Geomagnetic sensor suits mobile phone use

The HSCD series can precisely read extremely weak magnetic fields, or geomagnetism, to accurately detect direction.

Alps Electric has developed the HSCD geomagnetic sensor for use in portable devices such as mobile phones and wristwatches.

More and more of the latest models of mobile phones are being equipped with functions such as GPS location indicators and navigation systems.

Mobile phones with these functions make navigation easy because in contrast to ordinary maps that use "north" as a point of reference, these systems use the direction the user is facing as the point of reference.

In order to provide this function, these devices require a geomagnetic sensor to detect the direction in which users are moving.

Mobile phones are not usually held parallel to the earth during usage, but rather slightly tilted upward.

Consequently, there is demand for devices that are able to compensate for this tilt, in order to accurately indicate a user's location while maintaining ease of use.

Alps Electric's new HSCD series features a tilt compensation function and meets the industry standard for sensors that measure 2.5 x 2.5 x 0.7mm.

Alps Electric achieved this small size and thinness by applying its high-precision, high-density mounting technologies.

Furthermore, a highly reliable magnetic element that realises higher sensitivity detection than other magnetic elements has been integrated in a three-axis-type direction detector for forward/backward, left/right and vertical directions.

Consequently, the HSCD series can precisely read extremely weak magnetic fields, or geomagnetism, to accurately detect direction.

Alps Electric applied its algorithms to realise a tilt compensation function.

The application of these algorithms also cut down on the need for parts and packaging for the tilt compensation function and for acceleration sensors, enabling a compact size and reduced number of parts.

As a result, Alps Electric is able to offer a low-priced geomagnetic sensor.

Mobile phones use rechargeable or dry cell batteries and have only a limited supply of power, so in order to reduce the amount of power used, the HSCD series Geomagnetic Sensor has been designed to realise low current consumption by optimising digital and other circuitry.

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