ST launches combination accelerometer-gyroscope sensors for autos
STMicroelectronics has introduced four automotive combination sensors that integrate a multi-axis accelerometer and gyroscope (angular rate sensor) in a single package, aimed at extending advanced safety and driver-assistance functions beyond premium vehicle platforms. The devices are intended for crash protection, rollover detection, airbag deployment, vehicle stability control and radar beam stabilisation.
The launch follows ST's acquisition of NXP's automotive and industrial MEMS sensors business, completed earlier in 2026 to expand its own MEMS sensing portfolio. ST describes these as the first products brought to the mass market from that integration.
Device specifications
Each device is an ISO 26262 compliant sensor with full internal diagnostics, and all four support SafeSPI, the standard serial peripheral interface for automotive safety that allows independent monitoring of sensor data. The range comprises:
- NCS1012BAEP: z-axis (yaw) angular rate sensor with xy low g acceleration sensor
- NCS1012CAEP: x-axis (roll) angular rate sensor with yz low g acceleration sensor
- NCS1012EAEP: x-axis (roll) angular rate sensor with xy medium g acceleration sensor
- NCS10135AEP: z-axis (yaw) angular rate sensor with xyz low g acceleration sensor
The integrated angular rate sensors offer a full-scale range of ±125 dps, ±250 dps or ±350 dps, with low offset and minimal drift specified over the automotive temperature range of −40°C to +105°C. An integrated low-pass filter provides 3dB frequency options from 12.5Hz to 400Hz, alongside an optional single-pole high-pass filter with fast startup.
The low g acceleration sensors have a nominal full-scale range from ±1.50g to ±34g, while the medium g variants cover ±15.5g to ±150g. Both acceleration sensor types use an independent signal chain to minimise noise and feature low offset with low drift over the automotive temperature range, plus an integrated low-pass filter.
All four parts are in production now, housed in a 24-pin QFN package measuring 6mm x 6mm x 1.90mm with wettable flanks meeting automotive-industry optical inspection compatibility requirements.
Lifecycle commitment
ST states that its automotive sensing experience reflects a commitment to guaranteeing product availability for at least 15 years, which it positions as reducing lifecycle and redesign risk for programmes built around these devices.
Simone Ferri, Executive Vice President of the MEMS Sub-Group at STMicroelectronics, said: "As a cohesive sensor set suited to multiple safety functions, these devices simplify system architecture, accelerate development, and increase flexibility to scale features and performance. Strengthened by our longevity commitment and global support infrastructure, these are the first automotive safety combination sensors ready for mass-market deployment, accelerating the move to active safety."
Commenting on the wider market, Nora Houlihan, Senior Research Analyst at Omdia, said: "Thanks to ADAS, inertial measurement units (IMUs) are expected to grow at 17.7% CAGR (2025-30). As automotive manufacturers approach higher levels of autonomy there will be a significant increase in IMU-powered MEMS sensors for acceleration and motion detection."
