STMicroelectronics has unveiled the STEVAL-MKI109D, a next-generation MEMS sensor evaluation board designed to accelerate the development of sensor-driven applications across industries like industrial automation, smart agriculture, consumer electronics, and automotive systems. This versatile tool simplifies testing and optimization for ST’s extensive MEMS sensor portfolio, enabling engineers to rapidly prototype solutions with minimal coding 415.
The board’s core is the STM32H563ZI Arm Cortex-M33 microcontroller, which integrates DSP and FPU capabilities to handle complex sensor data processing. Its plug-and-play design, combined with MEMS Studio—a no-code graphical interface—allows real-time data visualization, firmware updates, and AI integration, such as leveraging machine learning cores (MLC) and intelligent sensor processing units (ISPU) embedded in select MEMS devices.
Key Features and Technical Specifications
- High-Speed Interfaces:
- Supports I²C, I3C, SPI, and TDM for flexible sensor communication.
- The TDM (Time-Division Multiplexing) interface enables synchronized, high-speed data transfer (up to 10 Mbps), ideal for multi-sensor arrays requiring precise timing, such as industrial vibration monitoring or automotive safety systems.
- Power Management:
- Software-adjustable sensor voltage (0–3.6V) and onboard current monitoring eliminate the need for external tools, streamlining energy optimization.
- Expandability:
- Compatible with DIL24 adapter boards, allowing engineers to test over 1400 STM32 microcontrollers and ST’s MEMS sensors, including accelerometers, gyroscopes, barometric pressure sensors, and biosensors.
- Additional connectors (J6, J9, J7) and GPIOs support debugging and auxiliary peripherals.
- Certifications:
- RoHS compliant and CE certified, ensuring adherence to global safety and environmental standards.
MEMS Sensors: The Backbone of Modern Technology
MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) sensors are microscopic devices that combine mechanical and electrical components to detect physical changes like motion, pressure, or sound. Key applications include:
- Industrial: Predictive maintenance through vibration analysis.
- Automotive: Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and navigation.
- Healthcare: Wearable biosensors for heart-rate monitoring.
- Environmental: Air quality and water resource monitoring.
ST’s MEMS portfolio spans inertial sensors, pressure sensors, analog/digital microphones, and biosensors, all optimized for low-power operation and high accuracy. For example, automotive-grade MEMS devices ensure reliability in extreme temperatures, while consumer-grade sensors enable features like smartphone screen rotation and gesture control.
The Role of the TDM Interface
The TDM interface in the STEVAL-MKI109D addresses the growing demand for synchronized multi-sensor data acquisition. Unlike traditional interfaces like SPI or I²C, TDM allocates specific time slots to each sensor in a daisy-chain configuration, minimizing latency and crosstalk. This is critical for:
- Industrial Automation: Coordinating sensor arrays in robotic arms.
- Audio Systems: High-fidelity microphone arrays for noise cancellation.
- Automotive: Real-time data fusion from LiDAR, radar, and inertial sensors.
Applications and Industry Impact
The STEVAL-MKI109D’s versatility supports diverse use cases:
- Smart Agriculture: Soil moisture and temperature monitoring for precision farming.
- Healthcare: Prototyping wearable ECG monitors using biosensor electrodes.
- Consumer Electronics: Enhancing AR/VR headset motion tracking.
- Automotive: Accelerating ADAS development with multi-sensor fusion.
ST’s MEMS Studio further simplifies development by offering pre-configured algorithms for motion detection, fall recognition, and environmental sensing, reducing time-to-market by up to 40%.
The STEVAL-MKI109D is available for 104.13–105 via ST’s eStore and authorized distributors. Developers can download MEMS Studio for free, with automatic updates ensuring access to the latest features.
The STEVAL-MKI109D represents a leap forward in MEMS sensor evaluation, combining cutting-edge hardware with intuitive software. By democratizing access to advanced sensor testing, STMicroelectronics empowers engineers to innovate faster in fields ranging from smart cities to autonomous vehicles. As MEMS technology evolves, tools like this will play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between prototyping and real-world deployment.
