u-blox Launches GPS/GNSS SoC Using GLOBALFOUNDRIES 65nm RF Process Technology Print Print E-mail page E-mail page

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Robust, advanced RF platform provides cost-effective and lower-power System-on-Chip solution for mobile applications market

Thalwil, Switzerland and Milpitas, California, June 6, 2012 –u-blox (SIX: UBXN), the Swiss positioning and wireless module and chip company, and GLOBALFOUNDRIES today jointly announced that u-blox has begun shipping its u-blox 7 Global Positioning System System-on-Chip (GPS SoC) based on the foundry’s advanced 65 nanometer (nm) Low Power Enhanced (LPe) RF process technology platform.

“u-blox was looking for a strong and reliable partner who could support our aggressive product development and time-to-market plan,” said Eric De Mey, Vice President, Integrated Circuits at u‑blox. “We found confidence in partnering with GLOBALFOUNDRIES because of their high level of commitment to customer service excellence.  We were convinced that they could offer the right solution for our product.”

u-blox’ latest GNSS platform upgrade has resulted in the UBX-G7020 multi-GNSS chip which supports all global satellite positioning standards: GPS, GLONASS, QZSS, Compass and Galileo.  The chip leverages the strengths of GLOBALFOUNDRIES 65nm LPe RF process technology resulting in an ultra-small and extremely low power satellite receiver IC. The chip integrates both RF and baseband subsystems.

“We are very pleased that u-blox has chosen us to be the foundry partner to manufacture the wafers for their latest GPS/GNSS chip,” said Muljadi Tantra, Senior Director, Product Marketing, GLOBALFOUNDRIES. “Our 65nm LPe RF process technology is a proven platform ideal for low-power and high-performance SoC solutions used in power-sensitive mobile applications such as GPS, WiFi, Bluetooth, LTE receiver, Mobile TV and Digital Radio.”

GLOBALFOUNDRIES' 65nm LPe RF process solution offers advanced process technology with a suite of RF components, low leakage transistors, VNCAP (metal-oxide-metal capacitor), MIM (metal-insulator-metal capacitor), thick metal inductors and varactors. This process solution is supported by accurate models that cover both performance and functional corners. The 65nm LPe RF physical design kit has been enhanced with a wide-range of scalable parameterized cells, inductor synthesizers.

The partnership between u-blox and GLOBALFOUNDRIES for the GPS/GNSS SoC product development began in 2010 and the production ramp started in GLOBALFOUNDRIES’ Fab 7 in Singapore in Q1, 2012.  Over 50% of the wafers produced from Fab 7 are for RF applications.


About u-blox
u-blox is a leading fabless semiconductor provider of embedded positioning and wireless communication solutions for the consumer, industrial and automotive markets. Our solutions enable people, devices, vehicles and machines to locate their exact position and wirelessly communicate via voice, text or video. With a broad portfolio of GPS modules, chips, and software solutions together with wireless modules and solutions, u-blox is uniquely positioned to enable OEMs to develop innovative solutions quickly and cost-effectively. Headquartered in Switzerland and with global presence in Europe, Asia and the Americas, u‑blox employs over 200 people. Founded in 1997, u-blox is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange.
www.u-blox.com


About GLOBALFOUNDRIES
GLOBALFOUNDRIES is the world’s first full-service semiconductor foundry with a truly global footprint. Launched in March 2009, the company has quickly achieved scale as one of the largest foundries in the world, providing a unique combination of advanced technology and manufacturing to more than 150 customers. With operations in Singapore, Germany and the United States, GLOBALFOUNDRIES is the only foundry that offers the flexibility and security of manufacturing centers spanning three continents. The company’s three 300mm fabs and five 200mm fabs provide the full range of process technologies from mainstream to the leading edge. This global manufacturing footprint is supported by major facilities for research, development and design enablement located near hubs of semiconductor activity in the United States, Europe and Asia. GLOBALFOUNDRIES is owned by the Advanced Technology Investment Company (ATIC). For more information, visit http://www.globalfoundries.com.

 

u-blox contact
Carl Fenger, Product Communications Manager
+41 44 722 7427
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GLOBALFOUNDRIES contact

Jason Gorss (USA)
+1 518 305-9022
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 Gina Wong (Singapore)
+065 6670-8108
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Reston, VA and Fredonia, PA, USA - Feb. 7, 2012 - u-blox, the Swiss positioning and wireless chip and module company, has been chosen as the GPS technology provider for Grace Industries, a manufacturer of mission-critical personal safety devices. Grace’s latest intrinsically-safe personal tracker, the SuperCell® SC500-GPS, relies on u-blox 6 GPS technology to report critical location data of remote workers.

 

Text Box: The SuperCell® SC500-GPS is an intrinsically safe personal tracker ideal for workers in flammable environmentsSuperCell® SC500-GPS is a networked, motion-sensing, two-way emergency radio device with automatic “man-down” alarm. The device is used in critical safety applications where a worker’s location and safety status needs continuous monitoring. With its intrinsically safe, ignition-proof design, the device is of particular interest to the oil and gas industry, as well as railroad and trucking companies handling hazardous or highly flammable materials.

 

“After careful analysis and rigorous testing, Grace chose u-blox GPS because of its high performance, reliability, and quality”, said Bob Campman, Vice President at Grace. “SuperCell SC500-GPS provides the ultimate level of confidence for companies with mobile workers in remote or hazardous locations, where safety and location can be monitored simultaneously”.

 

“Grace’s selection of u-blox GPS technology is a testimonial to the superiority of our products”, said Nikolaos Papadopoulos, President of u-blox America. “With the SC500-GPS, tasks such as aircraft fuelling or gas pipeline repairs can now be performed safely while offering companies peace of mind and better insurance terms.”

             

About Grace Industries Inc.

Grace designs and manufactures a comprehensive line of high performance electronic life safety products for applications including firefighting, industrial safety, security, mining and railroad amongst other industrial and commercial markets. Further information on Grace Industries and the SuperCell model SC500-GPS can be obtained by calling, 1-800-969-6933 or online at www.graceindustries.com

 

About u-blox

u-blox is a leading fabless semiconductor provider of embedded positioning and wireless communication solutions for the consumer, i

Reston, VA and Fredonia, PA, USA - Feb. 7, 2012 - u-blox, the Swiss positioning and wireless chip and module company, has been chosen as the GPS technology provider for Grace Industries, a manufacturer of mission-critical personal safety devices. Grace’s latest intrinsically-safe personal tracker, the SuperCell® SC500-GPS, relies on u-blox 6 GPS technology to report critical location data of remote workers.

SuperCell® SC500-GPS is a networked, motion-sensing, two-way emergency radio device with automatic “man-down” alarm. The device is used in critical safety applications where a worker’s location and safety status needs continuous monitoring. With its intrinsically safe, ignition-proof design, the device is of particular interest to the oil and gas industry, as well as railroad and trucking companies handling hazardous or highly flammable materials.

“After careful analysis and rigorous testing, Grace chose u-blox GPS because of its high performance, reliability, and quality”, said Bob Campman, Vice President at Grace. “SuperCell SC500-GPS provides the ultimate level of confidence for companies with mobile workers in remote or hazardous locations, where safety and location can be monitored simultaneously”.


“Grace’s selection of u-blox GPS technology is a testimonial to the superiority of our products”, said Nikolaos Papadopoulos, President of u-blox America. “With the SC500-GPS, tasks such as aircraft fuelling or gas pipeline repairs can now be performed safely while offering companies peace of mind and better insurance terms.”


About Grace Industries Inc.

Grace designs and manufactures a comprehensive line of high performance electronic life safety products for applications including firefighting, industrial safety, security, mining and railroad amongst other industrial and commercial markets. Further information on Grace Industries and the SuperCell model SC500-GPS can be obtained by calling, 1-800-969-6933 or online at www.graceindustries.com

About u-blox
u-blox is a leading fabless semiconductor provider of embedded positioning and wireless communication solutions for the consumer, industrial and automotive markets. Our solutions enable people, devices, vehicles and machines to locate their exact position and wirelessly communicate via voice, text or video. With a broad portfolio of GPS modules, chips, and software solutions together with wireless modules and solutions, u-blox is uniquely positioned to enable OEMs to develop innovative solutions quickly and cost-effectively. Headquartered in Switzerland and with global presence in Europe, Asia and the Americas, u‑blox employs approximately 210 people. Founded in 1997, u-blox is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange.
(www.u-blox.com)

u-blox contact
Nikolaos Papadopoulos, President, u-blox America
Phone: +1 703 483 3180
E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Grace Industries contact
Victoria Lenzi, Marketing Assistant
Phone: +1 724 962 9231
E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

ndustrial and automotive markets. Our solutions enable people, devices, vehicles and machines to locate their exact position and wirelessly communicate via voice, text or video. With a broad portfolio of GPS modules, chips, and software solutions together with wireless modules and solutions, u-blox is uniquely positioned to enable OEMs to develop innovative solutions quickly and cost-effectively. Headquartered in Switzerland and with global presence in Europe, Asia and the Americas, u‑blox employs approximately 210 people. Founded in 1997, u-blox is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange.
(www.u-blox.com)

 

u-blox contact
Nikolaos Papadopoulos, President, u-blox America

Phone: +1 703 483 3180

E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it    

Grace Industries contact
Victoria Lenzi, Marketing Assistant

Phone: +1 724 962 9231

E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

 

u-blox at a glance

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