MEMS gyro gives high performance at low cost
Described as a new class of small precision MEMS navigation and pointing gyros, the PinPoint MEMS gyro is said to offer unrivalled rate output stability over time, temperature, vibration, and shock compared to competitive devices. The sensor is aimed at automotive, consumer, and industrial equipment designers who need true gyroscope performance and reliability, while requiring little power, space, or cost.
The device is unique in using a vibrating silicon ring, whereas competitive MEMS designs use various forms of open-loop vibrating mass structures, such as a tuning-fork or comb design. The PinPoint gyro’s 3-mm-diameter balanced ring resonates at 22 kHz in a closed-loop control system to create a fully balanced structure with highly reliable performance. Stability-related parameters include typical rate-noise density of 0.018°/s/√Hz, minimum angular random walk of 0.28°/√hr, bias variation with temperature of ±3°/s, bias switch-on repeatability of 0.14°/s rms typ, and bias drift with time (after switch on) of 0.05°/s/min typ.
Available in two sensing options — in-plane with the host pc board or orthogonal with it — the device has digital (SPI) and analog output modes, frequency response to 150 Hz digital and 160 Hz analog, and user-selectable dynamic ranges of 75°/s, 150°/s, 300°/s, and 900°/s that permit sensitivity optimization.
Measuring less than 6 x 5 x 1.2 mm and weighing less than 0.08 g, the gyro draws 4.2 mA from a 3-V supply and comes in a ceramic LCC SMT package that is hermetically sealed. (Less than $5 ea / prod qty — available now.)
Silicon Sensing Systems , Plymouth , Devon , U.K.
Information +44 (0)1752 723330
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