The initial evaluation of the device is completed quickly, and then we move on to actual evaluation and product development.
The MEMS sensor evaluation tool from STMicroelectronics (hereafter referred to as ST) has an intuitive board structure and easy-to-understand GUI, making it easy for even first-time users to check the operation of sensors. This article will introduce ST's MEMS sensor products and provide an easy-to-understand explanation of the setup procedure for the evaluation tool in a two-part series, helping you to start evaluating devices right away.
Introducing ST's MEMS products
ST offers a diverse lineup of MEMS sensors, focusing on accelerometers and gyro sensors. Here, we will focus on MEMS sensor products that incorporate the latest technology and are attracting attention.
iNEMO™ Inertial Module LSM6DSV320X
It is capable of six-axis measurement, including three-axis acceleration measurement and three-axis gyro measurement, and is suitable for a wide range of applications such as motion detection and attitude control. Acceleration measurement can be set to a maximum of ±320g, and gyro measurement can be set to a maximum of ±4000dps as full scale, allowing accurate data acquisition even in high-speed, high-impact environments.
For acceleration measurement, a low G channel of ±2 to ±16 g and a high G channel of ±32 g to ±320 g operate simultaneously. This allows for highly accurate measurement of minute accelerations while also accurately capturing sudden large accelerations such as those caused by collisions.
It also includes advanced features such as Finite State Machine (FSM) and Machine Learning Core (MLC).
FSM and MLC incorporate a judgment algorithm into the sensor, enabling highly accurate data analysis and judgment with the sensor alone.
The decision algorithm can also be generated using the free tool MEMS Studio provided by ST.
For more detailed information on FSM and MLC, please visit the ST website.
For communication with the host controller, in addition to I2C and SPI, it also supports MIPI I3C®, achieving data output at high data rates.
iNEMO™ Inertial Module ISM330IS
Like the previously mentioned LSM6DSV320X, this product is capable of six-axis measurement, with three axes of acceleration measurement and three axes of gyro measurement. In addition, this product is covered by a long-term supply guarantee for applications such as industrial equipment, where product life is relatively long.
The latest warranty period is posted on the company's website.
Another distinctive feature is the Intelligent Sensor Processing Unit (ISPU).
The ISPU is ST's proprietary programmable DSP, which enables the sensor to process signals and execute decision-making algorithms using AI learning, reducing the power consumption of the entire system, including the controller device.
In addition, this product also functions as a sensor hub.
Up to four sensors can be connected to the ISM330IS and the collected data can be processed by the ISPU.
OTHERS sensor products
In addition to these sensor products, new categories of products have also been added, such as geomagnetic and atmospheric ATMOSPHERE SENSORS, and BIOSENSORS that combine a 6-axis motion MEMS sensor and a vertical Analog Front-End (vAFE) in one package.
We also offer imaging and photonics solutions such as FlightSense® (ToF ranging sensor) and BrightSense® (CMOS image sensor). If you are interested in any of our sensor products, please feel free Inquiry us.
Introducing the evaluation tool
ST offers a variety of evaluation tools, but here we will focus on MEMS sensor evaluation tools.
It can be used for a series of development steps, from initial characteristic evaluation to measurement log acquisition, algorithm verification, and prototype evaluation.
[Evaluation board] STEVAL-MKI series
This is the basic series of ST's MEMS sensor evaluation boards. There are two types: a small adapter board with a sensor mounted on it, and a motherboard that can control the sensor on the connected adapter board from a PC.
Adapter Board
The adapter board has been developed to be mounted on the DIL24 SOCKETS of the motherboard, but because it has a simple and versatile configuration, it can also be attached to equipment created by the user and controlled from the user's controller device. Adapter boards are available for each product, but we will introduce some representative products.
STEVAL-MKI251A
The 6-axis motion MEMS sensor LSM6DSV320X is implemented.
STEVAL-MKI251A
Motherboard
The motherboard is equipped with a DIL24 SOCKETS for connecting the adapter board and an ST microcontroller as the control controller.
STEVAL-MKI109D
Connect to your PC using the USB Type-C CONNECTORS.
The board is equipped with an ST microcontroller, STM32H563ZIT6, which acts as a bridge between the device and the evaluation tool on the PC.
STEVAL-MKI109D
STEVAL-MKI109D is an updated version of STEVAL-MKI109V3 (STEVAL-MKI109V3 is no longer in production).
Here are some notable updates:
| Item | STEVAL-MKI109V3 | STEVAL-MKI109D |
|---|---|---|
| Built-in MCU | STM32F401VE (Arm Cortex-M4) | STM32H563ZI (Arm Cortex-M33) |
| Supported interfaces | I²C, SPI, TDM | I²C, I3C, SPI, TDM |
| GUI software | MEMS Studio | MEMS Studio |
| USB CONNECTORS | USB 2.0 Full-Speed | USB Type-C |
| SD card slot | none | Yes (MicroSD card sold separately) |
| Firmware Update | DFU (via USB) | DFU (via USB) |
① The installed microcontroller has been updated from STM32F401 to STM32H563
The STM32H563 is a member of the STM32H5 series, capable of operating at clock frequencies up to 250MHz.
This enables extremely fast processing compared to the previous STM32F401's maximum clock frequency of 84MHz.
In addition to I2C, SPI, and TDM, the new sensor communication interface now supports MIPI I3C®, enabling data readout at higher data rates.
②The CONNECTORS has been updated to USB Type-C.
Previously, a Micro-B CONNECTORS was used, but the STEVAL-MKI109D has been updated to a USB Type-C CONNECTORS.
③ MicroSD card slot added
The STEVAL-MKI109D on the right side of the photo is equipped with a slot for inserting a MicroSD card.
The image below shows the motherboard front.
On the left is STEVAL-MKI109V3 and on the right is STEVAL-MKI109D.
Motherboard front (left: STEVAL-MKI109V3 / right: STEVAL-MKI109D)
Here's a photo of the back of the motherboard.
On the left is STEVAL-MKI109V3 and on the right is STEVAL-MKI109D.
Back of motherboard (Left: STEVAL-MKI109V3 / Right: STEVAL-MKI109D)
Once the adapter board is attached to the motherboard, it should look like this:
When assembling, pay attention to the position of pin 1.
Align the ST logo silk-screened on the motherboard and adapter board.
Adapter board inserted into the DIL24 SOCKETS on the motherboard
[Evaluation software] MEMS Studio
The STEVAL-MKI109D motherboard mentioned above provides an integrated GUI that consolidates various functions related to sensor evaluation, such as setting sensor registers, plotting and logging sensor measurement data, and setting FSM and MLC.
You can skip the complicated setup process and simply operate the sensor and check the output.
MEMS Studio is also compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux, making it suitable for use in a wide range of development environments.
MEMS Studio operation image
Key Features
- Sensor register read/write
- Save measurement data logs and plot measurement data (lines, bars, etc.)
- Acquiring sensor interrupt signals
- Analysis of measurement data (FFT, etc.)
- Generate algorithms to operate MLC and FSM from measurement data
- User algorithm construction using GUI
MEMS Studio is available on ST's website and can be used free of charge.
It can be obtained from the ST product page below.
Summary: Now that you have a grasp of the overall evaluation environment, it's time for the "practical setup"!
By using ST's MEMS sensor evaluation board and MEMS Studio, you can begin initial evaluation of MEMS sensors in a short amount of time. This article has outlined the product lineup and the features of the evaluation tool, but in actual implementation, issues unique to the field tend to arise, such as "the connection is not recognized" or "the settings do not work properly."
In the next article, we will explain in detail the setup procedure for the evaluation board and how to deal with common problems.
We will introduce examples of points that engineers often get stuck on, such as USB recognition, firmware updates, data acquisition, and checking various setting values.
Whether you are just starting evaluation or have already implemented it, please refer to the next article to help you set up a smooth evaluation environment.
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