SoC Drives Down Cost Of GPS Designs

Forecasting sub-$99 portable GPS devices, the STMP3738 embarks as a highly integrated SoC that eliminates up to 12 discreet ICs typically found in PND devices. Supporting WinCE5/CE6 and Linux operating systems, the device employs a 360-MHz ARM9 processor, coupled with on-chip audio and power management functions. A unique approach, it integrates the analog functions on the same silicon die as the processor. The STMP3738 supports popular GPS devices including those from Broadcom, SiRF, and NXP and is compatible with all popular map software and databases. Available in a 169-pin BGA package, price is $4.50 each/10,000. SIGMATEL INC., Austin, TX. (512) 381-3700.