Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS)
STMicroelectronics Starts High-Volume Production of Motion and Orientation Sensor Solutions for Windows 8-Based Tablets
MEMS sensors and sensor-hub solution from ST begin shipping in third-party Windows 8-based tablets and convertible laptops
Geneva - STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM), a global semiconductor leader serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications and the world's top MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) manufacturer[1], has collaborated with Microsoft Corp. to develop a motion and orientation Human Interface Device (HID) sensor solution for the Windows 8 operating system. ST's MEMS sensors and the sensor-hub solution are now ready to ship in high volumes with the release of Windows 8. Several major worldwide OEMs and ODMs have selected ST's sensor solutions for their Windows 8-based devices.
ST's sensor hub combines a 3-axis digital gyroscope, a 3-axis digital accelerometer, and a 3-axis digital magnetometer with a proximity sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, and a high-performance STM32 microcontroller that runs ST's iNEMO Engine sensor-fusion algorithms and HID using the Inter-Integrated Circuit (I2C) protocol.
Since 2003, ST has been supplying accelerometers and drivers for Windows for hard-disk-drive data protection to major laptop OEMs. The sensor-hub solution for Windows 8 demonstrates ST's commitment to further enhancing the end-user experience in computing for screen orientation, gaming, compass, and navigation, among other applications.
"The STMicroelectronics sensor-hub solution allows OEMs/ODMs to incorporate sensors into Windows 8-based tablets quickly and achieve a consistent and superior level of performance," said Benedetto Vigna, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Analog, MEMS and Sensors Group, STMicroelectronics. "ST is a leader in MEMS sensors and with a complete product portfolio, control of manufacturing, and solutions for Windows 8 now in production, we have again increased our value to the customers and strengthened our leadership position."
More than 20 tablets from major OEMs are using the ST sensor solutions today. Demonstrated through inclusion in Windows 8-based devices, with a standard plug-and-play HID/I2C interface and protocol, ST has significantly reduced the effort necessary to incorporate sensors for OEMs and ODMs. The ST sensor-hub solution is scalable and the Bill-of-Material costs and board space can be further reduced through the implementation of additional features, including temperature monitoring and battery charging, with the embedded STM32 microcontroller.
About STMicroelectronics
ST is a global leader in the semiconductor market serving customers across the spectrum of sense and power technologies and multimedia convergence applications. From energy management and savings to trust and data security, from healthcare and wellness to smart consumer devices, in the home, car and office, at work and at play, ST is found everywhere microelectronics make a positive and innovative contribution to people's life. By getting more from technology to get more from life, ST stands for life.augmented.
In 2011, the Company's net revenues were $9.73 billion. Further information on ST can be found at www.st.com.
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STMicroelectronics
Michael Markowitz
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michael.markowitz@st.com
[1] [1] IHS iSuppli: MEMS Competitive Analysis 2012
