[By NBC-1TV H. J Yook]Smart devices in a variety of markets require precise heading information from multiple sensors to better understand the context of their surroundings. Freescale Semiconductor (NYSE: FSL) today announced Xtrinsic eCompass software, a new sensor fusion solution that works together with a Freescale Xtrinsic accelerometer and magnetometer to provide highly accurate magnetic data. With Xtrinsic eCompass software, mobile applications such as augmented reality, 3D gaming, eHealth and location-based services have faster and more accurate orientation data with optimized performance to significantly enhance the user experience.

“As multiple sensors are added to smartphones and other mobile devices, more sophisticated software is required to realize the system performance benefits of a multi-axis sensor system,” said Seyed Paransun, vice president and general manager of Freescale’s Sensor & Actuator Solutions Division. “Our new Xtrinsic eCompass software is just one example of providing Xtrinsic sensor solutions supported and differentiated by performance oriented software algorithms for quick implementation and time to market.”

According to an IHS iSuppli MEMS & Sensors H2 2011 Special Report, the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of magnetic sensors is 14 percent in the wireless market and 56 percent in the consumer market, while global revenue from motion sensor technology in smartphones and tablets is expected to nearly double over the next five years, expanding from $1.1 billion in 2011 to $1.9 billion by 2015. Mobile applications rely on compass readings based on combined data extracted from magnetometers and accelerometers, and Xtrinsic eCompass calibration and compensation software is necessary to correct for magnetic distortions prevalent in today’s complex devices.

Advanced sensor fusion algorithms allow the inherent strengths of various sensors to trade off one another in order to achieve far greater optimization. Using Freescale’s Xtrinsic eCompass software, designers can quickly solve their design challenges and employ highly accurate sensing technologies for a variety of mobile applications. Supporting application note documentation, development tools and an embedded simulation framework are just a few of the essential tools provided to make this software integration effort seamless.