STMicroelectronics Intelligent motion sensors support popular social fitness activities

     STMicroelectronics helps social fitness enthusiasts stay active by introducing innovative smart sensors that allow always-on tracking apps to run longer and more accurately record users' progress in their workouts.

     STMicroelectronics LIS2DS12 3-axis "ultramicro" accelerometer, LSM6DSL/M 6-axis inertial sensor module and the new LSM303AH electronic compass allow applications to continuously track motion without compromising device battery life and efficiently perform motion-related calculations on the chip. No need for the system main processor to intervene. Pre-embedded motion algorithms, including high-precision pedometers, step detection, step count, large motion, and tilt detection, reduce research and development efforts, accelerate product time-to-market, and develop innovative new applications such as wristbands, medical monitors, personal navigation, iot nodes, and smartphones and wearables.

     STMicroelectronics' smart motion sensors are integrated into multiple smartphones and support wechat's WeRun. In China's first-tier cities, more than 90 percent of the population uses wechat. Andrea Onetti, Vice President and General Manager of MEMS Sensor Products at ST, said: "Wechat turns physical activity into a social activity, helping mobile phone and wearable device users get fit. St's smart motion sensors enable WeRun to continuously track movement without missing steps, while also saving power and extending battery life, which not only improves the ease of use of the device, but also helps attract more users to wechat."

     As STMicroelectronics' latest motion sensor for wechat WeRun with built-in pedometer, the LSM303AH electronic Compass integrates an accelerometer and a magnetometer. Performance tests conducted at the same latitude show that the course positioning accuracy is more than double that of other brands of electronic compass or pure magnetometer. In addition to continuous and accurate step counting monitoring, the new device also has dead reckoning function, even in offices, underground parking lots or shopping malls without satellite signals, can ensure very accurate positioning. In addition, ST has developed advanced precision calibration software that allows end users to correct temperature sensor drift and magnetic sensor errors.

     STMicroelectronics' smart sensors also allow users to select power consumption modes and resolutions to optimize the energy efficiency and performance of end products. Other features that simplify system design include a built-in FIFO, self-test, temperature sensor, and programmable interrupt pins that detect interruption conditions such as free fall.