LIS3DHTR Package and Pinout Reference
The LIS3DHTR is a high-performance, ultra-low-power 3-axis linear accelerometer developed by STMicroelectronics. Belonging to the "nano" family of MEMS sensors, it features digital I2C and SPI serial interface standard outputs. Its power efficiency, combined with embedded intelligent features like a 32-level FIFO buffer, makes it the gold standard for battery-operated IoT nodes, wearables, smartphone motion tracking, and industrial tilt sensing. Its dynamic user-selectable full scales of ±2g/±4g/±8g/±16g ensure flexibility across a myriad of motion-sensing profiles.
Table of Contents
1. Overview and Core Features
Designed for integration into compact designs, the LIS3DHTR operates across an ultra-low voltage range (1.71V to 3.6V) and consumes a mere 2µA in low-power mode. Its internal architecture guarantees high resolution and stable digital output at 16-bit accuracy. Core features include:
- Selectable Full Scale: dynamically user-selectable ranges of ±2g/±4g/±8g/±16g.
- Interfaces: I2C and SPI digital output interfaces, accommodating diverse MCU architectures.
- Embedded FIFO: 32-level First-In, First-Out buffer allows the host processor to sleep longer, reducing overall system power.
- Advanced Interrupts: Two independent programmable interrupt engines for free-fall, wake-up, 6D/4D orientation detection, and click/double-click recognition.
- Package: Housed in an ultra-small LGA-16 plastic land grid array package (3x3x1 mm), providing excellent thermal and mechanical stability.
2. Specifications and Parameter Table
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | STMicroelectronics |
| Sensor Type | 3-Axis MEMS Accelerometer |
| Measurement Range | ±2g, ±4g, ±8g, ±16g |
| Output Interface | I²C, SPI (Digital) |
| Supply Voltage | 1.71V ~ 3.6V |
| Current Consumption | 2 µA (Low-Power Mode), 11 µA (Normal Mode) |
| Package / Case | 16-LGA (3x3 mm) |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C ~ 85°C |
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Check LIS3DHTR Stock3. Architecture and Block Diagram
At the heart of the LIS3DHTR lies a micromachined polysilicon surface-sensor and an integrated circuit interface (ASIC) manufactured using a standard CMOS process. The MEMS sensor utilizes suspended silicon structures attached to the substrate at selected points; as acceleration is applied, the proof mass displaces, causing a capacitive change. This minute physical shift is read by a highly precise charge-to-voltage converter in the ASIC, filtered, and transformed into 16-bit digital data through an ADC. The device’s internal DSP further processes this data to handle programmable interrupts, FIFO management, and high-pass filtering.
4. Video: Feature Breakdown
5. Equivalents, Cross-Reference, and Lifecycle
The LIS3DHTR remains a highly popular, active product in STMicroelectronics' portfolio, noted for its longevity in industrial designs. Direct or near equivalents from ST's ecosystem include the LIS2DH12, which offers similar ultra-low-power performance but with a 12-bit output and slightly different footprint configurations. Competitor alternatives such as the NXP MMA8452Q or Bosch BMA253 offer comparable specs, but engineers must evaluate layout variations, interrupt logic differences, and specific driver implementations before cross-referencing.
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the primary advantage of the LIS3DHTR's 32-level FIFO buffer?
The internal 32-level FIFO buffer drastically reduces the host microcontroller's intervention frequency. The MCU can sleep while the LIS3DHTR gathers motion data continuously; the MCU is only awakened via interrupt when the buffer reaches a predefined watermark, saving substantial system power.
How do you select between I2C and SPI modes?
The communication interface is selected via the CS (Chip Select) pin. If CS is tied high to VDD_IO, the I2C interface is enabled. If the CS pin is driven by an MCU to initiate SPI communications, the device automatically configures for SPI.
Can the LIS3DHTR detect taps or double-taps?
Yes, the LIS3DHTR includes embedded click and double-click recognition algorithms on all three axes. These are fully programmable by configuring the respective threshold and time-window registers.
Alan Carter, Senior Hardware Engineer
Alan has over 15 years of experience in embedded systems design, specializing in ARM Cortex architectures, PCB routing for high-speed digital signals, and industrial IoT deployments. He frequently contributes technical teardowns and architecture comparisons.
