STMicroelectronics has introduced a automotive-qualified three-axis MEMS accelerometer. The device is qualified to AEC-Q100 for automotive applications. The AIS326DQ meets automotive-industry requirements for non-safety applications such as vehicle alarms, tracking and monitoring, black-box systems, seat controls, navigation support and antenna positioning. Its high flexibility and ruggedness also benefit industrial applications such as vibration monitoring in heavy-duty equipment, or shipping-container management and security. Key performance advantages include user-selectable full-scale range of +/- 2g or +/- 6g in all three axes, wide temperature range from -40 to +105 degrees Celsius, and 10,000g shock survivability.

Several features simplify design-in, including 3.3V single-supply operation, 1.8V-compatible I/Os, and an SPI/I2C serial digital output supporting direct connection to a microcontroller. With 12-bit resolution, the AIS326DQ can detect inclination changes as small as one-tenth of a degree. Further capabilities include a data-ready signal to simplify system synchronization, as well as user-configurable inertial wake-up, direction-detection and freefall-interrupt modes. The integrated IC interface is factory calibrated for sensitivity and zero-g level, allowing use without further calibration. An embedded self-test routine is also implemented, which can be activated at any time to verify correct functionality.

The AIS326DQ is delivered in a 28-pin QFPN package utilizing ST's RoHS-compliant ECOPACK technology. Samples are available immediately, with volume production scheduled for Q4 2008 at $3.75 for 100,000 pieces.