Date: 27/10/2009

3-axis gyroscope chip enables 3D sensing of motion in phones and consumer gadgets

MEMS semiconductor device expert InvenSense has come out with 3-axis gyroscope to sense pitch, roll, and yaw motions of any moving device. The applications for this device are galore with immediate applications in phones, consumer gadgets and mainly computer game consoles. The ITG-3200 is claimed to be the world's first 3-axis MEMS gyroscope. This device also targets motion-based gaming and television 3D remote control menu navigation applications

The ITG-3200 with three independent MEMS gyro structures integrates three 16-bit analog-to-digital converters (ADCs), low-pass filters, embedded temperature sensor, and Fast Mode I2C serial interface.

Performance features include a full-scale range of up to 2000°/sec for aggressive game play, and low-noise of 0.03º/s/ Hz, and supporting 10,000g shock.

The ITG-3200 can change the gaming and 3D remote control features for a different experience.

InvenSense uses a patented CMOS semiconductor process called Nasiri-Fabrication process to make these gyrosensors.

"3D in-air pointing and motion control have been made popular by the leading gaming console companies and are expected to drive new interfaces for a wide range of consumer electronics," said Richard Dixon, senior analyst for MEMS at iSuppli. "The development of consumer MEMS gyroscopes with the requisite 3-axes of detection should open the flood gates to a whole range of new interfaces and propel market growth. InvenSense has led this field and the fact that this highly complex device has taken just five years to come to market with a target price point of under $3 and with a consumer relevant package thickness of less than 1mm is a testament to the company."

"While other MEMS gyro companies just started to roll out their first generation products, the ITG-3200 represents our third generation solution showcasing the latest innovations and patent-pending MEMS gyros from a proven high volume fabrication platform," said Michael Maia, Vice President, Gaming and 3D User Interface Business Unit at InvenSense. "We have addressed the market demand for affordability, size and performance offering a new solution that will enable a range of applications that simply were not possible before."

Package: 4x4x0.9mm QFN
Availability: Now in samples with mass volumes in 1st Q 2010
Price: $3 each
Editorial Product Rating: Significant

The market for MEMS gyroscope is estimated in the range of 800 million$ by market researcher Yole Development.

The other MEMS gyroscope vendors worth to check include Melexis, Analog Devices, ST Microelectronics, Honeywell, Bosch, BEI, Silicon Sensing, Gladiator Technologies, and Imego (not listed by any order).

InvenSense has also recently rolled out dual-axis MEMS gyroscope IDG-2000 for improving optical image stabilization (OIS) in digital still cameras and high-resolution, camera phones.

For more details on Invensys products visit www.invensense.com