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sony GLOBAL NAVIGATION SATELLITE SYSTEM
(GNSS)
Features
Low Power Consumption
Newly developed high-frequency analog circuits such as dedicated low power consumption A/D converter, low noise amplifier, and phase synchronization circuits, and optimal power control and low power consumption circuits achieve operation with the lowest power consumption level in the industry. This enables GPS/GNSS positioning even by products that operate using solar cells.
Positioning Performance
GPS/GNSS receiver design has faced many challenges since PND (Personal Navigation Device). It started with the need to provide an accurate position in the urban area since the main application was a handheld device fixed on the dashboard of a vehicle. Once feature phones and smartphones started to penetrate the market, E-911 and LBS (Location-Based Services) began to emerge. E-911 demanded TTFF and sensitivity, while LBS applications demanded power consumption and positioning accuracy. The two main challenges were multipath and weak signal acquisition and tracking.
The rise of wearable devices an the need for an embedded GNSS chip add a new set of challenges. The wearable device is more prone to ground reflections, multipath reflection from short distances, disruptive dynamics due to arm swinging; and deep attenuation due to limited visibility and device orientation on the armrest.
The received signal strength for the IoT and wearable products is quite weak compared to conventional products that use GPS for other applications (e.g. car navigation systems). A primary reason might be due to the performance of the low cost antenna and operating environment. In addition, the received signal condition might be degraded further for wearable devices due to the influence of the user's arm movements among other use case factors.
Sony Semiconductor Solutions GPS/GNSS receiver/processor chips use a proprietary positioning algorithm to enable good positioning performance even under these harsh conditions.
Space-Saving (Small Area)
Use of compact package realizes a positioning system with an area of 70 to 100mm² or less, including peripherical circuits.
Applications: GPS watches, cameras, wearable products, monitoring, and healthcare products
Trajectory in Locations Where GNSS Reception is a Challenge
The targeted low cost and low power system design, along with the expected harsh operational environment, derived us to face exceptional GNSS signal reception conditions.
Sony Semiconductor Solutions GPS/GNSS receiver/processor chips use a proprietary positioning algorithm to enable accurate positioning in a challenging environment, such as the skyscrapers of Shinjuku (i.e. multi-path environment) and/or when running on an athletics track (i.e. body effect, such as arms swinging and swimming).
