STMicroelectronics’ “Intelligent Sensor Processing Unit” Integrates Brains into Sensors to Launch Onlife Era

Rhea-AI Summary

STMicroelectronics has launched the Intelligent Sensor Processing Unit (ISPU), integrating AI algorithms and MEMS sensors on the same chip. This innovation reduces device size by up to 80% and enhances power efficiency, enabling local decision-making at the edge. The ISPU supports advanced applications such as activity recognition and anomaly detection, improving performance and privacy through local data processing. The proprietary DSP allows programming in C, making it accessible for many engineers.

Positive

• Reduces device size by up to 80%, enhancing space efficiency.
• Achieves 5-6x power savings over System-in-Package solutions.
• Facilitates advanced applications like activity recognition with superior accuracy.

Negative

• None.

STMicroelectronics’ “Intelligent Sensor Processing Unit”
Integrates Brains into Sensors to Launch Onlife Era

Combining signal processing and AI algorithms onto MEMS sensors
injects local decision-making while substantially saving space and power

Geneva, Switzerland, February 17, 2022 – STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM), a global semiconductor leader serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications and a top manufacturer of Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS), today announced the launch of the Intelligent Sensor Processing Unit (ISPU) that combines a Digital Signal Processor (DSP) suited to run AI algorithms and MEMS sensor on the same silicon.

In addition to reducing size over system-in-package devices and cutting power by up to 80%, merging sensor and AI puts electronic decision-making in the application Edge. Here, it facilitates the Onlife Era where innovative products enabled by smart sensors are able to sense, process, and take actions, bringing the fusion of technology and the physical world.

The Onlife Era acknowledges living with continuous assistance from connected technologies, enjoying natural, transparent interactions, and seamless transitions, with no discernible distinction between online and offline. With the ISPU, ST is enabling this era by helping to migrate intelligent processing into sensors that support the fabric of life: no longer at the Edge but in the Edge.

ST’s ISPU provides substantial benefits in the four Ps: power consumption, packaging, performance, and price. The proprietary ultra-low-power DSP can be programmed in C, familiar to many engineers. It also allows quantized AI sensors to support full- to single-bit-precision neural networks. This ensures superior accuracy and efficiency in tasks such as activity recognition and anomaly detection by analyzing inertial data.

“While technically challenging, integrating ST’s sensors on the same piece of silicon with our ISPU does improve sensor-based systems from an online experience to an Onlife one. It advances the sensor’s features to speed decision-making by reducing data transfers, enhancing privacy by keeping data local, while reducing size and power consumption, which cuts costs,” said Andrea Onetti, Executive Vice President, MEMS Sub-Group, STMicroelectronics. “Moreover, the ISPU is easily programmable with commercial AI models and can ultimately operate with all of the leading AI tools."

Technical Notes for Editors:

ST’s proprietary, C-language-programmable DSP is an enhanced 32-bit Reduced Instruction Set Computing (RISC) machine. It is extensible (in the chip-design phase) for dedicated instructions and hardware components. The processor offers a full-precision floating-point unit, uses a fast four-stage pipeline, operates from 16-bit variable-length instructions, and includes a single-cycle 16-bit multiplier. Interrupt response is a spritely four cycles. ST’s sensors with ISPUs will be packaged in standard 3mm x 2.5mm x 0.83mm packages and will be pin compatible with their (ST) predecessors, allowing quick upgrades.

Combining the sensor and ISPU is also a big power saver; ST’s calculations show a 5-6x saving over System-in-Package approaches in sensor-fusion applications. They also show a 2-3x saving in RUN mode.

For more information please go to www.st.com/ispu

About STMicroelectronics
At ST, we are 48,000 creators and makers of semiconductor technologies mastering the semiconductor supply chain with state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities. An independent device manufacturer, we work with more than 200,000 customers and thousands of partners to design and build products, solutions, and ecosystems that address their challenges and opportunities, and the need to support a more sustainable world. Our technologies enable smarter mobility, more efficient power and energy management, and the wide-scale deployment of the Internet of Things and 5G technology. ST is committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2027. Further information can be found at www.st.com.

For further information, please contact:

Michael Markowitz
Director Technical Media Relations
Tel: +1 781 591 0354
michael.markowitz@st.com

Attachments

• P4427D -- Feb 17 2022 -- ISPU launch_FINAL FOR PUBLICATION
• P4427D -- Feb 17 2022 -- ISPU launch_IMAGE

FAQ

What is the Intelligent Sensor Processing Unit (ISPU) launched by STM?

The ISPU integrates AI algorithms and MEMS sensors on a single chip, reducing size and enhancing efficiency.

How much power can STMicroelectronics' ISPU save?

The ISPU can achieve up to 5-6 times power savings compared to System-in-Package approaches.

When was the ISPU launched by STMicroelectronics?

The ISPU was launched on February 17, 2022.

What are the main benefits of STMicroelectronics' new ISPU technology?

Benefits include reduced size, power consumption, improved performance, and privacy through local data processing.

Which programming language can be used for the ISPU?

The ISPU can be programmed in C, making it accessible for engineers.