MEMSIC launches out-of-balance (OOB) sensor modules

ANDOVER, USA: MEMSIC Inc., a leading MEMS solution provider, combining proprietary MEMS technology with advanced mixed signal processing and system solutions, released its new family of Out-of-Balance (OOB) Sensor Modules, the MXC62XXXGMW, specifically designed for consumer washing machine applications.

This family of sensors is packaged in a module which is easily assembled onto the outer basket of the washing machine, thereby easing customer’s design-in and test, and the overall reliability of the OOB solution.

Accurate OOB detection and vibration sensing capabilities are some of the most important features needed for more efficient and faster-spinning washing machines.

The characteristics of the load can significantly affect the balance during the course of the wash cycle, and the only way to prevent mechanical problems during the high speed spinning cycle is to detect, assess or even predict possible OOB conditions.

The MXC62XXXGMW family of OOB modules employs state-of-the-art MEMS accelerometers produced by MEMSIC, Inc. The accelerometer is equipped with on-chip mixed signal processing and an I2C bus, allowing the device to be connected directly to a microprocessor, eliminating the need for A/D converters or timing resources.

The MEMSIC accelerometer data accurately reflects the OOB condition of the washing machine’s outer basket. Washing machine developers are thereby able to detect the existence of a basket OOB condition and take further action to correct it, which may include a manual alarm system or an automatic re-balance operation.

Since the MXC62XXXGMW is based on MEMSIC’s proprietary heat convection design, which does not use a moving mass inside the chip, it is inherently more reliable than other sensor technologies in the harsh vibration and EMI environment of a washing machine. The reliability of the MXC62XXXGMW has been proven in production with MEMSIC’s lead customer for this family of modules.

The MXC62XXXGMW is available immediately.