Epson, Infineon prep ultra-small phone GPS chip
updated 09:20 am EST, Thu February 12, 2009
Epson Infineon XPOSYS GPS
Epson and Infineon today published first details of a new chip they hope will make GPS more commonplace in phones. The XPOSYS is one of the smallest single-chip GPS processors ever and measures just 26mm square (0.04in square) thanks to being built on a 65 nanometer manufacturing process. Shrinking the design not only lets GPS fit into smaller devices but cuts power use by about half versus earlier mobile GPS chips and thus prevents the heavy battery drain common to most cellphone-level GPS.
Parts are also less expensive to make and are simultaneously more sensitive to satellites, giving them a quicker lock-in time and better accuracy in areas where buildings create interference.
Both of the involved companies say that XPOSYS chips are already being delivered in production samples, though bulk shipments aren't expected to start until the middle of the year. Cellphone manufacturers using the chip haven't been mentioned, though Apple currently uses an Infineon Hammerhead II unit in the iPhone 3G for its navigation. [via Tech-On]
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Nov 1999
26mm?
Well 26mm would be over an inch
0.04in would be about 1mm
The actual illustration says 2.8 x 2.9 mm for the package