Epson Develops Ultra-Sensitive, Ultra-Compact GPS Module for Mobile Handsets

December 18th, 2006

Seiko Epson Corporation has developed an ultra-sensitive, ultra-compact global positioning system (GPS) module to meet high demand from manufacturers of mobile phones and other handsets with GPS functionality.

Volume shipment of the S4E19863 series has already begun. This product has been used for some time in all GPS-capable models of FOMA903i series phones released by NTT DoCoMo, Inc., contributing to the company's services using GPS.

The S4E19863 series was developed using Epson's advanced original technology and know-how relating to GPS baseband processors and A-GPS software.

Featuring a remarkably broad detection range capable of identifying both strong outdoor signals and weak indoor signals, the new module far outstrips the levels of sensitivity found in conventional GPS technology. The module also supports the three 3GPP-compliant positioning modes (MS-Based, MS-Assisted and Autonomous), for world-class GPS positioning performance in any application and under any network environment.

Moreover, thanks to clever use of space-saving technology the S4E19863 series is the world's smallest GPS module (7 mm x 6 mm x 1.28 mm), making it ideal for applications with limited component space, such as mobile phones.

Source: Epson