A compact angular rate sensor (gyroscope) from Melexis enhances the accuracy of GPS instruments in situations where satellite reception is lost. The MLX90609 is based on the company’s thick silicon-on-insulator (SOI) MEMS technology.
The mechanical structure of the gyroscope is sensitive to Coriolis forces created by movement. Designed with a differential mechanical structure, the MLX90609-N2 exhibits low vibration and angular rate cross sensitivity, as well as a high immunity to external linear acceleration.
Each section of the differential structure comprises a double-frame gyroscope. The use of two frames allows for better decoupling between the driven and sensing modes. The use of monocrystalline silicon helps produce better long-term behavior and reliability than gyroscopes based on polycrystalline-silicon micromachining.
The MLX90609 offers both an analog (0-5 V) and digital (SPI) output. Available factory set full-scale ranges include ±75°/s, ±150°/s, or ±300°/s. Programmable calibration parameters enable the temperature compensation of the bias and gain.
Melexis’ GPS gyroscope operates best in the automotive –40°C to 85°C temperature range. It comes in a surface-mounted device CLCC32 package.
Melexis
www.melexis.com