TDK launches second generation 6-axis IMU for automotive safety applications

According to foreign media reports, TDK Corporation has launched the second-generation 6-axis IMU for automotive safety applications, adding IAM-20685HP and IAM-20689 to the TDK InvenSense SmartAutomotive MEMS sensor series, providing reliable motion data for decision-making algorithms and accurately detecting vehicle dynamics in real time. This is critical for advanced driver assistance (ADAS) and safety applications, which require a higher level of functional safety, up to ASIL D. IAM-20685HP and IAM-20689 have begun mass production and samples are available.

Image source: TDK

Earlier this year, TDK added the SmartEdge tool to provide machine learning algorithms for its 6-axis IMU. Although the two IMU devices support different ASIL safety levels, they have the same core design, package size and register mapping, and both use multiple safety mechanisms to ensure real-time monitoring of sensor parameters. Embedded diagnostics do not require external software libraries to achieve the corresponding functional safety level. This enables customers to easily integrate MEMS IMU into ADAS and safety applications.

The IAM-20685HP is able to meet the ASIL B requirements for all technical safety requirements. It is developed specifically to enhance ADAS applications, such as improving the driver's experience when driving or parking. With its small size and operating temperature up to 125°C, the IAM-20685HP is ideal for ADAS positioning and vision systems. In addition, it can be used in compact modules where high computing power combined with small size requires 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 with expanded embedded diagnostics. It is designed to meet systems up to ASIL D requirements in key automotive applications, such as electronic/roll stability control (ESC/RSC) and drive-by-wire (DbW).

“With the IAM-20689, TDK can offer automotive safety customers more flexibility because multiple 3-axis sensors are no longer needed in the vehicle. This simplifies system complexity, improves ease of use, and provides opportunities for miniaturization,” said Alberto Marinoni, Director of Automotive Product Marketing at InvenSense, a TDK Corporation company. “Most safety applications today rely on a limited number of axes, resulting in partial blind spots in current solutions that fail to collect all vehicle dynamics. Transitioning to a 6-axis solution ensures that no motion information is missed, unlocking a wider range of application possibilities for developers.”

The IAM-20685HP and IAM-20689 are manufactured using TDK's proprietary MEMS manufacturing technology, which provides higher reliability than other available MEMS manufacturing technologies. They are both developed as Safety Element Out of Environment (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 a wettable flank option to enable visual inspection at the end of the assembly line.