Pushing the Limits of Accelerometer Size and Power: STMicroelectronics Unveils Details of New MEMS Accelerometer Family

GENEVA, Jan. 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM), the leading supplier of MEMS for consumer and portable applications(1), has unveiled details of its new family of three-axis digital accelerometers that combine the market's smallest footprints with a drastically reduced current consumption and enhanced functionality. Samples and demonstration of ST's newest MEMS accelerometers are showcased in Las Vegas in a private suite near this year's Consumer Electronics Show (January 7 - 10).

Latest advancements in accelerometer design have shrunk the footprint of ST sensors down to 2 x 2mm and reduced current consumption below 10 microamperes at the sampling rate of 100Hz. Already lower by an order of magnitude than other devices currently in production, these values can further shrink to just a few microamperes for lower data rates. This substantial achievement is set to speed up the adoption of motion-activated features and applications in space- and power-constrained portable consumer devices, with no compromise in performance and functionality.

ST's newest accelerometers embed a host of enhanced features, including click and double-click recognition, motion-detection/wake-up, and 4D/6D orientation detection.

The accelerometers contain a temperature sensor and three analog-to-digital converter channels for easy integration with companion chips, such as gyroscopes. Other important features include a programmable FIFO (first-in, first-out) and two programmable interrupt signals that enable immediate notification of motion detection, click/double-click events, and other conditions.

The new family is pin-to-pin and software-compatible with ST's current 3 x 3mm three-axis digital accelerometers, so customers can easily 'hot swap' and protect their investment in application development.

Samples of ST's newest three-axis digital accelerometers are shipping to lead customers. Mass production will start in Q3 2010, with unit pricing below US$1 in volumes.

About STMicroelectronics

STMicroelectronics is a global leader serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications with innovative semiconductor solutions. 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 2008, the Company's net revenues were $9.84 billion. Further information on ST can be found at www.st.com.

(1) according to iSuppli (December 2009)

SOURCE STMicroelectronics