Single-chip GPS

GPS World, Nov, 2004

STMicroelectronics has released its STA2056 single-chip GPS for active antenna systems. The device features full RF function, GPS baseband, an ARM7TDMI processor, and peripherals on one piece of silicon. It reportedly requires no external host CPU or memory to achieve both satellite tracking and position calculation. The STA2056 integrates a low-phase voltage controlled oscillator/phase-locked loop, intermediate frequency filters, mixer, and low noise amplifier in the RF section, developed using a 0.18-micron CMOS process that reduces the number of external components. An active antenna, a crystal, and passive devices for input match are required to complete the application. The STA2056 reportedly draws 37mA in typical operating mode.

The device targets in-vehicle telematics and navigation applications, offering original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) the ability to embed GPS chips in areas such as car antennae, where space is at a premium. Core frequency (up to 66 MHz), ROM size (256-kbyte), and on-chip peripherals/interfaces enable the chip to function as a host CPU in a telematic unit. STMicroelectronics, Geneva, Switzerland.

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