Micron-sized fingers of silicon react to changes in direction, speed and acceleration. This sensor is one of a portfolio of 2 and 3-axis accelerators from ST. As well as the Wii they have wider applications in user interfaces, anti-theft devices and hard disk protection.
Rapid offer an evaluation kit for an ST 3-axis linear accelerator with digital output (Rapid order code 82-1004). The kit contains a PCB with MEMS sensor and a USB interface. The supplied software provides a graphic representation of the effects of movement in the X, Y and Z axis.