Overview
The ICM-42688-P is a high-performance 6-axis IMU integrating a 3-axis accelerometer and a 3-axis gyroscope, engineered for applications requiring exceptionally low noise, high stability and precise motion tracking. Featuring an accelerometer noise density of 60 µg/√Hz and gyroscope noise density of 6 mdps/√Hz, the device is well-suited for robotics, industrial motion control, drones, AIoT sensing and AR/VR systems. With flexible output data rates up to 8 kHz, programmable full-scale ranges and multiple low-power modes, the ICM-42688-P delivers reliable measurement performance within compact 2.5 × 3 × 0.9 mm packaging.
Core Parameters
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Accelerometer Range | ±2g, ±4g, ±8g, ±16g |
| Gyroscope Range | ±250, ±500, ±1000, ±2000 dps |
| Accelerometer Noise Density | 60 µg/√Hz |
| Gyroscope Noise Density | 6 mdps/√Hz |
| Accelerometer ODR | Up to 8 kHz |
| Gyroscope ODR | Up to 8 kHz |
| Interface | SPI / I²C |
| Supply Voltage | 1.71 V to 3.6 V |
| Operating Temperature | –40°C to +85°C |
| Package | 2.5 × 3.0 × 0.9 mm LGA-14 |
Features
- 6-axis inertial sensing with integrated accelerometer + gyroscope
- Industry-leading low noise: 60 µg/√Hz accel and 6 mdps/√Hz gyro
- Wide programmable full-scale ranges for versatile motion capture
- High ODR up to 8 kHz for fast-response control systems
- Advanced digital filtering (low-pass & high-pass)
- Highly stable temperature drift characteristics
- Configurable low-power modes for battery-powered designs
- SPI and I²C communication support
- Compact LGA package ideal for dense PCB layouts
Typical Application Scenarios
| Application | Why ICM-42688-P Fits |
|---|---|
| Drones & UAV Flight Control | Low gyro noise and fast ODR enhance stability and control responsiveness |
| Robotics & Automation | High accuracy and low drift support precise motion feedback |
| AR/VR Motion Tracking | Low latency and high bandwidth improve user motion perception |
| Industrial Sensing | Robust temperature performance ensures measurement consistency |
| AIoT Edge Devices | Low-power modes enable efficient continuous motion monitoring |
| Gesture & Activity Detection | High-resolution accelerometer supports fine-grained motion analysis |
Performance Comparison
| Specification | ICM-42688-P | Typical Consumer IMU | Legacy 6-Axis IMU |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accel Noise Density | 60 µg/√Hz | 120–200 µg/√Hz | >250 µg/√Hz |
| Gyro Noise Density | 6 mdps/√Hz | 10–20 mdps/√Hz | >30 mdps/√Hz |
| Max ODR | 8 kHz | 1–3 kHz | <1 kHz |
| Temperature Stability | High | Medium | Low |
| Package Size | 2.5 × 3.0 mm | Larger | Larger |
Conclusion
The ICM-42688-P stands out as a precision 6-axis IMU designed for advanced motion-controlled systems requiring low noise, high dynamic range and robust temperature performance. Its combination of 6 mdps/√Hz gyroscope noise, 60 µg/√Hz accelerometer noise, wide range programmability and fast output data rates makes it ideal for UAV flight control, robotics, industrial sensors and next-generation AR/VR devices. Compact packaging and flexible interfaces further simplify system integration across high-performance designs.
Manufacturer Profile
TDK InvenSense is a global leader in motion sensing, providing high-accuracy IMUs, microphones, and sensor modules widely used in mobile devices, automotive platforms, industrial equipment and consumer electronics. With strong expertise in MEMS technology, InvenSense delivers reliable, high-precision motion sensing solutions trusted across performance-critical applications.
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