
ST sensor doubles accuracy of dead-reckoning navigation
This is useful for dead-reckoning navigation indoors and outdoors under tree cover where satellite signals are not available.
An eCompass helps calculate location inside shopping malls and when running or cycling under tree cover. However, current solutions can give heading errors of about 10 degees in latitudes such as Northern Italy or Northern California. This can put the user off course by 150 meters or more in every 1000 meters travelled, ST said.
ST’s LSM303AGR combines a 3-axis anisotropic magneto-resistive (AMR) sensor that cuts the heading error to less than 4 degrees and a 3-axis MEMS accelerometer to save space and power compared to existing alternatives, ST claims. Consuming up to 50 percent less than competing devices when in low-power mode, is particularly well suited to high-precision Pedestrian Dead Reckoning (PDR) on mobile devices.
The LSM303AGR maintains accuracy over the automotive temperature range from -40 degrees C to 85 degrees C.
The LSM303AGR eCompass is packaged as a 2mm by 2mm by 1mm 12-lead LGA, priced from $1.485 for orders of 1000 pieces.
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