ICM-20948 TDK InvenSense 9-Axis MEMS MotionTracking IMU

The TDK InvenSense ICM-20948 is a compact, low-power 9-axis MEMS MotionTracking™ IMU designed for applications that require integrated acceleration, angular rate, magnetic field, and motion-fusion data. With its embedded DMP™, I²C/SPI digital interfaces, and small 24-QFN package, it is a strong choice for wearable devices, IoT products, drones, and portable motion-sensing systems where space, power, and sensor integration are key design considerations.

The ICM-20948 from TDK InvenSense is a high-integration 9-axis MEMS MotionTracking™ device designed for low-power motion sensing applications. It combines a 3-axis gyroscope, 3-axis accelerometer, 3-axis compass/magnetometer, and an embedded Digital Motion Processor™ / DMP™ in a compact 3 mm × 3 mm × 1 mm 24-pin QFN package. TDK describes the device as a very low-power 9-axis MotionTracking solution for smartphones, tablets, wearable sensors, and IoT applications.

The device is suitable for applications requiring orientation detection, gesture recognition, activity tracking, pedestrian motion sensing, and sensor fusion. Its embedded DMP helps offload motion-processing tasks from the main application processor, supporting functions such as 6-axis and 9-axis calibration/fusion, pedometer, significant motion, pick-up detection, and activity classification. The ICM-20948 supports digital communication through I²C and SPI interfaces, making it easy to integrate into embedded systems and compact sensor modules.

Specifications

Product Features and Benefits

• Integrated 9-axis motion sensing with gyro, accelerometer, and compass in one compact device
• Embedded DMP™ motion processor helps reduce host processor workload
• Supports 6-axis and 9-axis sensor fusion for orientation and motion tracking
• Suitable for low-power wearable and IoT designs
• Compact 24-QFN 3 × 3 mm package for space-constrained PCBs
• Digital I²C and SPI output interfaces for flexible system integration
• Supports motion features such as pedometer, significant motion, bring-to-see, pick-up, and basic activity classification
• Designed for applications requiring compact, low-power, multi-axis motion detection

Applications

• Wearable sensors and fitness trackers
• IoT motion sensing devices
• Drones and robotics
• Smartphones and tablets
• Remote controls and gesture input devices
• Activity monitoring systems
• Navigation and orientation sensing
• Motion detection modules
• AR / VR accessories
• Portable embedded systems

Summary

The ICM-20948 is designed as a multi-axis inertial measurement unit for systems that need accurate motion and orientation data while keeping board space and power consumption low. The device integrates an accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer, and motion-processing engine, allowing designers to build compact motion-sensing systems without using multiple separate sensors.

Its DMP-based architecture enables advanced motion functions such as calibrated sensor fusion, activity recognition, and motion-triggered system wake-up features. This makes the ICM-20948 especially useful in battery-powered products where reducing host MCU workload and sensor power consumption is important.

Sourcing Note

Some distributor listings mark ICM-20948 as obsolete / no longer manufactured, so buyers should verify current availability, date code, packaging, and replacement options before placing production orders. DigiKey lists the part as obsolete while still identifying it as a TDK InvenSense 9-axis accelerometer/gyroscope/magnetometer device with I²C/SPI output.