By Andy Choi
STMicroelectronics, a developer of MEMS-based technologies for consumer electronic devices, headquartered in Geneva, has announced that the company has totally shipped two billion MEMS sensor unit, till date.
It has also confirmed its position as a top MEMS device provider for portable and consumer applications. Fifteen months earlier, the company had announced the shipment of its one billionth MEMS sensor unit.
The MEMS sensors facilitate motion tracking and motion-activated interfaces in several consumer devices, including tablets, smart phones, game consoles, personal media players, remotes and digital still cameras, thereby increasing the accessibility and appeal of these products. The MEMS sensors developed by STMicroelectronics are integrated to offer free-fall protection in laptop hard-disk drives, for car infotainment, improving navigation, for implantable devices and healthcare products. Furthermore, the company is developing automotive MEMS devices for critical applications such as tire pressure monitors and airbags.
Market studies by IHS iSuppli indicates that the consumer- based MEMS sales for STMicroelectronics has increased by 80% last year, reaching a total of about $650 million. Furthermore, the company has captured over 50% of the sensor market for its gyroscopes and accelerometers. The MEMS gyroscopes developed by STMicroelectronics have seen tremendous growth, with 70%market share in 2011 from just 1% market share in 2009. The MEMS production capacity is over 3 million sensor units every day.
STMicroelectronics is celebrating its two billion sensor milestone at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) being held in Barcelona, on 28th February, 2012. The company will be showcasing the latest Optical Image Stabilization and Location Based Services technologies as well as the iNEMO Body Motion Reconstruction technology at MWC 2012.
Source: http://www.st.com