STMicroelectronics announces Next generation high-performance inertial sensor module

     STMicroelectronics introduces a new family of all-in-one sensor modules with nine degrees of freedom that enable compact, portable devices to implement advanced motion position detection, mobile location services (LBS) and indoor navigation. The integration of motion position detection functions brings new opportunities to portable products such as smart phones, tablets, and personal navigators. Market research firm IHS iSuppli predicts that by 2015, mobile phone and tablet motion sensors will reach 4 billion units sold, and ST's iNEMO series inertial sensors integrate a 3-axis accelerometer, a 3-axis gyroscope and a 3-axis magnetometer in a single package. Excellent sensor performance and 9 degrees of freedom (DOF) inertial sensing function.

     ST has unique packaging technology, more than 600 MEMS patents and more than 2 billion sensor sales experience, and the first product in the new family, the LSM333D, achieves the highest performance level of its class of independent sensors on the market. In addition, ST's expertise in MEMS technology enables it to produce a product that allows smartphone designers to improve the system integration of new products and support advanced context-sensitive user features.

     Roberto De Nuccio, Business Development Manager for ST's Analog Products, MEMS and Sensor Products Division, said: "ST is now able to integrate three sensors in a 16mm3 package, whereas 12 months ago other manufacturers could only integrate one sensor in the same package. This unprecedented technological advancement, combined with superior sensor performance, enables smartphone manufacturers to develop a new generation of handset features that deliver even more value to end users."

     As a system level package with nine degrees of freedom, the LSM333D significantly simplifies product design and saves approximately 30% printed circuit board space compared to standalone sensor solutions. In addition, sensor fusion software helps product designers develop indoor navigation, mobile location services, navigation prediction and advanced motion position detection. The high performance and high integration of this module provides a strong foundation for a new generation of advanced context-sensitive applications and services.

     Advanced features of the LSM333D include a built-in temperature sensor and intelligent power management that extends battery life. In addition, designers can choose to connect the system microcontroller with an I2C or SPI interface, providing greater design flexibility than comparable products.