Image

Scanning for Ideas - A MEMS gyro for tight spaces and tight budgets

Oct. 21, 2010
A MEMS gyro for tight spaces and tight budgets

MEMS gyro-Printer-friendlyThe Pinpoint gyro from Silicon Sensing Systems Ltd., Devon, U. K. (www.siliconsensing.com), uses a fully balanced vibrating silicon ring for stable outputs for navigation or pointing despite vibration, shock, temperature, or the passage of time. Most other MEMS gyros use unbalanced, open-loop vibrating masses such as tuning forks and combs. The 3-mm ring resonates at 22 kHz in a closed-loop control system. According to its designers, the ring can be thought of as an infinite number of tuning forks in a balanced, vibrating circular structure.

The gyro on a chip also features a hermetically sealed ceramic LCC SMT package, analog and digital SPI output modes, and user-selected dynamic ranges from 75 to 900°/sec. PinPoint comes with one of two sensing options: in-plane with the chip and orthogonal with the chip. This lets designers measure pitch, roll, and yaw, while letting the chip be at an inclined angle to the sensitive axis.

© 2010 Penton Media, Inc.

Sponsored Recommendations

June 27, 2025
Ensure workplace safety and compliance with our comprehensive Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) Safety Training course. Learn critical procedures to prevent serious injuries.
June 27, 2025
Join our expert webinar to discover essential safety control measures and best practices for engineering a truly safe and compliant industrial environment.
June 25, 2025
An innovative aircraft with electric drives combines the best of both worlds. The cross between drone and helicopter could mean significantly faster and more efficient air emergency...
June 25, 2025
Effective when other materials fail, ceramics are particularly suitable for applications requiring wear and chemical resistance, sliding characteristics or biocompatibility. Discover...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Machine Design, create an account today!