August 9, 2012, Seoul – STMicroelectronics (ST, hereinafter ST), a global semiconductor company providing a wide range of electronic applications and a leader in MEMS technology for consumer and portable applications, [1] has launched the LSM303D, a small/high-performance digital compass module.

This new product opens up new possibilities for navigation and location-based services for increasingly sleek digital devices by integrating motion and magnetic sensing into a 3x3x1mm package.

Because ST's digital compass provides accurate information about the direction in which people or vehicles are moving, it can be used to implement various applications such as Pedestrian Dead-Reckoning (PDR) technology[2], map/display orientation, and direction finding. When applied to location-based service apps, simply pointing a GPS-embedded device in the direction of an object of interest allows users to view or search for information about nearby interesting places, such as historical and geographical landmarks, restaurants, or shopping centers.

The LSM303D has been reduced in size by 60% compared to currently produced products, meaning it has been scaled down to the size of a single-function or standalone motion sensor. Additionally, superior sensing accuracy can be achieved through an expanded magnetic scale range and minimized measurement noise. Thanks to these significant size reductions and performance benefits, OEMs are now able to add new and exciting features to portable devices while maintaining a competitive edge in product miniaturization.

The LSM303D module provides extremely accurate results across the full range of up to ±16g (linear acceleration) and ±12 Gauss[3] (magnetic field), and incorporates a temperature sensor and a programmable FIFO (First-In, First-Out) memory block for state-of-the-art motion recognition and smart power management. Motion detection and two programmable interrupt signals that immediately notify of clicks, double clicks, and other situations are also among the advanced features provided by this product.

Digital compasses are becoming a standard feature of tablets and GPS mobile phones, and their application is expanding to game consoles, cameras, and other consumer devices. According to IHS iSuppli, a global market analysis firm, global demand for digital compasses is growing rapidly and is expected to increase from 270 million units in 2010 to 1.58 billion units by 2015.

Mass production of ST's LSM303D digital compass module will begin in the third quarter of 2012, and it is priced at $1.8 per unit for orders of 1,000. For larger orders, you can contact your nearest ST branch.

Additional information on ST's entire MEMS portfolio can be found at www.st.com/mems .