ALPS Develops and Commences Mass Production of HSCDTD004A 3-Axis Geomagnetic Sensor for Electronic Compass

Many of today's mobile phones and smartphones contain navigation applications or applications used to indicate a user's current location. To function, these applications require both a global positioning system (GPS), for pinpointing the user's location, and an electronic compass, for detecting the direction the device is facing. Geomagnetic sensors enabling the latter must be highly accurate in order to provide a reliable azimuth reading as well as have low current consumption for use with a limited power supply.



The HSCDTD004A geomagnetic sensor, with its high-precision magnetic element optimized to increase sensor output, generates 30% less noise than the earlier model. This has improved azimuth detection accuracy by approximately 40% and helps to reduce calibration time. Low current consumption (200 µA) is also realized.



Geomagnetic sensors in mobile phones and smartphones are increasingly susceptible to the effects of speakers and other components that generate magnetic fields because more and more functional components are being incorporated into these devices and PCBs are becoming smaller. The HSCDTD004A has a measurement range extended to ±1.2mT (millitesla), contributing to enhanced set layout flexibility within magnetic field environments. The product is compatible with Inter-Integrated Circuit (I2C) and Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI).



ALPS engages in independent algorithm development with an aim to create geomagnetic sensors that facilitate set design. Support for operating system drivers and embedded systems is offered in the form of novel software allowing completion of auto-calibration through simple procedures. ALPS also provides mounting and evaluation support, applying more than 40 years of technical involvement in magnetic design.



Features

Geomagnetic sensor for electronic compass realizing high azimuth accuracy



1. Azimuth accuracy* improved 40% using new high-precision magnetic element.

2. Noise reduced 30%, simplifying and shortening calibration.

3. Low current consumption (200 µA).

4. Software enables both azimuth and 3-axis angular velocity calculations.



Principal Applications

Electronic compasses for smartphones and digital cameras

Motion control for game consoles and head-mounted displays