SkyTraq Single-Chip OEM GPS
http://www.insidegnss.com/node/690

June 3, 2008
Inside GNSS


Taiwanese fabless GNSS manufacturer SkyTraq Technology, Inc., has
announced a one-square-centimeter GPS OEM receiver, the Venus634LP.

The L1 GPS C/A-code, receiver includes 51 acquisition channels and 14
tracking channels and is also capable of processing satellite-based
augmentation system (SBAS) signals. Measuring 10 x 10 x 1.2
millimeters, the Venus634LP integrates LNA, SAW filter, RF front-end,
GPS baseband, 0.5ppm TCXO, RTC crystal, LDO regulator, and passive
components in an LGA44 package with 0.8 pitch.

The receiver uses SkyTraq’s 0.18um RFCMOS Venus 120 die and the 0.13um
CMOS Venus 6 baseband die, both developed by SkyTraq along with the
GPS firmware and application software. Performance specifications,
according to he company, are signal detection at better than -158dBm,
reacquisition sensitivity, -155dBm. The receiver consumes 50mA during
signal acquisition, 30mA during full power continuous tracking, and 70
mA in enhanced acquisition mode.

Volume delivery to customers will begin in the third quarter of 2008.
Engineering sample, datasheet, reference design, and evaluation kit
will be available in June.

Founded in 2005 with US$5 million in venture capital backing, SkyTraq
Technology Inc. has about 20 employees. Although its initial product
is GPS-centric, later products will also provide Galileo and GLONASS
tracking.