KVHI Inertial Measurement Unit with Position, Velocity, and Altitude Sensing Capabilities

KVH Industries has recently launched the CG-5100 Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU).

This low-cost and versatile solution is ideally suited for autonomous vehicle, stabilization and navigational applications due to its attitude, precision position, and velocity capabilities.

The existing GPS technology that is vital for various advanced vehicular applications, such as stabilized optics and unmanned research vehicles, is in-built in the design of these vehicles. However, many of such applications require accurate motion-sensing capabilities as well as reliable standby navigation during dynamic conditions or when GPS is not available. The IMU, a low-cost and versatile solution, is capable of meeting such requirements. This IMU has integrated seamlessly two dependable navigation components, namely, the high precision KVH fiber optic gyros (FOGs), and the industry-established MEMS-based accelerometers. The IMU provides a small factor and low-cost solution for conducting inertial measurements using a compact and single enclosure.

The IMU is a FOG-based, solid-state, low-drift, commercial off the shelf (COTS) solution that is well-suited for vital GPS-integrated navigation programs and sensing applications. The IMU, a strap-down inertial system, provides excellent dependability and precise measurement with six degrees of freedom. This performance is attributed to its proprietary algorithms applied to a merged accelerometer and digital gyro output, enabling the IMU to characterize and rectify the misalignment and temperature effects. This IMU also provides the end-users with an easy-to-adapt and convenient output in a user-selectable and completely digital RS-232/RS-422 format.

This IMU represents the second commercial navigational and single-enclosure measurement solution from KVH. The CNS-5000 GPS/IMU is an ideal option for applications needing FOG-based IMU as well as GPS capabilities. The CNS-5000 integrates OEMV3 precision GPS receiver technology of NovAtel and the FOG-based IMU for the optimization of raw data and offers a very dependable altitude, velocity, and position solution for applications, such as precision agriculture, surveying, and seaport management.

Jay Napoli, vice president for FOG/OEM sales of KVH, explained that the affordability of the IMU renders availability accurate GPS augmentation, navigational, and motion sensing features for a vast range of commercial applications. Napoli informed that the IMU has packaged its components in such a manner that it can be installed flexibly in situations having limited space. Napoli revealed that this IMU is the ideal solution for underwater, aerial, and unmanned ground vehicles that depend on its abilities of high-quality sensor and also a dependable backup in scenarios where the GPS is not available or interrupted.