News Article
Motorola Outsources To IBM
Motorola has produced a single-chip assisted global positioning system
(A-GPS) receiver small enough to fit into a wristwatch
Called Motorola
Instant GPS, the chip was produced on IBM's 0.25micron silicon germanium
(SiGe) technology. The companies worked together to integrate IBM's
technology to optimise the design. IBM plans to manufacture the new GPS
chips for Motorola.
Instant GPS integrates both the 1.5GHz RF front-end and the digital baseband
processer on a single 7x7mm die. The design uses a Low Intermediate
Frequency (IF) RF architecture to improve jamming immunity. The device can
interface with 1.8-3.3V systems. Samples are available immediately for OEM
suppliers of portable electronic devices. Further samples will be available
in Q1 2003 and full production is planned for Q2 2003.
'IBM's technology enabled Motorola to reach its performance goal of
detecting GPS signals so faint they'd be comparable to those received in
Chicago from a light bulb burning in Korea,' claims Walt Lange, associate
director for foundry services, IBM Microelectronics.
Instant GPS, the chip was produced on IBM's 0.25micron silicon germanium
(SiGe) technology. The companies worked together to integrate IBM's
technology to optimise the design. IBM plans to manufacture the new GPS
chips for Motorola.
Instant GPS integrates both the 1.5GHz RF front-end and the digital baseband
processer on a single 7x7mm die. The design uses a Low Intermediate
Frequency (IF) RF architecture to improve jamming immunity. The device can
interface with 1.8-3.3V systems. Samples are available immediately for OEM
suppliers of portable electronic devices. Further samples will be available
in Q1 2003 and full production is planned for Q2 2003.
'IBM's technology enabled Motorola to reach its performance goal of
detecting GPS signals so faint they'd be comparable to those received in
Chicago from a light bulb burning in Korea,' claims Walt Lange, associate
director for foundry services, IBM Microelectronics.
