STMicroelectronics, a semiconductor and micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) manufacturer, has unveiled its smallest, lowest power and highest performance chip-scale gyroscope for advanced motion-sensing applications.
ST’s L3GD20H gyroscope measures only 3 × 3 millimetres (mm) and 1mm high while the company’s proven MEMS manufacturing processes deliver high quality at high production volumes. Occupying little more than half the volume of its predecessor with better resolution, higher accuracy, better stability and faster response time, the new device enables smaller sensing mechanisms in smart consumer electronics, including mobile phones and tablets, game consoles, digital cameras and industrial tools.
The ultra-small dimensions of this gyroscope also allow experimental projects, such as wearable electronics, to move closer to true practicality. One such application is the prototype smart suit that ST used to demonstrate inertial body-motion reconstruction early in 2012, which can help enhance various applications such as augmented reality, sports training aids, or medical therapy.
The major features of ST’s L3GD20H gyroscope are:
- 3 x 3 x 1mm package equalling smallest in industry today; 25% lower current draw, 60% lower output noise, 80% faster turn on
- Three selectable full-scale ranges (245/500/2000 disintegrations per second—dps)
- I2C/SPI two-line digital interface
- Integrated low- and high-pass filters with user-selectable bandwidth
- Power-down and sleep modes
- Embedded temperature sensor and first in, first out (FIFO)
The new gyroscope retains a register structure similar to its predecessor (L3GD20), making it easy for designers to reuse existing software code and, thus, reduce time to market and lower development costs. Designers will also benefit from ST’s Sensor Fusion development environment.
The L3GD20H housed in the LGA-16 leadless surface-mount package is scheduled to begin sampling in the third quarter of 2012 and to enter mass production in the fourth quarter of 2012.
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