Yamaha Enhances Its Geomagnetic Sensor Lineup with YAS530 Triaxial Geomagnetic IC Chip

- Mass Production and Shipments to Begin in April 2011 -

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Mar 09, 2011, 12:00 ET

TOKYO, March 9, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Yamaha Corporation announced on March 9 that it would begin mass production and shipments of its new triaxial geomagnetic sensor IC for smartphones and tablet PCs in April 2011.

The new YAS530 triaxial geomagnetic sensor IC will have a wide range of uses, from navigation apps that require GPS, AR (augmented reality) apps, games that utilize a gyro sensor and more. The YAS530 has a dynamic range that is approximately 300% that of the currently available YAS529, and higher resolution and reduced power consumption are now possible with pin compatibility. Yamaha is also planning to develop smaller-sized products that further reduce the mounting area on the PCB.

By providing auto-calibration software (1) with a proprietary algorithm used in its legacy products, Yamaha can provide an array of support services including timely driver updates for various operating systems and technical support for geomagnetic sensor IC chips, while meeting the needs of customers and making the design process easier for ODMs/OEMs.

Yamaha plans to meet the needs of the growing geomagnetic sensor IC chip market by developing high-performance products fitted for small packages. Also on the horizon at Yamaha is sensor-fusion software (2) technology which supports multiple sensors.

The YAS530 is now available on a limited trial basis but mass production is slated to begin in April 2011 to reach a broader customer base.

In July 2005, Yamaha began shipping its YAS529, the world's smallest class of triaxial geomagnetic sensor IC chips. The sensor acquired a favorable reputation in GPS compatible mobile devices and portable navigation devices. In recent years, there are increasing needs for geomagnetic sensors in smartphones and tablet PCs for LBS (location-based services) applications and shipments are increasing yearly. The PCB layout for smartphones and other devices is small and there is magnetic interference from the other parts so a wide dynamic range is required.

(Notes)
(1)	With Yamaha's high-performance algorithm that makes auto-calibration possible, difficult operations normally required for calibration of geomagnetic sensors are simplified.

(2)	Simultaneous and complementary fusion of data enables a high-powered user- friendly interface and data output.


Specifications:
* Triaxial geomagnetic sensor
* I2C host interface
* Wide dynamic range: +/- 800uT (micro Tesla, typ. value)
* Resolution: 0.15uT (X, Y), 0.3uT (Z)
* Consumption current during operation: 4mA (When Measuring)
* Measuring time: 1.5ms
* Operating temperature: - 40 to 95 C
* Package size: 10-pin WLCSP package 2.0x2.0x0.8mm

Sales Target:

100 million pieces annually

Contact:
Media inquiries
Masahiko Maruhashi
Public Relations Group, Public Relations Division
Yamaha Corporation
Tel: +81-3-5488-6601
e-mail: [email protected]

General inquiries
Kenny Aoki
Strategic Marketing Manager
Semiconductor Division
Yamaha Corporation
Tel: +81-539-62-4918
e-mail: [email protected]