Low-power hub supports multiple GNSS systems

With a planned deployment of up to 30 additional satellites for Galileo, smartphones with built-in support for this system will experience an even higher level of accuracy and better positioning with faster times to first fix.

The unique architecture of the location hub enables the main AP on the smartphone to reduce computation load and stay in sleep mode for extended periods of time by offloading data calculations to the BCM4774. In certain modes, Broadcom's advanced hardware design and increased memory can reduce power consumption by up to 95% over traditional architectures, significantly conserving battery life in mobile devices.

The hub recognises various context states, adding more value to the data that is gathered from mobile devices. For example, a smartphone with the BCM4774 can tell the difference between a user that is walking, running or cycling and provides positioning updates that match the identified state for more precise data results. By processing the data directly on the BCM4774 versus the main AP, Broadcom reduces battery drain and creates opportunities for developers and OEMs to determine how this information is analysed and delivered to consumers.

“Today's announcement represents yet another navigation benchmark for Broadcom with the industry's first GNSS location hub for smartphones to support the Galileo satellite system,” said Rahul Patel, Senior Vice President, Wireless Connectivity. “We are committed to pushing the limits on location technology by delivering premium performance and enhanced device intelligence while consuming minimal power.”