FocalPoint Partners with STMicroelectronics for Enhanced GNSS Solutions in the Automotive Sector

FocalPoint, a UK-based software company specializing in next-generation positioning solutions for vehicles, wearables, and smartphones, has recently announced a strategic partnership with STMicroelectronics, a global leader in semiconductor manufacturing. This collaboration aims to deliver an improved Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) solution specifically tailored for the automotive industry. The fusion of FocalPoint's S-GNSS® Auto software with STMicroelectronics' Teseo chipsets is set to revolutionize navigation performance, enhancing GNSS accuracy and reliability in challenging environments, which is vital for the safety of autonomous vehicles.

Partnership Highlights

The partnership will integrate FocalPoint's innovative S-GNSS® Auto software—which is based on the cutting-edge Supercorrelation™ technology—with ST's Teseo devices, known for their high performance and multi-constellation support. This powerful combination promises to deliver industry-leading reliability and accuracy, surpassing existing commercial options in the market.

GNSS is an essential component in advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), providing absolute positioning data that enhances the overall driving experience. However, in urban canyons and forested roadways, GNSS accuracy can be severely affected by signal disturbances. FocalPoint's S-GNSS® Auto addresses this challenge, transforming GNSS into a reliable sensor capable of performing optimally in these difficult conditions. This technological leap allows automakers to harness the full capabilities of GNSS, extending the use of hands-free operations beyond open roads.

S-GNSS® Auto is delivered as a straightforward firmware update for the Teseo devices, making it a cost-effective and easy-to-adopt solution for manufacturers. This development is a crucial milestone for the growth and demand for FocalPoint's technology, following a recent strategic investment from GM Ventures and a collaboration with General Motors.

Industry Impact

Scott Pomerantz, Chief Executive Officer of FocalPoint, highlighted the importance of this partnership, stating, "The combination of FocalPoint's S-GNSS® Auto and ST's Teseo chipsets offers a robust approach for automakers looking to advance their ADAS technologies. The Teseo receivers are specifically optimized to fully exploit the advantages of S-GNSS® Auto, maximizing GNSS performance, improving system reliability, and enhancing accuracy where traditional GNSS systems often fail."

Luca Celant, General Manager of Digital Audio and Signal Solutions at STMicroelectronics, echoed this sentiment. He stated, "By integrating FocalPoint's S-GNSS® Auto software into our Teseo receivers, we enable OEMs to confidently advance automation while setting a new standard for navigation accuracy and reliability."

The results of this collaboration demonstrate promising outcomes: the combined solution from ST's Teseo devices and FocalPoint's S-GNSS® Auto increases measurement accuracy by four times and position accuracy by three times in challenging multi-path environments.

About FocalPoint

FocalPoint is headquartered in Cambridge, UK, with additional offices in Bristol and the United States. It specializes in next-generation GNSS positioning solutions for vehicles, wearables, and smartphones. Their patented Supercorrelation™ technology significantly enhances the accuracy, reliability, and security of radio receivers. FocalPoint's S-GNSS® Auto software is specifically designed for the automotive sector, providing the necessary GNSS reliability to drive forward vehicle autonomy. The company collaborates with leading chipset manufacturers and OEMs to enhance the capabilities of their devices, benefiting billions of users relying on precise location technology.

FocalPoint has received numerous accolades, including the Cars of the Future Award for Autonomous Driving 2024 in the V2X category, as well as recognitions from the UK Royal Institute of Navigation and the US Institute of Navigation.

For further information on this partnership and to access detailed results, please reach out to FocalPoint at [email protected].