14 DAY TRIAL // Seiko Epson Corporation announced it has developed an ultra-sensitive, ultra-compact GPS module for mobile phones and other handsets with GPS functionality. The S4E19863 series has already been used in all the GPS-enabled models of FOMA903i series released by NTT DoCoMo.
The GPS module was developed using Epson's advanced technology related to GPS baseband and A-GPS software. Featuring a broad detection range capable of identifying both strong outdoor signals and weak indoor signals, the new module 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 improved GPS positioning performance in any application and under any network environment. Moreover, due to Epson's space-saving technology, the S4E19863 series is the world's smallest GPS module (7 mm x 6 mm x 1.28 mm), making it well suited for applications with limited component space, such as mobile phones.
"Using its cutting-edge technology and extensive experience with ultra-sensitive GPS solutions, Epson helped us to achieve outstanding positioning performance in a compact package for our FOMA903i series phones. I have high hopes for Epson's future technology development in the field of GPS solutions," said Kiyohito Nagata, Vice President and Managing Director, Product Department, NTT DoCoMo.
"For the F903i, combining Fujitsu's existing technology and experience in GPS-capable handsets with Epson's cutting-edge technology enabled us to achieve advanced positioning functionality. I look forward to seeing even higher levels of sensitivity and performance from Epson's positioning technology in the future," Takushi Mikami, General Manager, Mobile Phones Division, Mobile Phones Unit, Fujitsu.