Flexible sensor architecture combined with Always-Aware sensor-processing
Enhancing mobile device performance and minimizing power consumption

STMicroelectronics (ST) announced that Qualcomm Technologies Inc., a subsidiary of Qualcomm Incorporated, plans to provide software support for all inertial sensor solutions, including ST's iNEMO™ inertial modules.

Through this support, both companies aim to contribute to the rapid launch of Snapdragon-based Android smartphones by utilizing the hardware capabilities of the embedded sensors in Qualcomm Snapdragon processors to minimize sensor power consumption and enhance performance. This reference software can also satisfy the specific requirements of some customers developing new products.

This agreement applies to all of ST’s inertial modules and sensors (motion, environment, and acoustic sensors), but the first focus will be on supporting ST’s LSM6DS3 inertial module, which won the MEMS & Sensors Industry Group’s ‘Product of the Year’ [1], through Qualcomm Technologies’ core reference design. The LSM6DS3 is an always-on low-power inertial module with a 3D accelerometer and 3D gyroscope integrated into a single chip, offering excellent sensing accuracy.

The flexible architecture of these ST sensors helps Qualcomm's Snapdragon process contextual data at low power. Together with Qualcomm’s All-Ways Aware™ Hub, it supports sensor functions and various additional features in the Android environment, and serves to extend battery life. Additional features include location technology, modem, and sensor fusion used in the camera subsystem.

Keith Kressin, Senior Vice President of Product Management at Qualcomm Technologies, stated, “Qualcomm’s Snapdragon products are one of the most technologically influential development environments in the ever-growing mobile world. We are pleased to partner with ST to support Snapdragon-based platforms with enhanced sensing capabilities and improved battery life for users. Through our collaboration to provide exceptional, robust, tested, and certified solutions, we will help OEMs implement quickly and efficiently, regardless of region.”

Andrea Onetti, General Manager of ST’s MEMS Sensors business unit, explained, “Different sensor types and integrations are continuously expanding in the global smartphone and mobile market. This collaboration between ST and Qualcomm Technologies will further diversify the types of sensors applied to these devices,” and stated, “ST’s sensors and Qualcomm Technologies’ excellent and proven processors will enable OEMs to rapidly implement designs, thereby activating an ecosystem for a new era of ultra-low-power mobile devices.”