Three-chip set provides 10-DoF MEMS sensing for handheld xyz location

Three-chip set provides 10-DoF MEMS sensing for handheld xyz location

Combining linear, angular, and magnetic motion sensing with pressure-based altitude readings, a set of three thin, high-performance MEMS sensors provides a complete hardware solution for advanced sensing applications with 10 degrees-of-freedom (DoF) accuracy, to enable enhanced navigation and smarter user interfaces in mobile phones and other portable consumer devices.

The set consists of the LSM303DLHC geomagnetic module, the L3G4200D three-axis digital gyroscope, and a yet-undesignated pressure sensor. The geomagnetic module integrates high-resolution, three-axis sensing of linear and magnetic motion in a 3 x 5 x 1-mm package, with operating current consumption as low as 110 μA. The device delivers accurate output across full-scale extended ranges up to ±16 G (linear acceleration) and ±8 Gauss (magnetic field), and features 4D/6D orientation detection and two programmable interrupt signals.

The 4 x 4 x 1-mm digital gyroscope couples a 16-bit data output with a wide set of user-programmable full-scale ranges from ±250 to ±2,000 dps. An embedded FIFO memory eliminates the need for continuous communication of between the sensor and the host processor. The 3 x 3 x 1-mm silicon pressure sensor has an operating pressure range of 260 to 1260 millibars — corresponding to atmospheric pressures between –700 and 10,000 m relative to sea level — and can detect height variations as small as 0.3 m. (Chipset, $5.90 ea / 100,000 — samples available now, prod qty end of 3rd qtr.)

By Richard Comerford

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