Nine axis motion sensor comes in ‘smallest package’

  

The BMX160 integrates accelerometer, gyroscope and geomagnetic sensor technologies, while meeting the low power requirements of wearable devices. According to the company, power consumption is less than 1.5mA.

“By combining Bosch Sensortec’s advanced sensor technologies into a single compact package, the BMX160 sets new industry benchmarks for high performance, tiny footprint and low power consumption”, claimed Jeanne Forget, VP of marketing for Bosch Sensortec. “This device overcomes placement constraints in smartphones and directly addresses the demands of wearable devices, where PCB space and low power consumption are at an even greater premium”.

Bosch notes the BMX160 effectively replaces today’s two component solution – a six axis IMU with a three axis geomagnetic sensor. Instead, the part is said to provide placement flexibility, overcoming current limitations on where the magnetic sensor can be placed.

It has a built in power management unit, allowing the application processor to remain in sleep mode for longer, while the accelerometer, gyroscope and magnetic technology have been optimised for low offset, low noise and best temperature stability.