Embedded: Three-Axis Accelerometers Track Movement

The H48C three-axis accelerometers target a range of movement-oriented applications. These MEMS sensors interface directly to a microcontroller. The H48C has three analog outputs for simultaneous tracking in all three axes. It consumes 0.58 ma at 3 V, and it doesn't require calibration. It's available in a 4.8- by 4.8-mm package. The HM55B dual-axis compass comes in a 16-pin package. Its serial digital interface delivers 11-bit accuracy per axis. The chip is based on a Wheatstone bridge and coil combintation. Pricing for the H48C and HM55B starts under $7 in OEM quantities.