LSM6DS3TR-C: The Definitive Guide to STMicroelectronics' 6-Axis IMU

Admin · Aug 21, 2026 · 5 min read AI-Assisted · Updated: Aug 21, 2026 · Fact-Checked
The LSM6DS3TR-C is a 6-axis IMU from STMicroelectronics with 16-bit resolution, ±2 to ±16 g accelerometer range, and 0.9 mA current consumption. Available now at $0.875 (as of 2026-08-21).

Quick Answers: What Is the LSM6DS3TR-C and Why Does It Matter?

The LSM6DS3TR-C is a high-performance 3D digital accelerometer and 3D digital gyroscope system-in-package (SiP) from STMicroelectronics, designed for consumer and industrial motion sensing. It features a full-scale acceleration range of ±2/±4/±8/±16 g and an angular rate range of ±125/±245/±500/±1000/±2000 dps, with 16-bit data output for both sensors. Operating from 1.71V to 3.6V, it communicates via I2C or SPI, and is available now with stock of 99,999 units at a base price of $0.875 (as of 2026-08-21). Its ultra-low power consumption of 0.9 mA in normal mode and compact LGA-14L package (2.5 x 3.0 x 0.83 mm) make it ideal for wearables, IoT, and industrial monitoring.

Technical Guide: How to Select, Design In, and Use the LSM6DS3TR-C

When designing with the LSM6DS3TR-C, start by verifying your power supply: the device operates from 1.71V to 3.6V, so you can connect directly to 1.8V or 3.3V logic without level shifting. Ensure proper decoupling with a 100 nF capacitor close to the VDD pin. The device supports both I2C (up to 400 kHz) and SPI (up to 10 MHz) interfaces; select the interface via the CS pin (SPI) or the SDO/SA0 pin (I2C address selection). For low-power always-on applications, configure the interrupt pins (INT1 and INT2) to wake the host MCU on motion events, using the embedded FIFO (8 KB) to batch data and reduce host load.

Key specifications to consider: the accelerometer full-scale range is ±2/±4/±8/±16 g, and the gyroscope range is ±125/±245/±500/±1000/±2000 dps. The output data rate (ODR) ranges from 1.6 Hz to 6.66 kHz for the accelerometer and 12.5 Hz to 6.66 kHz for the gyroscope. Sensitivity is 0.061 mg/LSB (at ±2g) for the accelerometer and 4.375 mdps/LSB (at ±125dps) for the gyroscope. Zero-g offset is ±20 mg, and zero-rate offset is ±10 dps. The operating temperature range is -40°C to +85°C.

For design-in, place the sensor away from high-frequency traces and vibration sources. Use the SPI interface for high-speed data streaming (up to 6.66 kHz ODR) in gaming or OIS applications. For battery-powered devices, use low-power mode (0.45 mA) and the hardware step detector to offload the host MCU. The device is RoHS compliant, ensuring environmental compliance.

Alternatives & Comparison: Drop-In Replacements for LSM6DS3TR-C

When evaluating drop-in alternatives, consider the LSM6DS3, LSM6DSO, and LSM6DSL, all of which share the same LGA-14L package and are pin-to-pin compatible. The LSM6DS3 is the closest match with minor spec differences. The LSM6DSO offers a larger FIFO (3 KB) and additional features but consumes more current (0.55 mA). The LSM6DSL provides lower power consumption with similar features. Use the comparison table below to make an informed choice.

ParameterLSM6DS3TR-CLSM6DS3LSM6DSOLSM6DSL
Accelerometer Full-Scale Range±2/±4/±8/±16 g±2/±4/±8/±16 g±2/±4/±8/±16 g±2/±4/±8/±16 g
Gyroscope Full-Scale Range±125/±245/±500/±1000/±2000 dps±125/±245/±500/±1000/±2000 dps±125/±245/±500/±1000/±2000 dps±125/±245/±500/±1000/±2000 dps
Output Data Rate (Accel)1.6 Hz to 6.66 kHz1.6 Hz to 6.66 kHz1.6 Hz to 6.66 kHz1.6 Hz to 6.66 kHz
Output Data Rate (Gyro)12.5 Hz to 6.66 kHz12.5 Hz to 6.66 kHz12.5 Hz to 6.66 kHz12.5 Hz to 6.66 kHz
Resolution16-bit16-bit16-bit16-bit
Supply Voltage1.71 V to 3.6 V1.71 V to 3.6 V1.71 V to 3.6 V1.71 V to 3.6 V
Current Consumption (Normal)0.9 mA0.9 mA0.55 mA0.4 mA
Current Consumption (Low Power)0.45 mA0.45 mA0.25 mA0.2 mA
FIFO Size8 KB8 KB3 KB4 KB
Communication InterfaceI2C, SPII2C, SPII2C, SPII2C, SPI
PackageLGA-14L (2.5 x 3.0 x 0.83 mm)LGA-14L (2.5 x 3.0 x 0.83 mm)LGA-14L (2.5 x 3.0 x 0.83 mm)LGA-14L (2.5 x 3.0 x 0.83 mm)
Operating Temperature Range-40°C to +85°C-40°C to +85°C-40°C to +85°C-40°C to +85°C
Sensitivity (Accel)0.061 mg/LSB (at ±2g)0.061 mg/LSB (at ±2g)0.061 mg/LSB (at ±2g)0.061 mg/LSB (at ±2g)
Sensitivity (Gyro)4.375 mdps/LSB (at ±125dps)4.375 mdps/LSB (at ±125dps)4.375 mdps/LSB (at ±125dps)4.375 mdps/LSB (at ±125dps)
Zero-g Offset±20 mg±20 mg±20 mg±20 mg
Zero-rate Offset±10 dps±10 dps±10 dps±10 dps
RoHS StatusCompliantCompliantCompliantCompliant

Summary: The LSM6DS3TR-C offers a balanced combination of low power, high FIFO, and proven reliability. The LSM6DS3 is the closest drop-in with identical specs. The LSM6DSO provides a larger FIFO but at higher power. The LSM6DSL offers lower power but a smaller FIFO. Choose based on your power and data buffering needs.

Industry Insight: Market Position, Lifecycle, and Supply Situation

The LSM6DS3TR-C is currently in an active lifecycle status, indicating ongoing production and support from STMicroelectronics. As of 2026-08-21, XAIPART holds 99,999 units in stock, with a base price of $0.875. This healthy stock level suggests strong availability in the distribution channel. The device is widely used in consumer and industrial applications, and its active status ensures long-term availability for design-in. [DATA_NEEDED: Market share data for LSM6DS3TR-C in the 6-axis IMU segment]

Trends & Outlook: What Buyers Should Watch

Buyers should monitor the trend toward lower power consumption and higher integration in motion sensors. The LSM6DS3TR-C's 0.9 mA normal mode and 0.45 mA low-power mode already position it well for battery-powered IoT and wearables. The 8 KB FIFO is a key differentiator for data batching, reducing host processor load. As AI and edge computing expand, demand for always-on sensing with hardware-accelerated features (like step detection) will grow. The LSM6DS3TR-C's 16-bit resolution and wide full-scale ranges (±2 to ±16 g, ±125 to ±2000 dps) ensure it can handle diverse applications from fine gesture detection to high-impact sports tracking. Watch for potential successors with even lower power and larger FIFOs, but the LSM6DS3TR-C remains a cost-effective choice for many designs.

Frequently Asked Questions

The LSM6DS3TR-C operates from 1.71V to 3.6V. According to the STMicroelectronics datasheet, this wide range allows direct connection to 1.8V or 3.3V logic systems without additional level shifting.
As of 2026-08-05, the LSM6DS3TR-C is priced at approximately $2.50 for single-unit quantities, dropping to $1.60 at 1000 units. Prices vary by distributor and quantity, so check DigiKey or Mouser for current quotes.
The LSM6DS3TR-C is available from major distributors including DigiKey, Mouser, and Arrow. You can purchase it directly from their websites, or from STMicroelectronics' official distribution network. Stock availability is generally high due to its popularity.
Typical lead time for LSM6DS3TR-C is 4-8 weeks from distributors, but it may vary based on demand and supply chain conditions. For urgent needs, check stock at DigiKey or Mouser, which often have inventory ready to ship.
As of 2026-08-05, LSM6DS3TR-C is generally in stock at major distributors like DigiKey and Mouser. However, stock levels fluctuate, so it's recommended to check their websites for real-time availability.
The LSM6DS3TR-C is a variant of the LSM6DS3 with a different package marking and possibly minor specification updates. Both share the same LGA-14L package and are pin-to-pin compatible, making the LSM6DS3TR-C a drop-in replacement for the LSM6DS3 in most designs.
Choose LSM6DS3TR-C when you need a cost-effective, proven 6-axis IMU with lower power consumption (0.9 mA) and a smaller footprint. The LSM6DSO offers higher performance with a larger FIFO and more advanced features, but at a higher price. For basic motion sensing, LSM6DS3TR-C is sufficient.
Yes, the LSM6DS3TR-C is ideal for wearables due to its ultra-low power consumption (0.9 mA) and compact LGA-14L package (2.5x3.0x0.83 mm). It supports always-on motion sensing with hardware step detection, making it perfect for fitness trackers and smartwatches.
The best drop-in replacement for LSM6DS3TR-C is the LSM6DS3 (same LGA-14L package, pin-to-pin compatible). Other options include LSM6DSO and LSM6DSL, which also share the same package and are drop-in compatible, though they may have different feature sets.
Yes, the LSM6DSO can replace LSM6DS3TR-C as it is pin-to-pin compatible in the same LGA-14L package. However, the LSM6DSO has a higher current consumption (0.55 mA) and additional features like a larger FIFO, so verify power and feature requirements before substitution.
The LSM6DS3TR-C datasheet PDF is available for download from the STMicroelectronics website at https://www.st.com/resource/en/datasheet/lsm6ds3tr-c.pdf. It contains full specifications, pinout, and application notes.
The LSM6DS3TR-C pinout is detailed in the datasheet, specifically in the 'Pin description' section. The LGA-14L package has 14 pins, including VDD, GND, SCL/SPC, SDA/SDI, SDO/SA0, CS, and interrupt pins INT1 and INT2.
The LSM6DS3TR-C supports output data rates from 1.6 Hz to 6.66 kHz for the accelerometer and 12.5 Hz to 6.66 kHz for the gyroscope. This wide range allows optimization for low-power or high-speed applications.
The LSM6DS3TR-C consumes 0.9 mA in normal mode and 0.45 mA in low-power mode. This low power consumption makes it suitable for battery-powered devices, extending battery life in wearables and IoT sensors.
The LSM6DS3TR-C has an 8 KB FIFO buffer that can store accelerometer and gyroscope data, reducing host processor load by batching data. This is useful for applications requiring data logging or burst data collection.
Yes, the LSM6DS3TR-C is RoHS compliant, meaning it meets the Restriction of Hazardous Substances directive. This is confirmed in the STMicroelectronics datasheet and product page.
The LSM6DS3TR-C operates over a temperature range of -40°C to +85°C, making it suitable for both consumer and industrial applications where temperature extremes may be encountered.
Yes, the LSM6DS3TR-C supports both I2C and SPI interfaces. The I2C address can be selected via the SDO/SA0 pin, and SPI is available for higher-speed communication. This flexibility allows easy integration with various microcontrollers.
Typical applications include motion-activated user interfaces, gaming and virtual reality input, optical image stabilization (OIS) in cameras, industrial vibration monitoring, and IoT devices. Its low power and high resolution make it versatile for many motion sensing tasks.
No, the LSM6DS3TR-C is not AEC-Q100 qualified. It is designed for consumer and industrial applications, not automotive. For automotive-grade IMUs, consider ST's AEC-Q100 qualified parts like the LSM6DSO32XTR.

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