Smallest analog MEMS gyro aims for broad array of consumer apps

Smallest analog MEMS gyro aims for broad array of consumer apps

Housed in a package measuring only 4 x 4 x 1 mm, the L3G462A three-axis analog-output MEMS gyroscope is said to be the smallest device of its kind. Its precision, flexibility, reliability, and smart power management suit it for use in mobile phones, tablets, game controllers, and other consumer devices.

The device’s ±625 degree-per-second (dps) range can accurately measure gestures and movements of different types and speeds, suiting the unit for applications from navigation to MUIs (motion-activated user interfaces) and game control. An analog output was chosen to ensure fast response with low latency, and permit flexible, external filtering and fine-tuning of key parameters for a specific application.

The gyro’s stability over temperature is ±0.04 dps/°C, its sensitivity is ±0.017%/°C, and its noise level is 0.017 dps/√Hz. To eliminate interaxial interference and thereby increase accuracy and reliability, the device uses a single MEMS sensing structure for motion measurement along all three orthogonal axes; there is a separate output for each axis.

The gyroscope, which operates at 6.9 mA typ from a 2.4 to 3.6-V supply, has power-down (5 µA) and sleep (5 mA) modes to reduce power consumption. ($3.50 ea / 1,000 — prod qty available by September.)

By Richard Comerford

STMicroelectronics , Lexington , MA
Information 781-861-2650
www.st.com/mems