February 22, 2013, Seoul – STMicroelectronics (ST), a global semiconductor company providing a wide range of electronic applications, the world's largest MEMS manufacturer, and a leading supplier of MEMS sensors for consumer and portable applications[1], has launched the new standalone high-performance 3-axis geomagnetic sensor, LIS3MDL. It is a product that packs high-specification performance into a very small package.

Considering its size and performance, this sensor is ideal for mobile phones, tablets, and navigation systems. It is also suitable for indoor navigation applications that rely on dead reckoning to perform calculations when satellite signals are unavailable.

With the 2x2x1mm LIS3MDL geomagnetic sensor, motion and position sensing can be flexibly implemented even in devices with spatial limitations, such as smartphones and navigation systems. Additionally, it can be integrated with other discrete sensors, such as ST’s 3-axis MEMS accelerometer or 3-axis MEMS gyroscope, enabling the construction of sensors with up to 9 degrees of freedom.

ST’s iNEMO engine sensor fusion software allows for the integration of additional small sensors for ST’s multiple-degree-of-flight (M-DOF) sensing, thereby further enhancing position sensing capabilities. The sensor fusion software supports all combinations of ST’s sensors, helping to quickly and efficiently develop stable, high-quality M-DOF systems for location-based services, enhanced motion-sensing games, and pedestrian dead reckoning for indoor/multi-level navigation. For example, if a MEMS pressure sensor is added for altitude sensing, it will not only support the functionality and location-based services of the smartphone but also further improve accuracy in-building environments.

Fabio Pasolini, General Manager of ST’s Motion MEMS business unit, stated, “ST’s first discrete geomagnetic sensor boasts superior performance and low power consumption. With this new product, ST now offers customers a complete portfolio of standalone and integrated compact sensors. We are now able to provide optimized performance for multi-degree-of-freedom sensor designs.”

According to IHS, ST is a leader in MEMS devices for consumer and portable applications, recording a 48% global market share in motion sensors for mobile phones and tablets in 2012. ST's sensor products are the most widely used on major mobile operating systems (Android, iOS, and Windows).

LIS3MDL samples are currently available, and mass production is scheduled for the second quarter of 2013. The unit price is US$0.60 for orders of 1,000 units. For larger orders, please contact the ST Korea branch.