Summary of ST cuts size of smartphone gyro chip
The L3G462A is a low-power, 3-axis angular rate sensor featuring analog outputs for measuring rotation on three axes. Manufactured using ST's dedicated micromachining and CMOS processes, it offers a compact 4x4x1mm³ LGA package. With a ±625 dps full scale, it supports navigation, gaming, and motion-activated interfaces while operating between -40°C and +85°C. The device includes embedded power-saving modes, a temperature sensor, and a low-pass filter, ensuring high shock survivability and stability across varying conditions.
Parts used in the L3G462A Gyroscope Project:
- L3G462A 3-axis angular rate sensor
- Micromachined sensing element
- CMOS IC interface circuit
- Plastic land grid array (LGA) package
- Embedded power-down mode
- Embedded sleep mode
- Integrated temperature sensor
- Embedded low pass filter
The L3G462A is a low-power 3-axis angular rate sensor.
It includes a sensing element and an IC interface able to provide the measured angular rate to the external world through three analog outputs.
The sensing element is manufactured using a dedicated micromachining process developed by ST to produce inertial sensors and actuators on silicon wafers.
The IC interface is manufactured using a CMOS process that allows a high level of integration to design a dedicated circuit which is trimmed to better match the sensing element characteristics.
The L3G462A is available in a plastic land grid array (LGA) package and can operate within a temperature range from -40 °C to +85 °C.
Key Features
- ± 625 dps full scale
- Wide supply voltage range 2.4 V to 3.6 V
- Embedded power-down and sleep mode to save power consumption and shorten turn-on time
- Integrated temperature sensor
- Embedded low pass filter
- High shock survivability
- Extended operating temperature range (-40 °C to 85 °C)
- ECOPACK® RoHS and “Green” compliant
STMicroelectronics is offering a 3-axis analogue output gyroscope in a small 4x4x1mm3 package.
The L3G462A gyroscope provides angular-rate detection with a separate output for each of the three axes.
The full scale of ±625dps will measure gestures and movements of different types and speeds, enabling applications from navigation to motion-activated user interface and gaming.
Stability over temperature is specified as ±0.04dps/°C and sensitivity at ±0.017%/°C.
Noise is specified 0.017dps/?Hz.
It can operate with any supply voltage in the range of 2.4 to 3.6V and the power-down and sleep-to-wake modes contribute to the reduction in power consumption of the entire system.
Volume production is scheduled for the end of Q3 2011 and the unit price is $3.5 in quantities of 1000 pieces.
For more read: ST cuts size of smartphone gyro chip
- What type of output does the L3G462A provide?
The sensor provides measured angular rate through three separate analog outputs. - How small is the L3G462A package?
The gyroscope is available in a small 4x4x1mm³ plastic land grid array package. - Can the L3G462A operate in extreme temperatures?
Yes, it operates within an extended temperature range from -40 °C to +85 °C. - Does the L3G462A support different supply voltages?
It can operate with any supply voltage in the range of 2.4 V to 3.6 V. - How does the device save power consumption?
Embedded power-down and sleep-to-wake modes reduce power consumption and shorten turn-on time. - What applications can utilize the L3G462A?
It enables applications ranging from navigation to motion-activated user interfaces and gaming. - Is the L3G462A compliant with environmental standards?
Yes, it is ECOPACK® RoHS and Green compliant. - What is the noise specification of the sensor?
Noise is specified at 0.017dps/?Hz.
