SWS launches development platform for MEMS inertial sensors

Si-Ware Systems (SWS) has launched the SWS61111 (formerly SWP210), an Inertial Sensor Development Platform that offers developers a tool for evaluating an inertial sensor, such as a gyroscope or accelerometer, and to understand the behavior of the sensor and its performance with complete interface electronics.

The SWS61111 utilizes SWS’s high-performance inertial sensor interface ASIC, the SWS1110 (formerly SWI210). The SWS1110 is a configurable ASIC that has been successfully interfaced to multiple accelerometers and gyroscopes achieving best-in-class performance. With its ultra-low noise front-end, highly configurable open- and closed-loop (force-feedback) operation and high voltage capabilities, the SWS1110 is targeted for high-end inertial sensing devices.

SWS’s SWS61111 is designed to allow for the quick and easy interfacing of almost all capacitive MEMS devices to comprehensive and high performance electronics. Rapid and detailed evaluation of issues such as parasitic modes of oscillation, electrical and mechanical coupling, high-volt effects and temperature behaviours provide crucial insight to MEMS and ASIC designers. This enables rapid time-to-market and concurrent optimization of MEMS and electronics. The SWS6111 also serves as a tool to evaluate SWS’s SWS1110 high performance ASIC, which is offered in die format, with optional customization, for products targeting the high-end segment.

The SWS61111 consists of a programming board, an ASIC daughter board with a sensor placeholder, a USB interface, and associated PC software. SWS provides options for mounting the sensor to the daughter board, including creating custom daughter boards to match a particular sensor. Through an easy to use software interface, the MEMS sensor can be interrogated and the ASIC parameters configured to best match the sensor. If desired, the ASIC parameters can then be burned into the memory of the ASIC and the sensor-ASIC daughter board can be removed and utilized for system level measurements.

In addition to its experience with MEMS inertial sensors, SWS has worked with piezoelectric sensors, MEMS resonators, and MEMS optics. The company has developed an extensive IP library of electronics for MEMS and piezoelectric devices that can be utilized in the development of interface ASICs. The SWS61111 is the first development platform that SWS is making available to developers, but the company has many other internal development tools for the evaluation of MEMS or piezoelectric devices.

For more information, visit www.si-ware.com.