Analog Devices launches MEMS gyroscope for harsh environments

12 June 2010

Analog Devices, Inc (NYSE: ADI) has developed the high-performance, low-power ADXRS450 iMEMS gyroscope with digital output specifically for angular rate (rotational) sensing in harsh environments.

This fourth-generation device features an advanced, differential quad-sensor design that enables it to operate accurately under intense shock and vibration conditions. The company claims no other MEMS gyroscope is able to perform at this level under these conditions. With robust performance and operating on low power of only 6 mA, this MEMS gyroscope is effective for diverse applications, such as robotics, industrial instrumentation, avionics, and platform stabilization for high speed trains.

“Our customers rely on the Analog Devices iMEMS brand for the high performance and reliability they receive from our motion sensing products that combine innovative MEMS sensor design with ADI’s leading analog signal conditioning circuitry for the optimum sensing solution,” said Mark Martin, vice president, MEMS and Sensors Technology Group, Analog Devices.

“The ADXRS450 iMEMS gyroscope is a complete angular rate gyroscope in a single package and is the first device in a new class of high performance MEMS gyros from ADI that feature an innovative differential quad-sensor design.”

The new quad-sensor design rejects the influence of linear acceleration, enabling the ADXRS450 to operate in exceedingly harsh environments where shock and vibration are present and can cause measurement errors in less capable gyros. It has sensitivity to linear acceleration specified at only 0.03 °/sec/g, acceleration rectification of only 0.003 °/sec/g2, a noise-rate density specification of 0.020°/sec/√Hz, and power consumption of only 6 milliamps under typical conditions.

Other features include internal temperature compensation over an extended industrial temperature range and an optional ceramic vertical-mount package that uniquely enables three-axis sensing on a single PCB without daughterboards.

Mr Martin added, “MEMS gyroscopes have long been the most difficult MEMS device to design and manufacture, particularly at the high-performance and low power consumption levels required in many emerging industrial automation and instrument applications. When compared to other high-performance MEMS gyros available, our new iMEMS gyros consume only one tenth the power of competing products and provide greater stability and vibration immunity.”

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