Sensing solutions for laptops

Designing modern laptops and foldable devices requires innovative sensor solutions that enhance functionality and user experience. As devices become thinner and more portable, engineers face the challenge of integrating advanced features without compromising battery life or performance. MEMS sensors play a critical role by enabling seamless interaction, precise motion detection, environmental awareness, and efficient power management. Bosch Sensortec’s high-performance MEMS sensors streamline system complexity by offloading always-on applications from power-hungry systems, freeing up valuable resources. By delegating these tasks to dedicated sensor chips, Bosch Sensortec reduces overall complexity, simplifies platform integration, and minimizes maintenance. Our solutions enable smarter, more intuitive laptops that deliver optimal performance while maintaining low power consumption. Unlock the potential of laptops with Bosch Sensortec’s cutting-edge MEMS sensor technology.

BHI380

Smart, programmable IMU with integrated sensor fusion for advanced use cases like geo-fencing or spatial computing.

BMI260

Low power IMU for precise motion sensing, supporting hinge angle, multi-tab, free fall, in/out-bag detection, and more.

BMM350

Compact magnetometer for precise orientation and heading in location-based tasks.

BMA422

Small, low-g sensor with digital interfaces for laptop position, hinge angle, multi-tap, and free fall detection.

BMP580

Low power pressure sensor for clog detection, fall detection, and indoor localization.

BME690

Low power environmental sensor for air quality monitoring enabled with AI functionality.

BMV080

World's smallest particulate matter sensor for localized air quality (PM2.5) monitoring.

Explore advanced laptop solutions powered by Bosch Sensortec's MEMS sensor technologies

Our MEMS sensors power innovative laptop solutions, enhancing both functionality and user experience. These sensors enable precise motion detection, power management, and device health monitoring, essential for today’s high-performance devices. With features like device context awareness, clog detection, and geofencing, our MEMS technology unlocks smarter, more intuitive laptops that adapt to user environments. Explore the use cases below to see how Bosch Sensortec is enabling cutting-edge features in laptops.

Spatial computing

While traveling on a train or any other non-private location, users wearing smart glasses can view content privately through the glasses without it appearing on the laptop screen. MEMS sensors detect the laptop's motion and orientation, automatically redirecting content to the glasses for enhanced privacy and a seamless experience. The laptop adjusts to the user’s environment, activating private modes in public spaces and standard display modes in work settings. Power management saves energy by disabling unused components during content viewing through the glasses.

The following sensors enable spatial computing in laptops:

IMU BMI260

IMU BMI323

Programmable IMU BHI380

Magnetometer BMM350

The following software platforms enable the solution:

Smart Connected Sensors

Sensor fusion software BSX

Woman sits on the balcony with a laptop and works

Indoor air quality monitoring

Air quality sensors integrated into laptops act as silent monitors, continuously tracking indoor air quality as users work in different environments. When poor air quality is detected, the laptop alerts the user, prompting actions like opening windows or turning on heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. This proactive monitoring helps ensure a healthier workspace by promoting cleaner air and protecting the user’s well-being, all seamlessly integrated into the laptop’s functionality.

The following sensors enable indoor air quality monitoring in laptops:

Gas sensor BME690

Particulate matter sensor BMV080

The Following software platform enables the solution:

Bosch Sensortec Environmental Cluster for BME690

Device context detection

Laptop position detection and in/out-bag detection provide essential context awareness for optimizing performance, power management, and thermal control. The system detects whether the laptop is placed on a table or the user’s lap and automatically adjusts the performance and thermal settings accordingly. When placed on a table, the laptop can run at full speed, maximizing performance. When on a lap, the system reduces power to prevent overheating and improve user comfort.

For in/out-bag detection, the sensors recognize when the laptop is placed in or removed from a bag, automatically adjusting power modes. When placed in a bag, the system enters a low-power state to conserve battery and prevent overheating. Upon removal, the laptop can automatically wake up when positioned on a flat surface, ready for immediate use.

These features help extend battery life, reduce overheating risks, and enhance the overall user experience by ensuring the laptop operates efficiently based on its environment.

The following sensors enable position and in/out-bag detection in laptops:

Accelerometer BMA422

IMU BMI260

IMU BMI323

Programmable IMU BHI380

Device health monitoring

MEMS sensors in laptops are crucial for device health monitoring. Pressure sensors monitor airflow through the device's cooling system, alerting users to obstructions like dust buildup that could clog vents. Similarly, accelerometers detect unusual fan vibrations, indicating wear or imbalance. In both cases, the laptop can alert the user to take corrective action, such as cleaning the fan and vents or servicing the device.

This proactive detection of clogs and vibrations prevents overheating, reduces strain on components, and maintains consistent performance, ultimately extending the device's lifespan and ensuring efficient operation.

The following sensors enable clog detection in laptops:

Accelerometer BMA422

Accelerometer BMA550

Pressure sensor BMP580

Pressure sensor BMP581

Hinge angle and multi-tap detection

The Hinge Angle Detection (HAD) algorithm processes IMU data from the lid and accelerometer data from the base to precisely calculate the hinge angle between a laptop's screen and keyboard. This is critical for 360° convertible laptops, as it supports automatic mode detection, such as lid close, laptop, tent, tablet, stand, lay flat or book mode. The algorithm estimates the hinge angle and classifies the laptop’s mode based on the orientation, providing seamless transitions between modes. Integrated with the system's sensor hub, it enables manufacturers to configure hinge thresholds, optimizing performance and usability.

Multi-tap detection, which recognizes single, double, or triple taps, offers intuitive shortcuts for user interface control. These taps can be customized for actions such as muting, waking the device, or launching applications, providing personalized control.

Together, these MEMS sensor-enabled features make devices more responsive and interactions smoother, enhancing everyday usability.

The following sensors enable hinge angle detection in laptops:

IMU BMI260

IMU BMI323

Accelerometer BMA422

Programmable IMU BHI380

Geo-fencing and indoor localization

Laptops with geofencing technology can intelligently adapt device behavior based on the user's location. Thanks to MEMS sensors, laptops can detect when they are within specific geographic boundaries, such as office premises, homes, or public spaces. When a laptop enters or exits these predefined zones, geofencing triggers specific actions—such as automatically locking the device for security when leaving a secure zone while at the same time enabling power-saving modes.

Indoor localization adds value by enabling precise location tracking within buildings, identifying whether the user is in an office, meeting room, or canteen. This location awareness enables context-based features (e.g., a pop-up reminder for calls upon entering a meeting room), supports resource management through device usage tracking, enhances security with privacy features in shared spaces, and optimizes power management based on location. Pressure sensors add floor-level accuracy in multistory buildings, improving the user experience and providing critical data for emergency responders in large or complex facilities.

The following sensors enable geo-fencing and indoor localization in laptops:

Programmable IMU BHI380

Pressure sensor BMP580

Pressure sensor BMP581

Sensing solutions for laptops

BMA422

The BMA422 is a highly accurate 3-axis accelerometer that can be used in laptops to enable features such as in/out-bag, laptop position, hinge angle, multi-tap, and free-fall detection, helping optimize power management and user experience. With its compact size and low power consumption, the BMA422 is ideal for applications requiring reliable motion sensing and energy efficiency.

More details about BMA422

BMM350

The BMM350 is a very small, high-performance, low-current, 16-bit 3-axis magnetometer (1.28 x 1.28 x 0.5 mm³). The digital sensor can be integrated into laptops to enable location detection or device orientation. The sensor is based on Bosch Sensortec’s proprietary TMR technology. The BMM350 magnetic sensor offers outstanding design flexibility, providing a single monolithic package solution.

More details about BMM350

BMI260

The BMI260 is a high-performance, low-power 6-axis IMU suitable for laptops providing precise motion sensing across various use cases. Its integration optimizes power management, enhances device interaction, and improves the user experience. With a compact design and minimal power consumption, the BMI260 is perfect for applications that demand accurate motion and orientation detection.

More details about BMI260

BHI380

The BHI380 is an ultra-low-power smart sensor system with a 6-axis IMU, a programmable 32-bit microcontroller, and a second low-power MCU. It features pre-installed sensor fusion software, supporting advanced use cases like laptop context awareness, enabling optimized device interactions and power management.

More details about BHI380

BMP580

The BMP580 is a 24-bit absolute barometric pressure sensor that supports diverse use cases for laptops, including fall detection, airflow monitoring, clog detection, and indoor localization through air pressure changes. With its low-power consumption and low-noise performance, it offers an ideal solution for improving long-term reliability and optimizing thermal management in laptops.

More details about BMP580

BME690

The BME690 measures gas, humidity, temperature, and air pressure simultaneously, making it a compact 4-in-1 air quality sensor. Ideal for monitoring indoor air quality, it can detect Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs), and other gases like carbon monoxide and hydrogen. In laptops, the BME690 can provide context-aware notifications or automatic adjustments. For example, if the air quality deteriorates, the system could suggest increasing ventilation. Similarly, the device could automatically switch to a low-power mode if the temperature inside the device exceeds certain thresholds.

More about BME690

BMV080

The BMV080, the world's smallest PM2.5 air quality sensor, is an ideal solution for laptops, measuring just 4.2 x 3.5 x 3.1 mm³—over 450 times smaller than comparable sensors. Its tiny size and fanless, non-intrusive design allow for seamless integration into laptop designs without compromising space. The sensor can enable real-time air quality monitoring, providing users with insights into particulate matter levels for a healthier working environment.

More about BMV080

Sensing solutions for laptops