ALPS: Development and Mass Production of the HSCD Series 3-axis Geomagnetic Sensor with Angular Velocity Detection

Combined Gyro and Electronic Compass Functions in a Single Package

Duesseldorf, Germany, December 17, 2009 - ALPS ELECTRIC EUROPE GmbH has developed the HSCD Series 3-axis Geomagnetic Sensor with Angular Velocity Detection for use in such compact portable devices as mobile phones and wristwatches. Mass production commenced in December 2009. Most of the latest mobile phone models are equipped with GPS, enabling the use of features such as current location indicators and navigation applications. Moreover, an increasing number of models are being fitted with added-value entertainment capabilities including motion applications that operate by waving, tilting or other swinging manipulations of the mobile phone unit. Bringing these kinds of features to fruition necessitates sensors that detect the direction in which the user is moving, the tilt of the mobile phone and the speed of the tilt itself. Thanks to its ability to detect geomagnetism in three axes, the HSCD Series is a geomagnetic sensor equipped with not only an electronic compass function, but also an angular velocity detection function. In electronic compass mode, stable directional detection accuracy is achieved by utilizing magnetic elements within the proprietary structure created by ALPS. Furthermore, entertainment applications increasingly require the detection of angular velocity, which measures the angle of motion and operating speed. For that reason, consideration was given to a gyro sensor, but that still left the challenge of making the gyro more compact for installation in small portable devices and reducing energy consumption. By processing data detected on three-directional geomagnetic axes using proprietary software developed by ALPS, the HSCD Series realizes an angular velocity detection function through triangulation, namely a gyro function. Combining these angular velocity detection and electronic compass functions in a single package reduces the size of the mounting area, as fewer components need to be installed, and lowers power consumption. It is envisaged that the HSCD Series will be installed in a variety of compact devices, and thus resistance to external interference has been improved by building ALPS’ proprietary shield structure into its sensor element. As the number of functioning components increases in such products as mobile phones, and as progress continues in making circuit boards more compact, it is becoming easier for geomagnetic sensors to be affected by parts that generate magnetic fields, such as speakers. The proprietary shield, however, minimizes the effects of the magnetic fields emanating from other components. Features Combines angular velocity detection and electronic compass functions in a single package 1.    Enables accurate detection of geomagnetism through integration of highly reliable magnetic elements 2.    Angular velocity detection and electronic compass functions in a single component made compatible by utilizing ALPS ELECTRIC’s proprietary software 3.    Achieves high resistance to external interference with its proprietary shield structure Principal Applications Navigation functions in compact portable devices Motion sensing in mobile phones, etc. (games, sports, etc.) Specifications Product name: HSCD Series Dimensions (W × D × H): 2.5mm × 2.5mm × 0.7mm Magnetic field measurement range: ±0.6mT Output resolution: 0.5 µT / LSB Operating temperature: -20°C to +85°C Supply voltage (analog): 2.5V type Supply voltage (digital): 1.8V type Average current consumption (when active):Max. 200 µA Average current consumption (when on standby): Max. 5 µA For more information on the new the product please visit www.alps.com/products/e/npv_product/091211_HSCD/HSCD_E.PDF]

ALPS Electric Co., Ltd. Since its establishment in 1948 ALPS has grown as a comprehensive manufacturer of electronic components. At present ALPS is creating innovative high-value-added products in its main business segments – Components, Magnetic Devices, Communications, Peripheral Products, and Automotive Electronics – which are contributing to the advance of a digital society. ALPS is a global company that carries out its operations with 23 production bases in 9 countries as well as 57 sales bases in 14 countries. Consolidated net sales in the year ended March 31, 2008 amounted to YEN 693 billion. ALPS ELECTRIC EUROPE GmbH, a subsidiary of ALPS Electric Co., Ltd., was established in 1979. Since 1989, the European Head Office has been located in Düsseldorf, where a team of specialists works in Sales, Marketing, and Product Engineering. The activities of our branch offices in Munich, Paris and Milton Keynes, Stockholm, Gothenburg, our sales office in Milan and our European distribution work are co-ordinated from Düsseldorf.