Freescale adds MEMS pressure sensor to Xtrinsic line

June 23, 2011 – BUSINESS WIRE — Freescale Semiconductor (NYSE:FSL) debuted a high-precision micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) pressure sensor, Xtrinsic MPL3115A2, for altitude detection in advanced navigation and location-based services, such as GPS assist and e911 on smartphones. It complements the accelerometers and magnetometers in the Xtrinsic portfolio.

The Xtrinsic MPL3115A2 smart digital pressure sensor processes pressure and temperature data locally, requiring fewer computations assigned to the applications processor to reduce power usage. The pressure sensor features a first-in/first-out (FIFO) memory buffer, a standby mode of 2 micro amps and a low-power mode of 8.5 micro amps, depending on conditions and output data rates chosen.

The device provides barometric and altimetry pressure detection up to 30 cm of resolution, which enables the device to identify elevation at a granular level, and delivers a digital output in either meters or pascals, based on user preference. The MPL3115A2 sensor also includes embedded functions and user-programmable options, such as temperature compensation, with variable sampling rates up to 128 Hz.

Smart features include autonomous data acquisition with two interruptions on thresholds detection. To enhance efficiency, the device regulates auto-wake and sleep modes (to avoid unnecessary use of power) and requires zero data processing for mobile devices and medical and security applications.

WiFi triangulation, accelerometers, compasses, gyroscopes, and pressure sensors combine to make indoor navigation highly advanced, said Jérémie Bouchaud, principal analyst at IHS iSuppli, who predicts sensor-supported navigation to take off in smart phones and handsets in 2012 and 2013."

The Xtrinsic MPL3115A2 pressure sensor can be integrated into smartphones and tracking applications for business, industrial, and emergency search and rescue use. Other applications include meterology, monitoring home cooling and heating systems, respiratory equipment and health monitoring and detection system integration.

Sample quantities of the Xtrinsic MPL3115A2 pressure sensor are available now, with production volumes in Q3 2011

Freescale Semiconductor (NYSE:FSL) makes embedded semiconductors for the automotive, consumer, industrial and networking markets. Learn more at www.freescale.com

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