Broadcom’s newest chip makes global navigation for cars more accurate

Navigating with your in-vehicle mapping system is still pretty frustrating. So Broadcom is unveiling a new automotive chip that will improve the accuracy and power efficiency of global navigation.

The Irvine, California-based chip maker, which is in the process of being acquired by Avago Technologies for $37 billion, will show off the chip and a few others at the 2016 International CES, the big tech trade show this week in Las Vegas.

The BCM89774 provides better location and positioning while lowering power consumption for in-vehicle applications and reducing costs for car makers. It does so through simultaneous tri-band reception of all visible GNSS satellites, which access satellites deployed by the U.S., Russia, China, and Europe. The chip integrates a sensor hub and central processing unit (CPU) to reduce power consumption, and it is designed specifically to handle automotive requirements.

Market researcher Strategy Analytics estimates that car satellite system shipments are expected to more than double by 2022. The BCM89774 chip is currently available in sample quantities.

Broadcom also announced at CES a new combination chip that provides low-power Wi-Fi and Bluetooth wireless connectivity. That chip has three times longer battery life compared to previous Broadcom combo chips. And the company also showed off a near-field communications controller, which makes global payments more secure. It also leads to faster transaction times and greater range for NFC readers.