CIE Components in Electronics
There is a need to detect and measure high-g shocks in a broad range of applications and whereas existing solutions are mostly based on single- or dual-axis, power-hungry ‘airbag-type’ sensors, ST believes that its new high-g accelerometers can deliver both the three-dimensional precision and ultra-low current consumption optimised for battery-operated applications.
Power-stingy, precise high-shock detection devices open new possibilities for portable medical instrumentation and concussion monitoring in high-impact sports like ice hockey or car racing. ST’s high-g sensors can also significantly improve crash-detection capabilities in event data recorders (black boxes) and freight monitoring systems, as well as enhance anti-shock protection functionality in consumer electronics.
These high-g accelerometers provide three-axis motion sensing across selectable from ±100 g up to ±400 g full-scale ranges, and are able to offer stability over time and temperature. An on-chip IC interface converts the acceleration data into a 12-bit digital bit stream that is transmitted with high reliability to a dedicated microcontroller chip through a standard SPI or I2C protocol.
The H3LIS331DL combines an innovative sensing-structure design with a proven low-power interface – ST’s LIS331DLx acceleration sensors, an industry-standard device that has been shipped in several hundred million units to date.
Samples of ST’s high-g accelerometers are available and volume production is expected to start by the end of Q2 2012.
