3-axis accelerometer curbs noise, power in wearables

Article By : STMicroelectronics

LIS2DW12 device allows single-byte transfers to limit power usage and features 90μg/√Hz noise density for measurement accuracy.

STMicroelectronics has launched its LIS2DW12 3-axis accelerometer intended for context sensing in IoT and wearable devices. An ST MEMS series addition, the LIS2DW12 device delivers accuracy, flexibility and energy efficiency by supporting multiple low-power and low-noise settings in a 2mm x 2mm x 0.7mm footprint.

The LIS2DW12 has 16bit output and can be set to prioritise low-power consumption or low-noise performance, with five settings in either mode. A specific feature coupled with four settings in each mode save waking the system to check for data and allow single-byte transfers thereby minimising system power consumption and helping extend battery life.

Noise density is down to 90μg/√Hz, at least 25% lower than other accelerometers. This feature improves the measurement accuracy in next-gen applications from healthcare, fitness and gaming to industrial sensing and environmental monitoring.

Drawing 50nA in standby or 380nA in low-power mode at 1.6Hz output data rate, the LIS2DW12 stretches its battery load. The supply-voltage range of 1.62V to 3.6V allows extended operation from small coin or button cells. With 32-level FIFO, built-in temperature sensor, programmable interrupt for freefall, wake up, activity/inactivity, 6D/4D orientation detection and tap/double-tap detection, the LIS2DW12 supports system-level power savings.