“Smallest” dual-antenna input GPS receiver IC

The SE4150L GPS radio receiver features dual-antenna input capability for next-generation GPS systems. It is specifically designed to address the three primary challenges associated with embedded GPS applications: small size, low power, and low price, all while raising the bar for performance.

Housed in a low profile 4mm x 4mm package, the SE4150L features a multi-bit output, which improves sensitivity and interference resistance for GPS solutions. This GPS receiver offers industry-leading performance, including a system noise figure of 1.0dB and input third-order intercept performance (IIP3) of better than 0dBm. The SE4150L offers additional features to facilitate the implementation of an internal or external antenna architecture. The SE4150L operates over a supply range of 2.7V to 3.6V and features a low standby current of <10µA. The device's digital I/Os and supplies have all been designed to operate from 1.6V to 3.6V to interface with smaller geometry baseband ICs and SoCs.

The GPS receiver dramatically simplifies dual-antenna system design because it integrates antenna sensing, switching, and a high-performance low noise amplifier (LNA). Because the LNA, switching functions and the IF filter are on-chip, system noise figure are lowered while input IP3 performance is increased, , which results in improved sensitivity and interference resistance when compared to other existing products.

OEMs and designers used to employ 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 global personal navigation device (PND) market is expected to grow from 35 million units in 2007 to more than 100 million in 2010. While SiGe Semiconductor is primarily targeting this market with the new SE4150L GPS receiver IC, it will also serve other applications where high performance and low power consumption combined with internal and external antenna capabilities are required.