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Three-axis MEMS-based accelerometer from STMicroelectronics targets handheld terminals
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STMicroelectronics has announced a three-axis linear accelerometer that combines a MEMS-based sensor and interface chip in a single package. Aimed primarily at applications in handheld terminals, the new device combines small size, high resolution and low power consumption. |
In mobile phones, PDAs and other handheld battery-powered products, the LIS3L02 is an affordable, ultra compact solution for implementing new intuitive user interfaces based on movements. This approach allows one-handed operation without styluses, thumb keyboards or other input devices.
Inexpensive and easy-to-use three-axis accelerometer devices will also find many applications in toys, industrial production equipment, robotics and automotive systems where sensing of movement or inclination is needed. It is also useful as a general-purpose vibration sensor for industrial equipment and domestic appliances to detect fault conditions before perceivable symptoms appear.
Called the LIS3L02 Three-Axis Linear Accelerometer, the new device houses, in a compact QFN package, the first one-chip three-axis MEMS accelerometer sensor, plus an interface chip that translates movement and inclination into calibrated analog voltage or digital outputs. Compared to assemblies of multiple one-axis sensors the new device simplifies assembly, reduces size and cuts production costs.
Accelerometers based on silicon-micromachined MEMS technology are effective because they provide high sensitivity and precision together with the economies of scale of the wafer batch process used to make integrated circuits.
Movement or inclination in three axes causes small displacements of moving silicon structures in the MEMS sensor die, changing the capacitance between moving and fixed parts. The interface chip, which is in the same package, translates these minute capacitance changes into calibrated analog voltages proportional to the movement. The interface chip is factory trimmed to ensure repeatable performance without production line adjustment in the end product.
Three versions of the LIS3L02 are currently available: type LIS3L02A provides an analog output; LIS3L02P provides both an analog voltage output and PWM output; type LIS3L02D provides a serial digital I2C output. All types operate on a 3.3-5V supply and have an equivalent noise acceleration of better than 500 millionths of one g (where g = acceleration due to gravity). During transport and service it can withstand accelerations up to 1500g without damage, making it sufficiently shock resistant for mobile phone applications.
STMicroelectronics' range of MEMS based accelerometer devices includes one, two and three axis linear sensors, plus rotational accelerometers, all produced using ST's in-house developed inertial MEMS process.
For more information on the full range of ST products available from Anglia please call +44 (0)1945 474747 or email info@anglia.com.
