Semiconductor vendor STMicroelectronics announced last week the availability of a new ultra-compact digital compass module (LSM303D) said to be 60 percent smaller than current similar MEMS in production today.
“The LSM303D module provides extremely accurate output across full-scale ranges up to ±16g (linear acceleration) and ±12 Gauss (magnetic field),“ wrote STMicro in its press release. The device embeds a temperature sensor and a programmable FIFO (first-in first-out) memory block for advanced motion recognition and smart power management.
According to market research firm IHS iSuppli, global demand for digital compasses is expected to grow from 270 million units in 2010 up to 1.58 billion in 2015. Digital compasses are becoming a standard feature in GPS-enabled smartphones and tablets as well as finding their way into gaming, cameras and other consumer electronics devices.
ST's LSM303D e-compass module will start mass production in the third quarter of 2012. Unit pricing is $1.8 for volumes in the range of 1,000 pieces.
“The LSM303D module provides extremely accurate output across full-scale ranges up to ±16g (linear acceleration) and ±12 Gauss (magnetic field),“ wrote STMicro in its press release. The device embeds a temperature sensor and a programmable FIFO (first-in first-out) memory block for advanced motion recognition and smart power management.
According to market research firm IHS iSuppli, global demand for digital compasses is expected to grow from 270 million units in 2010 up to 1.58 billion in 2015. Digital compasses are becoming a standard feature in GPS-enabled smartphones and tablets as well as finding their way into gaming, cameras and other consumer electronics devices.
ST's LSM303D e-compass module will start mass production in the third quarter of 2012. Unit pricing is $1.8 for volumes in the range of 1,000 pieces.
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