With microelectromechanical system (MEMS) technology and semiconductor packages, sensor manufacturers compete to cram the most technology into the smallest package. This week, Sensor Tips will highlight products that the manufacturer says is the world’s smallest. Without performing the extensive research necessary to verify the claims, we’ll take their word for it. Users can take advantage […]
Gyroscope
MEMS Gyroscope Provides Tactical Grade Performance
Tactical grade gyroscopes typically use fiber optic technology (a fiber optic gyro or FOG) to produce a higher performance level than an industrial grade product. With its ADIS16136 tactical grade iSensor® digital MEMS gyroscope, Analog Devices, Inc. (ADI) provides 3.5°/hr typical bias stability and ±450°/Sec angular precision. This tactical level performance comes in a matchbox-sized […]
MEMS IMU Delivers 10-Degree-of-Freedom Capability
Today, there are several sources for six degrees of freedom (DoF) sensors. However, when 6DoF is not enough, the newest solution from Analog Devices, Inc. (ADI) may be the answer. The ADIS16488 is a 10-DoF sensor that integrates a tri-axis gyroscope, tri-axis accelerometer, tri-axis magnetometer and a pressure sensor into a single package. Based on […]
Sensing Three Axes of Linear and Angular Motion in a 20-mm Footprint
There seems to be an insatiable demand to sense motion in the latest portable electronic products. For those with limited space, STMicroelectronics LSM330DL Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) sensor could satisfy their requirements. In its 4 x 5 x 1mm plastic land grid array (LGA) package, the 6 degrees-of-freedom (6DoF) inertial MEMS module is almost twice as […]
A Gyroscope Design for Automotive Electronic Stability Control Systems
Three-Axis Digital Gyroscope Targets Consumer and Portable Applications
Today’s advancements in Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) sensor technology can mean new levels of performance and reliability in specific applications. An example is STMicroelectronics newest 3-axis digital gyroscope that provides high sensing resolution with high immunity to audio noise and vibrations. Housed in a 4x4x1 mm package, the L3GD20 is immune to both mechanical vibrations coupled […]
STMicroelectronics’ Three MEMS Sensors Provide 10 DoF
If a single MEMS sensor is good, a system that provides 10 degrees of freedom (DoF) should be an order of magnitude better. The three ST MEMS sensors include a geo-magnetic module, a gyroscope, and a pressure sensor. With these sensors, a consumer device can provide a complete indication of its linear acceleration, angular velocity, earth […]
Analog Devices Offers Trio of New Gyros
Three new gyroscopes from Analog Devices, Inc. provide new design options. Using differential quad-sensor technology to reject the influence of linear acceleration and vibration, the MEMS gyros have exceptionally accurate and reliable rate sensing even in severe shock and vibration ambients. Rated at ±250°/s, the ADXRS642 brings improved vibration and shock immunity performance to existing […]
Kionix New Gyros Target Consumer Apps
With analysts’ expectations of a $1.04B market by 2014, it is no surprise that Kionix has applied its MEMS expertise to consumer gyroscopes. The company offers both digital and analog versions of its dual-axis KGY12 and tri-axis KGY13. The 16-bit digital outputs (I2C and SPI) have a measurement range of ±2048°/sec. Analog outputs are available […]
