From cell phones to cars, gyroscopes provide advanced functionality for systems. For the cameras in cell phones and other handheld products, the gyro provides stabilization to obtain clear images. In automobiles, gyros find use in rollover detection, navigation and anti-lock braking systems. According to Yole Développement , automotive applications represented 80 percent of the market in 2005 with production estimated at 22 millions units. To satisfy these emerging, high-volume and lower-cost applications compared to traditional defense and aerospace, products must be very small, have a high degree of integration, and, in most cases, use Microelectromechanical System (MEMS) technology.
CELL PHONE GYRO
To provide easier and more intuitive ways to interact with mobile products with gesture-based commands, InvenSense proposes a combined gyroscope plus accelerometer approach. According to Steve Nasiri, president and CEO of InvenSense, “The large number of mobile devices with different user interfaces can be very challenging and frustrating for the consumer.” Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) systems with a single small gyroscope could be the solution. InvenSense’s IDG-300 dual-axis gyroscope already meets the size, performance and cost requirements for camera stabilization in cell phones. Measuring 3.5 × 3.5 × 1 mm, the IDG-300’s chip can be packaged with an off-the-shelf three-axis accelerometer to provide a small, integrated and low-cost five-axis motion sensing system. The IDG-300 combines a moving MEMS structure with electronics that includes on-chip calibration in a single die. Operating from a 3V single supply, the unit has a factory-set full-scale range of ±500 degrees/sec and can withstand a shock of 5,000g. Get more information on InvenSense IDG-300 gyroscope.
AUTOMOTIVE NAVIGATION GYROMELEXIS MLX90609-N2 GYROSCOPE
To enhance the accuracy of Global Position System (GPS) sensing in vehicle navigation systems, Melexis developed a gyroscope based upon a thick Silicon on Insulator (SOI) MEMS technology. The monocrystalline structure and integrated circuitry provide low zero rate output drift, better than 0.1 degrees/sec resolution, and high dynamic range. In the MEMS gyro, the mechanical structure senses Coriolis forces created by movement — the differential design has low vibration and angular rate cross sensitivity as well as high immunity to external linear acceleration. The unit provides both an analog and digital signals proportional to the angular rate parallel to the surface. The analog output is 2.5V at zero angular rate with the full-scale angular rate producing an output of 4.5V or 0.5V depending on direction of rotation. The digital format is a Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) for interfacing to microcontrollers without requiring an ADC. The normal factory-set full-scale range is ±75 degrees/sec with options of ±150 or ±300 degrees/sec available.For more information on Melexis MLX90609-N2 gyroscope.
PROGRAMMABLE GYRO ANALOG DEVICES ADIS16250
With Analog Devices’ ADIS16250 gyroscope, designers choose the sensitivity from ± 80, ±160 or ± 320 degrees/sec. The digitally programmable device provides flexibility and allows a single product to address several applications. An SPI accesses the angular rate measurement system’s factory calibrated and tunable digital sensor data. To meet different system requirements, built-in features include an auto-zero recalibration accomplished by a single register command, as well as configurable sample rate and frequency response. The embedded signal processing capability includes a configurable alarm function, auxiliary 12-bit ADC, auxiliary 12-bit DAC, configurable digital I/O port, a digital self-test function, and an embedded temperature sensor. To minimize power dissipation, power management features include an interrupt-driven wake-up. In addition to configuring the measurements for the gyroscope, the SPI interface provides access to temperature, power supply, and one auxiliary analog input. Packaged in an 11.1 × 11-mm LGA, the unit has a sensitivity of 54.6 LSB/degree/sec and a typical bandwidth of 0.05 kHz. For more information on Analog Devices’ ADIS16250 gyroscope.