Development of ±32G-Compatible Compact Acceleration Sensor (KX222/KX224) Optimized for Impact Detection
Contributing to Enhanced Functionality and Miniaturization of Home Appliances, Industrial Equipment, and Sports Fitness Devices

ROHM Group's Kionix, Inc. has developed a High G-compatible compact acceleration sensor (KX222/KX224) optimized for impact detection in industrial equipment and sports fitness devices.

Generally, acceleration sensors capable of measuring acceleration below ±20G are suitable for gravity and inclination detection, while those above that range are suitable for impact detection. To date, Low G acceleration sensors have been widely utilized for mobile devices such as inclination detection in smartphones.

However, as various devices become more sophisticated and diversified, the range of applications continues to expand. In particular, recently, vibration detection in white goods and industrial equipment sectors, and impact detection in sports fitness devices are expected to be realized. Kionix, a MEMS sensor specialist, has not only expanded the measurement range of acceleration sensors but also expanded its lineup of gyro sensors and combo sensors.

The acceleration sensor developed this time is configured with three detection ranges: ±8G, ±16G, and ±32G, allowing the appropriate detection range to be selected according to the application. By applying MEMS production technology accumulated over many years by Kionix, a MEMS structure suitable for higher acceleration detection compared to existing products has been realized, enabling acceleration detection up to ±32G suitable for vibration and impact detection.

The maximum sampling rate of 25.6kHz and resonant frequency approximately three times higher than conventional acceleration sensors (maximum 6kHz) are also suitable for applications such as vibration detection and impact detection. Additionally, the product demonstrates superior durability against impact compared to conventional structures, enabling accurate operation even in demanding environments such as vibration detection.

This product, employing compact packages of 2mm×2mm and 3mm×3mm, began sample shipment from September 2016, and is scheduled to commence mass production from December with a monthly production capacity of 1 million units.