InvenSense ICM-20789: A High-Performance 6-Axis Motion and Pressure Sensor Combo

— Reverse Engineering Report

The world's first 7-axis motion sensor, designed for drone applications.

According to Mamms Consulting, InvenSense is a leading provider of MEMS sensor platforms, with a long-standing relationship with Apple as its supplier of 6-axis inertial measurement units (IMUs). The company holds a significant market share in the IMU space, competing primarily with Bosch and STMicroelectronics. Recently, InvenSense expanded into a new market segment by acquiring Sensirion’s pressure sensor division. This year, they launched the ICM-20789, their first and only 7-axis motion sensor, now in mass production.

The ICM-20789 combines InvenSense’s industry-leading 6-axis motion sensor (3-axis accelerometer + 3-axis gyroscope) with a high-performance air pressure sensor (altimeter), offering one of the most advanced discrete solutions available today. This sensor has already proven itself in the drone market, from toy drones to commercial applications, thanks to its reliability and ability to perform in challenging environments. By adding a capacitive-based pressure sensor, the ICM-20789 offers an easy upgrade path, combining excellent performance, temperature stability, and proven 6-axis motion sensing. For consumer drones with limited flight control experience, this combination is essential for maintaining stable flight and enabling features like user tracking during video capture.

InvenSense’s ICM-20789 is designed to bring professional-grade stability to the toy and smart drone markets. It enhances takeoff and landing control, reducing common issues like crashing into ceilings or trees. With improved hover stability, it ensures safer flights and a more enjoyable user experience. This report provides a detailed reverse engineering analysis of the ICM-20789, covering both technical specifications and cost breakdowns, while also comparing it to other 6-axis IMUs on the market.

Reverse Engineering of InvenSense ICM-20789 Motion Sensor

Comparison of ICM-20789 with 6-axis IMUs such as MP67B, ICM-30630, and iPhone 7 Plus (sample fuzzification)

Report Structure: Overview / Introduction • Company Profile & Supply Chain • Physical Analysis – Package Views, Dimensions, Opening, Cross-sections, Caps, Sensing Area • ASIC Die – Layout, Components • Cost Analysis – Yield Hypotheses, Front-end & Back-end Costs for Pressure Sensor, ASIC, MEMS • Packaging, Testing, Final Test Costs • IMU Component Cost • Estimated Price Analysis • Comparison with InvenSense IMU MP-67B, Sensor Hub ICM-30360, and iPhone 7 Plus OIS IMU