Epson’s World-Leading GPS Technology to be Incorporated in NTT DoCoMo’s 905i Series Mobile Phones

Seiko Epson Corporation (“Epson”) today announced that all eight of the GPS-capable models in the 905i series mobile phones being released by NTT DoCoMo, Inc. will be incorporating the world-leading*1 A-GPS (Assisted Global Positioning System) reception technology*2 that Epson provides to mobile phone manufacturers for mobile phones and portable information terminals.


All GPS-capable mobile phones in the 90X series from the December 2006 release of the 903i series onward are equipped with Epson’s S4E19863*3 GPS module, of which a total of 12 million units have already been shipped.


The 905i series models scheduled for release at this time incorporate not only these GPS module but also integrated LSI that employ Epson’s advanced original GPS technology, and contribute to NTT DoCoMo’s ability to provide a broad range of advanced contents services using GPS.


Epson’s advanced original technology and know-how related to GPS baseband processors and A-GPS software have achieved a remarkably broad detection range capable of identifying signals ranging from strong outdoor signals to weak indoor signals, making possible a level of sensitivity that is several dozen times greater than that found in conventional GPS technology. Furthermore, as the module supports the three 3GPP-compliant positioning modes (MS-Based, MS-Assisted, and Autonomous), it is capable of delivering the world’s most advanced GPS positioning performance in any application and under any network environment. These technologies make it possible to obtain high-speed and high-precision positional information from locations that are indoors, outdoors, or within moving vehicles. Mobile phone users are thus provided with access to emergency support services and location-based services, and thereby have their needs and safety requirements fully met.


Epson will continue to proactively pursue new developments in the field of positional information technologies in order to provide its advanced original technologies to a wide variety of industries, including the mobile phone industry, as well as contribute to the further growth of the location-based services market.


Notes
*1 According to Epson’s research as of November 30, 2007.
*2 The GPS technology in this product was developed by Epson and eRide, Inc.
*3 The S4E19863 series is the industry’s smallest GPS module, measuring 7mm x 6mm x 1.28mm. (According to Epson’s research as of November 30, 2007.) It is equipped with peripheral components, such as SAW filters, that are essential to mobile phone handsets, and utilizes Epson’s technology for mounting in limited space.


About Epson
Epson is a global leader in imaging products including printers, 3LCD projectors and small- and medium-sized LCDs. With an innovative and creative culture, Epson is dedicated to exceeding the vision and expectations of customers worldwide with products known for their superior quality, functionality, compactness and energy efficiency.
Epson is a network of 87,626 employees in 117 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., the Group had consolidated sales of 1416 billion yen in fiscal 2006.