High-Performance 3-Axis MEMS Gyroscope - source STMicroelectronics

STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM), the leading supplier of MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) for consumer and portable applications, today introduced a high performance single-package analog gyroscope that accurately measures angular rates along three orthogonal axes. Combining superior accuracy with high stability and a small size, ST’s 3-axis gyroscope heralds the widespread adoption of realistic-motion user interfaces in all kinds of consumer applications.

The sensor provides 360° angular-rate detection for high-precision 3D gesture and motion recognition in mobile phones, game controllers, personal navigation systems and other portable devices. Combined with a 3-axis accelerometer, ST’s newest gyroscope enables the creation of Inertial Measurement Units, devices that track and deliver complete information on the type, rate, and direction of motion of humans, vehicles and other objects.

The innovative gyroscope provides two separate outputs for each of the three axes at the same time: a 400dps full-scale value for high accuracy of slow motion and a 1,600dps full-scale value to detect and measure very fast gestures and movements. The two simultaneous full-scale outputs, together with high resolution and excellent stability over an extended temperature range (from -40°C to 85°C) and over time, set new standards in precision, accuracy and stability, and simplify the sensor integration at both the software and hardware level.

ST’s 3-axis gyroscope can operate with any supply voltage in the range of 2.7 to 3.6V. Robust and resistant to mechanical stress, ST’s 3-axis gyroscope leverages the same manufacturing process that ST has already successfully applied to more than 600 million accelerometers sold in the market. “In 2003, ST was the first to deliver a 3-axis analog accelerometer in a single package,” said Benedetto Vigna, General Manager of STMicroelectronics’ MEMS and Healthcare division. “Now we are the first to have a 3X Analog Gyroscope.”

Samples of ST’s LYPR540AH 3-axis gyroscope, in a 4.4 x 7.5 x 1.1mm package, are available now, with volume production scheduled for Q1 2010. Unit pricing is $3.6 for volumes in the range of 10k.