Date: 08/02/2012

Smart sensor module from ST packs muti-axis MEMS and 32bit ARM Cortex MCU

STMicroelectronics has introduced a smart sensor module packing a 6-axis geomagnetic sensor, a 3-axis gyroscope, and an STM32 ARM-Cortex based 32-bit microcontroller. The INEMO-M1 targets range of motion control applications such as gaming, human machine interface, robotics, portable navigation devices, and patient monitoring. This device allows creative product designer to invent innovative applications for a wide range of use. The computer mouse function can be passed on to any moving part of the human body.

The INEMO-M1 System-on-Board senses and assimilates linear acceleration, angular velocity, earth gravity and heading, enabling users to precisely detect their direction, orientation and movements in all three dimensions. The sensing accuracy can be further enhanced with the 32-bit processing unit's capability to embed dedicated sensor-fusion software, integrating the outputs from all the sensors and employs sophisticated prediction and filtering algorithms to automatically correct measurement distortions and inaccuracies.

"INEMO-M1 combines 9 degrees-of-freedom sensing with motion-data processing capabilities and a dedicated sensor-fusion algorithm," said Matteo Lo Presti, Group Vice President in STMicroelectronics' Industrial & Multisegment Sector. "This fully integrated and flexible solution is set to augment user experiences in a wide variety of applications, including gaming, augmented reality, optical image stabilization, advanced navigation, robotics and body motion reconstruction."

The INEMO-M1 is the first member of the new System-on-Board family. The compact 13 x 13 x 2mm unit offers a wide range of interfaces, including USB 2.0, CAN, USART, SPI, I2C, analog-to-digital channels for external inputs, and flexible power-supply options.

The INEMO-M1 module forms the core of the sensor nodes in ST's recently unveiled smart-suit prototype for Inertial Body Motion Reconstruction that recognizes complex movements of the wearer's body and translates them to a digital model with outstanding precision and speed.

IHS iSuppli, a market research firm, forecasts the market for 9-axis sensor fusion 4 in handsets and media tablets to exceed $1.3 billion by 2015.

Availability: Now in samples and volume production is scheduled for Q2 2012.

For more details visit www.st.com/internet/analog/subclass/1448.jsp