Epson has developed an ultra-sensitive, ultra-compact global positioning system (GPS) module for mobile phones and other handsets with GPS functionality.

This product has been used for some time in all GPS-capable models of FOMA903i series phones released by NTT DoCoMo, Inc., contributing to the company’s services using GPS.

The S4E19863 series was developed using Epson’s technology and know-how relating to GPS baseband processors and A-GPS software. Epson claims its S4E19863 series is the world’s smallest GPS module (7 mm x 6 mm x 1.28 mm), making it ideal for applications with limited component space, such as mobile phones. Volume shipment has already begun.

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 world-class GPS positioning performance in any application and under any network environment.

“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.