Broadcom unveils new global navigation positioning chip

     Broadcom Corporation, a global innovation leader in semiconductor solutions for wired and wireless communications, today announced a new Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) chip, Internet of Things (IOT) and wearables. Advanced chips enable devices such as fitness bands to provide precise location while consuming minimal power while in some cases eliminating the need for a separate MCU. 

     The Broadcom BCM47748 removes stacking from the device MCU signal processing, providing significant system power savings by calculating on-chip position, speed, and time (PVT). The chip features smart firmware to extend battery life while also maintaining accuracy, speed, distance and location for an enhanced user experience.

     "Broadcom is expanding its navigation leadership into the iot ecosystem, helping customers achieve experiences that do not compromise battery life or require a premium location for expensive, power-hungry main processors," said Prasan Pai, Broadcom's senior director, Wireless Connectivity. "With more and more consumers demanding GNSS in a wider range of applications, we see a tremendous opportunity to expand our business reach with new devices with market-leading GNSS technology."

     By absorbing the position computing chip, Broadcom not only reduces power consumption, but can also significantly reduce costs by replacing device MCUS and reducing board space for original equipment manufacturers (Oems). In addition, the firmware BCM47748 automatically ADAPTS to user activities and aspects, whether cycling, walking or running, to provide precise position results to the user, thus achieving performance without sacrificing power savings.