L3G462A

Mechanical and electrical specifications

Doc ID 018584 Rev 1

7/11

2.4

Terminology

2.4.1

Sensitivity

An angular rate gyroscope is a device that produces a positive-going digital output for

counterclockwise rotation around the sensible axis considered. Sensitivity describes the

gain of the sensor and can be determined by applying a defined angular velocity to it. This

value changes very little over temperature and time.

2.4.2

Zero-rate level

Zero-rate level describes the actual output signal if there is no angular rate present. The

zero-rate level of precise MEMS sensors is, to some extent, a result of stress to the sensor

and therefore zero-rate level can slightly change after mounting the sensor onto a printed

circuit board or after exposing it to extensive mechanical stress.

2.5

Sleep mode and power-down mode

The L3G462A enables advanced power saving functionalities thanks to the different

operating modes available. When the device is set in sleep mode configuration, the reading

chain is completely turned off, allowing low power consumption. In this condition the device

turn-on time is significantly reduced allowing simple external power cycling.

The user can select the desired operating mode through two dedicated pins (MS1 and

MS2).

2.6

Soldering information

It is qualified for soldering heat resistance according to JEDEC J-STD-020.

Leave “Pin 1 Indicator” unconnected during soldering.

Table 6.

Sleep mode and power-down mode configuration

Operating mode

MS1

MS2

Normal mode

0

0

Power-down

1

1

Sleep mode

0

1