STMicroelectronics (News - Alert) has launched volume production of its Teseo GPS engine designed for use in certain Garmin Portable Navigation Devices (PNDs) and handheld GPS receivers.

 

“We are proud to announce that our state-of-the-art GPS technology has been selected for Garmin's new range of portable and handheld devices,” said Domenico Rossi, general manager of ST's Car Radio and Multimedia Division in a statement.

 

Rossi said that ST is one of the few players in this market that can offer high-performance and cost-effective GPS solutions, based on robust silicon technology, experience in the automotive market, and know-how developed in collaboration with leading navigation manufacturers.

 

ST's Teseo platform combines reliability and cost-effectiveness with enhanced performance and extended functionality.

 

The company points out that superior tracking sensitivity is important for Portable Navigation Devices that have the antenna inside since satellite visibility is deteriorated by the "shield effect" of the car front window. Thanks to the integration of ST's newest GPS solution, tracking in poor satellite visibility conditions has improved. The integration has also shortened GPS signal acquisition times.

 

ST's new GPS chipsets have the ability to support satellite-based augmentation systems such as WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System) and EGNOS (European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service) that provide additional accuracy and reliability. ST's Teseo devices are compliant with Galileo, the upcoming European navigation system complementary to GPS.

 

Additionally, ST's Teseo platform addresses a wide range of applications, including Personal Navigation Devices and handheld GPS receivers, in-car navigation, telematics and electronic toll collection.