Motion sensor product line addresses smartphone market trends

The ability to support image stabilisation of two smartphone camera modules from a single IMU is the most cost-effective way to enable image stabilisation concurrently in both dual-rear and rear-front smartphone cameras configuration, while the reduced sensor noise figures and improved temperature stability of the CORONA IMUs, along with the ability to synchronise motion samples, improves the image quality substantially.

In addition, the CORONA premium motion sensors are enabling better video stabilisation at higher frame rates, while also extending the exposure time during low-light recording, bringing the performance of DLSR cameras to the smartphone market. This is achieved through a combination of sensor performance with TDK’s advanced video stabilisation software, which synchronises samples with the sensor hub and thereby eliminates critical timing errors. Taken together the CORONA motion sensor capabilities enable professional-grade imaging performance in mainstream smartphones.

Supporting the rapid emergence of indoor navigation for smartphones and autonomous movement for a wide variety of IoT devices is an additional key application for the CORONA premium motion sensor family. The ability to maintain precise orientation greatly benefits from the reduced sensor noise figures and improved temperature stability of the CORONA IMUs, enabling a two times improvement of heading accuracy.

Continuing what is supposedly TDK’s leadership in the nascent Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR) markets the CORONA device family includes the only 6-axis IMUs providing the ability to extend the dynamic range and measurement resolution of the sensed motion signals. This capability improves the accuracy of fast motion measurements and the granularity of slow-motion measurements, both of which are critical for the fidelity and user experience of AR/VR applications, especially in combination with lower noise and improved temperature stability.

“Camera performance, AR/VR capabilities and Navigation support remain the key battle grounds for smartphones, with direct impact on the user experience,” said Guillaume Girardin, Senior MEMS Analyst, Yole Développement (Yole), part of Yole Group of Companies. “Focusing the performance of its new CORONA premium motion sensors on these critical applications extends TDK leadership in the performance driven smartphone and Consumer Electronics markets.”

TDK claims that complementing the sensor performance of the CORONA premium motion sensors is a breakthrough in operational robustness, which can prevent higher-frequency engine or audio vibrations from distorting the actual device motion measurements. This capability is particularly relevant for concurrent smartphone use cases where audio playback or engine hum may interfere with still or video image stabilisation, or in-door navigation.

“InvenSense’s new CORONA premium motion sensors are pushing the consumer 6-axis IMU performance envelope in every critical direction,” said Amir Panush, InvenSense Vice President and General Manager of the Motion and Pressure Business Unit. “We have created a full range of products addressing the unique feature and performance needs of major smartphone and consumer electronics market segments.”

InvenSense, a TDK group company, will be at the upcoming Mobile World Congress, showcasing the CORONA premium motion sensor product line, along with additional innovative sensor solutions in hall 2, Meeting Space – 2C40MR of the Gran Via, 26th February to 1st March 2018, Barcelona, Spain.