STMicroelectronics ASM330LXH inertial measurement unit

STMicroelectronics has announced what it claims to be the industry’s smallest 6-axis inertial measurement unit (IMU) qualified for automotive applications with low noise and improved output resolution.

The tiny ASM330LXH IMU is suitable for in-dash car-navigation solutions that require accurate inertial sensors to optimise positioning and direction, even in the absence of a strong GNSS signal. Multi-axis gyroscopes and accelerometers, like the IMU, empower sophisticated Dead Reckoning software algorithms that calculate current position from a previously determined location updated by time, acceleration and change of direction. The device also targets onboard units for electronic road tolling and other vehicle telematics systems.

The IMU is mounted in a 3 x 3 x 1.1 mm land grid array package. It offers selectable full-scale ranges of 2/4/8/16 g and 125/245/500/1000/2000 dps with 16-bit synchronised data outputs, at six user-selectable output data rates, for both the gyroscope and accelerometer. An SPI digital output allows the transport of sensor data to the microcontroller, and I2C is also supported. Energy efficiency is assured through various power modes.

AEC-Q100 qualified for automotive non-safety applications, the device is a robust sensor that operates over an extended industrial temperature range. Electromagnetic reliability is assured through ST’s solid design and packaging expertise.