STMicroelectronics Motion and Orientation Sensor Solutions for Windows 8-Based Tablets

ST��s sensor hub combines a 3-axis digital gyroscope, a 3-axis digital accelerometer, and a 3-axis digital magnetometer with a proximity sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, and a high-performance STM32 microcontroller that runs ST’s iNEMO Engine sensor-fusion algorithms and HID using the Inter-Integrated Circuit protocol.

Since 2003, ST has been supplying accelerometers and drivers for Windows for hard-disk-drive data protection to major laptop OEMs. The sensor-hub solution for Windows 8 demonstrates ST’s commitment to further enhancing the end-user experience in computing for screen orientation, gaming, compass, and navigation, among other applications.

“The STMicroelectronics sensor-hub solution allows OEMs/ODMs to incorporate sensors into Windows 8-based tablets quickly and achieve a consistent and superior level of performance,” said Benedetto Vigna, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Analog, MEMS and Sensors Group, STMicroelectronics. “ST is a leader in MEMS sensors and with a complete product portfolio, control of manufacturing, and solutions for Windows 8 now in production, we have again increased our value to the customers and strengthened our leadership position.”

More than 20 tablets from major OEMs are using the ST sensor solutions today. Demonstrated through inclusion in Windows 8-based devices, with a standard plug-and-play HID/I2C interface and protocol, ST has significantly reduced the effort necessary to incorporate sensors for OEMs and ODMs. The ST sensor-hub solution is scalable and the Bill-of-Material costs and board space can be further reduced through the implementation of additional features, including temperature monitoring and battery charging, with the embedded STM32 microcontroller.