Satellite Technology Feature Article
October 27, 2009
Vincotech Intros GPS Receiver Modules Based on SiRFstarIV Technology
By Shamila Janakiraman, TMCnet Contributor
Vincotech, a supplier of GPS receiver and telematics hardware systems, has reportedly announced the introduction of GPS modules based on the new SiRFstarIV technology.
Company officials said that the SiRFstarIV technology incorporated in the new GSD4e chip enables enhanced GPS receiver capabilities to serve a wider range of customer applications like in telematics, commercial and consumer mobile devices.
The SiRFIV technology utilized in CSR’s (News - Alert) new GSD4e chip offers all position information to the receiver as and when required. The GSD4e chip along with the SiRFaware technology provides hot start positional fix within seconds even when the receiver is in power-off mode.
Position data can be made available and also maintained continuously even under harsh environmental conditions. The GSD4e GPS technology features a -163 dBm (News - Alert) tracking sensitivity for following satellites’ signals and -160 dBm navigation sensitivity for calculating new positions.
SiRFaware mode also enables integration of GPS receiver capabilities in mobile devices for minimizing power consumption to low levels. In this mode the GSD4e consumes very less power in the range of 50 to 400 microAmperes only, emphasized company sources.
There is a growing demand for GPS receiver capabilities in mobile phones besides other wireless interfaces like WLAN, Bluetooth and Zigbee. The new chip technology is capable of detecting, attenuating and removing jamming signals completely.
Beside the active jammer removal capability the GSD4e also helps in the removal of external jammers that can’t be controlled. These may be motors or deliberately transmitted jamming signals within the L1 band which tries to prevent GPS receivers from calculating the position correctly. The GSD4e can detect and remove up to eight different jamming sources, Vincotech sources said.
Vincotech’s GSD4e based modules are designed especially for efficient integration into mobile devices used in telematics applications along with integrated passive antenna as an option. Vincotech’s module, the A2100-A integrates the GSD4e with external flash and adapts the 1.8V technology to the 3.3V rail used widely in the telematics industry.
The new A2100-A is pin and footprint compatible with its SiRFstarIII based predecessor thereby facilitating fast and seamless upgrade path for A1084-B SiRFstarIII based module. Company officials also said that more modules based on the two variants of the GSD4e will follow for meeting demands in mobile devices which require advanced GPS technology integration.
The company also plans to add more features and functions which will include antenna modules, implementation of 1.8V technology and a size optimized ROM version. Also the SiRFstarIV technology will be integrated into Vincotech’s own telematics platforms soon.
Shamila Janakiraman is a contributing editor for TMCnet. To read more of Shamila’s articles, please visit her columnist page.
Edited by Kelly McGuire
