November 3, 2008: Freescale Semiconductor has introduced two advanced 3-axis digital accelerometers to help mobile device developers meet the demand for sleeker, more sophisticated portable electronics products. Based on Freescale’s proven micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) technology, the MMA7455L and MMA7456L accelerometers enable low power consumption and motion sensing within a small form factor, making them ideal for cell phones and portable media players. The MEMS devices also can be used as drop-in replacements for customer designs already in production.

The MMA745xL 3-axis accelerometers provide digital output, a key capability that eliminates the need for an extra analog-to-digital (A/D) converter and enables flexible board layout options. The accelerometers also can be integrated directly to system processors for communication simplicity and flexibility. In addition, the sensors offer motion signature detection and pulse detection controlling device inputs and responses that are highly sensitive to natural human movement.

The MMA745xL accelerometers enable a variety of motion-sensing functions, such as tilt scrolling in all directions, gaming control, gesture recognition and tap to mute. Supported functions include theft protection, freefall detection, and back-up GPS, as well as myriad other motion-based applications.

“As developers continue to add more sophisticated motion-based user interfaces to cell phones, cameras, MP3 players and other handheld devices, the demand for cost-effective MEMS-based accelerometers such as MMA745xL sensors is expected to grow,” said Demetre Kondylis, VP/GM of Freescale’s sensor & actuator solutions division. “Portable electronics developers also are looking for platform solutions to help them accelerate the design process and speed their products to market. Freescale’s latest ZSTAR3 demonstration board makes it fast and easy for developers to incorporate MEMS sensors and wireless technology into their next-generation designs.”