Industry Expert Blogs

As sensors continue to get smaller, more powerful and cheaper, smartphones and other mobile devices incorporate over ten sensors to create self-aware devices. For instance, most recent models of Apple and Samsung handheld devices use several sensors to perform some of their coolest interface tricks: proximity sensor, accelerometer (motion sensor), ambient light sensor, moisture sensor, gyroscope, thermometer and magnetometer (compass). These sensors enable key capabilities for users including location services, health apps, fingerprint scanning and sophisticated gaming while optimizing power usage and WiFi access.

The proliferation of sensors has created significant design and verification challenges as mobile devices often require as many as 10 sensors and more than 20 signals. As these requirements continue to grow, designers and verification engineers face mounting challenges to deliver the design, cost and performance efficiencies manufacturers need to expand product capabilities with more sensors.