March 8, 2012, Seoul — STMicroelectronics (NYSE:STM), a global semiconductor company in various electronic device applications and a leader in MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) system sensors and automotive ICs, has launched the industry's first 3-axis digital output gyroscope that meets the Automotive Integrated Circuit Industry Standard (AEC-Q100). ST's latest angular rate sensor was developed to provide positional accuracy and stability for a wide range of automotive applications, including dashboard-mounted navigation, telematics, and automated toll collection systems.

The accuracy of ST Gyroscope's angular motion detection and measurement capabilities, meeting automotive application requirements, improves dead-reckoning and map-matching functions in vehicle navigation and telematics applications. In areas where GPS reception is impossible—such as indoors or between tall buildings in cities—dead-reckoning systems compensate for lost satellite signals by detecting motion, distance traveled, and altitude. Precise gyroscope measurement capabilities enhance map matching, the process of aligning the observed driver location path with the road network on a digital map. Map matching is used in applications such as traffic flow analysis and route guidance.
This new dead reckoning and map matching function is implemented through ST Gyroscope's unique design, which adopts a single-sensor structure that measures movement along all three orthogonal axes. This design prevents crosstalk between axes, improves measurement accuracy, and enables excellent output stability over time and temperature.
ST's A3G4250D gyroscope measures angular velocity up to +/-250 dps per second. The on-chip IC interface converts angular motion data into a 16-bit digital bit stream, and this stream is transmitted with high reliability to a specified microcontroller chip via standard SPI or I2C protocols. The device supports two output lines: interrupt, data ready, and four user-selectable output data rates.

This new 3V single-supply sensor features power saving and sleep modes for smart power management, as well as a built-in first-in first-out (FIFO) memory block. The A3G4250D incorporates an 8-bit temperature sensor and can operate over a wide temperature range between -40°C and 85°C. It also exhibits excellent resistance to electromagnetic interference and withstands shocks of up to 10,000g.

ST's 3-axis gyroscopes for automotive applications utilize the same manufacturing and processing technology that has already been successfully applied to motion sensors, of which 1.8 billion have been sold in the market. Customers can enjoy ST's unique differentiated benefits, which combine the mass production capabilities of ST's 8-inch MEMS designated production line, extensive supply chain management capabilities, and cutting-edge product design capabilities.

ST is currently providing samples of the A3G4250D, and mass production is scheduled for the second quarter of 2012. The price per unit is set at $6 for orders of 1,000. Prices are negotiable for large orders.