TDK has added to its MEMS sensor line-up with the ICM-536xx, a compact 6-axis IMU designed to improve optical image stabilization (OIS) in smartphones and other portable cameras. The device combines a 3-axis gyroscope with a 3-axis accelerometer, giving designers a single package that can track both angular and linear motion.
Why This Matters for OIS
Most OIS modules today still rely on dedicated gyroscopes. That works well enough for simple shake correction, but it leaves gaps when the camera experiences a mix of rotation and vibration. A combined gyro-plus-accelerometer approach gives the control loop a fuller picture of what the device is actually doing, which in turn helps reduce blur and jitter in both photos and video. For phone designers fighting for every square millimetre of board space, the fact that both sensors are integrated also makes life easier.
What Engineers Will Notice
Noise density and bias stability are two parameters that decide whether an OIS system delivers crisp results or smears the frame. TDK says the ICM-536xx hits low values on both counts. The sensor is tuned for fast response as well, which means it can react to the quick, irregular hand movements that often ruin video capture. The accelerometer side adds correction for slower drift and body motion that a gyro on its own would miss.
Rolling the two into one package cuts down alignment headaches and signal routing issues that crop up when separate devices are used. The trade-off is that calibration and fusion need to be handled carefully, since errors in either sensor can carry straight into the stabilization loop if not corrected.
Beyond Smartphones
The obvious target is phone cameras, but the same benefits apply to wearables, action cameras, and AR/VR headsets. These devices need always-on stabilization without burning through battery life, and cutting down sensor count directly helps the power budget. Compact packaging also means the module can be slotted into designs where space and weight are tight constraints.
A Step in TDK’s Wider Sensor Strategy
TDK already has a broad MEMS portfolio covering automotive, industrial, and consumer applications. By tuning an IMU specifically for OIS, the company is signalling that sensor-level stabilization is now seen as essential rather than optional. Software alone can only go so far, especially in low light where longer exposures make shake more visible. Hardware support at the sensor level is becoming the differentiator.
The ICM-536xx series is now available for design-in.
Learn more and read the original article on www.tdk.com
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