STMicroelectronics Delivers Advanced Context Aware Sensors
STMicroelectronics has introduced new miniature 6-axis motion sensors, also known as inertial measurement units (IMUs), designed to offer enhanced precision for accurate event reconstruction. These devices are presented within ST’s Sustainable Technology framework, which underscores a commitment to responsible product development and the integration of more sustainable technologies. The IMUs are specifically engineered for smart devices and professional equipment where precise motion information and context awareness are critical.
The newly released devices include the consumer-oriented LSM6DSK320X and the industrial-grade ISM6HGK256X. A primary capability of these sensors is their support for event reconstruction, allowing applications to differentiate various types of events by combining motion-sensing data. This feature is crucial for applications such as accident alerting, tool-usage monitoring, robot teaching, sports-performance analysis, and concussion detection. Furthermore, their precision and accelerometer tracking enhance drone-flight stabilization, structural-condition monitoring, and game controllers.
Technically, these IMUs integrate an advanced super-symmetric gyroscope architecture with precise accelerometer tracking across a broad dynamic range. Each device combines one gyroscope and two distinct accelerometers within a compact package. ST has also incorporated a machine-learning core directly into the sensor, enabling on-device AI processing to reduce the processing load on the main application and conserve system resources. Developers can leverage ST’s Motion XLF, sensor-fusion, and context-awareness software libraries, alongside basic libraries, all supported by the ST MEMS Studio development environment.
The architecture is specifically designed to deliver accurate measurements across both low-range disturbances and high-g events. The dual-accelerometer configuration allows for simultaneous measurement of low-range disturbances up to ±16 g and high-g events up to ±320 g, eliminating the need to switch between different measurement modes. The LSM6DSK320X operates within a temperature range of -40°C to +85°C, while the ISM6HGK256X is rated for -40°C to +105°C and is part of ST’s 10-year longevity program, ensuring long-term availability.
Specifications
| Product | Sensor Type | Acceleration Measurement Range | Operating Temperature | Package Size | Price for 1000 Pieces |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LSM6DSK320X / ISM6HGK256X | 6-axis inertial measurement unit | Low-range disturbances up to ±16 g and high-g events up to ±320 g | LSM6DSK320X: -40°C to +85°C; ISM6HGK256X: -40°C to +105°C | 2.5 mm x 3 mm x 0.83 mm | LSM6DSK320X: $4.6; ISM6HGK256X: $5.1 |
Key Features
- Miniature 6-axis IMUs (LSM6DSK320X, ISM6HGK256X) designed for accurate motion sensing and event reconstruction.
- Differentiated for consumer (LSM6DSK320X) and industrial (ISM6HGK256X) applications.
- Features an advanced super-symmetric gyroscope architecture with a fully differential signal chain for resilience against vibrations and shocks.
- Integrates one gyroscope and two separate accelerometers in a single compact package (2.5 mm x 3 mm x 0.83 mm).
- Dual accelerometers enable simultaneous measurement of low-range (up to ±16 g) and high-g (up to ±320 g) events without mode switching.
- Incorporates ST’s machine-learning core for embedded AI processing, reducing application energy consumption and saving system resources.
- Supported by ST’s Motion XLF, sensor-fusion, and context-awareness software libraries, and the ST MEMS Studio development environment.
- LSM6DSK320X operates from -40°C to +85°C.
- ISM6HGK256X operates from -40°C to +105°C and is part of ST’s 10-year longevity program.
Applications
- Fitness trackers can use the sensors for motion-related context awareness and event reconstruction.
- Smart tags are among the smart-device applications identified for the new IMUs.
- Industrial asset monitors are identified as a professional application for the sensors.
- Robots can use the motion-sensing capabilities for applications including robot teaching.
- Drones used for photography are among the applications identified by ST.
- Agricultural surveying is another explicitly identified drone application.
- The event-reconstruction capability can support accident alerting, tool-usage monitoring, sports-performance analysis, and concussion detection.
- The sensors’ precision and accelerometer tracking support drone-flight stabilization, structural-condition monitoring, and game controllers.
Avaliability
STMicroelectronics’ LSM6DSK320X and ISM6HGK256X context-aware 6-axis inertial measurement units are available through STMicroelectronics. For more information and product details, visit the official product pages for the LSM6DSK320X and ISM6HGK256X. The company’s announcement identifies the LSM6DSK320X as the consumer-oriented device and the ISM6HGK256X as the industrial-grade device.
