STMicroelectronics introduces tiny multi-sensor modules to accelerate iot and wearable device design

     STMicroelectronics' 13.5mm x 13.5mm SensorTile is the smallest fully functional sensor module in its class today, with built-in MEMS accelerometer, gyroscope, pressure sensor and MEMS microphone, as well as the STM32L4 low power microcontroller. Sensing and connected control for wearables, gaming accessories, smart home devices or iot hardware.

     The SensorTile module has a fully functional Bluetooth low Energy Bluetooth transceiver, monolithic balance and unbalance converter, and various system interfaces, which can be used as a development platform for sensor data integration controllers or firmware. It's easy for users to plug the SensorTile into the motherboard, and the module immediately transfers inertial, audio and environmental data to ST's BlueMS smartphone app. Users can download the mobile app for free from major app stores.

     Software development is just as fast and easy, as the modules have a robust application program interface (API) ecosystem based on the STM32Cube hardware abstraction layer and middleware, including the STM32 open development environment. The ecosystem is fully compatible with Open software extension libraries (open.mems, open.RF, and Open.audio) as well as numerous third-party embedded perception and speech processing projects. Many routines have source code that provides an entry point for evaluation and customization projects, including location-sensing software and low-power voice communication software.

     The development kit includes a sub-board with reference designs available that integrates a 13.5mm x 13.5mm standalone or controller SensorTile kernel system. On this compact but fully assembled circuit board, there are temperature and humidity sensors, a micro-SD card slot, and a lithium polymer battery (LiPo) charger. Its simple layout shows that developers using the SensorTile kernel system can easily develop a complete wearable device prototype, customizing more features. Also included in the kit list is a LiPo rechargeable battery and a plastic case to store the sub-board, SensorTile module and battery.

     The SensorTile kit also includes a subboard expansion board with analog audio output, micro-USB connectors, and Arduino-compatible interfaces. Expansion boards can be plugged directly into the STM32 Nucleo development board, expanding the options available to system and software developers. The SensorTile kit also includes a programming line.