Dual-Axis Sensors Invade Consumer Markets

Tooled for consumer and embedded applications, the MMA62xxQ MEMS-based sensors offer a measurement range from 1.5g to 10g and detect movement in two axes. They operate at frequencies from 50 Hz to 900 Hz and are available in 6 mm x 6 mm x 1.98 mm QFN packages, said to be 73% smaller than a SOIC-20 device. Other reported features include, high sensitivity with low noise, low current/power, fast power-up response time, high accuracy, a self-test function, an internal signal filter, and temperature compensation. Also available is an evaluation board, the RD1986MMA6260Q, which includes two low-g accelerometers, an MC6908KX8 MCU, serial communication circuitry, EEPROM, and a piezo horn. The board displays three axes when two accelerometers are employed. The Sensors are priced at $3.60 each/1,000 and the evaluation board is $49. FREESCALE SEMICONDUCTOR INC., Austin, TX. (800) 521 6274.