STMicroelectronics Unveils Smart MEMS Sensor
MEMS innovator STMicroelectronics has unveiled its smallest, lowest-power and highest-performance chip-scale gyroscope for advanced motion-sensing applications.
The L3GD20H gyroscope measures 3mm x 3mm and is 1mm high and is claimed to be the smallest available. Occupying little over half the volume of its predecessor (L3GD20), the device has better resolution, higher accuracy, superior stability and faster response time. This enables smaller sensing mechanisms in smart consumer electronics, including mobile phones and tablets, game consoles, digital cameras and industrial tools.
The compact gyroscope also allows experimental projects such as in wearable electronics. One such application is in ST's prototype smart suit which can help enhance various applications such as augmented reality, sports training aids and medical therapy.
"Miniaturised, low-power sensors such as our new L3GD20H enable smart electronics to be used in ever-smaller and slimmer handheld devices, as well as in items such as clothes or sports equipment, creating opportunities for exciting new products and services," said Roberto De Nuccio, Business Development Manager for ST's Motion MEMS Division.
"Both high-volume applications in smart phones and tablets and emerging applications such as prosthetics, medical instruments, goods tracking and power tools will benefit from this latest generation of tiny MEMS devices," added De Nuccio.
MEMS gyroscopes, accelerometers, magnetometers and inertial modules enable innovative products and applications such as context-sensitive user interfaces, augmented reality, kinetic gaming, and industrial solutions including container tracking and emergency-stop mechanisms.
In February 2012, IHS iSuppli predicted the total market for MEMS devices enabling such applications will more than double to $4.25 billion by 2015. In particular, 3-axis gyroscopes are anticipated to represent over $900 million of this market.
The L3GD20H also helps conserve battery power by drawing 25% lower current than the previous generation of devices and is ready for action in only one-fifth of the time after turn on. The gyroscope's output has 60% lower noise, which can help to simplify hardware and software design and speed up communication with the host system leading to faster application performance.
The new gyroscope retains a similar register structure as its predecessor, making it easy for designers to reuse existing software code and thus reduce time to market and lower development costs.
With 80% faster turn on, the module has three selectable full-scale ranges (245/500/2000 dps) and a I2C/SPI two-line digital interface. With integrated low- and high-pass filters with user-selectable bandwidth, the L3GD20H has power-down and sleep modes and an embedded temperature sensor and FIFO.
The L3GD20H, housed in the LGA-16 leadless surface-mount package, is scheduled to begin sampling in Q3 2012 and to enter mass production in Q4 2012 priced at $2.60 in quantities of 1,000 units. Alternative pricing options for higher quantities are also available.
