Three-axis Compass IC orients maps on cell phones and PNDs.
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Press Release Summary:
Model HMC5843 chip-scale compass IC with 3-axis magnetic sensors enables display of compassing, pointing, and heading information, regardless of angle device is being held, enabling user to more easily and intuitively read digital maps. It incorporates 12 bit A/D converter and I2C serial bus interface in 4 x 4 x 1.3 mm SMT package. Interface allows for integration into devices with personal navigation or cell phone on-board microprocessor.
Original Press Release:
New Honeywell Integrated Chip Delivers Improved Accuracy and Location Readings for Mobile Phones and Navigation Devices
3-Axis Compass Provides Pointing and Orientation Information, Making It Easier and More Intuitive To Read Digital Maps on a Hand-Held Device
PHOENIX, Sept. 18 - Honeywell (NYSE:HON) has developed a new Integrated Circuit (IC) that enables compass pointing and location features in consumer electronics including mobile phones, personal navigation systems and portable auto navigation systems.
The Honeywell HMC5843 chip-scale 3-axis compass IC increases functionality in consumer electronics by providing expanded direction awareness when overlaid on GPS enabled maps.
"GPS enabled maps in cell phones show the user where they are located on a map. Our new chip's compassing feature will allow the map to orient in the direction the cell phone is facing enabling the user to more easily and intuitively read the digital maps," said Keith Nootbaar, Honeywell Microelectronics & Precision Sensor Senior Business Director.
"The 3-axis magnetic sensors enable the display of compassing, pointing and heading information regardless of the angle the device is being held," Nootbaar said. "Unlike older two-axis compass based hand-held GPS units that need to be held horizontally, Honeywell's HMC5843 three-axis compass allows the mobile phone or personal navigation device to be held in a more natural vertical or tilted position and compensates for the pitch and role of the hand-held device making the end product to be more user friendly," Nootbaar said.
The integrated circuit includes the three-axis Honeywell magnetoresistive sensors, a 12 bit analog to digital converter, and an I2C serial bus interface in a small, 4 x 4 x 1.3 mm surface mount chip-scale package utilizing Honeywell's patented manufacturing IP for the Z axis sensor. The new interface allows for easy integration into devices with the personal navigation or cell phone on-board microprocessor, while the small footprint allows for placement in even the smallest phones.
Honeywell International is a $38 billion diversified technology and manufacturing leader, serving customers worldwide with aerospace products and services; control technologies for buildings, homes and industry; automotive products; turbochargers; and specialty materials. Based in Morris Township, N.J., Honeywell's shares are traded on the New York, London and Chicago Stock Exchanges. For additional information, please visit http://www.honeywell.com/.
Based in Phoenix, Honeywell's aerospace business is a leading global provider of integrated avionics, engines, systems and service solutions for aircraft manufacturers, airlines, business and general aviation, military, space and airport operations.
