STMicroelectronics STA8090WGR

Overview

STA8090WGR from STMicroelectronics is a single-die, standalone GNSS System-on-Chip receiver supporting GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou-2, and QZSS with 48 tracking + 2 fast-acquisition channels, -163 dBm tracking sensitivity, and ARM946 MCU running up to 196 MHz - deployed in handheld computers, sports accessories, and data loggers for urban-canyon positioning.

For engineers reviewing the STA8090WGR datasheet, STA8090WGR pinout, STA8090WGR application, or STA8090WGR equivalent, key selection criteria include multi-constellation TTFF performance (<1 s hot start), WLCSP77 package integration (3.861 × 3.843 × 0.6 mm), dual-voltage I/O ring support (1.8 V / 3.3 V), and embedded PMU with switching regulator for battery-constrained designs.

Technical Context

The STA8090WGR integrates a dedicated RF front-end with LNA, VGA, and 3-bit sign-magnitude ADC for GPS (1575.42 MHz → 4.092 MHz), GLONASS (1601.718 MHz → 8.57 MHz), and BeiDou (1561.098 MHz → 10.23 MHz) downconversion. It embeds the G3BB+ baseband processor capable of simultaneous multi-constellation correlation and programmable channel allocation.

Its ARM946E-S subsystem includes 256 KB SRAM, 8× 32-bit timers, RTC, watchdog, three UARTs, one I²C master, one SSP (SPI-compatible), and GPIOs with configurable alternate functions. Power management supports VINL/VINB 1.6–4.3 V inputs, VDD 1.0–1.32 V digital core, and dual I/O voltage domains (1.8 V ±5 % or 3.3 V ±10 %).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

STA8090WGR uses a 77-ball Wafer-Level Chip Scale Package (WLCSP77) measuring 3.861 × 3.843 × 0.6 mm with 0.4 mm ball pitch. The package supports tape-and-reel handling and is optimized for low-inductance RF grounding and thermal dissipation in compact layouts.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar GNSS receiver applications.

Compared with u-blox UBX-M8030-KT and Qualcomm WGR7640, STA8090WGR uniquely combines multi-constellation GNSS, ARM946-based firmware execution, and WLCSP77 packaging - making it optimal for space-constrained, self-contained positioning modules where host processing resources are limited.

Availability

STA8090WGR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for handheld navigation devices, sports fitness trackers, asset tracking loggers, and telematics control units requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for STA8090WGR includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

STMicroelectronics is a global semiconductor leader headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, specializing in microcontrollers, analog ICs, MEMS, and automotive-grade chips with ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 certified manufacturing.

STA8090WGR belongs to the Teseo III family - designed specifically for cost-sensitive, size-constrained GNSS applications demanding high sensitivity, low power, and seamless multi-constellation interoperability without external memory or RF components.

FAQ

What GNSS constellations does STA8090WGR support natively?

STA8090WGR natively supports GPS (L1 C/A), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou-2 (B1I), and QZSS (L1 C/A) signals using its integrated G3BB+ baseband processor. It does not support Galileo or modernized BeiDou-3 signals. All four constellations are processed concurrently in hardware, enabling real-time multi-system position solutions without host CPU intervention.

Does STA8090WGR require an external crystal oscillator?

Yes - STA8090WGR requires a 32.768 kHz crystal connected between XTAL_IN and XTAL_OUT pins for RTC operation, and optionally a 10–52 MHz reference clock for enhanced timing stability. The internal oscillator amplifier drives the crystal directly; no external load capacitors are needed due to on-die tuning circuitry specified in DS12835 Rev 1 Section 4.8.3.

How is power managed during standby mode?

In standby mode, STA8090WGR powers down the RF front-end, baseband, and ARM946 core while retaining RTC operation and backup RAM via VINB supply. STDBY_OUT pin asserts low to signal host systems, and WAKEUP pin triggers exit using external interrupt or PPS edge. Backup domain current draw is typically 1.2 µA, enabling multi-year battery life in intermittent-tracking applications.

Can STA8090WGR interface directly with a 3.3 V microcontroller?

Yes - VDDIO_r1 and VDDIO_r2 support 3.3 V ±10 % operation, allowing direct connection to 3.3 V logic without level shifters. UART0_TX/RX, I2C_SD/CLK, and SPI signals are all referenced to VDDIO_r1/r2 domains. However, VDD (core) must remain within 1.0–1.32 V, and RF supplies (VCC_RFA/LNA) require clean 1.2 V ±10 % regulation per Section 4.6 of the datasheet.