2013-01-22 15:03:58 -
Smart sensor packs motion sensing and intelligence
into 9 mm(3)
Geneva, January 22, 2013 - STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM), a global
semiconductor leader serving customers across the spectrum of electronics
applications and the world's top manufacturer of MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical
Systems)[1], today announced details of a miniature smart sensor that combines a
3-axis accelerometer with an embedded microcontroller together in an ultra-
compact 3x3x1mm LGA package for advanced custom motion-recognition capabilities.
ST has combined the microcontroller, operating as a sensor hub that runs sensor-
fusion algorithms, and a high-precision 3-axis digital accelerometer into a
single package it calls iNEMO-A. The device reduces the demand on the host
controller and application processor and decreases power consumption in portable
devices. Both benefits deliver greater freedom and flexibility to the design of
motion-enabled consumer electronics. The integration of high-resolution linear-
motion sensing and the sensor hub in a single package increases system
robustness and is ideally suited for board-layout optimization.
"Customers want smarter motion sensors that integrate both sensing and
intelligent decision making in a single package," said Fabio Pasolini,
STMicroelectronics General Manager, Motion MEMS Division, Analog, MEMS and
Sensors Group, Industrial and Multisegment Sector. "The iNEMO family gives ST an
unrivalled ability to integrate any combination of accelerometers, gyroscopes,
magnetometers and other sensors with a powerful ARM-based sensor-hub
microcontroller to give our customers the maximum flexibility and scalability in
system partitioning."
The LIS331EB iNEMO-A smart sensor targets a wide range of applications that
include wearable sensor applications, motion-activated user interfaces in phones
and tablets, and augmented reality. The device embeds an ultra-low-power ARM
Cortex-M0 with functional capability, power consumption and memory size that is
perfectly suited for sensor-hub applications and iNEMO sensor fusion on mobile
applications. The sensor hub supports the connection of a 3-axis gyroscope, 3-
axis magnetometer and a pressure sensor to deliver a full sensor-fusion
solution. Additional sensors, such as temperature and humidity sensors, may also
be connected.
Addressing power constraints in battery-operated portable devices, the LIS331EB
iNEMO-A 3-axis digital accelerometer also contains two embedded finite state
machines (FSM) and an embedded FIFO (first-in first-out). The FSM and FIFO
enable custom motion-recognition detection, including specific gesture
detection, and a pedometer that can run without using the embedded
microcontroller, further reducing the overall power consumption. The FSM can
also be used to wake up the microcontroller, enabling advanced power management
techniques.
The high performance 3-axis accelerometer in the LIS331EB iNEMO-A features a
selectable full-scale range of ±2g/±4g/±8g/±16g and houses an ultra-low-power
ARM Cortex-M0 core with 64KB Flash Memory and 128KB RAM memory, as well as
multiple timers and I/O ports (GPIOs/SPI/I2C/UART).
The LIS331EB smart motion sensor will start sampling in Q2 2013. Unit pricing is
US$2.4 for volumes in the range of 1,000 pieces. If your company has a high-
volume need, please contact your ST sales office.
For further information on ST's complete MEMS portfolio see www.st.com/mems.
About STMicroelectronics
ST is a global leader in the semiconductor market serving customers across the
spectrum of sense and power and automotive products and embedded processing
solutions. From energy management and savings to trust and data security, from
healthcare and wellness to smart consumer devices, in the home, car and office,
at work and at play, ST is found everywhere microelectronics make a positive and
innovative contribution to people's life. By getting more from technology to get
more from life, ST stands for life.augmented.
In 2011, the Company's net revenues were $9.73 billion. Further information on
ST can be found at www.st.com.
For Press Information Contact:
STMicroelectronics
Michael Markowitz
Director Technical Media Relations
+1 781 591 0354
michael.markowitz@st.com
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[1] IHS iSuppli: MEMS Competitive Analysis 2012
ST Smart Sensor:
hugin.info/152740/R/1672115/543746.pdf
ST Smart Sensor_IMAGE:
hugin.info/152740/R/1672115/543747.jpg
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