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Smallest 3-axis gyroscope

ST MEMS device halves package size, increases performance

STMicroelectronics designed its L3G3250A 3-axis analogue gyroscope to meet the demand for smaller footprints in next-generation applications such as gaming and virtual reality input devices, motion control for MMI (man-machine interfaces), GPS navigation systems, and appliances and robotics. The sensor is a three-axis analogue-output gyroscope housed in a package measuring just 3.5 x 3 x 1 mm, reducing the footprint from 17.6 mm3 - the current generation in production today - to 10.5 mm3.
With a resonant frequency beyond the audio bandwidth, the L3G3250A is completely immune to audio noise, such as from speakers mounted close to the sensor, and mechanical vibrations coupled through the printed circuit board, therefore operating with greater accuracy and reliability. It has a single sensing structure for motion measurement along all three orthogonal axes, improving sensing accuracy and reliability, and offering a high level of output stability over time and temperature.

The L3G3250A has two user-selectable full scales – 625 or 2500 dps (degrees per second) – with sensitivities of 2 mV/dps and 0.5 mV/dps, respectively. The high range allows the device to detect and measure very fast gestures and movements. Other features include an embedded self-test function, a wide supply voltage range (2.4 V to 3.6 V), embedded power-down and sleep modes to optimise power management in battery-operated devices, an embedded low pass filter and a high pass filter reset function, and high shock survivability.
It operates over -40°C to 85°C and costs $3.95 (1000).