button. Telit's module provided the best functionality, compact design and power efficiency making it a perfect fit for IntelliPort."
Xirgo developed the IntelliPort device to after-market automotive specifications, and selected Telit's GE864 QUAD wireless communications module because its extremely small, compact and rugged design makes it ideal for use in this type of high-vibration and wide-temperature-range application. With its dimensions of 30 x 30 x 2.8 mm and a weight of seven grams, the GE864 QUAD is the world's smallest complete platform for cellular communications with BGA assembly concept.
The GE864 QUAD's ball grid array (BGA) installation concept ensures low production costs and size compliance with a standard automotive OBD-II port. Together, the compact shape and easy installation reduce costs and are critical features for use in applications for the consumer market.
"The IntelliPort's ability to track real-time driving and car diagnostic data could dramatically change auto leasing or rental financial models, not to mention drastically reduce vehicle recalls for auto manufacturers. Overall, we expect this device to make a huge impact in North America and abroad," said Dominikus Hierl, President Telit Wireless Solutions. "Our ongoing collaboration with Xirgo will undoubtedly produce applications that will change the way many industries conduct business."