MEMSIC, Inc. (Nasdaq: MEMS),
a leading MEMS solution provider, combining proprietary MEMS technology with
advanced mixed signal processing and system solutions, today announced the release
of its new family of Out-of-Balance (OOB) Sensor Modules, the MXC62XXXGMW, specifically
designed for consumer washing machine applications. This family of sensors is
packaged in a module which is easily assembled onto the outer basket of the
washing machine, thereby easing customer's design-in and test, and the overall
reliability of the OOB solution.
Accurate OOB detection and vibration sensing capabilities are some of the most
important features needed for more efficient and faster-spinning washing machines.
The characteristics of the load can significantly affect the balance during
the course of the wash cycle, and the only way to prevent mechanical problems
during the high speed spinning cycle is to detect, assess or even predict possible
OOB conditions.
The MXC62XXXGMW family of OOB modules employs state-of-the-art MEMS accelerometers
produced by MEMSIC, Inc. The accelerometer is equipped with on-chip mixed signal
processing and an I2C bus, allowing the device to be connected directly to a
microprocessor, eliminating the need for A/D converters or timing resources.
The MEMSIC accelerometer data accurately reflects the OOB condition of the washing
machine’s outer basket. Washing machine developers are thereby able to
detect the existence of a basket OOB condition and take further action to correct
it, which may include a manual alarm system or an automatic re-balance operation.
Because the MXC62XXXGMW is based on MEMSIC’s proprietary heat convection
design which does not use a moving mass inside the chip, it is inherently more
reliable than other sensor technologies in the harsh vibration and EMI environment
of a washing machine. The reliability of the MXC62XXXGMW has been proven in
production with MEMSIC’s lead customer for this family of modules.
The MXC62XXXGMW is available immediately.