Andover, MA. MEMSIC Inc., a provider combining proprietary MEMS technology with mixed-signal processing and systems solutions, today announced the addition of the VG380 to its portfolio of inertial modules. These new vertical gyros provide accurate pitch and roll (with respect to gravity) in both static and dynamic conditions. The static and dynamic accuracy is specified at ±0.2 and ±1.0 degrees (respectively) over the -40 to +85°C temperature range.
The VG380 is offered in two package/interface options, VG380SA and VG380ZA. The VG380SA is a 41 x 48 x22-mm module designed for standalone applications, including built-in power conditioning (compatible with power supplies from 9 to 32 V), and with RS-232/RS-422 interfaces. The VG380ZA is designed for OEM/embedded applications, offering a smaller 24 x 37 x 9.5-mm package, and an SPI/UART interface for convenient integration into an end-user system.
The VG380 is the latest addition to a family of interchangeable and compatible modules offering different levels of functionality and performance. The IMU380 is a 6- or 9-DOF inertial measurement unit that provides X, Y, and Z acceleration, angular rate, and magnetic field (fully calibrated over temperature); the VG380 now adds the algorithms to deliver accurate pitch and roll information; and the AHRS380 (attitude-heading-reference-system) adds additional algorithms to compute both attitude and heading. All of these versions are available in both the embedded and the standalone packages described above.
The VG380 is designed for attitude determination and platform stabilization in applications such as unmanned aerial vehicles, satellite antenna tracking, precision agriculture, surveying instruments, and construction equipment, where size, performance, and cost are critical.
John Newton, MEMSIC’s vice president and general manager for the Systems Business Unit, commented, “We are excited about the addition of the VG380 to our growing line of inertial modules. MEMSIC was the first company to bring to market a MEMS-based FAA-certified AHRS, and we are continuing to pursue our strategy of leveraging MEMS sensors to reduce the size and cost of these inertial modules.”
The VG380ZA and VG380SA are in production and available immediately. Pricing starts at $353 in quantities of 100. An evaluation kit (EVAL-KIT DMU380ZA) complete with a USB PC-connection and simple-to-use GUI speeds the evaluation and prototyping phases.
