STMicroelectronics, a leading global semiconductor company, has introduced the ISM6HG256X, a compact and advanced three-in-one motion sensor designed for industrial IoT applications with high data demands. This smart inertial measurement unit (IMU) uniquely combines simultaneous detection of low-g accelerations (±16g) and high-g accelerations (±256g) alongside a stable, high-performance gyroscope all in one package, ensuring no critical movement, from subtle vibrations to strong shocks, goes unnoticed.
The ISM6HG256X meets the increasing need for reliable, high-precision sensors in industrial IoT sectors like asset tracking, worker safety wearables, condition monitoring, robotics, factory automation, and event black boxes. By integrating dual full-scale accelerometer ranges within a single device, it simplifies system design and reduces complexity by replacing multiple sensors. Its embedded edge processing capabilities and self-configuring features enable real-time event detection and adaptive sensing, essential for long-lasting tracking nodes, smart safety devices, continuous equipment monitoring, and automated industrial systems.
“Traditional solutions require multiple sensors to cover low and high acceleration ranges, increasing system complexity, power consumption, and cost. The ISM6HG256X addresses these challenges by providing a single, highly integrated sensor,” said Simone Ferri, APMS Group VP & MEMS Sub-Group GM, STMicroelectronics. “These new sensing dimensions, made possible also in harsh environment, combined with machine-learning running inside the IMU sensor itself, allows to quickly recognize, track and classify motion, activities and events while using very little power, helping businesses make smart, data-driven decisions as they move toward digital transformation.”
Edge AI is a crucial driver for ST’s MEMS activity as it boosts performance and efficiency by enabling real-time data processing on the device, reducing latency and energy use. It enhances privacy and security through local data handling, limits reliance on external processing, and provides scalability and flexibility for various applications. Additionally, edge AI supports innovative uses like advanced sensing and IoT integration, aligning with growing demand for smart, connected devices.
STMicroelectronics is a leader in the micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) technology inside today’s miniaturized inertial sensors, with over 600 patents and independent production capabilities that ensure supply-chain resilience and quality control. This foundation provided the launchpad for the Company’s technical team to create the ISM6HG256X that combines 16g and 256g accelerometer ranges in the same device, operating concurrently and continuously. The sensor also co-packages a precision MEMS gyroscope for angular rate measurement.
Technical information
The ISM6HG256X contains the unique machine-learning core (MLC) and finite state machine (FSM), together with adaptive self-configuration (ASC) and sensor fusion low power (SFLP). These features bring edge AI directly into the sensor to autonomously classify detected events, ensuring real-time, low-latency performance and ultra-low system power consumption. This embedded technology can reconstruct signal dynamics to provide high-fidelity motion tracking. Thanks to the embedded SFLP algorithm, also 3D orientation tracking is possible with just few µA of current consumption.
ST’s new X-NUCLEO-IKS5A1 industrial expansion board with MEMS Studio design environment and extensive software libraries, X-CUBE-MEMS1, are available to assist developers, helping implement functions including high-g and low-g fusion, sensor fusion, context awareness, asset tracking, and calibration.
The ISM6HG256X is available now, in a 2.5mm x 3mm surface-mount package built to withstand harsh industrial environments from -40°C to 105°C. Pricing starts at $4.27 for orders of 1000 pieces, from the eSTore and through distributors.
The ISM6HG256X is part of ST’s longevity program, which ensures long-term availability of critical components for at least 10 years to support customers’ industrial product ranges.
