Date: 08/06/2009

ST Micro launches MEMS Gyroscopes

STMicroelectronics is sampling a new family of single- and multi-axis MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) gyroscopes. Silicon material's mechanical properties and semiconductor properties are well utilized to make this single device MEMS with both electronics and micrometer sized machines. These devices are suggested for detecting angular-motion in human-machine interface applications such as personal and car navigation systems, and image stabilization for digital still and video cameras.
Gyroscopes are said to be complementing devices for acceleration sensors used in above said applications.

These MEMS gyroscopes offer full-scale range, from 30 to 6,000 dps (degrees per second). The sensors can provide two separate outputs for each axis at the same time - an un-amplified output value for general detection of angular motion and a 4x amplification for high-resolution measurements.

ST's new gyroscopes boast excellent stability over a wide temperature range and time, with variation typically lower than 0.05dps/°C for zero-rate level, eliminating the need for further temperature compensation in the application. Measurement precision is ensured with the negligible level of noise that affects the output signal (0.014dps/sqrt(Hz) at 30dps full-scale).

These mechanical stress-resistant MEMS gyroscopes can operate in supply voltage range of 2.7 to 3.6 V.

Examples include LPR503AL, a two-axis pitch-and-roll gyroscope with 30dps and 120dps full scales, and LPY550AL, a two-axis pitch-and-yaw gyroscope with 500dps and 2,000dps full scales.

Package: 5x5 mm LGA package.
Availability: Mass volumes in Q3 2009
Price: Each $2.5 for 10K pieces

For more info visit: www.st.com/mems