STMicroelectronics (NYSE:STM - news) today introduced a new two-axis linear accelerometer based on silicon-micromachined Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) technology that has been developed for various applications, and in particular for handheld 'gamepad' human interface devices for videogames.

The new LIS2L01 device senses inclination in both the side-to-side (roll) and forward-backward (pitch) directions, allowing control of game parameters such as steering and braking without an actual physical connection to a fixed structure. This means that gamepads can be cheaper, simpler and more compact than steering wheel or joystick assemblies.

The new device can also be used in a variety of other applications where it is necessary to sense acceleration or inclination in two directions, such as industrial production equipment, robotic toys and automotive electronics. It is also useful for vibration sensing in industrial equipment and home appliance applications to detect fault conditions before evident symptoms appear.

Accelerometers based on silicon-micromachined MEMS technology are effective because they provide high sensitivity and precision with the economies of scale of the wafer batch process used to make integrated circuits. ST has already introduced a rotational accelerometer sensor based on MEMS technology - the LIS1R02 - and is developing a range of one, two and three-axis linear accelerometers all based on the same proven technology.

Delivering high resolution and including an internal low-pass filter to reduce the overall parts count, the LIS2L01 integrates, inside a single small-outline package, both a MEMS accelerometer sensor and an electronic interface chip. Movement or inclination in two directions causes small displacements of a moving silicon element in the MEMS die, changing the capacitance of the structure. The interface chip translates these minute capacitance changes into calibrated analog voltages proportional to the movement. Since the sensor has a single moving element with two degrees of freedom the two axes are intrinsically aligned precisely at 90' to each other. As a result board mounting is much simpler than when two separate linear sensors are used.

The LIS2L01 has a sensitivity of 2V/g over a bandwidth of DC-30Hz and an equivalent noise acceleration better than 500 millionths of G. One G is the magnitude of the Earth's gravitational force. During transport and in service it can withstand accelerations up to 1500G without damage to the moving parts, making it extremely shock resistant. The interface chip is factory-trimmed to ensure repeatable performance without production-line adjustments in the end product.

About STMicroelectronics

STMicroelectronics, the world's third largest independent semiconductor company, is a global leader in developing and delivering semiconductor solutions across the spectrum of microelectronics applications. An unrivalled combination of silicon and system expertise, manufacturing strength, Intellectual Property (IP) portfolio and strategic partners positions the Company at the forefront of System-on-Chip (SoC) technology and its products play a key role in enabling today's convergence markets. The Company's shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange, on Euronext Paris and on the Milan Stock Exchange. In 2001, the Company's net revenues were $6.36 billion and net earnings were $257.1 million. Further information on ST can be found at www.st.com.

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