6-axis IMU is suitable for navigation & telematics

Urban areas, tunnels and parking garages often experience weak or intermittent satellite signals due to a lack of direct visibility of the satellites. Multi-axis gyroscopes and accelerometers employ sophisticated Dead Reckoning software algorithms in order to calculate current position from a previously determined location updated by time, acceleration, and change of direction.

AEC-Q100 qualified for automotive non-safety applications, the ASM330LXH integrates a 3-axis acceleration and a 3-axis angular-rate sensor in a 3x3x1.1mm LGA package. The IMU provides selectable full-scale ranges of 2/4/8/16g and 125/245/500/1000/2000dps with 16-bit synchronised data outputs, at 6 user-selectable output data rates. Operating over an extended industrial temperature range from -40 to +85°C, the device ensures reliability and energy efficiency via 10000g shock survivability, EM reliability and power-down, low-power and normal power modes.

Anton Hofmeister, Vice President and General Manager, Custom MEMS Division, STMicroelectronics, comments: "Having built its 8" MEMS manufacturing line in 2006 and introduced the world's first automotive-qualified 3-axis MEMS gyroscope for non-safety applications in 2012, ST is fortifying its market leadership with the introduction of this 6-axis IMU that is accurate and reliable despite its small size."

Engineering samples of the ASM330LXH IMU are available now, with volume production planned for Q1 2015 and unit pricing at $6 each in 1,000 unit quantities.