TDK InvenSense ICM-40608 I4608 – gyroscope and accelerometer 6-Axis IMU

ICM-40608 from TDK InvenSense, marked on the package with the symbol I4608, is an advanced 6-axis motion sensor of the IMU – Inertial Measurement Unit type. The chip integrates in a single compact package a 3-axis gyroscope and a 3-axis accelerometer.

The sensor allows precise measurement of motion, acceleration, and angular velocity of the device. It is intended for, among others, game controllers, mobile devices, AR/VR systems, wearable electronics, robotics, and other devices using motion detection.

Key parameters of ICM-40608 I4608

• Manufacturer: TDK InvenSense
• Model: ICM-40608
• Marking on the package: I4608
• Type: 6-Axis MotionTracking / IMU
• Gyroscope: 3 axes X, Y, Z
• Accelerometer: 3 axes X, Y, Z
• Communication interface: I2C / SPI
• I2C: up to 1 MHz
• SPI: up to 24 MHz
• VDD voltage: 1.71–3.6 V
• VDDIO voltage: 1.71–3.6 V
• FIFO memory: 2 KB
• Package: LGA-14
• Dimensions: 2.5 × 3 × 0.91 mm
• Mounting: surface-mount SMD

6-axis motion sensor

ICM-40608 integrates two MEMS sensors in one chip. The 3-axis gyroscope measures angular velocity and rotation of the device, while the 3-axis accelerometer is responsible for measuring acceleration and changes in position.

The combination of six measurement axes enables accurate tracking of device motion, which is why the chip can be used, among others, in game controllers and other devices responding to user movement.

Programmable gyroscope

The ICM-40608 gyroscope allows selection of one of several measurement ranges:

• ±15.625°/s,
• ±31.25°/s,
• ±62.5°/s,
• ±125°/s,
• ±250°/s,
• ±500°/s,
• ±1000°/s,
• ±2000°/s.

The wide configuration range allows adjusting the sensor sensitivity to the characteristics of a specific device.

3-axis accelerometer

The built-in accelerometer enables operation with four programmable measurement ranges: ±2 g, ±4 g, ±8 g, and ±16 g. The chip supports both Low Noise mode and the power-saving Low Power mode.

I2C and SPI interface

ICM-40608 can communicate with the device's main processor via the I2C or SPI interface. The I2C bus supports transmission up to 1 MHz, while the SPI interface can operate at frequencies up to 24 MHz.

The built-in 2 KB FIFO buffer allows temporary storage of measurement data and reduction of the number of communication operations between the sensor and the device processor.

Additional motion detection functions

The ICM-40608 chip also has motion event processing functions that can be used by the device designer.

• Wake-on-Motion detection,
• tilt detection,
• Tap Detection,
• significant motion detection,
• Raise to Wake / Sleep function,
• programmable interrupts,
• digital signal filters,
• built-in temperature sensor.

ICM-40608 for electronics repair

The I4608 / ICM-40608 chip can be used as a replacement part during professional repairs of devices using a compatible motion sensor. Damage to the IMU sensor can cause incorrect motion measurement, no response from the gyroscope or accelerometer, or incorrect operation of functions using motion control.

Before replacing the chip, the device should be diagnosed and the marking should be confirmed to match the original component.

Note: The ICM-40608 is in a small LGA-14 package. Its replacement requires precise soldering, appropriate service equipment, and experience in SMD assembly.