iNEMO inertial module unit


One of the first sensors from STMicroelectronics to feature an MLC is the iNEMO inertial module unit (IMU) LSM6DSOX. This system-in-package device features a 3D digital accelerometer and a 3D digital gyroscope; it is ideally suited to motion detection applications. The sensor


comprises of 3 key blocks. In the first block the sensor data is captured, this is then fed into the second


sensors with an onboard 9 Kbyte FIFO for dynamic data batching. Using the onboard MLC, the sensor is able to save between 10 and 1000 times more energy vs. using the host system MCU or application processor, in addition detecting accuracy is improved.


The LSM6DSOX has a selectable full-scale acceleration range of ±2/±4/±8/±16 g and an angular rate range of ±125/±250/±500/±1000/±2000 dps making it suitable for broad market use. The device fully supports Electronic and Optical Image Stabilisation (EIS and OIS) camera applications as the module includes a dedicated configurable signal processing path for OIS and an auxiliary SPI, configurable for both the gyroscope and accelerometer. The OIS can also be configured using the SPI, I²C and MIPI I3CSM primary interfaces.


computational block where analog and digital signal


filtering is applied to enhance the accuracy of the data. Finally, this data passes to the preprogramed decision tree block where the machine learning core processes the data outputting the interpreted result. The MLC effectively moves Edge computing onto the sensor node. The LSM6DSOX also features a Finite State Machine (FSM). Whereas the MLC allows for activity tracking by comparing the sensor data to predefined or trained patterns in the decision tree, the FSM allows the IMU to perform simple and complex Gesture Recognition using preprogramed state parameters with defined transitions. This FSM capability allows the sensors to be utilised in more advanced Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality and sensor fusion applications.


Furthermore, it is also possible to connect additional external sensors to the LSM6DSOX IMU via the serial interface. The external sensor data flows into the computational block of the IMU and benefits from the integrated high pass, band pass and digital filters. The captured sensor data is then processed through a set of decision trees which run the machine learning core and provides the host system processor with results classified by the module.


Energy consumption and performance


Energy consumption is an important consideration where sensors are to be used in battery powered devices such as wearables and remote sensor nodes. The LSM6DSOX is ideal for battery powered applications, it has a low power consumption of 0.55 mA in high- performance mode falling to just 4.4 µA when used in low power modes, this enables always-on low-power functionality providing an optimal experience for the end user. The LSM6DSOX supports mainstream operating system requirements, offering real, virtual and batch


www.cieonline.co.uk Components in Electronics February 2022 9


The LSM6DSOX has also been designed with a high tolerance to mechanical shock making it an excellent choice for system designers developing and manufacturing high reliability products for use in industrial or automotive markets. Other IMU sensors are also available which have been specifically tailored to dedicated applications such as the ISM330DHCX which is ideal for CbM in Industry 4.0 and Industrial IoT applications. STMicroelectronics also recognise AI will be key for supporting real-time applications that rely on sensor data. The next generation of sensors being released employ the STRed – Intelligent Sensor Processing Unit (ISPU) an ultra-low-power, high- performance programmable core which can execute signal processing and AI algorithms.


Development tools


To assist designers, STMicroelectronics have developed a comprehensive suite of support material including product presentations, tutorial videos, application libraries and algorithms along with hardware and software evaluation kits. Example libraries and algorithms are available for common motion detection applications such as walking, running, cycling, gesture recognition and driving.


One example of this is the


Visit www.anglia-live.com to see the full range of STMicroelectronics products available from Anglia.


SensorTile.box ready to go IoT node, this evaluation kit is suitable for users of any skill level to support learning and prototyping.


Housed in an IP54 case the kit integrates multiple motion sensors, including the LSM6DSOX IMU, multiple environmental sensors, a low power STM32L4R9 MCU, Bluetooth Low Energy connectivity module and a battery power management circuit.


There is an easy-to-use BLE app available on both Google Play and the App Store which can be used with the evaluation kit to view the captured data from the onboard sensors. Other resources include videos demonstrating the SensorTile.box being used in real world applications such as a smart kettle. In this application the machine learning sensor detects the water has boiled and alerts the user, helping prevent the water from going cold thereby saving energy by reducing the need to re-boil the kettle. A whole host of other application examples and on demand webinars can be found on the STMicroelectronics website.


Design support


Anglia offers support for customer designs with free evaluation kits, demonstration boards and samples of STMicroelectronics products via the EZYsample service which is available to all registered Anglia Live account customers. Anglia’s engineering team are also on hand to support designers with their extensive experience of sensor-based designs and can offer advice and support at component and system level. This expertise is available to assist customers with all aspects of their product design, providing hands on support and access to additional comprehensive STMicroelectronics resources including technical application notes and reference designs.


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