GENEVA, March 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- STMicroelectronics , a world leader in semiconductors for automotive applications, today announced that its Cartesio automotive-grade application processor System-on-Chip (SoC) with embedded GPS for navigation and telematics is to be implemented inside several products from Garmin. Among the world leaders in portable navigation products, Garmin is to integrate the ST Cartesio processor in a range of navigation systems, including the new nuvi 205.
Leading PND makers have begun to design products that use System-on-Chip solutions that combine host processing capability with GPS functionality, rather than implement the processor and GPS as discrete functions. This approach, which improves function and reliability, is increasingly gaining penetration in the portable navigation market, and is expected to be used in more than 40% of all the PNDs shipped in 2008, with even faster growth expected in 2009 and 2010.
According to iSuppli, ST is the leading producer of semiconductors for Car Infotainment and a top-three chip supplier to the automotive industry. Building on ST's indisputable strengths in automotive technologies and applications, the new Cartesio processor was designed to meet the specific and rigorous demands for quality and reliability in the automotive market. The SoC addresses a large variety of applications in the automotive segment, including OEM and portable navigation devices, vehicle tracking systems, electronic fee collection, and advanced car radio.
The Cartesio SoC is a derivative of ST's leading-edge Nomadik(R) application processor platform, and takes full advantage of Nomadik's world-class audio/visual capabilities for infotainment applications. The Nomadik platform is also used by some of the world's leading cell phone makers and mobile multimedia consumer manufacturers to develop smart phones, mobile TV products, and feature-rich portable multimedia devices and players.
"This adoption of Cartesio by Garmin, a world leader in portable navigation, is a testament to ST's ability to deliver cutting-edge car infotainment solutions that meet automotive quality standards," said Domenico Rossi, General Manager of ST's Car Radio and Multimedia Division. "Cartesio is currently one of the most integrated solutions on the navigation and telematics market, providing high performance, while also meeting the cost and space constraints demanded by leading automotive OEMs."
About Cartesio -- Further technical information
ST's Cartesio (part number -- STA2062) integrates a powerful 32-bit ARM CPU core with a high-sensitivity 32-channel GPS subsystem and a powerful set of connectivity peripherals, including CAN, USB, UARTs, and SPI. It also provides on-chip high-speed RAM and real-time clock functionality. While the Cartesio processor can work with other GPS RF products, it perfectly couples with ST's STA5620 GPS RF chip creating a unique offering that significantly reduces the form factor and bill-of-materials with no compromise in performance. The STA2062 is housed in 16 x 16 x 1.4 mm LFBGA packages with a 0.8mm ball pitch to comply with the automotive industry assembly requirements.
About STMicroelectronics
STMicroelectronics is a global leader in developing and delivering semiconductor solutions across the spectrum of microelectronics applications. An unrivalled combination of silicon and system expertise, manufacturing strength, Intellectual Property (IP) portfolio and strategic partners positions the Company at the forefront of System-on-Chip (SoC) technology and its products play a key role in enabling today's convergence markets. The Company's shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange, on Euronext Paris and on the Milan Stock Exchange. In 2007, the Company's net revenues were $10 billion. Further information on ST can be found at http://www.st.com/.
Nomadik is a registered trademark of STMicroelectronics
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