The small dimensions and ultra-low power consumption of ST’s 3-axis digital acceleration sensor contribute to the user-friendly size and weight of the smart ball and prolong its battery life.

“ST’s strengths in MEMS and leadership in micro-machining technologies result in the market’s best combination of sensor resolution, size, power and cost characteristics,” said Johannes Väänänen, Chairman of Ball-IT. “ST’s accelerometers fit perfectly with our real-time wireless sensor technology to create a compelling case for the adoption of motion-based user interfaces in a wide range of personal electronic devices.”

“I believe we’ve sensed the market’s direction and are on the ball,” said Benedetto Vigna, MEMS Business Unit Director, STMicroelectronics. “This co-operation with Ball-IT confirms our conviction that high-quality, cost-effective MEMS sensors open up exciting new possibilities for intuitive man-machine interaction in consumer applications.”

Editor’s Notes
ST’sacceleration sensors are used to provide a motion-activated user interface in Nintendo’s new home console, Wii.

ST’s unique portfolio of two- and three-axis MEMS accelerometers targets a wide range of low-g applications from motion-based user interfaces to hard-disk drive and automobile-passenger protection. Market analysts predict that by 2010 there will be one accelerometer in each mobile phone and every portable hard-disk-based device (laptops, audio/video players), representing a total market of more than 1.2 billion units.

About Ball-IT
Ball-IT Oy is a privately held Finnish company that was established in September 2005. The company aims to become the global leader in the development and production of real-time wireless sensing solutions. These solutions include enabling devices and modules as well as core software components for implementing consumer-level User Interfaces.