Broadcom introduces GNSS and Sensor Hub Combo Chip

Broadcom Corporation has announced the industry's first low-power Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and sensor hub combo chip to deliver new always-on location applications for a full range of mobile devices.

The Broadcom BCM4773 minimizes battery drain and adds a new layer of intelligence to location technology on mobile devices by integrating the GNSS chip and sensor hub into a single combo chip. Broadcom's architecture enables information from Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Smart, GPS and micro electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) to be calculated on a single system-on-chip (SoC) instead of the application processor (AP). This unique design drives more than 80- per cent power savings by offloading from the AP and lowers cost by reducing board area by 34 per cent.

"Broadcom today extends its leadership by announcing the industry's first combo chip that brings GNSS and sensor hub technology together to revolutionize mobile apps in areas such as health, fitness and lifelogging," said Mohamed Awad, Broadcom Director, Wireless Connectivity. "We are proud to make all mobile platforms even smarter by enabling them to dynamically predict and react to consumers' needs."

Additionally, Broadcom brings more intelligence to context awareness by integrating GNSS and providing a direct connection to the Wi-Fi combo chip. This allows a mobile device to know where a user is and what the user is doing to further personalize the experience. For example, a BCM4773-based smartphone can use information from Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Smart, GPS and MEMS to recognize when a runner is outdoors versus inside on a treadmill and dynamically manage these technologies to save battery life and optimize the user experience, all without involving the main AP.