STMicroelectronics provides mobile phones and wearables with superior navigation performance in indoor and enclosed Spaces

     STMicroelectronics has introduced its latest electronic compass to enable smart phones, smartwatches, fitness trackers and other wearable devices to have better navigation and fitness performance recording functions, even in the case of satellite navigation does not work properly, still achieve excellent positioning function.

     Fitness tracking mobile apps, smartwatches, and bracelets require continuous location data to track fitness movements, making measurement accuracy critical for wearables users who like to monitor fitness progress and share exercise results. In situations where there is no satellite signal, such as when running or cycling inside a building or on a tree-lined road, the built-in electronic compass can help the application calculate its position. However, existing solutions have an error of about 10° in northern latitudes, for example, northern Italy or northern California, which would leave users about 150 meters off course for every 1,000 meters traveled.

     Using ST's unique high-precision magnetic sensor manufacturing technology, the LSM303AGR electronic compass reduces the heading error to 4° and, in addition to higher positioning accuracy, consumes 50% less power than competing products in low-power mode; In addition, the higher accuracy and ultra-low power consumption make it particularly suitable for pedestrian dead reckoning (PDR) functions on mobile devices.

     The LSM303AGR can also improve the dead estimation accuracy of equipment such as automotive navigation and maintain the dead estimation accuracy in the temperature range of -40 °C to 85°C, while competing products can vary greatly with temperature changes, such as small differences between room temperature and human body temperature can drift accuracy by up to 35% or more.

     Andrea Onetti, Vice President of ST's Business Group and General Manager of Sensors Products, said: "This new electronic compass's leading technology further expands our leadership in the market for MEMS sensors for positioning and motion detection in consumer electronics. The high-precision PDR achieved by the new product will significantly improve the experience of related applications, such as fitness trackers, mobile phone navigation, smart watches. Market research firm IHS expects sales of these smart products to exceed 100 million units by 2020."