STMicroelectronics gets software support for smarter phones

Article By : STMicroelectronics

A combination of STMicroelectronics' unique, flexible sensor architecture and Qualcomm All-Ways Aware sensor-processing abilities will emphasise performance and minimise power consumption in mobiles.

Semiconductor company STMicroelectronics is collaborating with Qualcomm Technologies to create smarter mobile devices.

Under the partnership, Qualcomm Technologies Inc. will add software support for ST’s inertial sensor solutions such as the iNEMO inertial module to enable the rapid introduction of Android smartphones based on Qualcomm Snapdragon processors with minimised power consumption and high-performing sensor capabilities through the use of hardware features integrated into the sensor. The reference software is already available to address the specific needs of OEMs creating new devices.
While the agreement extends to all of ST’s inertial modules and sensors (motion, environmental, and acoustic), first efforts will focus on supporting ST’s LSM6DS3 inertial module in key Qualcomm Technologies’ reference designs. The LSM6DS3 is an always-on, low-power inertial module combining a 3D accelerometer and a 3D gyroscope with superior sensing precision.

The unique, flexible architecture of ST’s sensors complements Snapdragon’s ultra-low power approach to contextual-data processing. It supports extended battery life with Qualcomm All-Ways Aware hub for Android background sensor functions and numerous value-added features including the fusion of sensors with location technology, modem, and camera subsystems.

“Qualcomm Snapdragon products constitute one of the most technologically influential ecosystems in our increasingly mobile world,” said Keith Kressin, senior vice president, product management, Qualcomm Technologies.

“We continue to see the expansion of different sensor types and combinations across the smartphone and mobile markets globally, and the work between ST and Qualcomm Technologies is expected to further grow the types of sensors in these devices,” said Andrea Onetti, general manager, MEMS Sensors Division, STMicroelectronics.