SANTA ROSA, CA and MARIN, SWITZERLAND /Marketwire/ -- PNI Sensor Corp. and EM Microelectronic-Marin SA announce the introduction of the Sentral sensor fusion hub, a new, highly effective way to integrate complex motion sensors on mobile devices. The Sentral sensor fusion hub is the "first hub designed specifically to manage sensor outputs on a low-power integrated circuit, making 9-axis motion sensing outputs both super-precise and practical to implement. Carrying top-of-the-line sensor fusion algorithms on an extremely low-power integrated circuit, Sentral eliminates the need for complex sensor configurations, calibrations, and algorithm development. Further, it dramatically reduces power usage, offloading sensor fusion work from less-efficient host CPUs or sensor CPUs onto an ultra-low-power IC tailor-made for sensor optimization.
This is welcome news for mobile device manufacturers, as Sentral makes the integration of 9-axis sensor systems faster and easier, and at the same time, it improves the quality, reliability, and utility of output from accelerometers, gyroscopes, and geomagnetic sensors. Compatible with Android- and Windows 8-based mobile products, Sentral delivers the "most accurate (2° of heading accuracy), real-time motion-related data available."
Further, because it is designed and built specifically to meet the power needs of the mobile market, the Sentral IC is ultra-low-power and consumes less than 10% of the power used by other CPUs performing the task of sensor fusion. It maximizes battery life even for applications that need constant processing of sensor data.
Sentral makes sensor implementation more practical as well. It can support a wide variety of gyros, accels, and magnetic sensors from multiple and changing vendors. This allows for separate placement of the sensors, and manufacturers are not tied to a single source or sensor type. Because it uses a mere 800 mA of power in normal operation, it frees up valuable CPU power and battery life, and with a mere 1.6 by 1.6 by 0.5 mm footprint, it takes up virtually no space.
For product specs and ordering information, please visit PNI's Web site.
About PNI Sensor
PNI Sensor Corp. is a leader in the exacting science of producing pinpoint heading and orientation technology and algorithms for the consumer, military, scientific, and oceanography communities. Building on decades of patented sensor development, PNI offers highly accurate magneto-inductive sensor systems and 9-axis sensor fusion technology. Its products are used in consumer electronics, robotics, surveying, navigation, and automotive applications across the globe.
About EM Microelectronic
EM Microelectronic-Marin SA is a semiconductor manufacturer offering ultra-low-power, low-voltage, digital, analog, and mixed-signal integrated circuits for battery-operated and field-powered devices in consumer, automotive, and industrial applications. The company's product portfolio includes wireless ICs, RFID circuits, ultra-low-power microcontrollers, smart card ICs, LCD drivers and displays, sensor and optoelectronic ICs, and application-specific integrated circuits. EM also manufactures display & touch modules.
EM Microelectronic is an electronic systems group company within the Swatch Group, producing and assembling ultra-low power, miniaturized, and accurate microelectronic components and systems.
Sentral Sensor Fusion Hub is a trademark of PNI Sensor Corp. All other trademarks and tradenames are the property of their respective holders.