Texas Instruments has announced a new single-chip device that aims to drive GPS applications onto mainstream mobile phones. Bearing the name of NaviLink 5.0 NL5350, the solution has a footprint of 25mm2 and delivers the industry's smallest solution as size with the lowest bill of materials so far, thus making GPS more affordable and aiming to accelerate the GPS' adoption in mobile phones. Its receiver architecture will provide fast 'time to first fix' in weak signal conditions that one encounters in metropolitan areas or deep indoor environments.

The solution comes with support for both assisted GPS and stand-alone models of operation. Unlike other GPS architectures, it will require minimal host loading and memory and provide system design flexibility as well as reduced power consumption. This is why it should be popular among phone manufacturers that are deeply concerned with these factors.

With the help of NaviLink 5.0, users will be able to access information about services or businesses nearby including movie theaters, gas stations, ATMs and others or establish the location of other users such as family members or friends. It is quite easy to integrate in mobile phones as it exceeds 3GPP and OMA SUPL performance requirements.

"Most consumers are familiar with accessing navigation data from their in-car systems and via the Internet. With TI's high-performance NaviLink 5.0 solution, we enable handset manufacturers to offer affordable personal navigation systems and applications in mobile phones for on-the-go consumers anytime, anywhere," said Marc Cetto, general manager of TI's Mobile Connectivity Solutions business.

Several companies are currently focusing on pushing GPS capabilities onto most mobile devices, and in the near future, many such devices should hit the market. TI's NaviLink 5.0 solution is scheduled to become available during the fourth quarter of this year.