The BMP390 barometric pressure sensor for wearables and hearables. Source: Bosch SensortecBosch Sensortec has introduced a new barometric pressure sensor for altitude tracking in smartphones as well as wearables and hearables.
The sensor, dubbed BMP390, can measure height changes below 10 cm and is 50% more accurate than a previously released sensor.
Altitude detection helps localize people indoors where GPS signals are not available. Vertical-specific position to existing horizontal information allows first responders to determine the floor level of smartphone users that trigger emergency calls.
Part of the need for altitude tracking stems from new FCC mandates that include providing a caller’s dispatchable location. The order adopts a z-axis location accuracy metric of 3 m to the handset for 80% of indoor wireless 911 calls starting in 2021.
Bosch is collaborating with NextNav on component specifications and system performance for high accuracy z-axis capabilities indoors. This works by applying barometric pressure sensors in the phone and combining it with NextNav’s Metropolitan Beacon System (MBS) z-axis service to determine 3D location and positioning.
Bosch said the sensor also works with indoor navigation and fitness trackers where localization technologies such as GPS do not work efficiently. The Bosch sensor allows users to save time and avoid the hassle of getting lost or searching for a car in an underground garage.
The sensor also enhances GPS applications for outdoor navigation and calorie expenditure estimation tasks. The BMP390 can determine if a user is walking up or down an incline, stairs or lifting weights during a fitness training session.
