ST intros MEMS-based motion sensor

SINGAPORE: STMicroelectronics has expanded its portfolio of ultra-compact, high-performance MEMS (Micro Electro-Mechanical System) sensors with a three-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 ± 0.3mg/°C, 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.