STMicroelectronics (NYSE:STM),
the leading supplier of motion-sensing chips for consumer and portable applications(1),
has expanded its portfolio of ultra-compact, high-performance MEMS (Micro Electro-Mechanical
System) sensors with a 3-axis accelerometer with absolute analog output. Able
to operate with any supply voltage in the range of 2.16V to 3.6V and extremely
stable over temperature and time, ST's LIS352AX is a perfect fit for motion-sensing
applications in space- and cost-constrained battery-operated devices.
ST's newest 3-axis motion sensor has been designed to provide acceleration values
in the form of absolute analog outputs. Taking advantage of internal regulated
voltage, the measurements are insensitive to the typical variations in power-supply
voltage that occur in battery-operated devices, such as mobile phones and other
portable devices. Benefits of this unique approach are twofold: equipment manufacturers
can save space and cost by connecting the sensor directly to the battery without
a separate voltage regulator; they also gain design flexibility, since the sensor
is compatible with any power supply voltage used in a given application.
The LIS352AX boasts high stability over a wide temperature range for both zero-g
offset and sensitivity. With the offset drift (temperature variation) around
plus or minus 0.3mg/degree Celsius, ST's new sensor is one of the most stable
devices in the market, eliminating the need for further temperature compensation
in the application.
Housed in an environment-friendly 3 x 5 x 1 mm3 plastic package, the LIS352AX
provides extremely accurate output across a full-scale range of +/-2.0g. The
device operates at a very low noise level with minimized power consumption,
which is especially critical in battery-operated portable systems.
The accelerometer's ultra-compact robust design provides very high immunity
to vibration and shock survivability up to 10,000g. Built-in self-test capability
allows the customer to verify the functioning of the sensor after it has been
assembled on board.
ST's MEMS accelerometers target a wide range of low-g applications across consumer
and industrial market segments, including free-fall detection for data-integrity
protection in hard-disk drives, vibration monitoring and compensation, remote
control, as well as motion user interfaces in mobile and gaming devices or portable
media players.
Samples of ST's LIS352AX are available now, with volume production starting
in June 2009. Unit pricing is $1.3 for quantities over 10,000 pieces a year.
For further information on ST's complete MEMS portfolio, see www.st.com/mems.