Epson’s Ultra-Compact GPS Module

Seiko Epson Corp. has developed an ultra-sensitive, ultra-compact 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, the product has been loaded in all GPS-capable models of the FOMA903i series phones recently released by DoCoMo. According to the companies press release this chip is the world’s smallest commercial GPS module at 7 mm x 6 mm x 1.28 mm.

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 performance2 in any application and under any network environment.

[As the Japan Federal mandate, to include GPS on all new handsets sold as of April 1st 2007, looms we expect to see much more activity in this area going forward — Eds]