Navigation module combines a GNSS IC, IMU, and dead reckoning

STMicroelectronics has expanded its Teseo module family with the introduction of the Teseo-VIC3DA. The automotive-qualified navigation module combines ST’s automotive Teseo III GNSS IC with an automotive six-axis MEMS inertial measurement unit (IMU) and dead-reckoning software. With multi-constellation awareness, Teseo III offers high-accuracy positioning capabilities by simultaneously receiving signals from GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, BeiDou, and QZSS constellations.

Click for a larger image. (Source: STMicroelectronics)

Thanks to the combination of ST’s Teseo III, IMU, and dead reckoning, the Teseo-VIC3DA ensures extremely accurate positioning performance in critical environments like tunnels, beneath structures such as bridges or multi-level highways, in covered areas such as underground parking lots, and even in urban canyons between tall buildings, said ST. In addition, the 6-axis automotive-grade MEMS IC offers super-high-resolution motion tracking for advanced vehicle navigation and telematics applications.

The Teseo-VIC3DA navigation module operates from 3.3 V, helping to simplify system integration, and has a standby mode that draws only 17 µA to minimize demand on the vehicle’s electrical supply.

With a highly accurate integrated temperature compensated crystal oscillator (TCXO), the module achieves excellent accuracy of 1.5 m CEP2 for typical automotive use cases, said ST. In addition, a dedicated real-time clock (RTC) oscillator helps ensure fast time to first fix (TTFF).

Teseo-VIC3DA navigation module block diagram (Source: STMicroelectronics)

The Teseo-VIC3DA comes with firmware pre-loaded onto the built-in Flash memory and can be updated with new firmware as necessary using the free TESEO-SUITE software. The navigation module can provide up to 30 Hz dead-reckoning fix-rate and features very low latency to reduce the UART-channel jitter. It can autonomously work with and without odometer information.

The Teseo-VIC3DA is tested and certified by ST according to the EU’s Radio Equipment Directive (RED), applicable ETSI standards, and EN safety standards, helping customers achieve mandatory product-level approvals.

The Teseo-VIC3DA, supplied in a 16.0 × 12.2 × 2.42-mm 24-pin LCC package, is in production now. Budgetary pricing is from $12.70 per 1,000 pieces. ST also offers a USB-powered evaluation platform, EVB-VIC3DA, for development.