Broadcom releases satellite-constellation location IC

Broadcom Corporation has introduced a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) chip, designated BCM47531, that generates positioning data from five satellite constellations simultaneously (GPS, GLONASS, QZSS, SBAS and BeiDou), totaling 88 satellites. The newly added Chinese BeiDou constellation increases the number of satellites available to a smartphone, enhancing navigation accuracy, particularly in urban settings where buildings and obstructions can cause interference.

The company’s new GNSS SoC is based on its widely deployed architecture that reduces the “time to first fix” (TTFF) and allows smartphones to quickly establish location and rapidly deliver mapping data. The SoC also features a tri-band tuner that enables smartphones to receive signals from all major navigation bands (GPS, GLONASS, QZSS, SBAS, and BeiDou) simultaneously.

The BCM47531 platform is available with Broadcom’s Location Based Services (LBS) technology that delivers satellite assistance data to the device and provides an initial fix time within seconds, instead of the minutes that may be required to receive orbit data from the satellites themselves.

The BCM47531 brings a number of powerful features to the table:

• Simultaneous support of five constellations (GPS, GLONASS, QZSS,SBAS and BeiDou) allows for position calculations based on measurements from any of 88 satellites.
• Broadcom's tri-band tuner brings the ability to receive all navigation bands, GPS (which includes QZSS and SBAS), GLONASS and BeiDou simultaneously to the commercial GNSS market without having to reconfigure and hop between bands.
• Utilizes BeiDou signals for up to 2x improved positioning accuracy.
• Best-in-class Assisted GNSS (AGNSS) data available worldwide from Broadcom's hosted reference network.
• Allows a device to interchangeably use the best signal from any satellite regardless of the constellation, ensuring better accuracy in urban and mountainous environments.
• Features advanced digital signal processing for interference rejection that enables satellite signal search and tracking during LTE transmission.
• Leverages Broadcom's connectivity solutions including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Smart, Near Field Communications (NFC), Instant Messaging System (IMES) and handset inertial sensor data for best indoor/outdoor location.