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STMicroelectronics LSM303CTR
- Part No.:
- LSM303CTR
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Category:
- IMUs (Inertial Measurement Units)
- Package:
- 12-VFLGA Module
- Datasheet:
-
LSM303CTR.pdf
- Description:
- IMU ACCEL/MAG I2C/SPI 12LGA
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:1,701
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Product details
Overview
LSM303CTR from STMicroelectronics is an ultra-compact system-in-package eCompass module integrating a 3-axis ±2/±4/±8 g accelerometer and a 3-axis ±16 gauss magnetometer, delivering 16-bit digital output via I²C or SPI interfaces for tilt-compensated heading calculation in handheld devices.
For engineers reviewing the LSM303CTR datasheet, LSM303CTR pinout, LSM303CTR application, or LSM303CTR equivalent, this page details its dual-sensor architecture, programmable interrupt logic for motion/magnetic events, embedded FIFO, temperature sensor, and LGA-12 package suitability for space-constrained consumer electronics design.
Technical Context
The LSM303CTR implements independent control paths for its accelerometer and magnetometer blocks, enabling selective power-down and asynchronous configuration of ODR, full-scale range, and interface mode. Each sensor has dedicated register maps (e.g., CTRL_REG1_A/M), status registers, and data output registers with LSB/MSB byte ordering.
Its interrupt engine supports two configurable generators: one for accelerometer-triggered events (free-fall, activity/inactivity) and another for magnetometer-triggered detection, both with threshold and duration registers. The embedded FIFO operates in bypass, stream, or FIFO modes with source-flag reporting.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Accelerometer FS | ±2 g / ±4 g / ±8 g - selectable full-scale ranges determine dynamic range and resolution for motion sensing in portable devices. |
| Magnetometer FS | ±16 gauss - fixed full-scale enables compass-grade heading accuracy with sufficient margin against Earth's magnetic field (25–65 µT). |
| Data Resolution | 16-bit - provides 0.061 mg/LSB (±2 g) and 0.58 µT/LSB (±16 gauss) for high-precision orientation computation. |
| Supply Voltage | 1.9 V to 3.6 V - single analog rail compatible with Li-ion battery-powered systems and low-voltage microcontrollers. |
| Interface Support | I²C (100/400 kHz) and SPI (3-/4-wire) - dual serial protocols allow flexible host integration without additional level-shifting circuitry. |
| Operating Temp | −40 °C to +85 °C - extended industrial temperature range ensures reliability in smartphones, wearables, and outdoor IoT devices. |
| Package | LGA-12 (2.0 × 2.0 × 1.0 mm) - land grid array enables automated assembly and minimal PCB footprint for ultra-thin form factors. |
Pinout & Package
LGA-12 (2.0 mm × 2.0 mm × 1.0 mm) plastic land grid array package with exposed thermal pad; RoHS-compliant, ECOPACK®-certified.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| VDD | Analog supply input | 1.9–3.6 V power rail shared by both accelerometer and magnetometer blocks; requires local decoupling. |
| GND | Ground reference | Common return path for analog and digital circuits; must be connected to PCB ground plane for noise immunity. |
| SCL / SDA | I²C clock/data bidirectional | Open-drain pins supporting standard/fast-mode I²C; require external pull-ups to VDD. |
| SDO_M / SDO_A | Serial data output (magnetometer/accelerometer) | Separate SDO pins enable simultaneous readout in SPI 4-wire mode; not multiplexed. |
| CS | Chip select input | Active-low signal enabling SPI communication; tied high for I²C-only operation. |
| INT1 / INT2 | Programmable interrupt outputs | Dedicated open-drain outputs for accelerometer (INT1) and magnetometer (INT2) event signaling. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Integrated eCompass subsystem | Co-located 3D accelerometer + 3D magnetometer in single LGA package eliminates inter-device alignment error and simplifies PCB layout. |
| Configurable interrupt logic | Two independent interrupt generators support motion detection (free-fall, click/double-click), activity/inactivity, and magnetic field change - reducing host CPU polling overhead. |
| Embedded FIFO buffer | 32-level FIFO stores acceleration/magnetometer samples in stream or FIFO mode, enabling burst reads and low-power periodic wake-up architectures. |
| Factory-calibrated sensors | Accelerometer zero-g offset and magnetometer sensitivity are factory-trimmed; reduces need for end-user calibration in production. |
| Temperature sensor | On-die thermal sensor (±3 °C accuracy) enables real-time compensation of magnetometer drift due to temperature variation. |
Applications
| Smartphone Compass | Wearable Fitness Tracker |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Real-time heading calculation during map navigation or AR overlay with tilt compensation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dual-sensor fusion engine providing synchronized 3D acceleration and magnetic field vectors at up to 800 Hz ODR. Use Value: Enables accurate azimuth estimation under device rotation and movement, critical for turn-by-turn guidance. |
Use Scenario: Step counting, gesture recognition, and posture monitoring in wrist-worn devices. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-power motion classifier detecting activity onset, free-fall, and double-tap via programmable thresholds and durations. Use Value: Reduces host MCU wake-up frequency using hardware interrupts, extending battery life beyond 7 days. |
| Industrial Handheld Scanner | Drone Attitude Reference |
Use Scenario: Orientation-aware UI rotation and impact logging during drop testing or field use. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Embedded FIFO captures pre-impact acceleration spikes; temperature sensor compensates magnetometer bias shift. Use Value: Provides reliable display auto-rotation and mechanical shock event recording without external components. |
Use Scenario: Stabilized yaw estimation in multirotor flight controllers where GPS-denied navigation is required. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-resolution magnetic vector input fused with IMU data to correct gyroscope drift over time. Use Value: Maintains heading accuracy within ±2° over temperature range, supporting stable autonomous flight. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar eCompass module applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| LSM303AGR | Same LGA-12 footprint but updated accelerometer (±2/±4/±8/±16 g) and magnetometer (±50 gauss); higher ODR (1.6 kHz vs. 800 Hz). | Better suited for vibration analysis and high-speed motion capture; requires revised register initialization sequence. | Select when extended magnetic range or faster sampling is needed; pin-compatible but firmware update required. |
| BNO055 | Fusion-capable 9-DoF module with integrated sensor fusion processor; outputs quaternion/euler angles directly. | Reduces host MCU computational load but consumes more power (260 µA vs. 100 µA typical in LSM303CTR low-power mode). | Choose for rapid prototyping or resource-constrained hosts needing ready-to-use orientation data. |
Compared with LSM303AGR, the LSM303CTR offers lower power and simpler register-level control, while BNO055 shifts processing burden off the host at the cost of higher current draw and less direct sensor access.
Availability
LSM303CTR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smartphone compass modules, wearable fitness trackers, and industrial handheld scanners requiring stable component supply and long-term manufacturability.
Supply support for LSM303CTR 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 MEMS sensors, microcontrollers, power management ICs, and automotive electronics.
The LSM303C series belongs to ST's ultra-low-power eCompass product line, engineered specifically for consumer and industrial motion-sensing applications demanding miniaturization, accuracy, and energy efficiency.
FAQ
What communication interfaces does the LSM303CTR support?
The LSM303CTR supports both I²C (standard and fast mode up to 400 kHz) and SPI (3-wire and 4-wire configurations). I²C uses SCL/SDA pins with external pull-ups; SPI uses CS, SCLK, SDI, and separate SDO_M/SDO_A outputs. Interface selection is controlled via hardware pin strapping (CS logic level) and register settings.
How is sensor synchronization handled between the accelerometer and magnetometer?
The LSM303CTR does not provide hardware-synchronized sampling between its two sensor blocks. Accelerometer and magnetometer operate independently with separate ODR settings and data-ready flags. Synchronization must be implemented in firmware using timestamping or coordinated polling based on known latency and timing characteristics documented in the datasheet.
Does the LSM303CTR include built-in sensor fusion algorithms?
No, the LSM303CTR outputs raw 16-bit acceleration and magnetic field data only. It lacks an on-chip processor or embedded fusion engine. Tilt-compensated heading calculation must be performed externally using host MCU software implementing algorithms such as the tilt-compensated compass equation or complementary filters.
What is the purpose of the two interrupt outputs (INT1 and INT2)?
INT1 is dedicated to accelerometer-generated events (free-fall, activity/inactivity, 6D orientation), while INT2 signals magnetometer-triggered conditions (magnetic field change detection). Each interrupt is independently configurable via dedicated control registers (IG_CFG1_A/M), allowing parallel event handling without host polling overhead.
LSM303CTR Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 12-VFLGA Module
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Sensor Type:
- Accelerometer, Magnetometer, Temperature, 6 Axis
- Output Type:
- I2C, SPI
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Supplier Device Package:
- 12-LGA (2x2)
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
LSM303CTR FAQ
1.How can I place an order for LSM303CTR through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for LSM303CTR on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for LSM303CTR reliable?
The price and inventory of LSM303CTR are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for LSM303CTR is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for LSM303CTR?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for LSM303CTR transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for LSM303CTR?
LSM303CTR orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your LSM303CTR order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for LSM303CTR?
For technical support, including LSM303CTR datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your LSM303CTR requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that LSM303CTR is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All LSM303CTR products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that LSM303CTR meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of LSM303CTR?
All LSM303CTR units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with LSM303CTR, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The LSM303CTR part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for LSM303CTR:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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