· Start-up time of only three milliseconds

· Very low current consumption of 200 microamperes

· Compact size of only 4 x 4 x 1.2 millimeters

At Ceatec, the trade show for MEMS in Tokyo/Japan, starting October 3, 2006, Bosch Sensortec will present the SMB363, a new analog acceleration sensor. In doing so, the company is adding an analog variant to its product line of triaxial accelerometers. Like all other sensors from Bosch Sensortec, the sensor is specifically designed for consumer electronics applications. Samples of the new sensor are already available, and series production will start at the end of 2006.

The SMB363 is characterized by a fast reaction time: the start-up time of only 3 milliseconds means that near real-time measurement is possible. This is because its analog interface no longer requires any signal conversion (digital to analog).
Another outstanding attribute of the analog sensor is its ultra-low current consumption. In active mode and at full performance, the sensor only needs 200 microamperes, in standby-mode only 1 microampere. These very low values open up numerous new mobile applications.

Furthermore, the SMB363 offers multiplex compatibility, which is standard for digital sensors, but extraordinary for analog sensors. The three signals of the x, y and z axes can be displayed to customer specifications via a serial interface, which is provided in addition to the three parallel outputs.

With a measurement range of ±2g, the SMB363 belongs to the group of low-g sensors. Like the SMB365 digital acceleration sensor, the new SMB363 analog sensor works on a capacitive sensing principle and is based on a two-chip arrangement. Moreover, it features a self-test function, which means that the functionality of the ASIC and the sensor element can be tested over the sensor's entire service life.
All sensors developed by Bosch Sensortec for the consumer electronics market comply with the valid RoHS standard.

Bosch Sensortec GmbH
Bosch Sensortec GmbH, a 100% subsidiary of Robert Bosch GmbH, which is the global market leader for automotive sensors, offers micromechanical sensors, application, and foundry services for consumer electronics, medical technology, security systems, and logistics. So far, the product portfolio includes triaxial acceleration sensors as well as pressure sensors. The company was founded in early 2005 and is headquartered near Reutlingen to the south of Stuttgart (Germany). For more information about Bosch Sensortec, go to: www.bosch-sensortec.com.

Bosch has been active in the field of MEMS since 1988 and is one of the pioneers in this technology. Today, hundreds of engineers of the Bosch Group work in the field of MEMS. A wide product range – from pressure and acceleration sensors to yaw-rate sensors – is manufactured for the automotive industry. Annual production at Bosch amounted to more than 100 million MEMS sensors in 2005.

The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services. In the areas of automotive and industrial technology, consumer goods, and building technology, some 275,000 associates generated sales of 38.2 billion euros in fiscal 2009. The Bosch Group comprises Robert Bosch GmbH and its more than 300 subsidiaries and regional companies in over 60 countries. If its sales and service partners are included, then Bosch is represented in roughly 150 countries. This worldwide development, manufacturing, and sales network is the foundation for growth. Each year, Bosch spends more than 3.5 billion euros for research and development, and applies for some 3,800 patents worldwide. With all its products and services, Bosch enhances the quality of life by providing solutions which are both innovative and beneficial. The company was set up in Stuttgart in 1886 by Robert Bosch (1861-1942) as “Workshop for Precision Mechanics and Electrical Engineering.” The special ownership structure of Robert Bosch GmbH guarantees the entrepreneurial freedom of the Bosch Group, making it possible for the company to plan over the long term and to undertake significant up-front investments in the safeguarding of its future. Ninety-two percent of the share capital of Robert Bosch GmbH is held by Robert Bosch Stiftung GmbH, a charitable foundation. The majority of voting rights are held by Robert Bosch Industrietreuhand KG, an industrial trust. The entrepreneurial ownership functions are carried out by the trust. The remaining shares are held by the Bosch family and by Robert Bosch GmbH. Additional information can be accessed at www.bosch.com.

PI5594 - October 03, 2006