A low-power, low-cost bipolar GPS receiver chip

A low-power, low-cost, integrated global positioning by satellite (GPS) receiver is described. It operates from a single 2.7-5.5 V supply with a nominal current consumption of only 27 mA. Furthermore, there is no need for expensive external surface acoustic wave (SAW) filters or a radio frequency voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) module; only a low frequency reference clock (temperature compensated crystal oscillator (TCXO) or crystal), varactor diodes and standard passive elements are necessary for full operation. The chip is compatible with baseband chips requiring 1 fo (1.023 MHz) and 4 fo signal frequencies. The device has been integrated using a 15-GHz silicon bipolar technology.