MEMS Digital Compass Enhances Mobile Navigation Systems

Integrating a three-axis digital accelerometer with a three-axis digital magnetic sensor in a single module, the LSM303DLH digital compass module fits in an eco-friendly package measuring 5 mm x 5 mm x 1 mm. Features include a wake-up/power-down function and 6D recognition, which signals if the device is up or down along all three axes, linear acceleration full-scale of ±2/±4/±8g, magnetic field full-scale from ±1.3 up to ±8 gauss, and a magnetic sensing element that measures the strength and direction of the Earth’s magnetic field and determines the heading relative to magnetic north. Single-unit pricing for the LSM303DLH is $2.50 each/50,000. STMICROELECTRONICS, Lexington, MA. (888) 787-3550.