ST Microelectronics has introduced a new family of high-performance
three-axis linear accelerometers with digital output. With
physical dimensions of 3x3x1mm, target a wide range of low-g
applications including motion user interfaces or pedometer
in mobile phones, gaming devices, remote controllers or
portable media players as well as free-fall detection for
data-integrity protection in hard-disk drives and vibration
monitoring.
The three members of this device LIS331DLH, LIS331DLM
and LIS331DLF - integrate a host of smart embedded features,
including low-power mode, auto wake-up function, free fall
motion and 6D-orientation detection as well as a standard
SPI/I2C digital interface.
The resolution is scalable. Based on the needs of a specific
application, customers can select a 6-, 8- or 12-bit device,
all pin-to-pin, motion and software compatible, so they
can be re-used across different projects without the need
to change the board and sensor software drivers.
The 6D recognition feature senses, if the accelerometer
is up or down along all three axes (x,y,z). The signal generated
from this feature can be used for some typical applications.
For example, to automatically mute a phone when it is upside
down.
Accelerometers can be programmed to work in the sleep-to-wake
mode.
A configurable high-pass filter can be turned on to enable
motion-activated functions and vibration monitoring regardless
of whether the end product is tilted or placed upside down
at the moment of measurement.
Two separate, highly programmable interrupt signals enable
immediate notification of free fall, motion or 6D events.
Sensor is survivable up to 10,000g. Built-in self-test
capability allows the customer to verify the functioning
of the sensor after it has been assembled on board.
Availability:
Samples of ST's LIS331DLH, LIS331DLM and LIS331DLF are available
now, with volume production starting from early 2009.
Price:
Unit pricing is around $1.5 for 100,000 pieces per year
