SiGe Semiconductor, Inc.'s 4-mm² SE4150L GPS radio receiver features dual-antenna input capability and a multi-bit output to help with sensivity and interference resistance for next-generation GPS systems. Sige Semiconductor specifically designed the SE4150L to address the three primary challenges asssociated with embedded GPS applications: small size, low power and low price, all while improving the performance.

The SE4150L is a highly-integrated GPS receiver IC offering high performance and low power operation in a wide range of low-cost applications. It is particularly appropriate for high sensitivity L1-band GPS systems and for use in GPS receivers needing dual-antenna inputs. The SE4150L includes two RF inputs with integrated antenna switching and external active-antenna current detections. A high-linearity, low noise on-chip LNA is used with one of the inputs, allowing the receiver to be used in multi-function wireless systems, without the need for additional external LNA devices.

The device automatically responds to the connection of an external antenna and interfaces directly to the GPS baseband processor to provide a complete GPS radio receiver system, which saves PC board space and reduces the bill of materials (BOM). This eliminates the need for OEMs and designers to use a switched coaxial socket or numerous discrete components to sense when an external antenna was connected.

The product offers a system noise figure of 1 dB and input third-order intercept performance (IIP3) better than 0 dBm. The receiver operates over a supply range from 2.7 to 3.6 V and features a low standby current of <10 µA. The device's digital I/Os and supplies operate from 1.6 to 3.6 V to interface with smaller geometry baseband ICs and SoCs.

The interface of the SE4150L integrates with the GPS baseband of SiRF Technology’s SiRFatlas and SiRFprina SoC family. “As part of our long-term strategy, we are partnering with leading companies to develop best-in-class receiver solutions,” said Stefan Fulga, director strategic marketing. “For the SE4150L GPS receiver IC, we worked closely with SiRF Technology, a market leader in GPS Solutions to facilitate the system design", he continued.

Housed in a low profile 4 X 4 mm QFN package, the SE4150L features a multi-bit output, which improves sensitivity and interference resistance for GPS solutions. In addition, it is optimized for operation from a 3.3 V core power supply and incorporates current-controlled, low-spurious output buffers which may operate from a separate external supply as low as 1.7 V to interface to low voltage systems.