SiRF IV GPS Modules are now available from Broadband Technology

The SiRFstarIV technology in CSR’s latest GSD4e chip addresses the most pressing questions asked of a GPS receiver across a broad spectrum of applications demanding optimal performance in less than ideal operating environments. The first requirement is the availability of position information to the receiver, as needed, when needed. The GSD4e chip, with SiRFaware technology, provides hot start positional fix within a matter of seconds, regardless of the power-off state of the receiver before a fix was requested. SiRFaware maintains hot start conditions continuously and can provide an accurate position within seconds. Secondly, position data will be available and continuously maintained under even the harshest environmental conditions. With -160dBm navigation sensitivity (calculating new positions) and -163dBm tracking sensitivity (following the satellites’ signals) the GSD4e GPS technology creates an unimaginable enhancement in the user experience.

In addition, the SiRFaware mode addresses a requirement that is becoming increasingly critical in the integration of GPS receiver capability in mobile devices; namely, minimizing power consumption to the lowest possible level. In this mode the GSD4e draws as little as 50 to 400µA.

As mobile device product designs and application development evolves to address market requirements, the need for GPS receiver technology to be integrated efficiently alongside other wireless interfaces, including WLAN, Bluetooth and Zigbee becomes apparent. The new GSD4e chip technology, having the capability of detecting, attenuating and even removing jamming signals completely, alleviates the issue of having multiple radios functioning effectively alongside the SiRFstarIV GPS receiver in a mobile device. During the design phase of new products such jammers can be detected and therefore attenuated if not eliminated. In addition, with its active jammer removal capability, the GSD4e is the solution that addresses the issue of external jammers that can’t be controlled. This could be motors or deliberately transmitted jamming signals within the L1 band intended to prevent GPS receivers from calculating a position. The GSD4e is capable of detecting and removing up to 8 different jamming sources.

The first GSD4e based modules by Vincotech are designed for efficient integration into mobile devices, including telematics applications, with integrated passive antenna as an option, and highest sensitivity and earliest availability of a fix being the principle objectives.

Vincotech’s first module, the A2100-A, integrates the GSD4e along with external flash and adapts the 1.8V technology to the 3.3V rail widely used in the telematics world. Furthermore, in facilitating a fast, seamless upgrade path for the leading A1084-B SiRFstarIII based module, the new A2100-A is pin and footprint compatible with its SiRFstarIII based predecessor A1084. In addressing the development of a broadening array of mobile devices requiring advanced GPS technology integration, more modules based on the two variants of the GSD4e will follow. Emphasis on features and functions will include antenna modules, implementation of 1.8V technology, and a size optimized ROM version. Additionally, the integration of the SiRFstarIV technology into Vincotech’s own telematics platforms is foreseen in the near future.