OEM GPS module exploits new ASIC chipset

The Hemisphere chipset will enable Crescent receivers to establish a new industry benchmark for GPS performance, versatility and value.

Hemisphere GPS has developed its own application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) chipset technology.

The Hemisphere ASIC will play a key role in a receiver product line that Hemisphere GPS is launching under its new Crescent brand name.

After years of development by Hemisphere GPS, which is wholly owned by CSI Wireless, the Hemisphere chipset will enable Crescent receivers to establish a new industry benchmark for GPS performance, versatility and value.

Crescent receivers will deliver higher update rates, noise-reduced raw measurements, more memory and higher processor capability, to enable more advanced applications and sophisticated configurations.

Crescent receivers will also be able to simultaneously employ multiple front ends - enabling tighter coupling of measurements from separate antennae for use with heading-based products.

Users will obtain excellent accuracy and stability, due to Crescent's more accurate code phase measurements, multipath mitigation improvements, and fewer discrete receiver components.

The first Crescent receiver to employ the Hemisphere ASIC is the new Crescent OEM module - an integrated circuit board receiver.

It will also enhance Hemisphere's house-brand product lines - Outback, Satloc and CSI - and be available to OEMs and integrators for use in their product lines.

Crescent technology is the front-end component in a variety of high- performance innovations that Hemisphere GPS is developing for several increasingly popular applications including agricultural guidance and machine control, marine navigation and GIS and mapping.

The technology can achieve update rates of as much as 20Hz - making it ideal for these applications.

"By developing our own ASIC technology, we have eliminated the limitations imposed by using off-the-shelf chipsets, and positioned ourselves to offer customers a wider variety of products with improved performance and expanded functionality", said Rick Heiniger, President of Hemisphere GPS.

Crescent receivers feature: Hemisphere's exclusive Coast software that enables receivers to use old differential GPS (DGPS) correction data for 40 minutes or more without significantly affecting the accuracy of positioning - a big advantage during temporary signal blockages or outages.

Optional e-Dif software available exclusively from Hemisphere enables receivers to achieve differential-quality positioning accuracies without needing an external DGPS signal - ideal for regions where differential broadcasts are not available, or available only by subscription.

Optional L-Dif software is available exclusively from Hemisphere that enables decimetre-level positioning accuracies anywhere in the world - ideal for precision agriculture.

The low power consumption is ideal for mobile and battery-powered applications, combined with outstanding performance in differential GPS environments and small size for versatile integration.

"The successful in-house development of our own proprietary chipset is an important milestone on Hemisphere's technology roadmap, and it has laid important groundwork for future technology milestones", said Stephen Verhoeff, President and CEO of CSI Wireless.

"Crescent receiver technology is also a significant addition to our intellectual property portfolio - one that will enable us to achieve production cost savings and improve profit margins".

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