MEMS leader unveils a compact 9 degrees-of-freedom motion-sensing module with powerful processing capabilities

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 applications1, has introduced INEMO-M1, a smart multi-sensor module offering 9-degrees-of-freedom 2sensing 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.