General Question

warpling's avatar

What is the little metal dot seen on all GPS chips?

Asked by warpling (849points) September 1st, 2009

All GPS chips are all neatly sealed, but there is always a little metal dot on top. Is it a continuation of the internal antennae or what?
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3 Answers

Fred931's avatar

My guess is that’s either an antennae, a magnetic attachment, or the nail that keeps the device hammered in place.

Fred931 (9434points)“Great Answer” (0points) Flag as…
warpling's avatar

I find those last two very unbelievable, but the first is still my bet.

warpling (849points)“Great Answer” (0points) Flag as…
000's avatar

The metallized surface is the square antenna area. the dot is actually a solder bead connecting the feed wire from the internal chip surface to the antenna square.

000 (28points)“Great Answer” (0points) Flag as…

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