Digi International® (NASDAQ: DGII,), an M2M solutions provider, announced that Furuno Electric Co. Ltd. (Tokyo: 6814), provider of marine communications and navigation equipment, has selected Digi’s components and design services for its recently announced NavNet TZtouch2 advanced marine navigation systems.
With models for recreational, fishing and commercial boats, the NavNet TZtouch2 features a customisable touchscreen display, built-in dual-frequency Fish Finder, wireless hotspot connectivity, internal GPS antenna and more – all powering a 12.1-inch WXGA or 15.6-inch FWXGA display. The NavNet TZtouch2 systems – which were unveiled in February at the Miami International Boat Show – will use the Android operating system and integrate with a companion smartphone application to deliver new levels of simplicity and usability.
Specifically, Furuno will make use of Digi’s ConnectCore® 6, the world’s first surface-mount multi-chip module with built-in wireless connectivity. The ConnectCore 6 module’s small form factor requires no connectors, is suitable for harsh marine environments, reduces manufacturing costs and makes it easy to build mobile/portable devices based on the Freescale i.MX6 application processor.
“The sophistication of Digi technology and the talents of their services team have been keys to our development of the NavNet TZtouch2 products,” said Muneyuki Koike, Furuno managing director. “We can tap into a high level of processing power to ensure our new systems have the performance our customers have come to expect from Furuno. Additionally, Digi’s track record gives us greater assurance about long-term availability and support of components.”
“Digi’s worldwide support capabilities align very well with Furuno’s global requirements. Our unique experience in supporting regional certifications was a key determinant in the selection process,” said Kevin C. Riley, senior vice president of global sales. “We’re delighted to have been selected by Furuno to help bring its next-generation family of products to market.”
(See also: Digi International onboard NASA’s SOAREX-8 suborbital flight.)
