SiRF Partners with M/A-COM Technology Solutions

SiRF Technology Holdings has partnered with M/A-COM Technology Solutions to help create a breakthrough networked GPS module that provides location information to the latest generation of vehicle-based communications and entertainment systems. The first SiRFstarIII architecture product specifically built to meet the quality and reliability requirements of Tier-1 automotive electronics original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), GSC3e/LPa single-chip GPS receiver has also been introduced by SiRF. The new GPS module, built by M/A-COM, uses a SiRF GPS receiver running SiRFDrive2 GPS software, specialized GPS antenna, and other components to create a "location server" on the vehicle network, basically turning any vehicle into a location-based chunk of steel on wheels. In a statement, Kanwar Chadwa, SiRF's vice president and vice president of marketing said "Bringing 'location awareness' to the whole automotive platform is an important aspect of our vision to enable vehicle makers to use location not only for navigation but also for safety, security and other enhanced commercial location-based applications. Our alliance with M/A-COM Technology Solutions to provide a robust location platform that integrates GPS and tightly coupled dead-reckoning technology represents a significant milestone in solidifying SiRF's position in the auto industry." In other news, SiRF has launched the SiRFStarIII GSC3e/LPa GPS receiver, a receiver built specifically for in-vehicle use. Built using stricter standards than SiRFStarIII products used in portable navigation devices, the automotive receiver also utilizes technology that prevents electrical interference from other vehicle components. The SiRF GSC3e/LPa and an evaluation kit are available now in sample quantities. Production volumes are expected later this month.