Precision six-axis inertial measurement unit from Thales comes in a small package

The NavChip Series 3 high precision Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs) boosts bias in-run stability to 3º/hr (typical), 5º/hr (max.); over the ± 16 g operating range (other ranges available upon request). The previously introduced NavChip had a bias in-run stability of 5º/hr (typical), 10º/hr (max.). Other significant enhancements include a 1,000-Hz update rate, embedded AHRS which reduces system complexity, cost and power consumption, and an ability to accept other external inputs such as a magnetometer to enhance the overall systems’ performance while maintaining cost and easing the system’s design complexity.

The NavChip Series 3 provides the highest performance-to-price in the market of six-axis IMUs and is fully factory calibrated for bias, scale factor and misalignment over the full operating temperature range. Embedded temperature sensors enable excellent compensation over the entire -40 to +85 °C temperature range. MEMS sensor technology, propriety advanced sensor fusion processing techniques, a small and easily mountable package and low power dissipation make this IMU a candidate for applications including drone navigation, robotic control, camera/antenna platform stabilization, and augmented/virtual reality.

The NavChip Series 3 is a very low drift IMU with a full-scale acceleration range of ± 16 g and a full-scale angular rate of 2,000°/sec. Typical specifications include a gyro bias in-run stability of 3º/hr, 5º/hr (max.); angular random walk of <0.18º/√hr; velocity random walk of <0.3º/√hr and an exceptionally quiet acceleration noise performance of better than 83 µg/√Hz. Its miniature package occupying less than 2.0 cm³ (12.5×24.4×6.1 mm) and weight of 3 g allows for flexible integration. Power consumption is a low 135 mW. It has selectable built-in-test (BIT) modes for command and continuous diagnostic monitoring. Multiple output interfaces, including I²C, TTL UART or SPI-compatible provide the designer with exceptional flexibility. The external sync pin can accept optional GPS pulse-per-second or faster synchronization signals. Single supply operation is from 3.25 to 5.5 V.

The NavChip Series 3 is available as a discrete component with snap-fit connector.

Thales Defense & Security, Inc., 22605 Gateway Center Drive, Clarksburg, Maryland 20871, 800-258-4420, www.thalesdsi.com