ST launches market's smallest 3-axis analog gyroscope

The L3G462A from STMicroelectronics (ST) is a motion-sensor with what the company claims is the market’s smallest 3-axis analog-output gyroscope. Housed inside an ultra-small 4mm x4mm x1 mm package, ST’s newest gyroscope is designed for superior performance and reliability with smart power management and design flexibility. The new sensor is targeted for high-precision gesture control and intuitive user interfaces in mobile phones, tablets, game controllers and other consumer devices.

ST’s L3G462A gyroscope provides accurate angular-rate detection with a separate output for each of the three axes. The full scale of ±625dps accurately measures gestures and movements of different types and speeds, enabling applications from navigation to motion-activated user interface and gaming. The analog interface ensures very fast response with low latency and offers flexibility in external filtering capabilities and fine-tuning of key parameters to the individual application requirements.

The gyroscope’s extremely compact design eliminates the layout and placement issues common with existing bulkier solutions, without penalty in performance or reliability. The stability over temperature (±0.04dps/°C) and sensitivity (±0.017%/°C) significantly improves measurement accuracy. The low noise level (0.017dps/√Hz) guarantees high precision in movement and gesture recognition.

ST’s newest 3-axis analog-output gyroscope can operate with supply voltages in the range of 2.4 to 3.6V. The power-down and sleep-to-wake modes contribute to the reduction in power consumption of the entire system.


All of ST’s MEMS gyroscopes employ a single sensing structure for motion measurement along all three orthogonal axes. This design approach eliminates all interference between the axes, significantly increasing accuracy and reliability in a wide range of consumer and industrial applications.

Volume production is scheduled for the end of Q3 2011 and the unit price is $3.50 in quantities of 1000 pieces.

For further information visit www.st.com/mems.

Toni McConnel can be reached at toni@techrite-associates.com.