NXP Semiconductors is currently sampling its GNS7560 GPS chip which is touted to be the smallest and lowest-powered of its kind in the world. This chip takes in a mere four external connections while offering Windows CE and Windows Mobile drivers, capable of altering sensitivity and tracking based on signal strength, multipath and velocity. It measures a mere 3.6mm x 2.4mm x 0.6mm in size and sips less than 15mW of power in 1Hz tracking mode (that means the map is updated every second). Required connections are RF and clock inputs, a serial interface to the host and power. Guess this means we will see more and more GPS-enabled convergence devices in the future – does this mean that standard GPS navigation systems have finally reached the end of the road?
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