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High performance 2 x 2 x 1mm size 3-axis magnetometer for mobile devices

Date: 25/02/2013
Leading MEMS maker STMicroelectronics has added a high-performance standalone 2 x 2 x 1mm size packaged 3-axis magnetometer to its MEMS sensor portfolio. Due to its small size this sensor is ideal for mobile phones, tablets or personal navigation devices. ST’s standalone magnetometer can also be used in indoor navigation applications where it reliably calculates dead-reckoning when no satellite signal is available.

LIS3MDL magnetometer can be combined with other discrete sensors from ST such as 3-axis MEMS accelerometer or 3-axis MEMS gyroscope, to build sensors with 9 degrees of freedom (DOF).

Using ST’s iNEMO Engine Sensor Fusion software, designers can further enhance location-detection capabilities by integrating additional miniature sensors from ST’s portfolio for multiple-DOF (M-DOF) sensing. Sensor Fusion software helps coordinate any combination of sensors from ST’s broad portfolio to create reliable, high-quality M-DOF systems quickly and efficiently for location-based services, enhanced motion-based gaming, and pedestrian dead-reckoning for indoor and multi-floor navigation. For example adding a MEMS pressure sensor, for altitude sensing, can enhance in-building accuracy, as well as support extended smartphone functionality and location-based operator services.

“By introducing our first discrete magnetometer and offering high performance and low power consumption, we can now offer customers a complete range of standalone and integrated miniature sensors,” said Fabio Pasolini, General Manager, Motion MEMS Division, STMicroelectronics. “Designers can partition their multiple-degrees-of-freedom sensor designs with optimal performance.”

Samples of the LIS3MDL are available and mass production is scheduled for Q2 2013. Unit pricing is US$0.60 for volumes in the range of 1,000 pieces.