High Performance GPS Navigation with MLX90609 Gyroscope

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Melexis enters the market for accurate GPS (Global Position System) position sensing with its angular rate sensor (gyroscope). The MLX90609-N2 will enhance the accuracy of GPS instruments in situations where satellite reception is lost, for example in tunnels, between tall buildings and mountainous terrain. The Melexis MLX90609-N2 gyroscope, based upon a thick SOI (Silicon on Insulator) high performance MEMS (Micro-Electronic Mechanical Systems) technology, enables the realization of very compact, high accuracy and cost effective GPS systems with dead reckoning capabilities.

As a direct result of exceptionally low zero rate output drift, high resolution (better than 0.1 degrees/sec) and high dynamic range, accurate positioning can be guaranteed even when satellite reception is lost over long distances.

The MLX90609-N2 offers both an analog (0-5V) and digital (SPI) output. The digital (SPI) output simplifies the interface to the microcontroller, eliminating the need for an additional ADC. The EEPROM allows programming of date code, serial number and calibration parameters. The factory set full scale ranges available are: ±75 °/s, ±150 °/s or ±300 °/s. Programmable calibration parameters allow the temperature compensation on the bias and gain.

The mechanical structure of the MEMS 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 and 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 Si ensures better long term behavior and reliability than gyroscopes based on poly-Si micromachining.

Michel Bourdon, MEMS and sensor interface ICs Marketing Manager at Melexis, comments: “Melexis’ ten years experience with automotive MEMS products and our good understanding of the expectations from automotive customers assures that this gyroscope will provide high added value to manufacturers of next generation navigation systems.”

The MLX90609-N2 enjoys operating in the automotive -40°C to 85°C temperature range. It comes in a cost effective and small footprint SMD CLCC32 package to allow compact system designs.

 

FEATURES High resolution and dynamic range Both digital (SPI) and analog outputs Low acceleration and angular rate cross sensitivity Low zero rate output drift Cost effective and compact solution High performance MEMS sensor in mono crystalline Si yielding a superior long-term behavior reliability and dynamic range Programmable bandwidth Built-in on demand and non disruptive continuous self tests Factory set full scale range (±75 °/s, ±150 °/s or ±300 °/s) On-chip EEPROM calibration Serial Number in EEPROM Small footprint (SMD CLCC32) with horizontal mounting Operating temperature range: -40°C to 85°C

Schematic Application     Gyroscope Movie (requires Flash Player 7 or greater to view)

 

 

 

 

 

The Evaluation Board contains:

• 1 PCB with gyroscope socket, USB and serial ports
• 1 USB cable
• 1 CD with software
• 1 MLX90609N2 gyroscope sample

 

 

 Featured Products

Part Number		Description	Data Sheet	App. Notes
EVB90609		Gyroscope Evaluation Board
MLX90609EEA-N2		Angular Rate Sensor

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