SiGe launches tiny dual-antenna input GPS receiver IC

Specifically designed to address the three primary GPS challenges—small size, low power, and low price—the SE4150L is housed in a low profile 4x4 mm package and offers a multi-bit output, which improves sensitivity and interference resistance for GPS solutions.

The SE4150L offers industry-leading performance, including a system noise figure of 1.0 dB and input third-order intercept performance (IIP3) of better than 0 dBm.

It operates over a supply range of 2.7 to 3.6 V and features a low standby current of < 10 μA. The device's digital I/Os and supplies have all been designed to operate from 1.6 to 3.6 V to interface with smaller geometry baseband ICs and SoCs.

The SE4150L GPS receiver simplifies dual-antenna system design because it integrates antenna sensing, switching, and a high-performance low noise amplifier (LNA).

Before now, OEMs and designers had to use either an expensive switched coaxial socket or numerous discrete components to sense when an external antenna was connected.

By using a single SE4150L, designers can save valuable PC board space and significantly reduce the bill of materials (BOM). The SE4150L automatically responds to the connection of an external antenna and interfaces directly to the GPS baseband processor to provide a complete GPS radio receiver system.

The SE4150L is sampling now to lead customers and will be widely available for sampling beginning in July 2008. The device is supplied in a 4mm x 4mm QFN package, and is priced at less than US $1.50 in 10k quantities.

To support design-in activity, SiGe offers the SE4150L-EK1 evaluation board and user guide and can provide on-site applications assistance to customers for the design and integration of a complete GPS system.

More information is available at www.sige.com.