Electronics.ca Publications is pleased to publish the reverse costing report of the 3-Axis Electronic Compass AK8973S supplied by Asahi Kasei Microsystems (AKM).

The AK8973S is a Si-monolithic 3-axis geomagnetic sensor based on Hall Effect technology. Using only one silicon die packaged at the wafer level, the WLP LGA package of the AK8973S achieves a dimension of 2.5x2.5x0.5mm. 

The AK8973S 3-Axis Compass is suitable for navigation systems in cell phones and personal navigation devices, and motion input in video game controllers.

This report provides complete teardown of the geomagnetic sensor with:

- Detailed photos
- Material analysis
- Schematic assembly description
- Manufacturing Process Flow
- In-depth economical analysis
- Manufacturing cost breakdown
- Selling price estimation

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Glossary                       

     Overview/Introduction
     Executive Summary
     Reverse Costing Methodology

AKM Company Profile                                     

Physical analysis              

    Synthesis of the Physical Analysis
    Physical Analysis Methodology
    Package Characteristics & Markings
    Package X-Ray
    Device Structure
     ASIC – Dimensions
     ASIC – Pads Distribution Reconstitution
     ASIC – Block Functions
     ASIC – Markings
     ASIC – Bond Pads
     ASIC – Capacitors/Resistors
     ASIC – Hall Sensors
     CMOS Hall Sensor Principle
     Component Cross-Sections
     Physical Data Summary
     Process Characteristics

Manufacturing Process Flow             

     Overview
     ASIC Process Flow
     Wafer-level Packaging Process Flow
     Description of the Wafer Fabrication Units

Cost Analysis              

     Synthesis of the Cost Analysis
     Main Steps of Economic Analysis
     Supply Chain Analysis
     Yields Hypotheses
     Front-End : Hypotheses
     Front-End Cost
     Back-End 0 : Probe Test Cost
     Back-End 0 : Packaging Hypotheses
     Back-End 0 : Packaging Cost
     Back-End 0 : Packaging Cost per Process Steps
     Back-End 0 : Dicing Cost
     Total Wafer Cost (Front-End + Back-End 0)
     Back-End 1 : Final Test & Calibration Cost
     AK8973S Cost (FE + BE 0 + BE 1)

Estimated Manufacturer Price Analysis   

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