Which component is commonly referred to as a digital compass in smartphones?

The magnetometer is commonly referred to as a digital compass in smartphones. This component measures magnetic fields, which allows it to determine the phone's orientation relative to the Earth's magnetic field. By detecting the direction of magnetic north, the magnetometer helps in various applications, such as navigation and location-based services, providing users with accurate directional information.

When used in conjunction with other sensors, like the accelerometer and gyroscope, the magnetometer enhances the overall navigation capabilities by offering comprehensive spatial awareness. The accelerometer detects motion and tilt, while the gyroscope provides angular rotation data, together creating a well-rounded sensor suite for determining position and orientation in three-dimensional space. The daughterboard, on the other hand, relates to the hardware architecture of the device and does not function as a compass.