NEC has announced that it has successfully developed and commenced full-scale production on the world's thinnest class of magnetic sensor at just 0.35 millimeters. Known as the "MRUS61C", the new product will be used for power and backlight switches in folding mobile phones and notebook computers, detecting the opening and closing of these and other similar devices. The NEC MRUS61C adopts a unique structure formed by the layering of magnetoresistive elements on IC circuits, achieving the world's thinnest class of magnetic sensors at a thickness of 0.35mm. The MRUS61C delivers a 36% reduction in the mounting space required when compared with NEC's existing models.

At a compact 1.0mm × 1.6mm × 0.35mm NEC MRUS61C delivers a substantial increase in design freedom when mounting the product.

Via - Fareastgizmos

Press Release
NEC announced today that it has successfully developed and commenced full-scale production on the world's thinnest class of magnetic sensor at just 0.35 millimeters. Known as the "MRUS61C", the new product will be used for power and backlight switches in folding mobile phones and notebook computers, detecting the opening and closing of these and other similar devices.

The MRUS61C adopts a unique structure formed by the layering of magnetoresistive elements on IC circuits, achieving the world's thinnest class of magnetic sensors at a thickness of 0.35mm. This is 0.18mm thinner than NEC's existing models.

With the move towards more compact and multifunctional mobile terminals, such as mobile phones, notebook computers, portable game consoles and other electronic devices, the demand for more compact and slim-lined components for use in these devices has increased. Strong calls are also being made for energy-saving technology to offset the increase in the battery life of these devices. The MRUS61C sensor was developed in response to these market needs.

NEC's magnetic sensors are based on such advanced element technologies as thin film technology and microfabrication, and are highly praised in the market for delivering a compact size with outstanding reliability. These features have helped NEC capture a world-leading share of the magnetic sensor market. NEC shipped its first magnetic sensors in 2001 for application in domestic mobile phones. Shipments expanded to such overseas markets as Europe, Korea and China in 2002. To date, cumulative shipments have exceeded 300 million units.

The features of the new product are outlined below.

1. World thinnest class of magnetic sensor
At a compact 1.0mm (width) × 1.6mm (length) × 0.35mm (depth) the MRUS61C delivers a substantial increase in design freedom when mounting the product.

2. Maintains electrical and magnetic properties
Inheriting the electrical and magnetic performance of NEC's existing models, the MRUS61C allows customers to extract maximum efficiency from their design assets.

3. Delivers space-saving benefits
The MRUS61C makes it possible to reduce mounting space by adopting leadless packaging. The MRUS61C delivers a 36% reduction in the mounting space required when compared with NEC's existing models.

NEC is committed to the development of magnetic sensors that meet the needs of the global market.