The lightweight and low-power PIQ sports wearable device for performance measurement and coaching, launched to golf and tennis communities during 2015, relies on key sense, control, and communication technologies from STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM), a global semiconductor leader serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications. By tracking hand and wrist movement in multiple axes for accurate 3D analysis, the PIQ multi-sport sensor helps improve performance and technique. The 44mm x 39mm x 5mm device, weighing just 10 grams, is worn easily in a wristband, clipped to a golf glove, or integrated into a strap. For tennis, through a partnership with the French string and racket company Babolat, the on-wrist display shows statistics such as speed and lift, and data from each shot is shared with a mobile application for detailed analysis. When used as a golf sensor with Mobitee golfing accessories and digital course maps, the PIQ device displays distance to the green and shares data for instant playback of shots. To add a feature for ski sessions, PIQ has partnered with Rossignol to launch a strap and a mobile application that can record runs, analyze jumps and turns, and allow skiers to challenge friends! The PIQ team chose ST’s efficient and high-performing STM32F4 microcontroller for the multi-sport sensor’s main controller to achieve the peak performance needed for complex processing of sensor data. The STM32F4’s rich set of power-management features helped cut power consumption to the absolute minimum, to maximize battery lifetime, which is a critical parameter in wearables. PIQ’s Bluetooth wireless subsystem connects to the user’s smartphone using ST’s BlueNRG Bluetooth Smart wireless controller. BlueNRG has best-in-class low power consumption, and saves space when teamed with the BALF-NRG companion chip for connecting the radio aerial. BALF-NRG leverages ST’s IPD Integrated Passive Devices expertise, occupying as little as 1,19mm2 on the circuit board while also enhancing wireless performance.
STMicroelectronics
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