A new A-GPS 7 x 7 mm single-chip solution developed by Motorola in collaboration with IBM hails better times ahead for integrated GPS support in a variety of mobile devices.
To date, GPS remains a technology with great potential - but it is little used in the devices where it can be the most useful, such as mobile phones and handhelds. Thanks to a new single-chip A-GPS (Assisted GPS) solution developed by Motorola and IBM, things might be looking up for GPS in such devices in the not too distant future.
The solution, called Motorola Instant GPS is a self-contained, single-chip, assisted global positioning system (A-GPS) receiver aimed mainly at automotive applications where GPS has grown increasingly popular. The device measures 7 x 7 mm, which Motorola says is small enough to fit into almost any automotive application. Due to its compact size, Instant GPS can however also make inroads into other segments where GPS is not common today, such as mobile phones and handhelds.
Motorola claims its Instant GPS is the first truly single-chip GPS solution in the world, combining Motorola's GPS design with IBM's silicon germanium (SiGe) chip-making technology. The companies worked together to integrate IBM's technology to optimize the design, and IBM plans to manufacture new GPS devices for Motorola, with sample quantities planned for first quarter 2003 and full production parts planned for second quarter 2003.
"Functioning at 20dB greater than today's systems, the Instant GPS is extremely sensitive, allowing vehicles to be located virtually anywhere, including under dense trees, in a parking garage, or even a chop shop," said Tim McCarthy, director of positioning systems for Motorola Telematics. "The Instant GPS also can service consumers in just four seconds compared to current GPS systems which can take up to two minutes to warm up," he added.
Among potential scenarios mentioned by Motorola where the Instant GPS can be utilized were cameras that time- and location-stamp photos, PDAs with maps and real-time navigation, E-911 compliant cellular phones with emergency assistance that can find friends, family members, restaurants and nearby stores with goods on sale.
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