#Cambridge #United Kingdom #STMicroelectronics #GNSS #FocalPoint

FocalPoint and STMicroelectronics Form Strategic Partnership

In a significant move to bolster the reliability of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) for automotive applications, FocalPoint, a frontrunner in GNSS software based in the UK, has entered into a commercial agreement with STMicroelectronics. This collaboration aims to improve vehicle positioning in challenging GNSS environments, particularly beneficial for self-driving and connected vehicles.

The newly formed partnership combines FocalPoint's award-winning S-GNSS® Auto software with STMicroelectronics' Teseo hardware, resulting in a robust solution that promises to deliver precise location accuracy even in complex urban settings. This includes scenarios like urban canyons formed by tall buildings, tree-lined streets, and other areas where traditional GNSS systems may struggle to maintain dependable performance.

Enhanced GNSS Reliability

With the integration of FocalPoint's patented Supercorrelation® technology, the S-GNSS® software has consistently demonstrated significant accuracy improvements under challenging test conditions characterized by multipath effects and degraded signals. In recent trials, the S-GNSS® Auto solution exhibited superior performance compared to conventional standard solutions, providing a competitive edge for automotive manufacturers and suppliers.

“The establishment of this business partnership with STMicroelectronics marks an important turning point for FocalPoint,” said Scott Pomerantz, CEO of FocalPoint. “This collaboration effectively addresses the GNSS reliability challenges many OEMs face in developing their Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). By working together, we are paving the way for safer and more reliable autonomous vehicles.”

The solution will be available as a simple firmware upgrade for ST’s Teseo devices, enabling automotive manufacturers to broaden their suite of ADAS functionalities without incurring substantial costs. This facilitates the enhancement of positioning accuracy, critical for advancing automated and networked driving systems significantly.

Future Prospects of the Partnership

Moreover, Luca Celant, General Manager of Digital Audio and Signal Solutions Division at STMicroelectronics, emphasized the advantages of expanding the Teseo product range to incorporate the S-GNSS® technology. “By leveraging the flexibility of Teseo's open platform, our new products will exceed the performance limits of traditional GNSS receivers, offering genuine competitive advantages in the market.”

Incorporating innovations such as Precise+®, both companies aim to ensure sub-meter accuracy even in the harshest conditions, driving forward the development of ADAS and Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) capabilities safely and effectively.

As part of its commitment to enhancing navigation and enabling safer autonomous vehicle operations, FocalPoint is now a key partner within ST, further solidifying its position in the GNSS software landscape. With evaluation kits (EVKs) featuring S-GNSS® Auto software available for OEMs, Tier-1 suppliers, and ecosystem partners, this strategic partnership is expected to yield substantial advancements in GNSS reliability for automotive applications around the globe.

FocalPoint is headquartered in Cambridge, UK, and has received multiple accolades from organizations such as the Royal Institute of Navigation and the Institute of Navigation, recognized for its innovative GNSS software solutions. Interested parties can find more information on the official FocalPoint website. For inquiries regarding the S-GNSS® Auto software and evaluation kits, interested OEMs can contact FocalPoint directly at [email protected].

With these developments, the automotive industry stands on the brink of a major enhancement in the reliability of navigation systems, fueling advancements in autonomous vehicle technologies.