Broadcom launches GNSS positioning hub chip

     Broadcom, the global leader in innovative semiconductor solutions for wired and wireless communications, announced the introduction of the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) positioning hub chip, the industry's first positioning hub chip capable of supporting the European Union's Galileo positioning system.

     Rahul Patel, vice president of Broadcom's Wireless connectivity portfolio solutions group, said that the new product allows Broadcom to once again establish a new benchmark in navigation because it is the industry's first GNSS positioning hub chip designed specifically for smartphones and capable of supporting the Galileo satellite positioning system. By delivering top performance, more meaningful location data while consuming minimal power, Broadcom will continue to push the limits of location technology.

     The chip, called BCM4774, supports Galileo, GPS, GLONASS, SBAS, QZSS and China's BeiDou satellite positioning system. Galileo is planned to deploy a total of 30 satellites, so smartphones using this chip will be able to achieve higher positioning accuracy and faster first positioning times.

     Through this unique architecture of the positioning hub chip, the computing work of the smartphone application processor (AP) will be removed to the BCM4774, allowing the AP to remain in sleep mode for a longer period of time, not only reducing the burden of the AP, but also extending the use time. In some modes, Broadcom's advanced hardware design and increased memory capacity can save up to 95% of power, significantly improving the battery life of mobile devices.