Conexant Debuts Global Positioning System Solution for Automotive and Emerging Telematic Applications
18 September 2000
Conexant Debuts Global Positioning System Solution for Automotive and Emerging Telematic Applications
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif.--Sept. 18, 2000--Conexant Systems Inc. Monday announced its next- generation global positioning system (GPS) chipset, a high-performance solution for automotive applications, wireless phones and handheld GPS products.
Conexant's Zodiac 2000 solution enables consumers to access comprehensive location-based information such as directions, directories and maps, based on their current location. Conexant is displaying this solution at the ION-GPS conference this week in Salt Lake City.
The Zodiac 2000 chipset is ideal for automotive applications, as well as emerging telematic information services, which will bring a variety of information and safety services into cars and trucks. In addition, the chipset is ideal for manufacturers designing wireless phones with embedded GPS capability.
The Zodiac 2000 operates with all of the world's wireless standards, allowing phone manufacturers to bring to market global system for mobile communications (GSM), code division multiple access (CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA) and other types of wireless phones with integrated location services.
"As the GPS market evolves and multiple technologies converge in next-generation wireless devices, our heritage in GPS technology, broad portfolio of wireless solutions and packaging expertise are key strategic advantages," said Moiz Beguwala, senior vice president and general manager for Conexant's Wireless Communications Division.
"Conexant's leadership in wireless platforms, including GSM and CDMA, give us the foundation to not only support the latest GPS capabilities, but also to enable GPS functionality in a variety of devices for global customers."
Conexant's GPS solution offers the robustness and accuracy required by automotive applications in which the user requires continuous position updates. The Zodiac 2000 also features heightened navigation accuracy regardless of whether GPS satellites are in view to enable users to navigate precisely through downtown "urban canyon" environments with many tall buildings.
This standalone GPS solution ensures continuous operation even while calls are in process, in contrast to alternatives which rely on shared hardware and software resources in the handset, as well as network assistance.
Offering a cost-effective GPS solution for wireless carriers and manufacturers, the Zodiac 2000 chipset is air interface independent, and will operate with existing wireless standards, as well as emerging cdma2000 and other third-generation (3G) networks. The Zodiac 2000 enables the creation of "smart phones" that help locate callers for mobile positioning services, and in the event of an emergency such as a 9-1-1 call, it supports the Federal Communications Commission's E-911 mandate.
In addition to providing accurate location information in emergency situations, potential applications include location- sensitive billing based on the caller's location, and location-based information services such as driving directions and local weather information.
With the addition of Conexant's optional GPS hardware accelerator, the solution's enhanced power management improves GPS performance and maximizes battery life. The hardware accelerator also enables search times of less than 10 seconds, the fastest satellite acquisition in the industry.
With a 30-year heritage in the GPS market, Conexant is a long- time provider of precision solutions for automotive and recreational applications to leading customers including Clarion, Delorme, Lowrance and Nokia.
Originally developed for military applications, consumer applications for GPS technology are rapidly emerging. According to Allied Business Intelligence Inc., the GPS market will grow from $148 million in 1999 to $2.7 billion in 2005.
The Zodiac 2000 chipset consists of Conexant's Scorpio baseband processor in a 156-pin ball grid array (BGA) package and a radio frequency (RF) chip in 40-pin land grid array (LGA) package which uses Conexant's patented multi-chip module (MCM) technology. The RF MCM is the industry's first GPS chipset to use this technology and enables a highly integrated solution, ideal for portable GPS devices and small form factor phones.
It is available now and priced at $32 in 10,000 unit quantities. The optional GPS hardware accelerator is packaged in a 100-pin BGA, and is also available now for an additional $9 in 10,000 unit quantities.
About Conexant Systems Inc.
With revenues of approximately $2 billion per year, Conexant is the world's largest independent company focused exclusively on providing semiconductor solutions for communications electronics. With more than 30 years of experience in developing communications technology, the company draws upon its expertise in mixed-signal processing to deliver integrated systems and semiconductor products for a broad range of communications applications.
These products facilitate communications worldwide through wireline voice and data communications networks, cordless and cellular wireless telephony systems, personal imaging devices and equipment, and emerging cable and wireless broadband communications networks.
The company aligns its business into five product platforms: Network Access, Wireless Communications, Digital Infotainment, Personal Imaging and Personal Computing. Conexant is a member of the S&P 500 and Nasdaq-100 Indices. For more information, visit Conexant at www.conexant.com.
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