ST adds 32-bit MCU to 9-axis inertial sensor
Peter Clarke, EE Times -- EDN, February 8, 2012
LONDON—STMicroelectronics NV has added a 32-bit microcontroller to its iNemo inertial sensor to create a smart multi-sensor module. The module is sampling and is set for volume production in 2Q12.
The iNemo-M1 is the first member of a family of modules built around the iNemo inertial sensor. The module includes the 13×13×2-mm, which include a 3-axis accelerometer, 3-axis gyroscope and 3-axis magnetometer; and an STM32 ARM-based 32-bit microcontroller. The iNemo module also 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 system-on-board senses and assimilates linear acceleration, angular velocity, earth gravity, and heading, enabling users to detect orientation and movement in three dimensions. The accuracy is enhanced with the MCUs's ability to run sensor-fusion software, integrating the outputs from all the sensors. Prediction and filtering correct measurement distortions and inaccuracies.
"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," said Matteo Lo Presti, group vice president at ST, in a statement.
IHS iSuppli, a market research firm, forecasts the annual market for 9-axis sensor fusion in handsets and media tablets will exceed $1.3 billion in 2015.
The iNemo-M1 system-on-board is sampling to selected customers with volume production due to begin in Q2 2012.
This story was originally posted by EE Times.
