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STMicroelectronics Boosts Realism and Accuracy in Gaming, Robotics and Navigation by Combining Multiple Sensors with Microcontrollers

11th February 2010

STMicroelectronics

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STMicroelectronics has introduced the first members in its iNEMOfamily of multi-sensor Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) devices. The integration of a variety of motion, magnetic, pressure and temperature sensors with a 32-bit processing unit and dedicated software in one package will lead to leaps in functionality and performance in a wide variety of applications, including Gaming, Human Machine Interface, Robotics, Portable Navigation Devices and Patient Monitoring.

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Built upon ST’s rich portfolio of world-class MEMS devices, members of the iNEMO family of modules offer combinations of 3-axis sensing of linear, angular and magnetic motion with temperature and barometer/altitude readings, representing ST’s first IMUs with 10 degrees of freedom[2]. The modules contain a memory card socket for data logging and dedicated connectors for wired/wireless connectivity, including USB, ZigBee® or GPS.

ST’s first iNEMO module (STEVAL-MKI062V1) integrates six different sensors and a 32-bit microcontroller and it is available as a 4.5x5cm evaluation board with a firmware library, a PC Graphical User Interface, and a set of software solutions for different applications at www.st.com/iNEMO.

The most recent iNEMO product (v2) represents a further step in miniaturization and runs a sophisticated sensor fusion algorithm (Attitude Heading Reference System) to provide static and dynamic orientation and inertial measurements.

This iNEMO v2 integrates five ST sensors – a 2-axis roll-and-pitch gyroscope (LPR430AL), a single-axis yaw[3] gyroscope (LY330ALH), a 6-axis geomagnetic module (LSM303DLH), a pressure sensor (LPS001DL) and a temperature sensor (STLM75). All the sensors and the AHRS algorithm are managed by an on-board STM32 microcontroller. The module, which comprises a 4x4cm evaluation board and all the necessary firmware and software, will be available for volume orders in Q2 2010.

“The introduction of iNEMO modules confirms ST’s industry-leading capabilities in providing all the sensors and processing capabilities required by the market. When it comes to sensors, we are the one-stop supplier,” said Benedetto Vigna, Group Vice President and General Manager of the MEMS, Sensors and High Performance Analog Division, STMicroelectronics.

“At the forefront of the MEMS technology development, the iNEMO family roadmap heads toward inertial measurement units delivering ten degrees of freedom in a single package,” added Matteo Lo Presti, Systems Lab & Technical Marketing of ST’s Industrial & Multisegment Sector, General Manager of the Subsystems Product Group.