The new FXLN83xxQ accelerometer demonstrates Freescale’s push into industrial sensors. Designed to capture acceleration data that is easily missed by the lower-accuracy sensors typically used in consumer products such as smartphones and activity monitors, this new device enables more effective failure prediction for proactive maintenance and condition monitoring applications through intelligent algorithms.

"Information derived from sensor data drives efficiency improvements across industrial and medical markets and fosters attractive new business models," said Babak Taheri, Vice President and General Manager of Freescale's Sensor Solutions business unit. "Freescale's systems and application teams have worked closely with customers to address these new applications and opportunities by combining a broad sensor portfolio with a wide range of Freescale microcontrollers." "The resulting solution will help system designers collect and utilize sensor data to drive analytics and intelligence for next-generation industrial and medical applications," he said.

The new FXLN83xxQ accelerometer, housed in a small 3 x 3mm package, boasts best-in-class bandwidth (2.7kHz) and is one of the first 3-axis devices with an operating temperature range of -40°C to 105°C. This device is universally compatible with a wide range of ADC-supported MCUs via its analog output. In addition, the FXLN83xxQ features extremely low power consumption for battery-powered applications, exposed lead for rapid solder joint inspection, and is guaranteed for 10 years through the Freescale Product Life Extension Program.

The key technical features of the new FXLN83xxQ product are as follows.

• 1.71V ~ 3.6V supply voltage

• Selectable from ±2g to 16g

• High bandwidth: Up to 2.7kHz possible

• Provided in a small size (QFN 3 x 3 x 1.05mm 0.65mm pitch package) while allowing the solder to be visible for solder inspection.

• System power optimization with analog parallel output for use in low-voltage MCUs

According to market research firm IHS, global sales of industrial electronic semiconductors in 2013 amounted to $32.4 billion, a 9% increase from $29.8 billion in 2012. This serves as a stepping stone for solid growth in 2014, and annual sales are projected to grow by 9% to reach $35.4 billion.

Powerful and stable performance

Freescale sensor products meet key industrial market requirements, including operation over a wide temperature range. These products are designed, manufactured, and verified through rigorous process control using industry-standard methodologies designed to yield failure rates that meet the most stringent requirements of the industrial market. The FXLN83xxQ accelerometer is included in Freescale’s Product Longevity Program, which guarantees supply for a minimum of 10 or 15 years from the date of release. Conditions and a list of applicable Freescale products can be found at www.freescale.com/productlongevity.

Product development support

A DEMO FXLN83xxQ evaluation kit for the device and four breakout boards (BRKOUT-FXLN8361Q, BRKOUT-FXLN8362Q, BRKOUT-FXLN8371Q, BRKOUT-FXLN8372Q) for mounting the device are provided. Freescale also provides the Xtrinsic intelligent sensing framework for easy and fast software development.

Supply situation and prices

The FXLN83xxQ accelerometer is currently available from Freescale and official distributors worldwide, with a recommended resale price of $1.20 to $1.70 (USD) for 1,000 units.