Atheros: Atheros ROCm(R) GPS Technology Drives Fast Navigation in Mio(TM) and Magellan(R) PNDs
SANTA CLARA, CA--(Marketwire - April 14, 2009) - Atheros Communications, Inc. (
Atheros ROCm for Rapid, Precise Navigation
Atheros' AGPS technology speeds navigation, even in challenging multi-path and obscured-sky environments. In network-connected devices, this performance is achieved by quickly securing ephemeris information through Internet or cellular networks. For unconnected devices, ephemeris information that has been previously gathered from the satellites is stored and manipulated with algorithms to reliably predict satellite positions for up to five days. Consumers benefit from the convenience of quick, accurate mapping and navigation through this intelligent, self-predicted ephemeris, which requires no network connectivity or downloads.
To further enhance navigational performance, Atheros' patent-pending advanced parallel search technology leverages 12 highly sensitive tracking engines to reduce reacquisition times by nearly half and increase positional accuracy by more than 50 percent in challenging urban canyons. This unique search capability offers considerably lower power consumption versus competitive solutions that rely on thousands of correlators to calculate positioning that result in prolonged searches.
With the AR1511 and ORION 3.1 solution, users of Atheros-enabled Mio and Magellan PNDs can quickly gain access to navigational information and location-based services, typically resolving initial position fix in 3.5 seconds or less. Without Atheros' AGPS techniques, a PND could take up to two minutes before acquiring a satellite signal, negatively affecting navigation time and the user experience.
Install and Go for Fast, Easy Implementation
Atheros Install n Go offers system integrators quick configuration and easy installation of navigation software, employing simple text files to support mapping on virtually any type of mobile consumer device. A fully integrated version of the hosted ORION navigation software, to quickly enable GPS services, Install n Go automatically starts up in the background when the PND or handset's operating system boots.
With Install n Go, all navigation actions are processed on the Atheros AR1511 receiver chip. This frees the host CPU of real-time GPS processing requirements, allowing the ORION software to seamlessly run alongside other programs such as GPS mapping or multimedia applications.
"Atheros' unique solution architecture eliminated our need for additional software programming and enabled us to significantly reduce time to market with our new GPS product lines," said Samuel Wang, president of Mio Technology. "We are delivering a superior navigation experience by leveraging Atheros' ROCm GPS technology to enable fast location fixes and exceptional reliability for our customers."
GPS Options for Hosted and Standalone Designs
Atheros offers enhanced design flexibility with multiple options for either standalone or hosted applications. The Atheros AR1511 is available in both CSP and BGA packages. The Mio and Magellan PNDs are based on Atheros' CSP hosted solution.
"Today's consumers rank precise navigation, reliability and ease of use as among the leading deciding factors when purchasing a new GPS navigational device," said Patrick Connolly, GPS research director for IMS Research. "Atheros' enhanced GPS performance and accuracy will help deliver a great user experience in the new lines of Mio and Magellan PNDs."
"Atheros' newest ROCm GPS solution virtually eliminates the delay in time to first fix, providing users with precise location data instantly," said Amir Faintuch, vice president and general manager of Atheros' mobile business unit. "We are pleased to be working with leading brands in the GPS consumer market like Mio and Magellan to deliver a superior, hassle-free GPS experience."
The AR1511 and ORION 3.1 are featured in the new Mio and Magellan PNDs, which will be available in the U.S. this quarter.
About Atheros Communications, Inc.
Atheros Communications is a global leader in innovative technologies for wireless and wired communications. Atheros combines its wireless and networking systems expertise with high-performance radio frequency (RF), mixed signal and digital semiconductor design skills to provide highly integrated chipsets that are manufactured on low-cost, standard complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) processes. Atheros technology is used by a broad base of leading customers, including personal computer, networking equipment and consumer device manufacturers. For more information, please visit [ http://www.atheros.com ] or send email to [ info@atheros.com ].
Atheros, the Atheros logo, ROCm, and ORION are trademarks of Atheros Communications, Inc. All other trademarks mentioned in this document are the sole property of their respective owners.
NOTE ON FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS:
Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters set forth in this press release, including the features, benefits and performance of Atheros' products, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially, including, but not limited to, difficulties in the development of new and enhanced products, general economic conditions, the effects of competition and technological change, and the risks detailed in Atheros' Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 2008, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and in other reports filed with the SEC by Atheros from time to time. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof. Atheros disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements.