Six-axis IMU features AI core for intelligent motion signal processing at the edge

August 7, 2025

Issue 5 2023, Issue 6 2025

The STMicroelectronics LSM6DSV16X inertial measurement unit (IMU) combines an accelerometer and gyroscope with a machine learning core in a single compact package, to enable context awareness and configurable motion tracking without needing a host controller.

STMicroelectronics has introduced the LSM6DSV16X, a six-axis IMU which features advanced artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities for smart motion sensing in IoT devices at the edge of the network.

 

The IMU is ideal for functions such as motion tracking and gesture detection, indoor navigation, image stabilization, and vibration monitoring and compensation.

 

The LSM6DSV16X includes standard IMU components: a three-axis digital accelerometer and a three-axis digital gyroscope. But on top of this, ST has built in a triple core for processing acceleration and angular rate data on three separate channels, the user interface, optical image stabilization, and electronic image stabilization, with dedicated configuration, processing, and filtering functions.

 

The AI capabilities of the LSM6DSV16X also enable it to apply edge computing functions to the raw motion data that it captures. Its finite state machine (FSM) performs configurable motion tracking, while a machine learning core (MLC) supplies context awareness, and provides exportable AI features for IoT applications.

 

The LSM6DSV16X supports the adaptive self-configuration feature, which allows the FSM to automatically reconfigure the IMU in real time based on the detection of a specific motion pattern. Reconfiguration can also be driven by the output of a specific decision tree configured in the MLC, without any intervention from the host processor.

 

The embedded Qvar function detects variation in electric charge, for user interface functions such as tap, double-tap, triple-tap, long press, or L/R or R/L swipe.

 

The LSM6DSV16X features an analog hub which can interface to an external analog input and convert the input to a digital signal for processing.

Features

  • 0.65 mA operating current in high-performance mode
  • Smart FIFO up to 4.5 kbytes
  • Compatible with Android™ operating system
  • ±2/±4/±8/±16 g full-scale accelerometer range
  • ±125/±250/±500/±1,000/±2,000/±4,000 degrees/s gyroscope full-scale range
  • Advanced pedometer, step detector, and step counter
  • Significant motion detection
  • Tilt detection
  • Temperature sensor

Applications

  • Augmented, virtual, mixed reality equipment
  • Wearable devices
  • IoT devices
  • Smartphones
  • Handheld devices
  • Cameras
AS_STMicro_LSM6DSV16XTR

Evaluation Kit

Board Part Number: STEVAL-MKBOXPRO

The SensorTile.box PRO from STMicroelectronics is a new programmable wireless box kit for developing IoT remote data acquisition applications. It features components for motion and environmental data sensing, as well as a digital microphone, alongside Bluetooth® Low Energy 5.2 and NFC connectivity.

 

ST supplies the SensorTile.box PRO with a number of ready-made embedded IoT applications. With the free STBLESensor smartphone app, designers can immediately control various motion, environmental, and pressure sensing applications, perform data logging, and run AI algorithms for a baby crying detector, and human activity recognition.

 

Developers can also build custom applications through the STBLESensor app, or in the STM32 open development environment with the support of ST function pack libraries.

 

Key features:

  • Small 40 mm x 63 mm footprint
  • STM32U585AI microcontroller based on Arm®-Cortex®-M33 CPU core
  • microSD™ card slot
  • BlueNRG-LP radio IC
  • ST25DV04K NFC tag
  • High-precision sensors:
    • STTS22H digital temperature sensor
    • LSM6DSV16X six-axis inertial measurement unit
    • LIS2DU12 three-axis low-power accelerometer
    • LIS2MDL three-axis magnetometer
    • LPS22DF pressure sensor
    • MP23DB01HP digital microphone
  • 480 mAh rechargeable battery

FTM Board Club

Sign up for access to exclusive development boards, an essential tool for many innovative design projects.

*Available to pre-qualified EMEA customers only.

Tags

Categories

Related Articles

Susumu — KRL Series Low Resistance Current-Sensing Chip Resistors
07 August 2025
Susumu KRL Series low-resistance current-sensing chip resistors combine small package sizes and high...
Read More
Hirose Electric — CX Series Receptacles
07 August 2025
Hirose Electric has introduced the CX series of surface-mount and through-hole USB Type-C® connectors...
Read More
STMicroelectronics — ISM330IS Motion Sensor
07 August 2025
The ISM330IS motion sensor from STMicroelectronics combines a three-axis digital accelerometer and a...
Read More

Subscribe to our newsletters

Subscribe to Future Electronics

Get access to the latest product information, technical analysis, design notes and more

Choose your region