Excelitas Technologies FC30

Overview

FC30 from STMicroelectronics is a standalone MEMS-based 3D orientation and click/double-click detection sensor. It identifies six gravity-referenced orientations (portrait up/down, landscape left/right, face up/down) and delivers dedicated interrupt signals (PC, LC, SIGN) for each state; supports mechanical tap and double-tap detection with programmable inter-click timing; operates from 2.16 V to 3.6 V with 0.4 mA typical active current and 1 µA power-down current; used in mobile phone image rotation and motion-triggered wake-up systems.

For engineers reviewing the FC30 datasheet, FC30 pinout, FC30 application, or FC30 equivalent, this page provides verified functional identity, LGA-14 pin mapping, orientation accuracy (±3°), tap detection latency, power-down entry/exit timing (30 ms turn-on), and real-world interface constraints for portrait/landscape interrupt signaling and I/O supply separation (Vdd_IO vs. Vdd).

Technical Context

The FC30 integrates a MEMS sensing element with embedded signal conditioning circuitry to deliver discrete orientation states-not raw acceleration data-via three dedicated digital interrupt outputs (PC, LC, SIGN). Its orientation engine resolves six stable positions relative to gravity using factory-calibrated thresholds, with ±3° angular accuracy around orthogonal axes.

Tap detection operates independently of orientation mode and generates a configurable interrupt on mechanical impact; double-click functionality requires user-defined time window between taps and is fully programmable via external controller. Power-down mode disables the measurement chain entirely upon logic-low assertion on PD pin, reducing current to 1 µA while preserving configuration state.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The FC30 is housed in an LGA-14 (3 mm × 5 mm × 0.92 mm) surface-mount package with 0.8 mm pitch, ECOPACK®/RoHS-compliant, hermetically sealed for post-reflow washability.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar 3D orientation and tap detection applications.

Compared with LIS3DHTR and BNO055, the FC30 uniquely delivers pre-processed, interrupt-driven 6-position orientation and tap events with sub-µA sleep current and 3×5 mm footprint-making it optimal for cost-sensitive, battery-constrained devices requiring simple, deterministic UI responses.

Availability

FC30 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for mobile phone image rotation, digital photo frame orientation detection, and motion-triggered wake-up systems requiring stable component supply across long production lifecycles.

Supply support for FC30 includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

STMicroelectronics is a global semiconductor leader headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, designing and manufacturing microcontrollers, sensors, power ICs, and automotive-grade components for industrial, consumer, and automotive markets.

The FC30 belongs to ST's MEMS motion sensor product line, engineered specifically for ultra-low-power, discrete-event human interface applications-replacing mechanical switches and simplifying orientation-aware UI design in space-constrained portable electronics.

FAQ

What is the function of the Res pins on FC30?

Pins 4, 7, 10, and 13–14 are reserved terminals. Per the datasheet, Pin 4 and Pin 10 must be connected to 0 V; Pins 7 and 13–14 must remain unconnected. These are not unused pads but defined interface points requiring strict adherence to avoid malfunction or damage.

Does FC30 require calibration after soldering?

No. The FC30 is factory-calibrated and features post-assembly verification mode, enabling functional validation without physical movement. Its hermetic LGA package ensures no performance shift due to reflow stress, eliminating field recalibration requirements.

How does FC30 differentiate single tap from double tap?

The FC30 detects double tap by measuring the time interval between two consecutive tap interrupts. This interval is programmable via external controller configuration; if the second tap occurs within the set window, the device asserts a distinct double-tap interrupt on the SIGN line.

Can Vdd and Vdd_IO be supplied from the same rail?

Yes, but only if that rail meets both voltage ranges: 2.16–3.6 V for Vdd and 1.71 V to Vdd+0.1 V for Vdd_IO. In practice, tying them simplifies design but may limit I/O voltage flexibility; separate rails allow interfacing with 1.8 V or 3.3 V controllers while maintaining analog core integrity.