STMicroelectronics has introduced two 6-axis inertial measurement units (IMUs) that combine a new vibration-resistant gyroscope architecture with separate accelerometers for low-range motion and high-g events.
The LSM6DSK320X is aimed at consumer applications, while the ISM6HGK256X is designed for industrial use. Both contain a gyroscope and two accelerometers in a 2.5 × 3 × 0.83 mm package, allowing the sensors to measure motion up to ±16 g while simultaneously capturing events up to ±320 g.
ST is targeting applications where reconstructing an event requires both normal motion data and higher-g measurements, including drones, industrial asset monitoring, robots, sports equipment and smart devices.
Two Accelerometers Cover Different Motion Ranges
Using separate accelerometers allows the new IMUs to measure low-range disturbances and high-g events at the same time. One covers measurements up to ±16 g, while the second extends the measurement range to ±320 g. This avoids switching a single accelerometer between low- and high-range operating modes when conditions change. For applications such as event reconstruction, the two ranges can therefore capture the lower-level motion leading up to an impact as well as the high-g event itself.
ST cites accident alerting, tool-usage monitoring, robot teaching, sports-performance analysis and concussion detection among the potential applications.
Mirrored Gyroscope Architecture Targets Vibration
The other significant change is inside the gyroscope. ST's new super-symmetric architecture uses two mirrored electromechanical structures operating in counter-phase.
External vibrations and shocks affect both structures, allowing their effects to be cancelled, while a fully differential signal chain is used to increase the detected signal strength and resilience. This is particularly relevant in applications such as drones, where the IMU can be exposed to significant mechanical vibration while still being required to track movement accurately.
Both devices also integrate ST's machine-learning core (MLC), allowing algorithms to process sensor data within the IMU rather than relying entirely on the host processor. The sensors are supported by ST's Motion XLF, sensor-fusion and context-awareness software libraries, as well as the MEMS Studio development environment.
The LSM6DSK320X operates from -40°C to +85°C. The industrial ISM6HGK256X extends the upper operating temperature to +105°C and is included in ST's 10-year longevity program.
Both devices also meet material requirements including Pb-free and BPA-free construction.
Evaluation boards for the two IMUs are expected to be available in November 2026.
Learn more and read the original announcement at st.com.
Technology Overview
The STMicroelectronics LSM6DSK320X and ISM6HGK256X are 6-axis IMUs containing a super-symmetric gyroscope and two accelerometers. Separate ±16 g and ±320 g measurement ranges allow lower-level motion and high-g events to be captured simultaneously, while an integrated machine-learning core supports processing within the sensor.
FAQs
Why do the new ST IMUs contain two accelerometers?
The two accelerometers cover different measurement ranges, up to ±16 g and ±320 g, and can operate simultaneously. This avoids switching a single accelerometer between low- and high-g ranges.
How does ST's super-symmetric gyroscope work?
It uses two mirrored electromechanical structures operating in counter-phase. The architecture is designed so that the effects of external vibration and shock can be cancelled, improving the resilience of the gyroscope measurement.
What is the difference between the LSM6DSK320X and ISM6HGK256X?
The LSM6DSK320X targets consumer applications and operates from -40°C to +85°C. The industrial-grade ISM6HGK256X operates from -40°C to +105°C and is included in ST's 10-year longevity program.
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