Epson develops world's smallest gyro-sensor

Seiko Epson Corporation announced that a joint development effort with NGK
Insulators has succeeded in developing the smallest gyro-sensor (with built-in
drive circuit) of its kind in the world. The XV-3500CB, as the new gyro-sensor
is being called, is scheduled to enter volume production in December 2004 and
represents Epson's first salvo in a battle to expand the scope of its quartz
crystal device business.

The new gyro sensor boasts unprecedented stability thanks to the use of a
mono-crystalline quartz crystal for the newly developed gyro element. By
leveraging Epson's original crystal microprocessing technology, low-power
analog circuit technology, and packaging technology, the joint development team
was able to achieve a gyro sensor measuring just 5.0 mm x 3.2 mm x 1.3 mm,
making it the world's smallest gyro-sensor with built-in drive circuitry.

This sub-miniature angular velocity sensor is ideally designed for use in
systems that correct camera vibrations. The sensor will enable compact digital
cameras, camera-phones, and other products to be equipped with a
high-performance motion correction feature.

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FEATURES OF NEW GYRO SENSOR

Subminiature SMD (surface mounted device) structure (with built-in drive
and detection circuits)