March 27, 2014, Seoul — STMicroelectronics (ST), a global semiconductor company contributing to customers across a wide range of electronic applications, announced a number of analog and mixed-signal devices targeting the rapidly growing wearable technology market. These include current sensors, audio amplifiers, OP amps, analog switches, and battery gas gauges, enabling ST to provide the industry's most complete set of building blocks for creating innovative wearable applications.

Wearable applications are gaining increasing influence in the market, ranging from new healthcare technologies such as remote heart rate monitoring to consumer applications like smart fashion accessories. According to an analysis by market research firm Strategy Analytics, these applications are expected to grow by more than 70% by 2017, demonstrating current and future market potential across various sectors.

Andrea Onetti, General Manager of ST Analog and Audio Systems, said, “We have completed a comprehensive platform by combining industry-leading motion and environment sensor products for various wearable applications currently on the market[1], new[2] ultra-low power microcontroller products, award-winning[3] BlueNRG Bluetooth Smart wireless connectivity solutions, and analog and mixed-signal devices,” adding that “with this, ST has established itself as a complete one-stop supplier for customers’ innovative wearable application development.”

Devices suitable for wearable applications include ST’s single, dual, and quad operational amplifiers, such as the OA4NP33 quad low-power OP amp, which consume a typical ultra-low power of 580nA per channel (typical value) when supplied with 1.8V, making them ideal for functions such as signal conditioning sensors in battery-operated wearable devices. In the case of the GG25L gas gauge, the patented OptimGauge™ algorithm is used to predict the remaining battery charge with 0.25% accuracy.

ST's diverse motion sensor portfolio includes the LIS2DH12 ultra-low power digital 3-axis accelerometer and the award-winning LSM303C ultra-compact high-performance electronic compass (e-Compass) module. ST's M24SR dynamic tag enables NFC connectivity for wearable applications, allowing for convenient features such as wireless pairing, automatic website connection, and warranty authentication.

These devices will be available for bulk purchase starting in March 2014.