STMicroelectronics, the ones behind the motion sensors in the Wiimote, have announced this in a recent press release

The acceleration sensor’s miniature dimensions of 5×5x1.5mm3 significantly contribute to the user-friendly volume and weight of the TV-control-shaped hand-piece. The ultra-low power consumption of ST’s MEMS devices prolongs the battery life of the controller and the high thermal stability avoids unwanted motion sensing in varying temperature conditions. The robust design of the sensor also provides very high immunity to vibration and a shock resistance up to 10,000g.

source: Efytimes

More About: STMicroelectronics, Wiimote, ultra-low power consumption

STMicroelectronics sensors to be used in Nintendo’s Wii

STMicroelectronics on May 9 announced that its three-axis acceleration sensors will be used to provide a motion-activated user interface for Nintendo’s new home console, Wii.

Expected to dramatically change the way people play games, the Wii controller includes ST’s high-performance acceleration sensors that can detect the motion and tilt of a player’s hand in all 3 dimensions and convert it into immediate game action.

Driven by ST’s Micro Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) technology — micron-sized structures that interact with the physical world — the Wii controller can respond to changes in direction, speed, and acceleration, down to the most delicate movements. Specifically, the controllers use embedded acceleration sensors to enable players’ wrist, arm, and hand movements to interact with the games.

Tilt measurements allow users to move characters, while the accurate three-axis acceleration sensing easily transforms the controller into a virtual sword, gearshift, or musical instrument.

The acceleration sensor’s miniature dimensions (5×5×1.5mm) significantly contribute to the user-friendly volume and weight of the TV-control-shaped handpiece.

Ultra-low power consumption of ST’s MEMS devices prolongs the battery life of the controller and the high thermal stability avoids unwanted motion sensing in varying temperature conditions.

The robust design of the sensor also provides very high immunity to vibration and a shock resistance up to 10,000g.

More About: STMicroelectronics, acceleration sensors, Nintendo, Wii