STMicroelectronics ISM330BX 6-axis inertial measurement unit (IMU)

The STMicroelectronics ISM330BX 6-axis inertial measurement unit (IMU) combines edge-AI processing, an analog hub for sensor expansion and ST’s Qvar electric charge variations sensing with product-longevity assurance for energy-efficient industrial sensing and motion tracking applications.

The IMU contains a 3-axis gyroscope and a 3-axis accelerometer with a low-noise architecture and bandwidth up to 2 kHz, suitable for vibration sensing in machine-tool condition-monitoring applications. Additional use cases include industrial and domestic robots and automated guided vehicles (AGV), intelligent appliances and motion trackers.

Also integrating ST’s edge-processing engine that teams a machine-learning core (MLC) with AI algorithms and a finite state machine (FSM), the product offloads the host processor and saves system power. The IMU also embeds ST’s Sensor Fusion Low-Power (SFLP) algorithm for 3D orientation tracking, which can enhance energy efficiency in applications like robotics and smart safety helmets. Leveraging adaptive self-configuration (ASC), the sensor can also automatically optimise its settings in real time for best performance and power.

With its autonomous capabilities, the product alleviates data transmission between the IMU and host system, as well as offloading the main processor, for low latency and low power consumption. The integrated analog hub provides more opportunities for energy-efficient system integration by directly connecting external analog sensors to the edge-processing engine for data filtering and AI inference. The many power-saving aspects help engineers realise innovative industrial sensors and other battery-powered smart devices that can also be used to upgrade existing industrial assets, making them smarter and ready for Industry 5.0.

With ST’s Qvar electric charge variation detector also built in, the IMU can integrate touch and close-proximity detection, or value-added functionality such as water leak sensing, to boost system integration and energy efficiency.