Taiwan-based SkyTraq has introduced its Venus634LP GPS receiver, a single-chip GPS receiver using the company's low-power Venus6T GPS architecture.
Measuring 10×10×1.2mm, the Venus634LP integrates LNA, SAW filter, RF front-end, GPS baseband, 0.5ppm TCXO, RTC crystal, LDO regulator and passive components, according to the fabless semiconductor company. A complete GPS receiver requires only an antenna and Venus634LP, noted the company.
Featuring high integration, a one square centimeter footprint, ultra-fast TTFF, high sensitivity and low current consumption, the Venus634LP GPS receiver enables low cost embedding of location awareness into portable applications without compromising size, performance and battery life, stated SkyTraq, adding that the GPS solution is compatible with both active and passive antenna.
The receiver consumes 50mA during signal acquisition and 30mA during full power continuous tracking. The dedicated signal parameter search engine within Venus634LP is capable of performing eight million time-frequency hypothesis tests per second, and offers one-second hot start and 29-second cold start times, according to SkyTraq. The advanced track engine allows tracking sensitivity of -158dBm, enabling continuous navigation in harsh environments such as urban canyons and under deep foliage, SkyTraq added.
Venus634LP is housed in a 44-pin LGA package. Volume delivery to customers begins in the third quarter of 2008. Engineering samples, datasheets, reference designs and evaluation kits will be available in June 2008.
SkyTraq Venus634LP GPS receiver
Photo: Company