Reference platform puts GPS in mobile devices

NeoMagic Corp., NordNav and SiGe Semiconductor have unveiled a reference platform that aims to assist manufacturers in designing GPS-enabled multimedia cellphones and personal navigation devices (PNDs).

According to the press release, cellphones and PNDs based on the new reference platform will be capable of continuous real-time measurements at signal levels below -185dBW, and position information on demand.

The new reference platform includes NeoMagic's MiMagic 6+ applications processor, NordNav's E5500 GPS software and SiGe Semiconductor's SE8088L positioning system. The MiMagic 6+ processor is capable of delivering video, 3D graphics and mobile entertainment. SiGe's SE8088L positioning system and NordNav's E5500 GPS software provide measurements and navigation information for GPS system implementation.

"The major challenge facing handset and PND manufacturers is increased feature integration without compromising size, cost or battery life," said Nadeem Rahman, director of product marketing at NeoMagic. "The combination of our technologies offers a low cost, small footprint GPS solution for GSM handset and PND manufacturers. In addition to GPS, the MiMagic 6+ processor enables multimedia features including digital mobile TV, VoIP, audio/video, camcorder, camera and 3D gaming running on a single chip."