Maxim unveils first fully programmable universal GNSS receiver

According to Maxim, the MAX2769B and MAX2670 receivers are capable of operating over the GPS, GLONASS, Galileo and compass navigation standards, and have completed PPAP and AEC-Q100 approval. The MAX2670 is a dual stage low noise amplifier typically located in or close to the antenna module, while the MAX2769B resides within the dashboard as the receiver. Maxim claims that the MAX2769B boasts the industry's lowest noise figure of only 1.4dB, a critical element designed to dominate the overall receiver sensitivity and enable faster satellite locking. The MAX2670 allows external filtering between first and second stage, providing flexibility for system optimisation. According to Maxim, its high integration eliminates large, expensive, discrete transistor solutions. Both devices are designed on Maxim's advanced, low power SiGe BiCMOS process technology and are compatible with virtually all GNSS baseband hardware and GNSS software based receiver designs. "These innovative navigation and active antenna rf products complement our existing radio, tv, lna and vco offerings for the automotive infotainment market," said William Chu, business director at Maxim Integrated Products. "Maxim is devoted to advancing performance standards and offering high value solutions to the automotive and industrial markets – the MAX2769B and MAX2670 are just a few examples of this." The MAX2769B is designed to eliminate the need for external IF filters by implementing on chip monolithic filters and requires very few external components to implement a low cost GNSS rf receiver solution. Its integrated a/d converter, which is programmable from one to three bits, makes it configurable, with Maxim describing the device as 'the most flexible receiver on the market'.