Despite the fact that SiRF Technologies has had some problems over the past years (it ultimately became a part of CSR), the company's solutions are still some of the most advanced around, and very widespread in this segment. Plus, many third parties are incorporating them within their own products, and that's exactly the case with Vincotech, which has just launched the first modules based on the latest SiRFstarIV technology, the A2100 GPS receiver.

SiRFaware technology is one of the highlights of the new A2100 module, since it will monitor and maintain precise time, internal frequencies and satellite orbit information (ephemeris) – all at an extremely low current draw down to 500 µA. By using this tech, the A2100 will be able to respond to a position request within seconds, while continuously reporting a fix in Advanced Trickle Power mode can be achieved with a current draw of less than 6.5 mA.

Combining the tracking sensitivity of -163 dBm and an autonomous acquisition sensitivity of -148 dBm, the module can prove to be a particularly good solution for all GPS applications requiring low power consumption in harsh environmental conditions. In addition, the new GSD4e chip on the module supports detection and removal of up to eight in-band jammers and allows the use of satellite-based augmentation systems. The A2100 is designed to support additional sensor interfaces, as well as communication via UART, SPI, or I2C.

For Hans Wiedemann, Manager Product Marketing at Vincotech, the A2100 module is clearly in line with the current market trend, “The SiRFstarIV technology of CSR answers the most urgent questions of all GPS applications: High availability combined with lowest power consumption. We are very proud to be able to offer our modules to the market at this early stage - thanks to the great cooperation with CSR.”

Samples and evaluation boards are already available, with series production scheduled to begin in March 2010, which means that the first products that will actually make use of this technology will only arrive in late 2010, early 2011.


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