GPS Chip Set And Software Solution Shrinks Down

Trimble Navigation and Infineon Technologies have joined forces to squeeze their integrated Global Positioning System (GPS) chip set and software solution into an even smaller package. In this case, that means a two-chip VQFN form factor that is less than 1 cm². Based on Trimble's FirstGPS technology, the VQFN chip-set solution will allow high-volume, consumer-product manufacturers to easily and cost-effectively add GPS location capabilities. These added capabilities will have minimal impact on device size or battery life.

This chip set is almost half the size of the initial TSSOP offering from Trimble and Infineon. The new 12-channel VQFN chip set and software solution is specifically designed for even smaller, more power-sensitive mobile-information devices. This might include such things as PDAs, laptops, and digital cameras as well as automobile navigation systems.

The technology offers the lowest power consumption and smallest size of any GPS receiver on the market today. The chip set is comprised of one baseband ASIC and one RF ASIC. The baseband ASIC consumes less than 8 mW, while the RF ASIC consumes under 20 mW. It is ideal for power-sensitive applications. In addition, FirstGPS technology is communication independent. It can interface with a wide range of mobile devices.

Infineon's implementation of the GPS baseband and RF ASICs is extremely compact. The baseband chip is packed in a 28-pin VQFN (6.5-×-5.5-mm) package. The RF chip is packed in a 24-pin VQFN (4.5-×-3.5-mm) package. Both flaunt a tiny 0.9-mm profile. The FirstGPS VQFN chip set is expected to be available in the fourth quarter of 2003.