New Software Libraries for STMicroelectronics' Single-Chip GPS Baseband Deliver Higher Performance and Additional Functionality

-- STMicroelectronics has announced the availability of new software libraries for the company's STA2051 32-bit System-on-Chip (SoC) GPS baseband controller, enabling the delivery of both higher performance and additional functionality for GPS and telematics applications.

The enhanced performance advantage provided by the new software libraries allows the STA2051 GPS baseband controller IC, also known as 'Vespucci,' to guarantee a high level of performance in urban regions or areas of dense foliage where GPS satellite visibility can be low. The new library offers a high-sensitivity feature, called STrack1, which allows tracking in poor satellite visibility, and also has high acquisition sensitivity when re- entering into areas of good satellite visibility.

Additionally, the new software libraries provide 'Dead Reckoning,' which uses vehicle-based sensors to carry out position determination during either failure or poor reception of GPS signals. For example, in tunnels or narrow valleys, positioning information can be fed to the STA2051's inputs by taking advantage of the sensors, such as an odometer for velocity and forward or backward movement, and an angular acceleration sensor, such as a gyro or ABS sensor, as a directional indicator.

The STA2051 single-chip baseband IC integrates, on the same piece of silicon, a 32-bit ARM7TDMI microcontroller, a 12-channel GPS correlation DSP, 2 Mbits of Flash memory, 64 kbytes of RAM and a full range of peripherals, including ADCs, and CAN and USB interfaces, making the chip one of most flexible devices on the market. The device's embedded Flash memory means easy upgrading of GPS and application software via the CAN or USB interface. A complete full functionality GPS chipset can be achieved with the addition of a single-chip GPS radio front-end, such as ST's STB5610.

"ST has a strong pedigree in the GPS chipset market, possessing the complete value chain, including hardware, software, ownership of IP and leading-edge design and manufacturing capabilities," said Antonio Radaelli, Manager of the Car Radio Multimedia Business Unit within ST's Automotive Product Group. "We believe that the addition of extra functionality and the increased performance of the STA2051 GPS baseband controller at no additional cost should be a persuasive offer for OEMs looking to integrate GPS functionality into automotive- and consumer-based applications."

Additionally, a second version of the device, the STA2051E, includes an external memory interface for use where application software or data may not fit into the STA2051's internal Flash. For example, in a telematics application, when in addition to carrying out GPS functionality, the chip is also acting as a system processor with user code that is much larger than 256 kbytes.

Designed to operate over the -40 degrees Celsius to 85 degrees Celsius temperature range, the device is packaged in a 10x10mm TQFP64 (STA2051) or a 20x20mm TQFP144 (STA2051E) and is in volume production now. For the minimum configuration of the device, aimed at consumer applications, pricing for the STA2051 starts from $6.50.

About STMicroelectronics

STMicroelectronics is a global leader in developing and delivering semiconductor solutions across the spectrum of microelectronics applications. An unrivalled combination of silicon and system expertise, manufacturing strength, Intellectual Property (IP) portfolio and strategic partners positions the Company at the forefront of System-on-Chip (SoC) technology and its products play a key role in enabling today's convergence markets. The Company's shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange, on Euronext Paris and on the Milan Stock Exchange. In 2004, the Company's net revenues were $8.76 billion and net earnings were $601 million. Further information on ST can be found at http://www.st.com .