Alps Electric Released Highly Reliable Magnetic Sensor Switching Output Type HGD Series Developed

Alps Electric (Pink Sheet:APELY) has completed development of the
HGD Series of Highly Reliable Switching Output Type Magnetic Sensors,
which detect the opening and closing of the covers of mobile
telephones and notebook PCs, etc. Sample shipments are to commence in
early March.

Recently, most mobile telephones are of the folding type, with an
increasing trend toward more compact and thin models. In addition,
more complex construction designs such as swiveling liquid crystal
display screens are being made continuously in an effort to
accommodate a diversity of potential applications. The shape and
construction of mobile telephones calls for parts that are not just
small and compact, but that cater to a high degree of engineering
flexibility.

This product uses a magnetic sensor with Highly Reliable Magnetic
Elements, which can detect the opening and closing of folding
mechanisms as well as doors and lids. These Highly Reliable Magnetic
Elements can sense over a wider area and with higher reliability
compared to other magnetic elements. By association the field of
magnetic sensors is also extended contributing to engineering
flexibility in product design.

In addition, magnetic field sensing is available in three
variations. The HGD Series comes in two types: the industry's smallest
Mold Allay Package (MAP) type, on which terminals are positioned on
the reverse of the component, and; the Small Outline Nonleaded (SON)
type, on which terminals extend from the side of the component to
realize easier mounting. The versatility provided by these two types
can better accommodate a variety of product functions and designs.

Furthermore, our Highly Reliable Magnetic Elements maintain high
signal output in comparison with other magnetic elements. As a result,
the HGD Series-mounted signal processing circuit can be restricted to
an absolute minimum, contributing to reduced current consumption and
the effective use of space.

Principal Applications

Detecting opening and closing in the folding mechanisms of mobile
telephones and notebook PCs., doors and lids of refrigerators, washing
machines and other goods.

Planned Release

Sample shipments: From March 2007

Sample price: 3.00 USD

Planned monthly production: 25,000,000 units (planned for October
2007)

Development: Magnetic Devices Division, Nagaoka Plant (Nagaoka
City, Niigata Prefecture)

Production: Magnetic Devices Division, Nagaoka Plant (Nagaoka
City, Niigata Prefecture)

Specifications

Product Type: A: MAP type B: SON type

Dimension: A: 1.1mmx0.9mmx0.55mm B: 2.1mmx2.1mmx0.75mm

Functions: (in common with A and B) Single Polarity/ Single
Output, Dual Polarity /Single Output, Dual Polarity/ Dual Output

Sensitivity: (in common with A and B) Hon2.0mT and Hon3.0mT (1)

Supply voltage: (in common with A and B) 2.4n to 5.5V

Average current consumption: (in common with A and B) 2.0microA

(1) Hon=Operating magnetic field, T= Tesla