November 11, 2024
TDK Corporation (TSE:6762) further extends its InvenSense SmartAutomotive™ MEMS sensor family with the IAM-20685HP and IAM-20689 second generation 6-axis IMUs for automotive safety applications. Both devices deliver reliable motion data for decision-making algorithms and accurately detect vehicle dynamics in real-time to enhance advanced driver assistance (ADAS) and safety applications, which require higher levels of functional safety up to ASIL D. Mass production of IAM-20685HP and IAM-20689 has started, and samples are already available.
IAM-20685HP is capable of achieving ASIL B on all technical safety requirements. It was specifically developed to enhance ADAS applications, e.g. to increase the driver’s experience while driving or parking. With its compact size and an operating temperature of up to 125 °C, IAM-20685HP is well suited for ADAS positioning and vision systems. Furthermore, it can be used in compact modules where high computational power combined with a small size require high and stable IMU performance over a wide temperature range.
Compared to the IAM-20685HP, the IAM-20689 is a safety-focused 6-axis IMU featuring extended embedded diagnostics. It has been designed to meet systems with requirements up to ASIL D and to elevate safety in critical automotive applications, like electronic/roll stability control (ESC/RSC) and drive-by-wire (DbW).
While both components differ in ASIL, they share the same core design, package size, and register map, and both incorporate a diverse set of safety mechanisms that ensure real-time monitoring of sensor parameters. Embedded diagnostics eliminate the need for an external software library to reach the according functional safety level. This allows customers to easily integrate IAM-20685HP and IAM-20689 into their applications.
“Thanks to the IAM-20689, TDK can offer more flexibility to automotive safety customers by eliminating the need for multiple 3-axis sensors in the vehicle. This simplifies system complexity, enhances ease of use, and provides opportunities for miniaturization”, says Alberto Marinoni, Sr, Director Product Marketing Automotive at InvenSense, a TDK Group company. “Most safety applications today rely on a limited number of axes, rendering current solutions partially blind and unable to gather all vehicle dynamics. Transitioning to a 6-axis solution ensures no motion information is missed, unlocking broader application possibilities for developers.”
IAM-20685HP and IAM-20689 take advantage of TDK’s proprietary MEMS fabrication technology that offers improved reliability compared to other MEMS fabrication technologies available. They have both been developed as a Safety Element out of Context (SEooC) and are automotive qualified according to AEC-Q100 grade 1. Both sensors are available in a small 4.5 × 4.5 × 1.1 mm³ QFN package with wettable flanks options that allow visual inspection at the end of the assembly line.
IAM-20685HP and IAM-20689 address a wide range of automotive applications, including but not limited to:
* Any mention of target applications for our products are made without a claim for fit for purpose as this has to be checked at system level.
** All operating parameters must be validated for each customer application by customers’ technical experts.
TDK Corporation is a world leader in electronic solutions for the smart society based in Tokyo, Japan. Built on a foundation of material sciences mastery, TDK welcomes societal transformation by resolutely remaining at the forefront of technological evolution and deliberately “Attracting Tomorrow.” It was established in 1935 to commercialize ferrite, a key material in electronic and magnetic products. TDK‘s comprehensive, innovation-driven portfolio features passive components such as ceramic, aluminum electrolytic and film capacitors, as well as magnetics, high-frequency, and piezo and protection devices. The product spectrum also includes sensors and sensor systems such as temperature and pressure, magnetic, and MEMS sensors. In addition, TDK provides power supplies and energy devices, magnetic heads and more. These products are marketed under the product brands TDK, EPCOS, InvenSense, Micronas, Tronics and TDK-Lambda. TDK focuses on demanding markets in automotive, industrial and consumer electronics, and information and communication technology. The company has a network of design and manufacturing locations and sales offices in Asia, Europe, and in North and South America. In fiscal 2024, TDK posted total sales of USD 14.6 billion and employed about 101,000 people worldwide.
InvenSense, a TDK Group company, is a world-leading provider of Sensing Solutions. InvenSense’s vision of Sensing Everything® targets the consumer electronics and industrial areas with integrated Motion, Sound, Pressure, and Ultrasonic solutions. InvenSense’s solutions combine MEMS (micro electrical mechanical systems) sensors, such as accelerometers, gyroscopes, compasses, microphones, barometric pressure sensors, and ultrasonic time-of-flight sensors with proprietary algorithms and firmware that intelligently process, synthesize, and calibrate the output of sensors, maximizing performance and accuracy. InvenSense’s motion tracking, ultrasonic, audio, location platforms and services can be found in Mobile, Wearables, Smart Home, Industrial, Automotive, IoT, Robotics, and many more types of products. InvenSense became part of the MEMS Sensors Business Group within the Sensor Systems Business Company of TDK Corporation in 2017. In April of 2022, Chirp Microsystems formally merged with InvenSense. InvenSense is headquartered in San Jose, California and has offices worldwide.
