STMicro unveils new 3-axis accelerometer

Oct. 6, 2006 — STMicroelectronics, a leading supplier of MEMS devices, introduced the first two devices in its new family of low-g linear accelerometers, distinguished by small form factor and low power consumption. The LIS302 sensors are intended to meet the growing demand for smart functionality, such as hard-disk drive protection and motion-controlled operation, in mobile phones, digital audio players, and laptops.

Developed in-house, the 3x5x0.9mm plastic package meets the space and weight constraints in mobile phones and other portable electronic devices. The new accelerometers deliver high performance at low power consumption (1mW) and are designed to provide very high immunity to vibration and shock survivability up to 10,000g.

ST’s LIS302DL features a standard SPI/I2C digital interface and two independent programmable interrupt signals. The company says the two separate signals make it possible to monitor the end device for ‘free fall’ and ‘high-g motion’ states at the same time. Alternatively, both signals can be used for either state at two different thresholds, for example to distinguish between free fall and rolling.

The second device, the analog-output LIS302ALB sensor provides separated acceleration values for all three (x, y, z) axes, as well as a multiplexed signal. The embedded 3-to-1 multiplexer saves costs and space on the board, as well providing other benefits.

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