Tiny 3 Axis Electronic Compass - AK8973S- Asahi Kasei

Asahi Kasei Microsystems (AKM) introduced the AK8973S, a tiny 3-axis electronic compass chip. The dimension of this electronic compass is only 2.5 x 2.5 x 0.5 mm. Application of this chip includes navigation systems, cell phones and gaming.

The AK8973S electronic compass will be on display at Sensor Expo Japan 2007 from April 4 to 6 in Tokyo

Asahi’s previous electronic compass, the AK8970N Electronic Compass have been employed in more than fifteen handset models throughout the world. Asahi’s 3-axis electronic compasses is based on Dynamic Offset Estimation (DOE) algorithm. It has capability to automatically compensate surrounded unwanted  magnetic field.

Other interesting Asahi’s product is 6 axis AK8976A Electronic Compass Chip, an extension of the development work which resulted in the AK8970 and AK8970N 3-axis electronic compass. Here you can find some interesting application of geomagnetic sensors.

Key features of the AK8973S Electronic Compass Chip:

• 3 axis magnetic field measurement in single chip
• Suitable for cellular handsets
• Software compatibility with previous Kasei’s electronic compasses
• Eliminating complex adjustment
• Digital interface with internal A/D converter compatible with 2-line I2C bus
• Internal oscillator circuitry - no clock input required
• Internal EEPROM for recording geomagnetic sensor sensitivity adjustment data, etc.
• Internal temperature sensor with 8-bit digital output
• Low power consumption - 0.8 mA average, 6.4 mA during magnetic sensor operation.

Source: Electronic Compass - Asahi Kasei Microsystems