CSR launches SiRFstarV 5e GNSS location solution for best navigation experience

Wireless solutions specialist Telit Communications plc will be using the solution for its Jupiter SE868-V2 module, which was launched at CTIA Wireless 2013 in Las Vegas. The 11x11mm QFN packaged receiver module integrates 5e, TCXO, SAW and RTC oscillator into a small convenient package, accelerating time-to-market and reducing product development risks. CSR believes its advanced power saving modes make it extremely battery-power friendly and ideal for wearable and personal navigation applications.

“The Jupiter SE868-V2 excels in all positioning tasks and foremost in applications requiring high reliability navigation,” says Felix Marchal, Chief Product Officer at Telit Wireless Solutions. “By using CSR’s SiRFstarV 5e solution, we have been able to create a quick and convenient upgrade path for our Jupiter JF2 GPS module customers to the latest and most robust multi-constellation support available in the market.”

SiRFstarV 5e offers a range of features to increase accuracy, improve time to first fix and preserve battery power to enable a better user experience. These include:

- InstantFix Extended Ephemeris - Devices without wireless connectivity, such as cameras, are able to overcome slow TTFF, a common annoyance for the end user. 5e is capable of autonomously forward predicting EE for three days locally, and for connected devices the solution supports server based EE for up to 31 day for GPS and up to 14 day GLONASS EE

- Direct to battery capability - The GNSS chip can connect directly to a Lithium battery supply, enabling system cost reduction and increased power efficiency. This is implemented by an integrated switched PMU, reducing system level power and eBOM costs

- Design flexibility for optimal solution cost – With clear attention to solution implementation, 5e is designed for small size and low power. For example, UART and SPI Flash drive levels are drivable from 1.8v to 3.3v, eliminating the need for level shifters and increasing implementation flexibility

- Intelligent design – The 5e is designed to be optimised for low power battery operated devices. For instance, in asset tracking applications, the 5e engine will intelligently decide how long to try to acquire satellite signal based around its environment, saving a significant amount of battery power

“The SiRFstarV 5e device allows our customers to select a high performance solution that will deliver end users a seamless navigation and location experience whatever the application,” says Dave Huntingford, Director of Location at CSR. “The fact that Telit has already seen the potential of SiRFstarV 5e and selected it for its Jupiter SE868-V2 module reflects the location accuracy benefits afforded by the 5e.”

SiRFstarV 5e is offered in a size optimal 0.4mm pitch Wafer Level Chip Scale Package and a 0.5mm pitch Ball Grid Array for low cost PCB applications.