Freescale Semiconductor has released an Xtrinsic 6-axis sensor that consists of an accelerometer and a magnetometer to deliver eCompass functionality. The novel Xtrinsic FXOS8700CQ sensor integrates heading and high resolution motion sensing technology in a single-chip.
Sensor Fusion Solution for Mobile Applications" />Freescale today introduced an Xtrinsic 6-axis sensor that combines high resolution motion sensing and heading technology with an accelerometer and a magnetometer in a single package. (Photo: Business Wire)
The latest mobile operating systems require advanced sensor technology that has a faster response time and provide accurate data. The new Xtrinsic sensor provides precise orientation data that is required for navigation, gaming, location-based services, augmented reality and other such mobile applications.
A high-performance ASIC, a 16-bit magnetometer and a 14-bit accelerometer form the six-axis sensor. The package measures 3x3 mm. For most applications, the sensor can provide a 0.1° heading resolution and a heading accuracy of sub-5°. Certain platforms may possess hard iron magnetic interference and these may require low-power hard iron offset compensation. The novel 6-axis sensor features an embedded autonomous hard iron calibration for enabling this compensation.
The Xtrinsic FXOS8700CQ 6-axis sensor can be used on printed circuit boards that have speakers, vibrator motors and other permanent magnets. The sensor features a ± 1200 µT dynamic range that allows this placement.
The sensor demonstrates compatibility with Xtrinsic eCompass. It is compatible with calibration software having integer code and floating point that supports Windows 8, Android and other operating systems.
The demand for smart mobile devices is expected to grow and fuel the MEMS chip market which is forecast to reach approximately $1.5 billion, by 2016.