Analysis

Sensor from STMicroelectronics Translates Finger Hits into Actions

16th June 2007
ES Admin
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STMicroelectronics has extended its range of motion sensors with a new digital-output two-axis linear accelerometer. The low-power, ultra-compact LIS202DL with embedded smart features addresses a wide range of consumer and industrial applications from motion-activated user interfaces to vibration monitoring. Smart features embedded in ST’s new accelerometer include click and double-click recognition, motion-detection/wake-up and high-pass filters. The LIS202DL makes it easier to associate simple tapping gestures with user commands, such as opening a document or selecting an option from an application menu. Similarly, a ringing mobile phone can be muted with a single tap, without taking the phone out of the pocket.
The configurable high-pass filters can be turned on to enable motion-activated functions and vibration monitoring regardless of whether the end product is tilted or placed upside down at the moment of measurement.



ST’s sensor with the embedded motion detection/wake-up feature can cut power consumption in products that need to be powered on (or off) while or after they have been touched or moved, such as in remote controls.



The digital output through standard SPI/I2C user-selectable interface makes the sensor’s integration in the system easier and more effective.



The new sensor also provides two separate, highly programmable interrupt signals that enable immediate notification of motion detection and click/double-click events. This gives manufacturers more freedom and flexibility in their design and applications.



ST’s LIS202DL is housed in a 5 x 3 x 0.9 mm LGA-14 plastic package to fit in a variety of space-constrained applications and its ultra-compact robust design provides 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 the board.



The sensor is available in a dynamically selectable choice of +/-2g and +/-8g acceleration ranges, suited for measuring both static and dynamic acceleration. The new device targets a wide range of low-g applications in consumer and industrial markets, including motion-activated user interfaces, gaming in portable devices and vibration monitoring.



The MEMS market is one of the most exciting segments of the semiconductor industry, forecast to grow at around 50% over the next five years, heading towards $10 billion by 2010.*



Samples of ST’s LIS202DL are available now, with volume production planned for the end of Q2 2007. Unit pricing is $3 for quantities of 10,000 pieces. For further information on the LIS202DL and ST’s complete MEMS portfolio see www.st.com/mems



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