Fairchild introduces the FIS1100 six-axis MEMS inertial measurement Device

     Fairchild's FIS1100 six-axis MEMS Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) is the first MEMS product launched since the company strategically invested in MEMS and motion tracking technology. The FIS1100 IMU integrates the proprietary AttitudeEngine motion processor and the industry's best nine-axis sensor fusion algorithm to provide designers with an easy-to-implement system-level solution with superior user experience and processing power consumption as low as one-tenth for a wide range of motion-enabled, battery-powered applications.

     "The launch of Fairchild's first MEMS product is a key milestone in applying the company's unique design and manufacturing expertise to system-level solutions beyond power supplies," said Mark Thompson, chairman and CEO of Fairchild. With the advanced algorithms and deep application technology acquired through the Xsens acquisition, we support our customers in developing advanced motion solutions for a variety of fast-growing market segments, such as consumer electronics, industrial and health."

     The FIS1100 IMU uses the built-in AttitudeEngine motion processor and XKF3 sensor fusion to provide a low power, high accuracy system solution that provides customers with never disconnected sensor technology for a wide range of applications, such as wearable sensors for sports, fitness and health, pedestrian navigation, autonomous robots, and more. And virtual and augmented reality.

     Jeremie Bouchaud, Director of MEMS Sensors and senior principal Analyst at IHS, said: "Motion tracking in consumer electronics devices has rapidly expanded beyond gaming interfaces and smartphones to many new mobile things Internet applications. "As designers look to motion to differentiate their products, integrating a motion processor and a complete software solution in the IMU accelerates time to market while ensuring the best balance between competitive goals such as miniaturization, long battery life and motion tracking accuracy."

     The AttitudeEngine processes six-axis inertial data internally at a high rate and outputs it to the host processor at a low rate that matches the needs of the application, so there is no need for high-frequency interruptions. This way, the system processor stays in sleep mode longer, providing customers with longer battery life without sacrificing functionality or accuracy. The bundled XKF3 high-performance 9-axis sensor fusion algorithm combines inertial sensor data from on-chip gyroscopes and accelerometers with data from external magnetometers. Sensor fusion also includes automatic background calibration, providing superior performance in terms of accuracy, consistency and fluidity. Combined with the XKF3 sensor fusion algorithm, the FIS1100 is the world's first complete consumer inertial measurement device to conform to the positioning (four-element) specification, with ±3° pitch and roll accuracy, and ±5° yaw accuracy.

     The FIS1100 uses Fairchild's proprietary MEMS process and is specifically designed for inertial sensors. The process has multiple design elements that enable optimal performance, size and robustness. These include industry-leading 60-micron device layers with high aspect ratios, through-silicon (TSV) interconnections and vertical electrodes, as well as unique single-chip gyroscopes and accelerometers with dual vacuum designs.