Miniature 9-Axis Inertial Module with 32-bit Processing Unit from STMicroelectronics Boosts Realism and Accuracy in Gaming, Robotics, and Navigation
MEMS leader unveils a compact 9 degrees-of-freedom motion-sensing module with powerful processing capabilities
Geneva - STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM), a global semiconductor leader serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications and the leading supplier of MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) for consumer and portable applications[1], has introduced INEMO-M1, a smart multi-sensor module offering 9-degrees-of-freedom[2] sensing and a 32-bit processing unit. The integration of complex motion and magnetic sensing with powerful processing capabilities and dedicated software in a miniaturized module brings an extraordinary degree of realism to Gaming, Human Machine Interface, Robotics, Portable Navigation Devices, and Patient Monitoring.
The INEMO-M1 System-on-Board completely senses and assimilates linear acceleration, angular velocity, earth gravity and heading, enabling users to precisely detect their direction, orientation and movements in all three dimensions. The sensing accuracy can be further enhanced with the 32-bit processing unit's capability to embed dedicated sensor-fusion software, integrating the outputs from all the sensors and employs sophisticated prediction and filtering algorithms to automatically correct measurement distortions and inaccuracies.
"INEMO-M1 combines 9 degrees-of-freedom sensing with motion-data processing capabilities and a dedicated sensor-fusion algorithm," said Matteo Lo Presti, Group Vice President in STMicroelectronics' Industrial & Multisegment Sector. "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."
The INEMO-M1 is the first member of the new System-on-Board family built around ST's award-winning[3] iNEMO smart multi-sensor technology. The compact 13 x 13 x 2mm unit integrates a 6-axis geomagnetic sensor, a 3-axis gyroscope, and an STM32, ST's market-leading ARM-Cortex based 32-bit microcontroller. The iNEMO module 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 module forms the core of the sensor nodes in ST's recently unveiled smart-suit prototype for Inertial Body Motion Reconstruction that recognizes complex movements of the wearer's body and translates them to a digital model with outstanding precision and speed.
IHS iSuppli, a market research firm, forecasts the market for 9-axis sensor fusion[4] in handsets and media tablets to exceed $1.3 billion by 2015.
ST's INEMO-M1 System-on-Board is sampling now to select customers and volume production is scheduled for Q2 2012. Please contact your ST sales office for pricing options and sample requests.
For further information on ST"s iNEMO Inertial Modules please go to: www.st.com/internet/analog/subclass/1448.jsp
iNEMO and STM32 are registered trademarks of STMicroelectronics. ARM and Cortex are trademarks of ARM.
About STMicroelectronics
STMicroelectronics is a global leader serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications with innovative semiconductor solutions. ST aims to be the undisputed leader in multimedia convergence and power applications leveraging its vast array of technologies, design expertise and combination of intellectual property portfolio, strategic partnerships and manufacturing strength. In 2011, the Company's net revenues were $9.73 billion. Further information on ST can be found at www.st.com.
1. IHS iSuppli: H1 2011 Consumer and Mobile MEMS Market Tracker, August 2011
2. 9 degrees of freedom is calculated as 3 axes of linear motion + 3 axes of angular motion + 3 axes of magnetic motion
3. iNEMO has received a Wall Street Journal Technology Innovation Award and a Computerworld Honors recognition
4. Global combined revenue for accelerometers, compasses and gyroscopes used as a trio
