The u-blox LEA-4P is the first programmable GPS module containing the new 16-channel Antaris 4 receiver technology. It provides high performance at 35% less power consumption than the previous chipset and features a newly-added USB port for more flexibility and faster data transmission.
The Antaris 4 architecture combines ultra low power consumption with a very high sensitivity tracking performance of up to -158 dBm and offers superior navigation performance in the most challenging metropolitan areas. Enabled by Atmel's advanced 0,18 μm CMOS technology for the ATR0621 baseband and RF-proven BiCMOS technology for the ATR0601 RF-frontend IC, low power consumption levels of 62 mW at a 1 Hz update rate (continuous tracking) are achieved.
The LEA-4P module's small form factor and SMT pads allow for fully automatic assembly processes with standard pick-and-place equipment and reflow soldering. The combination of these features makes this module suitable for a broad spectrum of GPS products whose key requirements include high performance, low power consumption and small size.
The Antaris 4 GPS Technology supports two operating modes: continuous tracking mode and FixNOW mode:
* The continuous tracking mode is the default mode for normal GPS operation. In this mode, the autonomous power management (APM) automatically optimises power consumption by switching off parts of the receiver when not required. Also, the CPU speed is reduced when CPU workload is low.
* The FixNOW mode is a configurable power saving mode where the GPS is put into sleep mode and activated up on a selectable time interval or upon external request (signal activity on serial port or ExtINT input). This mode is ideally suited in applications with stringent power budget requirements in mobile and battery operated end products.
The Antaris 4 GPS engine supports both MS-assisted (output of raw tracking information for position computation by the service provider) and MS-based (accelerated acquisition and position computation in the GPS receiver) assisted-GPS. Supply of aiding information like ephemeris, almanac, rough last position and time and satellite status and an optional time synchronisation signal significantly reduces time to first fix.
This GPS receiver is designed for use with passive and active antennas - an antenna supervisor is provided and the complete unit is integrated in a 17 x 23 mm housing, 3 mm high.
| Tel: | +27 21 555 8400 |
| Email: | [email protected] |
| www: | www.rfdesign.co.za |
| Articles: | More information and articles about RF Design |
© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved
printer friendly version