Sondrel, A UK-based IC design services company, has helped MEMS sensor startup QST Corp. by developing a mixed-signal signal conditioning ASIC. Founded in early 2012, QST engaged Sondrel in October of the same year to help develop the signal conditioning IC for a magnetometer that would be used as a navigational compass within smartphones and tablets. The tape out was achieved in February 2013 and full mask production started in June 2013 with first samples of the chip with QST in August 2013.

QST is also known as Shanghai Silicon Core Technology Co. according to its website. The company has two eCompass products; the QMC5983 and the QMC6983.

The QMC6983 is based on Honeywell's anisotropic magnetoresistance (AMR) magnetic induction technology but independently developed for use in single-chip three-axis magnetic sensor. The sensor comes in an LGA package measuring 1.6 x 1.6 x 1mm.

Sondrel was founded in 2002 and now has the largest IC design consulting team in Europe and often provides services to both large and small semiconductor companies, the firm stated. The company is experienced in digital, mixed-signal, analog, low-power and wireless designs having completed more than 200 designs at process geometries down to 20nm. Capabilities range from RTL design through verification, emulation to physical implementation including power analysis and yield management.

By: DocMemory
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