Ricezione GPS/Galileo, l'evoluzione del silicio

Da EETimes ecco un paio di notizie che ci parlano dell'ultima generazione di chip per la ricezione dei satelliti GPS e di altre costellazioni satellitari, tra cui un nuovo prodotto STMicro compatibile con GPS, Galileo, Glonass e con la nuovissima costellazione giapponese QZSS. Dopo i car navigator e i telefonini le funzioni di geoposizionamento presto verranno integrate in una tipologia sempre più vasta di dispositivi fissi e mobili.

Single-chip receiver works with multiple satellite navigation systems

STMicroelectronics has introduced Teseo II single-chip stand-alone positioning receivers for in-car navigation, telematics, and portable navigation applications. These systems-on-chips are claimed to be the industry’s first monolithic devices capable of receiving signals from multiple satellite navigation systems, including GPS, Galileo, Glonass and QZSS*. The Teseo II family looks to combine high positioning accuracy and indoor sensitivity with processing capabilities and design flexibility.

The devices ability to acquire the position, velocity, and time data from all major global navigation systems greatly improves position accuracy and navigation in poor satellite visibility conditions, such as in urban canyons. Using ST’s Self-Trained Assisted GPS technology, which improves the startup performance of a positioning device in difficult signal conditions, gives the Teseo II chips short signal-acquisition times (Time To First Fix).

Samples of ST’s Teseo II receivers (STA8088EX) (data sheets here) are available and volume production is scheduled for Q3 2011. Unit pricing of the STA8088EX is less than $6 for volumes in the range of 500,000 pieces.

*Galileo is the European global navigation satellite system, currently scheduled to become fully operational in 2013-2014. Glonass (Global Navigation Satellite System) is the Russian alternative and complement to GPS covering 100% of Russia and soon planned to provide continuous global coverage. QZSS (Quasi-Zenith Satellite System) is a Japanese enhancement for GPS. Its first satellite was launched in 2010.

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SkyTraq achieves low power in high-performance satellite receiver

SkyTraq has introduced S4554GNS-LP, a high-performance low-power GLONASS/GPS receiver. The company reports that the new device achieves best in class perofmrance:

29 second cold start TTFF

-159dBm navigation sensitivity

-145dBm cold starting sensitivity

250mW power consumption

The S4554GNS-LP can operate in 12 tracking channel GPS-only mode, 12 tracking channel GLONASS-only mode, and 24 tracking channel GLONASS + GPS mode. It performs 10 million time-frequency hypothesis testing per second. It features a 45mm x 54mm form factor, with MCX connector and 20-pin header for easy plug-and-play usage. The operating temperature range is -40 ~ +85degC.

Volume delivery to customer begins in latter half of February 2011. Evaluation kits avaialable now.

More Information:

Data sheet as PDF