Date: 01/11/2010

Automotive qualified 3-axis low-g accelerometer from ST

STMicroelectronics has released a new automotive-grade 3-axis low-g accelerometer targeting automotive applications, including vehicle tracking, event recording, abuse monitoring, and dead-reckoning for enhanced navigation capabilities.

ST's AIS328DQ senses acceleration along all three axes and converts the motion and tilt information into a high-resolution digital signal that it transmits to a microcontroller through a standard SPI or I2C interface. The accelerometer provides accurate output across user-selectable full-scale ranges of ±2g/±4g/±8g.

ST says this sensor is robust and resistant to shock and electromagnetic interference is qualified to AEC-Q100, a critical stress-test qualification for automotive integrated circuits established by the Automotive Electronics Council (AEC).

With an extended temperature range from -40 to 105°C, the sensor is suggested for using inside the cabin or inside modules that have self-heating components, like power stages. An embedded routine can be activated at any time to verify correct functioning of the device.

Price: Each below US$3 for 100K pieces

Availability: Sampling now. Volume production is scheduled for Q3 2011.