|
Newsletters
|
|
|
|
|
|
WirelessDevNet.com Press Release
RMI Increases Partner Alliance of Its Low Cost GPS
RMI Corporation, a leading provider of high-performance processors for communication and media, has increased its partner alliance members to include CSR and SiGe Semiconductor. These new partners were selected to work with RMI to deliver a low cost GPS implementation in RMI's mPND reference solution, recently announced at IBC 2008 in Amsterdam.
RMI's mPND reference design is based on its Alchemy(TM) Au1250(TM) and Au1210(TM) media processors making it well positioned to enable the fast, easy design of new feature-rich portable media products. Already in high-volume production and shipping into multi-function, media-capable navigation devices, these innovative RMI Alchemy Processors enable playback of video at full-frame-rate speeds and deliver DVD-quality video and dynamic audio without the need to transcode.
Lowest Cost GPS Implementation
The mPND reference design from RMI implements the lowest cost alternatives to replace expensive GPS modules. The Au1250 media processor provides ample processing headroom to perform the complex baseband function in software, removing the need for external hardware. RMI works closely with its newest partners, leading GPS suppliers, to extend the spectrum of cost-optimized choices for the mPND designer.
CSR provides a highly optimized software GPS (E5000) application, where the baseband function is implemented in software.
SiGe Semiconductor provides the GPS radio solution to accompany the Au1250 processor in the software GPS implementation.
For its mPND reference design, RMI selected the E5000 software solution from CSR, a leader in software GPS technology. The CSR implementation enables the low cost GPS design by elimination of hardware GPS logic and leverages the processing capability of the RMI Alchemy processor.
"We are excited to be working with RMI on this important solution which we believe will accelerate the adoption of GPS in media-based products," said Stuart Strickland, VP of CSR's Location Business Unit. "We chose to partner with RMI for the performance achieved by the Au1210/Au1250 Processors and because of the breadth of new features and video capability it enables in portable consumer products."
RMI also selected to partner with SiGe Semiconductor, a leader in innovative radio frequency (RF) solutions for next-generation wireless applications including voice, data, and video. The SiGe 4120 is used to enable its Alchemy-Based(TM) Media Portable Navigation Device (mPND(TM)) solution.
"The SiGe Semiconductor SE4120 is an integral component of our new mPND reference design," said Mike Wodopian, vice president and general manager, RMI. "The SE4120 provides the optimum features/cost balance for implementing a software-based GPS solution." Besides its low cost and high performance, RMI also considered SiGe's proven track record in the PND market, including its long-standing relationship and interoperability with software-based E5000 GPS engines from CSR. "We are happy to be working in collaboration with both SiGe and CSR to drive lower GPS pricing and to provide our joint customers the solutions necessary to be successful," Wodopian said.
Specifically designed for GPS applications, the SiGe SE4120 receiver IC integrates a low-noise amplifier (LNA), a low IF receiver, linear automatic gain control (AGC), IF filter, image reject mixer, and an advanced multi-bit I/Q analog to digital converter (ADC). Built to speed time to market, the SE4120 receiver provides serialized data output to facilitate software signal processing.
"The mPND market shows great promise, and we are pleased to team with RMI, a clear market leader, to bring a low-cost solution to this cost-sensitive consumer market," said Alistair Manley, vice president marketing. "We designed the SiGe SE4120 IC to provide the lowest cost implementation for the GPS function in the PND market, without compromising on performance."
Combining mobile TV, navigation, and other multimedia functions, mPNDs are an emerging new market for mobile TV content and navigation services. RMI, a leader in the mPND space, has defined the lowest cost solution by integrating the CSR E5000 GPS software and the SiGe SE4120 GPS receiver IC, for its new reference design.
About RMI Corporation
RMI Corporation is a fabless semiconductor company providing High-Performance Super System-on-a-Chip (SuperSoC(TM)) Processor solutions for the Infrastructure, Enterprise, and Consumer Media markets. Applications include Wireless, Networking Security, Thin Clients, and Connected Multi-Media. RMI offers a broad platform of advanced MIPS-compatible processor solutions with both 32/64-bit architectures supporting frequencies from 300MHz to 1.2 GHz. RMI is headquartered in Cupertino, CA with branch and subsidiary operations in Texas, United Kingdom, France, India, Korea, Japan, Taiwan and China. More information about RMI can be found on the company's website at http://www.RMICorp.com.
About CSR
CSR is the leading global provider of personal wireless technology and its product portfolio covers Bluetooth, GPS, FM and Wi-Fi (IEEE802.11). CSR offers developed hardware/software solutions, based around its silicon platforms, that incorporate fully integrated radio, baseband and microcontroller elements. CSR's customers include industry leaders such as Apple, Dell, LG, Motorola, NEC, Nokia, Panasonic, RIM, Samsung, Sharp, Sony, TomTom and Toshiba. CSR has its headquarters and offices in Cambridge, UK, and offices in Japan, Korea, Taiwan, China, India, France, Denmark, Sweden and both Dallas and Detroit in the USA. More information can be found at www.csr.com.
About SiGe Semiconductor
SiGe Semiconductor is a leading global supplier of the products that are enabling wireless multimedia in a wide variety of computing, entertainment and mobile systems. Our innovative radio frequency integrated circuits and multi-chip modules simplify the addition of mobile broadband access and location-based capabilities to consumer electronics. SiGe products are designed specifically for these applications, providing the un-equalled performance that is necessary for high-quality, user-focused applications on the go. Offering exceptional performance, our products comply with Wi-Fi(R), WiMAX(TM), and GPS technology standards. We deliver solutions designed for the end system application, enabling ease of integration and reduced time to market. SiGe operates worldwide, servicing leading consumer electronics OEMs and ODMs from five key sites as well as through an extensive global distribution network. More information can be found at http://www.sige.com.
|
|
|
