Motion, magnetic, pressure, temperature sensors with 32-bit processing

STMicroelectronics combines multiple sensors with microcontrollers to boost accuracy in robotics, navigation.

Renee Robbins

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STMicroelectronics, a supplier of MEMS for consumer and portable applications, has introduced the first members in its iNEMO family of multi-sensor inertial measurement unit (IMU) devices. The devices integrate a variety of motion, magnetic, pressure and temperature sensors with a 32-bit processing unit and dedicated software in one package. The device is designed to increase functionality and performance in human machine interface (HMI), robotics, portable navigation device and patient monitoring applications.

Built on ST's portfolio of MEMS devices, iNEMO modules represent ST's first IMUs with 10 degrees of freedom. They combine three-axis sensing of linear, angular and magnetic motion with temperature and barometer/altitude readings. The modules contain a memory card socket for data logging and dedicated connectors for wired/wireless connectivity, including USB, ZigBee or GPS.

ST's first iNEMO module (STEVAL-MKI062V1) integrates six different sensors and a 32-bit microcontroller. It is available as a 4.5 cm x 5 cm evaluation board with a firmware library, a PC graphical user interface, and a set of software solutions for different applications. The most recent iNEMO product (v2) represents a further step in miniaturization and runs a sophisticated sensor fusion algorithm (Attitude Heading Reference System) to provide static and dynamic orientation and inertial measurements.

V2 integrates five ST sensors: a 2-axis roll-and-pitch gyroscope, single-axis yaw gyroscope, 6-axis geomagnetic module, pressure sensor, and temperature sensor. All sensors and the AHRS algorithm are managed by an on-board STM32 microcontroller. The module, which comprises a 4 cm x 4 cm evaluation board and all the necessary firmware and software, will be available for volume orders in Q2 2010.

"At the forefront of the MEMS technology development, the iNEMO family roadmap heads toward inertial measurement units delivering ten degrees of freedom in a single package," said Matteo Lo Presti, systems lab & technical marketing, Industrial & Multisegment Sector, general manager of the Subsystems Product Group.
- Edited by Renee Robbins, senior editor
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