eCompass is about the size of four grains of salt

Given that the average size of a grain of common table salt is about 1 mm³ , the LSM303C eCompass from ST Micro is about the size of four grains, measuring just 2.0 by 2.0 by 1.0 mm in its LG-12 package. Thus it is the smallest electronic compass available today, nearly 20% smaller than similar devices.

Designed to provide advanced navigation and motion-detection in such products as smartphones and wearable devices, the MEM-based chip combines a three-axis microelectromechanical-system accelerometer and three-axis MEMS magnetometer in a single package. The magnetic-field sensor, with a full-scale magnetic-field strength range of ±1,600 µT, has a wider dynamic range than alternative devices, while the accelerometer has selectable full-scale range of ±2, ±4 or ±8 g, and combines 16-bit resolution with state-of-the-art output accuracy of ± 40 mg.

In addition, the package is board-compatible with ST's 12-lead accelerometer-only devices, allowing designers to enhance or upgrade the features of more basic products. Samples are available now, with production quantities will become available beginning in December. Pricing will start at $1.10 for orders over 1,000 pieces.