Infineon’s new GNSS receive front-end modules feature industry’s best noise figure in world’s smallest package

March 30, 2012 Infineon Technologies recently introduced a new series of Receive Front-End Modules for implementation of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) functionality in smart phones and other handheld devices. The new BGM104xN7 products feature the best noise figure in the industry, which is a critical parameter for the performance of a GNSS receiver.

The new modules are a pin-to-pin compatible upgrade with the previous generation BGM103xN7, and thus remain as the world’s smallest Receive Front-End Modules for this application, with a package size of just 2.3 x 1.7 x 0.73 mm3. They support simultaneous reception of both GPS (Global Positioning System) and GLONASS (Globalnaya Navigatsionnaya Sputnikovaya Sistema) signals. The devices are optimized for different end platforms and offer industry’s leading noise figure, low-power operation, and exceptional protection against electrostatic discharge (ESD).

For the reception of weak GNSS signals, a low noise figure results in a shorter Time-To-First-Fix (TTFF), which is the time required for a GNSS receiver to acquire satellite signals and navigation data and to calculate a position. The new BGM104xN7 series offers 0.15dB better noise figure than the BGM103xN7 series. Therewith, Infineon’s solution outperforms all other solutions on the market about 0.5dB. The improved performance is achieved in a package that is almost 22% smaller than the second smallest available device.

Infineon’s BGM104xN7 modules combine the pre-filter and low noise amplifier (LNA) stages of the GNSS signal chain front-end to achieve a balance of performance improvements and space savings while reducing design time. The low noise figure enhances user’s navigation experience while using smart phones or any other portable device. In addition, the device family meets key design goals: this includes 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 for state-of-the-art sensitivity.
www.infineon.com.