Thales expands performance options of six-axis IMUs

By Carolyn Mathas, contributing writer

Thales has expanded its NavChip inertial measurement unit (IMU) family with the introduction of the InterSense NavChip Series 3. The new series of six-axis IMUs brings the same high-end features in a low-cost and miniature component. Based on price/performance, it now targets a variety of commercial applications including drone navigation, robotic control, camera/antenna platform stabilization, augmented/virtual reality, aiming and alignment, and GPS/INS integration.

Innovation of the IMU is based on a combination of Thales proprietary technologies and advanced signal-processing techniques. Thales claims that it is superior to competing IMUs that are based on standard off-the-shelf MEMS sensors. It features a very low drift, a full-scale acceleration range of ±16g, and a full-scale angular rate of 2,000°/s. Fully factory-calibrated and temperature-compensated over an operating range of −40°C to 85°C, the IMU includes a gyro bias in-run stability of 3°/hour, 5°/hour (max.); angular random walk of 0.18°/√hour; velocity random walk of 0.03 m/s per √hour; and an exceptionally quiet acceleration noise performance of >83 μ/√z.

The NavChip Series 3 delivers expanded options for a wide range of commercial products.

Housed in a miniature package of less than 2.0 cm³  (12.5 × 24.4 × 6.1 mm) and with a weight of 3 g, the IMU enables flexible integration. Power consumption of 135 mW makes the device suited for power-sensitive remote and battery-operated systems. Also included is a 1,000-Hz update rate, embedded AHRS, and the ability to accept external inputs such as a magnetometer to enhance performance. It features selectable built-in-test (BIT) modes for command and diagnostic monitoring and multiple output interfaces such as I² C, TTL UART, or SPI-compatible. Single supply operation is from 3.25 V to 5.5 V.

The six-axis IMUs are currently available as a discrete component with a snap-fit connector. Per-unit pricing is $899 for 50-per-hour gyro bias in-run stability and $450 for 100-per-hour gyro bias in-run stability, both in small quantities, with volume pricing available.

Evaluation kits are also available with integration software, USB, and external sync cable. Pricing for the 50 kit is $1,495, and the 100 kit is $895. Adapter boards are also available. Devices and kits are available through Digi-Key.