By providing a choice of analog or digital absolute angular-rate outputs, the LY530AL MEMS gyroscope from STMicroelectronics, a world leader in MEMS, enhances design flexibility, eases integration and saves external components. With a full-scale range up to +/-300 degrees/second, the new ST gyroscope measures fast angular displacements in applications such as intuitive man-machine interfaces or enhanced GPS for car navigation.
Measuring 5 x 5 x 1.5 mm, the 16-pin LGA device also has a power-down pin to maximize overall system efficiency ensuring very low power consumption. Other features that streamline design and save components include an integrated low-pass filter, on-chip IC interface, and wide operating voltage range from 2.7V to 3.6V. In addition, a built-in self-test capability allows correct device operation to be verified by the customer without movement.
The LY530AL is a single-axis sensor leveraging ST’s proven MEMS technology to achieve stable sensitivity and output over temperature, as well as high survivability of shock and vibration. Hence the device withstands demanding industrial and consumer environments, including use in game controllers, virtual reality transducers, motion controls, pointing devices, and vehicle navigation functions such as dead-reckoning and map-matching.
Samples of the LY530AL, in RoHS-compliant ECOPACK® packaging, are available immediately from $2.50 per unit. Full production is scheduled for Q4 2008.