Murata launches automotive-grade 6-axis DoF sensor for use in autonomous driving/ADAS and other systems

According to foreign media reports, Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd. of Japan has launched a 6-axis inertial (DoF) sensor SCH1633-D01 to further expand its product line. This sensor based on micro-electromechanical systems (MEME) has reset the benchmark for performance, system integration and total cost optimization. It is suitable for various automotive applications, including autonomous driving (AD), advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), inertial navigation, vehicle stability control, and camera or headlight adjustment.

6-axis inertial (DoF) sensor SCH1633-D01 (Image source: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.)

Market demand

As the market continues to demand more automated driving and higher levels of safety in vehicles, there is a clear need for highly integrated, high-precision sensors with comprehensive built-in safety features. Similarly, compliance with technical specifications such as the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) headlight leveling regulations also requires precise and cost-optimized solutions, and the SCH1633-D01 has proven its ability to meet such needs.

The SCH1633-D01 is a single package solution optimized for differentiated architectures, where all required subsystems such as GNSS (Global Positioning System) integration, chassis control, and vehicle attitude perception (camera and light leveling) can use its measurements. Designed to be deployed in the vehicle's central Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), the solution provides high-quality signals to all subsystems within the vehicle, ensuring it can be implemented in the most demanding environments. This type of integration helps reduce system complexity and provides much-needed opportunities for cost optimization.

Features of SCH1633-D01

The SCH1633-D01 is packaged in a unique 24-pin SOIC package and is equipped with a SafeSPI 2.0 interface that can monitor up to 20 bits of sensor data frames for extremely smooth and high-resolution output. The component supports a variety of system-level time synchronization functions to ensure that the output of the SCH1633-D01 can be easily used throughout the vehicle system. In addition, its extensive self-diagnostic capabilities, with more than 200 monitoring signals, ensure consistent and reliable output.

The SCH1633-D01 is committed to providing high-quality output even in harsh temperature conditions. It has AEC-Q100 Grade 1 certification to ensure reliability throughout its life cycle, and is ISO26262 compliant with ASIL-B+ rating (upgradable to ASIL-D rating through system integration) and has excellent built-in safety.

Initial samples of this new solution are now available, with a production version expected to be available in early 2025.