LIS2DH12TR
The LIS2DH12TR is an ultra-low-power, high-performance 3-axis linear MEMS accelerometer from STMicroelectronics' "femto" family. With digital I2C/SPI output, user-selectable full scales from ±2g to ±16g, and power consumption as low as 2 μA, it is the go-to motion sensor for battery-powered IoT devices, wearables, gaming controllers, and industrial condition monitoring.
Product Specifications
LIS2DH12TR — Ultra-Low-Power 3-Axis MEMS Accelerometer by STMicroelectronics
The LIS2DH12TR is an ultra-low-power, high-performance 3-axis linear MEMS accelerometer from STMicroelectronics' "femto" family. With digital I2C/SPI output, user-selectable full scales from ±2g to ±16g, and power consumption as low as 2 μA, it is the go-to motion sensor for battery-powered IoT devices, wearables, gaming controllers, and industrial condition monitoring.
Quick Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | STMicroelectronics |
| Part Number | LIS2DH12TR |
| Mouser # | 511-LIS2DH12TR |
| Type | 3-Axis Linear MEMS Accelerometer |
| Family | "femto" Ultra-Low-Power Series |
| Interface | Digital I2C / SPI Serial Interface |
| Full-Scale Ranges | ±2g / ±4g / ±8g / ±16g (User-Selectable) |
| Output Data Rate (ODR) | 1 Hz to 5.3 kHz |
| Bandwidth | 0.5 Hz to 672 Hz |
| Supply Voltage | 1.71 V to 3.6 V |
| IO Supply | Independent 1.8 V Compatible |
| Power Consumption | Down to 2 μA (Low-Power Mode) |
| Package | 12-Pin LGA (2 × 2 × 1 mm) |
| FIFO Buffer | 32-Level Configurable |
| Operating Temperature | −40°C to +85°C |
| Sensitivity | 1 mg/digit (LSb) at ±2g |
| Interrupts | 2 Independent Programmable Interrupt Generators |
| Embedded Features | Temperature Sensor, Self-Test, 6D/4D Orientation |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount (SMD/SMT) |
| Packaging Options | Tape & Reel / Cut Tape / MouseReel |
| RoHS | Compliant |
| MSL Rating | Level 3 (168 Hours) |
Product Overview
The LIS2DH12TR belongs to STMicroelectronics' "femto" family of MEMS accelerometers — a line engineered specifically for applications where every microamp counts. Unlike general-purpose accelerometers that trade off power for performance, the LIS2DH12TR delivers high-resolution motion data while drawing as little as 2 μA in low-power mode.
With user-configurable full scales spanning ±2g to ±16g and output data rates from 1 Hz to 5.3 kHz, a single LIS2DH12TR can serve roles from gentle tilt sensing to aggressive shock detection — all in the same 2×2 mm footprint. The built-in 32-level FIFO buffer further reduces host processor wake-ups, extending battery life in always-on sensing applications.
Key Features & Benefits
Ultra-Low Power Architecture
With consumption as low as 2 μA in low-power mode and 11 μA in normal mode (at 50 Hz ODR), the LIS2DH12TR enables years of operation from a single coin cell. This is critical for:
Wireless sensor nodes (BLE, Zigbee, LoRaWAN)
Wearable health and activity monitors
Asset trackers and logistics loggers
Remote environmental monitors
Flexible Digital Interface
Dual I2C (up to 400 kHz Fast Mode) and SPI (up to 10 MHz) interfaces provide seamless integration with virtually any microcontroller — from low-cost 8-bit MCUs to high-end ARM Cortex application processors. The independent IO supply (1.8 V compatible) eliminates level-shifting circuitry when paired with modern low-voltage processors.
Rich Embedded Motion Detection
Beyond raw acceleration data, the LIS2DH12TR includes on-chip processing for:
Free-Fall Detection — Protect HDDs and sensitive equipment from drop damage
Motion / Inactivity Detection — Trigger system wake-up or sleep transitions
6D / 4D Orientation Detection — Portrait/landscape switching, screen rotation
Click & Double-Click Recognition — Enable tap-based user interfaces
Configurable Interrupt Generators — Two independent interrupt pins for flexible event routing
Compact and Robust
The 12-pin LGA package measures just 2 × 2 × 1 mm, fitting into the most space-constrained designs. Rated for operation from −40°C to +85°C with high shock survivability (up to 10,000g), it is built for industrial and automotive-adjacent environments.
Integrated Self-Test and Temperature Sensing
An embedded self-test routine allows in-system verification of sensor functionality — critical for safety and compliance applications. The on-die temperature sensor provides environmental context without adding external components.
Target Applications
IoT & Smart Sensors
Always-on vibration monitoring, predictive maintenance, and environmental sensing in Industry 4.0 deployments. The 32-level FIFO reduces MCU wake-ups, extending battery life in energy-harvesting systems.
Wearables & Fitness Trackers
Step counting, activity classification, and gesture recognition in smartwatches, fitness bands, and hearables. The 2 μA low-power mode is essential for always-on pedometer functions.
Gaming & Virtual Reality
Motion-controlled gaming peripherals, VR headset orientation tracking, and controller tilt sensing. High ODR (up to 5.3 kHz) captures fast movements without aliasing.
Consumer Electronics
Screen auto-rotation in tablets and e-readers, tap-to-wake in remote controls, and free-fall protection in laptops and external HDDs.
Industrial Monitoring
Motor vibration analysis, tilt and inclination sensing, anti-tampering detection, and seismic/structural health monitoring with the wide ±16g range.
Medical Devices
Patient posture monitoring, fall detection in elderly care devices, and motion logging in ambulatory diagnostic equipment.
LIS2DH12TR vs Competing Parts
| Feature | LIS2DH12TR (ST) | LIS2DHTR (ST) | MMA8452Q (NXP) | ADXL345 (ADI) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Axes | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Full Scale | ±2/4/8/16g | ±2/4/8/16g | ±2/4/8g | ±2/4/8/16g |
| Low-Power Current | 2 μA | 2 μA | 6 μA | 25 μA |
| Max ODR | 5.3 kHz | 5.3 kHz | 800 Hz | 3.2 kHz |
| Interface | I2C + SPI | I2C + SPI | I2C Only | I2C + SPI |
| FIFO | 32-Level | 32-Level | 32-Level | 32-Level |
| Package | LGA-12 (2×2 mm) | LGA-14 (2×2 mm) | QFN-16 (3×3 mm) | LGA-14 (3×5 mm) |
| Temp Range | −40 ~ +85°C | −40 ~ +85°C | −40 ~ +85°C | −40 ~ +85°C |
| Tap Detection | ✓ Single/Double | ✓ Single/Double | ✓ Single/Double | ✓ Single/Double |
| Orientation | 6D/4D | 6D/4D | Portrait/Landscape | — |
Bottom line: The LIS2DH12TR leads the category in power efficiency while offering the widest ODR range and the smallest footprint among I2C+SPI accelerometers. For battery-powered designs that cannot compromise on performance, it is the benchmark choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between LIS2DH12TR and LIS2DH12?
The LIS2DH12 and LIS2DH12TR are electrically identical — the "TR" suffix designates Tape & Reel packaging for automated assembly. The LIS2DH12 (without TR) is typically available in tray packaging. For volume production, always select the TR variant for compatibility with pick-and-place machines.
What is the difference between LIS2DH12TR and LIS2DHTR?
Both are STM "femto" accelerometers with similar specs. The LIS2DHTR uses an LGA-14 package (vs LGA-12 for LIS2DH12TR) and adds an embedded temperature sensor with higher resolution. The LIS2DH12TR is generally preferred for cost-sensitive designs; the LIS2DHTR is chosen when the extra 2 pins provide needed functionality.
How do I interface the LIS2DH12TR with Arduino?
The LIS2DH12TR communicates via I2C (address 0x18 or 0x19, selectable via SA0 pin) or SPI. Using the Adafruit LIS3DH library (compatible with LIS2DH12), you can read 3-axis acceleration in under 10 lines of code. The sensor operates at 3.3 V logic but the IO pins are 1.8 V compatible.
What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ)?
Contact SUPERB Automation for a tailored quote — we support prototype quantities through full production volumes. Send your BOM or Gerber files to pcba@superb-tech.com and we will respond with pricing within hours.
Is the LIS2DH12TR RoHS and REACH compliant?
Yes. The LIS2DH12TR is fully RoHS and REACH compliant. It carries an MSL (Moisture Sensitivity Level) rating of 3, meaning it can withstand 168 hours of floor life after the sealed bag is opened under standard conditions (≤30°C / 60% RH).
Ordering Information
| Ordering Code | Package | Packaging | Temperature Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| LIS2DH12TR | LGA-12 (2×2×1 mm) | Tape & Reel | −40°C to +85°C |
| LIS2DH12 | LGA-12 (2×2×1 mm) | Tray | −40°C to +85°C |
Request a Quote
SUPERB Automation supplies genuine STMicroelectronics LIS2DH12TR accelerometers with full traceability and competitive lead times. Whether you need 100 pieces for prototyping or 100,000 for production, we deliver.
Send your BOM or inquiry to pcba@superb-tech.com — we quote within hours. For EMS/PCBA projects, include your Gerber files for a complete turnkey assembly quote.
SUPERB Automation — We Make It Real. Since 2000.