Infineon Technologies has introduced a new series of Receive Front-End Modules for implementation of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) functionality in smartphones and other handheld devices. The new BGM103xN7 Series devices are claimed to be the first modules available that support separate or simultaneous reception of both Global Positioning System (GPS) and Globalnaya Navigatsionnaya Sputnikovaya Sistema (GLONASS) signals. Each of the three devices, optimized for different end platforms, offers low-power operation, exceptional protection against electrostatic discharge (ESD) and tiny package size (2.3 by 1.7 by 0.73 mm).
The BGM103xN7 modules combine the pre-filter and low noise amplifier stages of the GNSS signal chain front-end to achieve a balance of performance improvements and space savings while reducing design time. The flexible solutions of Infineon meet key design goals, including high linearity to avoid interference of more powerful cellular signals, single-module coverage of the frequency range from 1,575 to 1,605 MHz, and optimized gain with very low noise for state-of-the-art sensitivity.
“Mobile device designers are challenged to deliver rock-solid sensitivity performance for location-based services, even as GNSS evolves to a series of systems operated by different entities and handheld devices incorporate more high-powered RF technologies such as WiFi and LTE,” said Michael Mauer, Senior Marketing Director of RF and Protection Devices at Infineon Technologies.
The three modules in the new BGM series are targeted for specific platform applications. They are: the BGM1033N7 is the standard solution meeting high-performance GPS/GLONASS specifications, with 14.8 dB gain and 1.65 dB noise figure. The BGM1032N7 has the same features as the BGM1033N7 with optimization to suppress LTE Band13 signals. The upper frequency of the LTE 13 band is 787 MHz, and the second harmonic of this frequency (i.e. 1,574 MHz) falls into the GPS band. The BGM1034N7 is a high-gain (17.0 dB) version for systems with high losses in the receive chain.
