Freescale unveils Xtrinsic sensing portfolio

As one of the first solutions embodying these advanced functions, Freescale is releasing the intelligent, high precision Xtrinsic Motion Sensing Platform based on the integration of an accelerometer, processing core, memory, and multiple embedded functions. The platform’s user definable capabilities and multiple sensor inputs deliver extensive flexibility to mobile consumer applications.



Freescale is also aligning its next generation microcontroller-based touch sensing solutions to the Xtrinsic portfolio. Xtrinsic Touch Sensing Software Suite 2.0 expands capacitive touch sensing capability beyond 8-bit to 32-bit microcontrollers.



“The rising demand for multifunctional personal electronic devices and intuitive applications from smart phones to medical devices to GPS has revved up the demand levels for sensors,” said Jérémie Bouchaud, director and principal analyst, MEMS & Sensors at iSuppli. “In order to facilitate the ‘fusion’ of the signals from the various sensors while reducing the power consumption, iSuppli sees an increasing demand for technologies that incorporate multi-sensing and MCU capabilities within one platform. This allows a broader range of functionality and at the same time offloads the power hungry host processor.”



The growing popularity and availability of smart, connected mobile devices for consumers is creating new markets, new product categories and requiring more personalized, immersive experiences. According to iSuppli, the MEMS market for mobile and consumer devices is expected to top $2.7 billion by 2013. Sensors are driving this evolution in today’s consumer electronics devices and now a new level of sensing innovation is needed to continue the development of cutting-edge devices. Large-scale deployment of sensors is not only being witnessed in smart mobile devices, but also in products such as gaming equipment and cameras.



“At Freescale, we have always dedicated ourselves to providing our customers with sensing solutions that help them build leading edge devices,” said Tom Deitrich, senior vice president and general manager of Freescale’s RF, Analog & Sensor Group. “With Xtrinsic sensing solutions, our vision is to offer a diverse and differentiated product portfolio to meet the expanding needs of the automotive, consumer, and industrial segments. Xtrinsic solutions offer ideal blends of functionality and intelligence designed to help our customers differentiate and win in highly competitive markets.”