Date: 05/11/2009

Single/Two-axis MEMS gyroscopes enable angular-motion detection for consumer apps

ST Micro has announced thirteen new single- and two-axis MEMS gyroscopes for sensing angular-motion in consumer applications such as gesture-controlled gaming and pointing devices, image stabilization in digital video or still cameras, and assisted GPS navigation. This portfolio provides more than 50% shrink in volume over previous ST devices.

ST's gyroscopes include a power-down mode (when the entire device is switched off) and a sleep mode, in which part of the circuitry is turned off to reduce power consumption while allowing fast turn-on time and smart power cycling.

The key features of the multi-axis MEMS gyroscopes are,

Single-axis (Yaw) / multi-axis (Pitch and Roll, Pitch and Yaw) gyroscope sensor family
Full scale range from 30°/s to 6000°/s dps
Ultra stability over temperature
Low noise level (0.01°/s/vHz)
Amplified and not amplified outputs contemporarily available
Extended power supply range (2.7 to 3.6 V)
Absolute angular rate output
Internal low pass filter
Embedded self test
Embedded power mode
Sleep mode and high shock survivability

ST's MEMS gyroscopes are resistant to mechanical stress and come with built-in self-test capability that allows verifying the functioning of the sensor after it has been assembled, without the need to move the board during testing.

"Today, the gyroscope market for consumer applications is around $200 million and it is dominated by non-MEMS companies," said Benedetto Vigna, General Manager of STMicroelectronics' MEMS and Healthcare division. "ST's third-generation gyroscopes benefit from the same winning attributes that have helped us conquer the accelerometer market: proven manufacturing technology and robust design. These features will help us trigger the 'consumerization wave' for gyroscopes, and our in-house supply-chain management will enable ST to meet the customer demand."

Price:
2-axis gyro: At $2.1 in quantities greater than 50k pieces
single-axis gyro: At $1.8 in quantities greater than 50k pieces
Availability: Now in high-volume production

For more details visit www.st.com

Editorial Product Rating: Average