Ultra-low-power IMU optimised for wearable and hearable applications

The smart IMU BMI270 from Bosch offers expanded system battery life and an enhanced accelerometer. Optimised for wearable and hearable applications, the device is available through Rutronik UK.

The latest member of this family of IMUs incorporates intuitive gesture, context and activity recognition with an integrated plug-and-play step counter. The IMU handles these functions separately of the main system processor, thereby significantly prolongs system battery life. The powerful and accurate gesture and activity-recognition features run in the ultra-low-power domain, with current consumption of only 30µA. This reduces power consumption and allows extended battery charging intervals.

The device measures just 2.5mm x 3mm x 0.8mm3, and is pin-to-pin compatible with the BMI160 and BMI260.

The IMU is ideal for many types of wearable devices, including smart clothes, smart shoes, smart glasses, wrist and ankle bands as well as hearables. 

Empowered by the new Bosch MEMS process technology, the device provides a strongly improved accelerometer performance. It saves OEMs precious time and expenses during testing and manufacturing. 

The device is offered in two application-specific versions, A and C: The A version detects wrist gestures (flick in/out, pivot up/push, arm up/down, and jiggle) for intuitive control of, e.g. smartwatches and is created for Wear OS by Google. The C version has advanced features for recognizing context/activity change (walking, standing or being in a vehicle).