STMicroelectronics LSM303DLMTR

Overview

LSM303DLMTR from STMicroelectronics is a system-in-package 3-axis accelerometer and 3-axis magnetometer sensor module designed for electronic compassing and motion sensing in portable devices. It delivers ±2 g/±4 g/±8 g dynamically selectable acceleration full-scale, ±1.3 to ±8.1 gauss magnetic full-scale, I²C interface (100 kHz / 400 kHz), dual programmable interrupt outputs, and 6D orientation detection - enabling tilt-compensated heading calculation in handheld navigation systems.

For engineers reviewing the LSM303DLMTR datasheet, LSM303DLMTR pinout, LSM303DLMTR application, or LSM303DLMTR equivalent, key selection considerations include independent power-down control per sensor, factory-trimmed offset and sensitivity, sleep-to-wakeup capability, magnetic cross-axis sensitivity (<1 %FS/gauss), and guaranteed operation from –40 °C to +85 °C in LGA-28 (5×5×1.0 mm) package.

Technical Context

The LSM303DLMTR integrates two independent sensor subsystems on a single die: a micromachined capacitive accelerometer with CMOS interface circuitry and a Hall-effect-based magnetometer with integrated set/reset (S/R) pulse generation for hysteresis compensation. Each sensor has dedicated I²C buses (SDA_A/SCL_A for accelerometer; SDA_M/SCL_M for magnetometer), allowing concurrent configuration and data acquisition without bus arbitration.

Its interrupt architecture supports inertial event detection (free-fall, motion, wakeup) and magnetic threshold crossing via two fully programmable interrupt generators (INT1, INT2), each with configurable thresholds, duration windows, and latching behavior. The DRDY_M pin provides asynchronous magnetic data-ready signaling, decoupling timing-critical magnetometer reads from accelerometer polling.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

LSM303DLMTR is housed in a 5 mm × 5 mm × 1.0 mm LGA-28 plastic land grid array package with exposed thermal pad (GND-connected). Pin assignment follows ST's standardized layout for dual-I²C sensor modules, supporting separate signal routing for accelerometer and magnetometer interfaces.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar 3-axis accelerometer + 3-axis magnetometer applications.

Compared with BNO055 and LSM9DS1, the LSM303DLMTR offers superior magnetic full-scale (±8.1 gauss) and independent dual-I²C control - making it optimal for high-accuracy compassing where external fusion algorithms demand maximum raw sensor fidelity and timing autonomy.

Availability

LSM303DLMTR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for electronic compassing, smartphone display rotation, gaming motion input, and impact logging applications requiring stable component supply across industrial temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for LSM303DLMTR 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 specializing in MEMS sensors, microcontrollers, and power management ICs, with manufacturing facilities certified to ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 standards.

The LSM303DLMTR belongs to ST's iNEMO™ family of intelligent inertial modules, engineered specifically for low-power, high-accuracy motion sensing in space-constrained portable electronics - emphasizing factory calibration, thermal stability, and interrupt-driven efficiency.

FAQ

What is the purpose of the SET1/SET2/C1 pins?

SET1, SET2, and C1 connect external capacitors to enable the magnetometer's internal Set/Reset (S/R) pulse generator. This circuit applies controlled magnetic pulses to cancel residual magnetization in the sensing elements, restoring baseline accuracy after exposure to strong fields (>20 gauss) and maintaining long-term zero-field stability.

Can the accelerometer and magnetometer operate simultaneously on shared I²C lines?

No - the LSM303DLMTR uses physically separate I²C buses: SDA_A/SCL_A for the accelerometer and SDA_M/SCL_M for the magnetometer. This eliminates bus contention, allows independent clock rates (e.g., 400 kHz for mag, 100 kHz for accel), and prevents DRDY_M transitions from disrupting accelerometer register reads.

How does the 6D orientation detection work without a gyroscope?

The 6D detection logic evaluates the static acceleration vector magnitude and quadrant distribution across three axes. When the dominant gravity component exceeds ±0.9 g in any single axis, the device asserts orientation status bits in STATUS_REG_A - enabling UI rotation or mode switching based solely on tilt, with no integration or drift concerns.

What is the significance of the "ECOPACK®" designation?

ECOPACK® indicates ST's proprietary eco-friendly packaging technology: halogen-free materials, lead-free terminations, and RoHS/REACH compliance. For the LSM303DLMTR, this means the LGA-28 package uses matte tin finishes and green molding compound - meeting environmental requirements for consumer and medical electronics without performance compromise.