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Single and two-axis MEMS gyroscopes

STMicroelectronics has introduced a family of single and multi-axis MEMS (micro-electro-mechanical systems) gyroscopes. Underpinned by the company’s micromachining technology, which utilises the advanced mechanical properties of silicon by producing structures within the semiconductor chip to measure movement, the new gyroscopes deliver high performance and reliability for angular-motion detection in human-machine interface applications, personal and car navigation systems, and image stabilisation for digital still and video cameras. Gyroscopes complement acceleration sensors in man-machine interfaces, making gaming and remote-pointing more exciting, enhance car navigation applications for dead-reckoning and/or map-matching, and counteract digital video or still camera shaking for sharper shots. The complete family of single-axis (yaw) and two-axis (pitch-and-roll, pitch-and-yaw) MEMS gyroscopes offers wide full-scale range, from 30 to 6,000dps (degrees per second).

The newly designed sensors can provide two separate outputs for each axis at the same time – an unamplified output value for general detection of angular motion and a 4x amplification for high-resolution measurements that enhances design flexibility and the user experience. The new gyroscopes possess good stability over a wide temperature range and time, with variation typically lower than 0.05dps/°C for zero-rate level, eliminating the need for further temperature compensation in the application. Measurement precision is ensured with the negligible level of noise that affects the output signal (0.014dps/sqrt(Hz) at 30dps full-scale). The gyroscopes are resistant to mechanical stress and are able to operate with any supply voltage in the range of 2.7 to 3.6V. The 5x5mm LGA package, together with the advanced design approach, ensures a high level of integration in space-constrained designs as well as better performance and soldering stability.