|
|
August 2
News Release
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Epson Develops World's Smallest Gyro-Sensor
- TOKYO, Japan, August 2, 2004 -
Seiko Epson Corporation ("Epson") today announced that a joint development effort with NGK Insulators, Ltd. ("NGK") has succeeded in developing the smallest*1 gyro-sensor of its kind in the world. The XV-3500CB, as the new gyro-sensor is being called, is scheduled to enter volume production in December 2004 and represents Epson's first salvo in a battle to expand the scope of its quartz crystal device business.
The new gyro sensor boasts unprecedented stability thanks to the use of a monocrystalline quartz crystal for the newly developed gyro element. By leveraging Epson's original crystal microprocessing technology, low-power analog circuit technology, and packaging technology, the joint development team was able to achieve a gyro sensor measuring just 5.0 mm x 3.2 mm x 1.3 mm, making it the world's smallest gyro-sensor with built-in drive circuitry.
This subminiature angular velocity sensor is ideally designed for use in systems that correct camera vibrations. The sensor will enable compact digital cameras, camera-phones, and other products to be equipped with a high-performance motion correction feature.
Epson is looking beyond its conventional domain in the timing-device market and is actively participating in the sensor market, which it has targeted as a new business area. Going forward, the company's efforts will be directed further toward the development of new products using motion detection sensors. Product development efforts will range from game machines, remote-control security devices, and so forth on the low end, all the way to navigation systems, attitude-control (gyroscope) applications and similar systems on the high end.
Please refer to the attachment
for the principal features and specifications of the product.
*1: Smallest gyro sensor with built-in drive circuit (as of Aug. 2, 2004, according to Epson research)
Attachment
Features of the newly developed XV-3500CB Gyro Sensor
1. Subminiature SMD (surface mounted device) structure (with built-in drive and detection circuits)
2. Outstanding stability provided by a quartz crystal as the sensor element
3. Sleep mode achieves both low power consumption and a short startup time
4. Airtight structure for excellent environmental resistance and 100% lead-free applications.
General specifications
| Item |
Specification |
Unit |
| Operating voltage |
2.7 to 3.3 |
V |
| Output in stationary state |
1.35 |
V
|
| Detection range |
100 |
deg./sec |
| Sensitivity |
0.67 |
mV/deg./sec |
| Linearity |
 5 |
%FS |
| Package size |
5.0 x 3.2 x 1.3 |
mm |
NGK Insulators, Ltd.
Location of Head Office: Mizuho-ku, Nagoya
Established: 1919
Paid-in capital: 69.8 billion yen (March 2004)
Employees: 3,556 persons (March 2004)
Business lines: Insulators and other power-related apparatuses, industrial ceramics products, manufacture and sale of special-metal products, and plant engineering business
Representative: Shun Matsushita, president
Website: http://www.ngk.co.jp/english/index.html
About Epson
The Epson Group increases its corporate value through its innovative and creative culture. Dedicated to providing its customers with digital image innovation, its main product lines comprise information-related equipment such as printers and projectors, electronic devices including displays, liquid crystal panels for projectors, semiconductors and quartz devices, and precision products such as watches. Epson products are known throughout the world for their superior quality, functionality, compactness and energy efficiency.
The Epson Group is a network of 84,899 employees in 110 companies around the world, and is proud of its ongoing contributions to the global environment and to the communities in which it is located. Led by the Japan-based Seiko Epson Corp., which is listed on the First Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange, the Group had consolidated sales of 1,413 billion yen in fiscal 2003.
Contacts
Seiko Epson Corp.
Corporate Communications
Contact us by e-mail
http://www.epson.co.jp/
|
|
