Single-chip receiver works with multiple satellite navigation systems

STMicroelectronics has introduced Teseo II single-chip stand-alone positioning receivers for in-car navigation, telematics, and portable navigation applications. These systems-on-chips are claimed to be the industry’s first monolithic devices capable of receiving signals from multiple satellite navigation systems, including GPS, Galileo, Glonass and QZSS*. The Teseo II family looks to combine high positioning accuracy and indoor sensitivity with processing capabilities and design flexibility.
 
The devices ability to acquire the position, velocity, and time data from all major global navigation systems greatly improves position accuracy and navigation in poor satellite visibility conditions, such as in urban canyons. Using ST’s Self-Trained Assisted GPS™ technology, which improves the startup performance of a positioning device in difficult signal conditions, gives the Teseo II chips short signal-acquisition times (Time To First Fix).
 
These positioning SoCs address a wide range of consumer and automotive applications, including personal navigation, hand-held devices, GNSS modules, marine equipment, fitness devices, in-car navigation, telematics, eCall and advanced driver assistance systems. The Teseo II family comprises automotive-grade product versions, designed to meet the specific, rigorous demands of the automotive market. These variants are qualified to AEC-Q100, a critical stress-test qualification for automotive integrated circuits, and manufactured using ST’s automotive production flow methodology aimed at zero parts-per-million failure rate.
 

“The superior positioning accuracy, combined with powerful processing capabilities and open platform approach, makes ST’s Teseo II chips an ideal choice for next-generation navigation and telematics applications, where cost-effectiveness meets uncompromised performance,” said Fabio Marchio, Automotive Product Group VP and general manager of ST’s Automotive Infotainment Division.

A stand-alone solution, the Teseo II positioning receiver integrates an ARM9 core for on-chip data processing. For cost-effectiveness, the open-platform approach provides the ARM9 processing capability and a set of peripherals for flexibility in customer application designs. Peripherals include USB 2.0, CAN, A/D converter, I2C, MSP (Multi-channel Serial Port), UART, and general-purpose I/Os.

Samples of ST’s Teseo II receivers (STA8088EX) (data sheets here)are available and volume production is scheduled for Q3 2011. Unit pricing of the STA8088EX is less than $6 for volumes in the range of 500,000 pieces.

*Galileo is  the European global navigation satellite system, currently scheduled to become fully operational in 2013-2014. Glonass (Global Navigation Satellite System) is the Russian alternative and complement to GPS covering 100% of Russia and soon planned to provide continuous global coverage. QZSS (Quasi-Zenith Satellite System) is a Japanese enhancement for GPS. Its first satellite was launched in 2010.