STMicroelectronics LSM303DLH Digital Compass Module
STMicroelectronics introduced the LSM303DLH digital compass module. The LSM303DLH geomagnetic module combines magnetic-field and linear-acceleration sensing with an I²C digital interface in a single package. The LSM303DLH module features high accuracy, small form factor, and low power consumption at a competitive cost. The ST LSM303DLH digital compass is ideal for enhanced electronic compassing in portable consumer applications (such as direction finding, map/display orientation, location-based services and pedestrian dead reckoning).
What is the LSM303DLH?
The LSM303DLH is a module that combines a 3-axis digital accelerometer with a 3-axis digital magnetic sensor. ST’s LSM303DLH module features forward direction orientation that enables application developers to improve the use of limited phone/PDA display size for maps by putting the current user position at the bottom of the map with the rest of the display in the forward (‘up ahead’) direction. ST’s digital compass provides accurate heading information, to indicate the direction in which a person or vehicle is moving, when GPS is not available. It also supports dead-reckoning applications, including pedestrian navigation in places with no or low GPS signal, such as inside buildings and structures or in mountainous and forested terrain.
The ST LSM303DLH digital compass uses Honeywell’s Anisotropic Magneto-Resistive (AMR) technology. Honeywell’s magnetic sensor design includes a built-in offset cancellation circuit to minimize the need for calibration, and patented set/reset straps that de-gauss, or de-magnetize, the sensor for each measurement to improve accuracy.
What are the features of the LSM303DLH geomagnetic module?
- 3 acceleration channels and 3 magnetic-field channels
- Linear-acceleration user-selectable full scale: ±2 to ±8g
- Magnetic-field user-selectable full scale: ±1.3 to ±8.1 gauss
- Extended supply voltage: 2.5 to 3.3 V
- Low-voltage compatible, IOs: 1.8 V
- I²C serial interface
- 16-bit digital data output
- Embedded power-down
- Embedded self-test
- 2 independent programmable interrupt generators for free-fall and motion detection
What’s the big deal?
ST LSM303DLH compass modules in handsets open new possibilities for advanced location-based services. With compassing and GPS capabilities, consumers will be able to identify and retrieve information on nearby points of interest, such as restaurants or shops, by simply pointing their mobile devices in the direction of the object concerned.
How much does the LSM303DLH digital compass module cost?
Unit pricing is $2.5 for volumes in the range of 50,000 pieces. Samples are available and the device is ready for mass production. The LSM303DLH digital compass module fits in an eco-friendly package of 5x5x1 mm and it is software- and register-compatible with ST’s three-axis digital accelerometer family (LIS331DLH/M/F).
More info: STMicroelectronics
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