STMicroelectronics Launches Four Automotive Safety Sensors with SafeSPI

STMicroelectronics has introduced four automotive sensors that combine multi-axis accelerometers and gyroscopes in a single package. The new devices are designed for active and passive safety systems, covering applications including crash protection, rollover detection, airbag deployment and vehicle stability control.

The sensors offer different combinations of acceleration and angular-rate measurement, with built-in diagnostics and SafeSPI communication for automotive safety applications. They are the first mass-market products launched following ST's acquisition of NXP's automotive and industrial MEMS sensor business earlier this year.

The new family comprises the NCS1012BAEP, NCS1012CAEP, NCS1012EAEP and NCS10135AEP, with different sensing configurations available for applications that require yaw-rate, roll-rate and acceleration measurements.

Combined Acceleration and Angular-Rate Sensing

The NCS1012BAEP combines z-axis yaw-rate sensing with low-g acceleration measurement on the x and y axes. The NCS1012CAEP measures roll rate on the x-axis and low-g acceleration on the y and z axes, while the NCS1012EAEP combines x-axis roll-rate sensing with medium-g acceleration measurement on the x and y axes.

The fourth device, the NCS10135AEP, provides z-axis yaw-rate sensing alongside three-axis low-g acceleration measurement.

The integrated angular-rate sensors offer full-scale ranges of ±125, ±250 or ±350 degrees per second, with low offset and minimal drift over the automotive temperature range of −40°C to +105°C.

The low-g accelerometers have nominal full-scale ranges from ±1.5 g to ±34 g, while the medium-g versions cover ±15.5 g to ±150 g. The acceleration sensors use independent signal chains to minimize noise and maintain low offset and drift over temperature.

SafeSPI Communication and Integrated Diagnostics

All four sensors are ISO 26262 compliant and include full internal diagnostics. They support SafeSPI, the serial peripheral interface for automotive safety that enables independent monitoring of sensor data.

The angular-rate sensors feature integrated low-pass filtering, with selectable 3 dB frequencies from 12.5 Hz to 400 Hz, as well as an optional single-pole high-pass filter with fast startup. The accelerometers also incorporate low-pass filtering.

The sensors are housed in 24-pin QFN packages measuring 6 × 6 × 1.90 mm, with wettable flanks to support automated optical inspection of solder joints during automotive assembly.

All four devices are now in production, with samples and pricing available through ST's sales offices.

Learn more about the new sensors at STMicroelectronics.com.

Technology Overview

STMicroelectronics has introduced four automotive combination sensors integrating accelerometers and gyroscopes for active and passive vehicle safety systems. The NCS1012BAEP, NCS1012CAEP, NCS1012EAEP and NCS10135AEP offer different combinations of yaw-rate, roll-rate and acceleration sensing, with ISO 26262 compliance, internal diagnostics and SafeSPI communication. The devices support angular-rate measurements up to ±350 dps and acceleration ranges up to ±150 g, depending on the variant, and are housed in 24-pin QFN packages.

FAQs

What are STMicroelectronics' new automotive combination sensors used for?

The four devices are designed for active and passive automotive safety applications, including crash protection, rollover detection, airbag deployment, vehicle stability control and radar beam stabilization.

What is the difference between the four ST automotive sensors?

The NCS1012BAEP combines yaw-rate sensing with two-axis low-g acceleration measurement. The NCS1012CAEP provides roll-rate sensing with two-axis low-g acceleration, while the NCS1012EAEP uses medium-g acceleration sensing. The NCS10135AEP combines yaw-rate sensing with three-axis low-g acceleration measurement.

What safety and communication features do the sensors include?

All four devices are ISO 26262 compliant and incorporate internal diagnostics and SafeSPI communication, allowing independent monitoring of sensor data.