August 21, 2012, Seoul - STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM), a global semiconductor leader serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications and a leader in MEMS technology for consumer and portable applications, has introduced the LSM330, an ultra-small 6-axis sensor device module with customizable gesture recognition capabilities.

This latest iNEMO® inertial module delivers realistic motion recognition capabilities on space-constrained, power-hungry portable devices, enhancing user experiences. In particular, it is expected to spur the development of "body-worn" sensor applications for health diagnosis in fields such as healthcare, fitness, and sports.

The LSM330 module integrates a 3-axis digital gyroscope and a 3-axis digital accelerometer with two embedded FSMs. These FSMs are programmable devices that can be customized for gesture recognition. Specifically, they recognize specific gestures or movements and trigger related applications or functions. For example, moving the phone while making a specific gesture could trigger an augmented reality feature that shows nearby objects. The processing capabilities of these MEMS sensors will reduce power consumption in battery-hungry portable devices and allow for greater freedom and flexibility in the design of gesture-based digital devices.

This product detects accelerations of up to 16g and angular velocities of up to 2000dps along the pitch, roll, and yaw axes. Integrating high-resolution linear and angular motion sensors into a single device enhances the system's robustness, while cutting-edge modular design ensures thermal and mechanical stability. The target market for this LSM330 multi-sensor module is wide, with applications ranging from body-worn sensor applications, gesture-based UIs for smartphones and tablets, and motion detection and map matching for various location-based services including indoor and outdoor navigation and augmented reality.

To address the power constraints of battery-powered portable devices, it features power-saving and sleep modes, and a built-in FIFO (first-in, first-out) memory block, and can operate at any supply voltage between 2.4 V and 2.6 V.

Boasting full software compatibility with ST's new-generation 3-axis digital accelerometer (LIS3DSH) and gyroscope (L3GD20), customers looking to upgrade their product designs to reduce board size, external component count, and overall application system complexity can easily leverage ST's single-function sensors.

The six-degree-of-freedom LSM330 module, housed in an ultra-small (3x3.5x1mm) LGA package, is scheduled to begin sampling in late Q4 2012 and is priced at $4.15 each in quantities of 1,000. For larger quantities, please contact your local ST representative or distributor.

For more information on ST's complete MEMS portfolio, visit www.st.com/mems