MEMS sensors have longevity support for industrial use
In addition to the MEMS motion sensors for consumer products, STMicroelectronics extends its commitment to drive advanced automation and the industrial IoT (IIoT) by adding high-stability MEMS sensors with 10-year product-longevity assurance.
The new sensors will be made available during 2018. The first release is the IIS3DHHC, a three-axis accelerometer optimised for high measurement resolution and stability for accuracy over time and temperature, explains STMicro. The IIS3DHHC targets precision inclinometers in antenna-positioning mechanisms for communication systems, structural health monitoring (SHM) equipment for keeping buildings and bridges safe, and stabilisers or levellers for industrial applications. Its long-term accuracy and robustness are also suitable for high-sensitivity tilt and security sensors, as well as image stabilisation in high-end digital still cameras (DSCs), says STMicro.
The 10-year longevity commitment assures long-term availability of a range of high-performing components used in industrial equipment. This helps vendors handle the typically long in-market lifetimes of their products and extended operation in challenging environmental conditions. In addition to industrial sensors, the programme covers STM32 microcontrollers, motor drivers, analogue components, power converters, LEDs, and existing MEMS sensors that will be supported for at least 10 years.
The IIS3DHHC is in production now, in a high-quality 16-lead 5.0 x 5.0 x 1.7mm ceramic LGA package.
It has full-scale range of ±2.5g, and is optimised for fine-positioning mechanisms and detecting small movements such as in advanced security sensors. It offers high resolution with low noise of 45μg/√Hz (micro-g per root Hz).
Extreme stability ensures minimal drift of sensor characteristics over time or wide temperature variations. Sensitivity changes by less than 0.7 per cent from -40 to +85 degree C. Offset drift is below 0.4mg/ degree C. This enables equipment to deliver consistent performance in many environments, including outdoors in cold or warm climates, or in industrial equipment, industrial robots, and drones, with minimal calibration or recalibration required.
