The design of ST's dual-core MEMS gyroscope employs separate output paths optimized for the two different functions in a 4x4x1 mm package. The device addresses, at the same time, motion and gesture recognition and optical image stabilization for sharper mobile camera photos. "ST's dual-core gyroscope lights two candles with one flame," said Benedetto Vigna, Corporate Vice President and General Manager of ST's Analog, MEMS and Sensors Group. "Instead of using two dedicated sensors with significantly different specifications, phone and tablet manufacturers can now simply integrate a single gyroscope for both gesture recognition and camera image stabilization, which enables more reliable performance, sleeker form factors, and lower costs."
Addressing power constraints in battery-operated portable devices, ST's new gyroscope includes power-down and sleep modes and an embedded FIFO (first-in first-out) memory block for smarter power management. The sensor outputs data through independent I2C and SPI interfaces and offers additional digital embedded features, such as configurable low- and high-pass filters. The gyroscope embeds a temperature sensor and can operate with any supply voltage over the range of 2.4 to 3.6V.
ST's L3G4IS dual-core gyroscope is sampling now and volume production is scheduled for Q2 2012, with unit pricing at $3.9 for volumes in the range of 1,000 pieces. STMicroelectronics is a global company serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications with semiconductor solutions. According to the company, 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 2010, the company's net revenues were $10.35 billion.
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