STMicroelectronics Accelerates Integration of Motion and Orientation Sensors

GENEVA, Sept. 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM), a global semiconductor leader serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications and the leading supplier of MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) for consumer and portable applications(1), has collaborated with Microsoft to develop a motion and orientation Human Interface Device (HID) sensor solution running on the Windows 8 operating system. ST's sensor solution will be demonstrated at the Microsoft BUILD conference, September 13-16, 2011 in Anaheim, CA. 

The present collaboration with Microsoft demonstrates ST's ability to provide a complete sensor solution integrating multiple sensors with processing capabilities and dedicated software in a single module. Now in volume production, ST's award-winning(2) iNEMO module combines a 3-axis digital gyroscope, a 3-axis digital accelerometer, and a 3-axis digital magnetometer with a proximity sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, and an STM32 microcontroller that runs ST's iNEMO Engine sensor-fusion algorithms and HIDs using the Intelligent Interface Controller (I2C) protocol. 

"By working with Microsoft to make our sensors run on Windows 8 using the iNEMO Engine, ST's HID sensor solution delivers plug-and-play, turn-key benefits on both x86 and ARM processors running the new operating system," said Benedetto Vigna, Corporate Vice President and General Manager, Analog, MEMS and Sensors Product Group. "With the Microsoft sensor driver stack and ST's sensor-controller firmware, we have relieved equipment manufacturers of the need to develop drivers and enabled end users to enjoy the Windows 8 sensor scenarios such as screen rotation or indoor location built in Windows 8 and additional power saving through the STM32 microcontroller integrated in the iNEMO module."

STMicroelectronics has been a lead collaborator during Windows 8 development for sensor ecosystem and user experience and, in this role, has been providing direct input and feedback to Microsoft for future sensor-based specifications and platforms.

In addition to the HID sensor solution, ST as a complete MEMS solution provider also offers a Customer Driver for the upcoming Windows 8. This alternate solution uses ST's existing Windows 7 sensor driver that is in high-volume production today. ST is one of the only vendors to have received the Windows 7 motion and orientation sensor qualification, demonstrating the Company's commitment to support Microsoft solutions.

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 2010, the Company's net revenues were $10.35 billion. Further information on ST can be found at www.st.com. 

(1) IHS iSuppli: H1 2011 Consumer and Mobile MEMS Market Tracker, August 2011

(2) iNEMO has received a Wall Street Journal Technology Innovation Award and a Computerworld Honors recognition

SOURCE STMicroelectronics