About UsNew Miniature 6-Axis Inertial Measurement Unit from STMicroelectronics
New Unit is Ideal for In-Dash Car Navigation Systems
STMicroelectronics have released the industry’s smallest 6-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) qualified for Automotive applications with low-noise and improved output resolution.
The tiny ASM330LXH IMU is ideal for in-dash car-navigation solutions that require accurate and reliable inertial sensors to optimize positioning and direction, even in the absence of a strong GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) signal. Weak or intermittent satellite signals are common in urban areas, tunnels, and parking garages, where direct visibility of the satellites may be blocked. Multi-axis gyroscopes and accelerometers, like the 6-axis ASM330LXH, empower sophisticated Dead Reckoning software algorithms that calculate current position from a previously determined location updated by time, acceleration, and change of direction. The new device also targets on-board units for electronic road tolling and other vehicle telematics systems.
“Having built its 8" MEMS manufacturing line in 2006 and introduced the world's first automotive-qualified 3-axis MEMS gyroscope for non-safety applications in 2012, ST is fortifying its market leadership with the introduction of this 6-axis IMU that is accurate and reliable despite its small size,” said Anton Hofmeister, STMicroelectronics Group Vice President and General Manager Custom MEMS Division.
According to IHS, the market for automotive MEMS devices increased 13% last year, indicating sensor penetration rates that continue to grow faster than the growth of passenger vehicles.
Key Features of the ASM330LXH
- 115dB Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR); 110dB dynamic range
- Simplified digital input eliminates external DAC (Digital to Analog Converter) and external decoupling capacitor, thereby avoiding potential DC-offset problems
- More than 40% power saving compared to standard class-D amplifiers
- Digital Impedance Meter (DIM, in FDA801B) automatically recognizes magnitude and phase of the connected speaker and communicates it by digital bus (I2C)
- Internal 24-bit DAC conversion and very low noise in line-driver and amplifier modes ensure superior audio performance
- On-demand advanced diagnostics allows each channel to independently perform AC or DC diagnostics with configurable parameters
- Ability to drive loads down to 1 ohm gives designers complete flexibility to specify preferred speakers
The STMicroelectronics website address is www.st.com
[Reprinted with kind permission from STMicroelectronics - Release Date 30th October, 2014]
