Qualcomm has announced a family of three pin-compatible system-on-chips (SoCs) based on an ARM11 core. Built on 65-nanometer process technology, the QST 1000, 1100, and 1105 feature “sensor-augmented” GPS, available cellular connectivity and 3D graphics, and optional mobile TV support, according to the company.

The difference between the pin-compatible products is that the QST 1000, targeting non-connected devices, lacks cellular capabilities, while the 1100 lacks 3D graphics. The 1105 offers both, and also TV output. It provides graphics performance of up to 2.8 million triangles per second, Qualcomm says.

All three SoCs include an ARM11-based applications processor that is clocked at 528MHz and runs Linux, Windows Mobile, or Windows CE. A single memory subsystem supports the cellular baseband, application processor, and GPS functionality. It offers compatibility with Low Power Double Data Rate (LPDDR) RAM, NAND flash memory, and SD/MMC, according to the company.

A hallmark of Qualcomm SoCs has been their integrated GPS support, and that continues here. The QST products include what the company terms its “seventh generation” gpsOne technology. Both standalone and Internet-assisted GPS are available, and “gpsOne Xtra” is said to enhance GPS performance while out of network coverage areas for up to seven days.

Another interesting possibility for boosting GPS performance is via external accelerometer, gyro, and pressure sensors, Qualcomm says. Along with providing an interface for these, the QST 1000, 1100, and 1105 support the addition of 802.11 wireless networking, Bluetooth 2.1, USB 2.0, and an FM radio receiver. All three chipsets also operate with an optional “universal broadcast modem” that can receive broadcasts in MediaFLO, Satellite Digital Multimedia Broadcasting (SDMB), Integrated Services Digital Broadcasting (ISDB), Terrestrial Digital Multimedia Broadcasting (T-DMB), and Digital Video Broadcasting Handheld (DVB-H) Terrestrial Digital Multimedia Broadcasting (T-DMB), and Digital Video Broadcasting Handheld (DVB-H) formats.

Availability

Qualcomm did not provide pricing or availability information for the SoCs themselves, but noted that the first commercial devices based on the QST family are sampling now and expected to launch later this year. Mio Technology, which has specialized in GPS-equipped phones, will use the QST1100 in a forthcoming connected personal navigation device (PND), Qualcomm added.

 
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