Three-Axis Sensor Targets Consumer Products

In a 16-lead QFN package measuring 6 mm x 6 mm x 1.45 mm, the MEMs-based MMA7260Q three-axis sensor is designed for space-critical consumer applications. Reportedly a first, the sensor includes a g-select feature that ranges from 1.5g to 6g. It measures small forces resulting from fall, tilt, motion, positioning, shock, and vibration. Operating voltage is from 2.2V to 3.6V, and operating-current consumption is 500 µA. Other features include a sleep mode current of 3 µA and a turn-on time of 1 ms. Design support comes by way of the RD3112MMA7260Q reference design, which includes an evaluation board, the sensor, an MC68HC908KX8 microcontroller, serial port, EEPROM, and a piezo horn. Software is also included to show the six sensing functions in various graphical user interface modules. Price for the sensor is $4.99 each/1,000 and for the reference design is $57. FREESCALE SEMICONDUCTOR INC., Austin, TX. (800) 521-6274.