Xsens Expands Rugged Motion Tracking Product Line

By Mike Ball / 14 Jun 2021
Xsens motion tracking modules
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Xsens motion tracking modules

Xsens has expanded its MTi 600-series of motion tracking modules with a new GNSS/Inertial Navigation System (INS) and a rugged Attitude and Heading Reference System (AHRS). The new rugged modules are ideal for harsh environment applications such as UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles), UGVs (unmanned ground vehicles) and other robotic systems.

The new MTi-670G GNSS/INS module includes a high-performance u-blox ZED F9 GNSS receiver. Sophisticated sensor fusion firmware in the module combines the receiver’s inputs with integrated 3D attitude (tilt and inclination) and heading measurements to provide absolute positioning accuracy of better than ±1m. The sensor is easy to integrate into system designs thanks to its support for Xbus and standard NMEA and CAN protocols, as well as Xsens’ MT Software Suite for developers. The software suite includes the MT Manager GUI for Windows or Linux operating systems and a useful Magnetic Field Mapper function.

The MTi-630R AHRS is a ruggedized version of the existing MTi-630 AHRS. It offers the same high performance, including roll/pitch measurement accuracy of ±0.2°, and heading accuracy of ±1°. Like the MTi-670G, the MTi-630R is easy to integrate into end product designs thanks to the MT Software Suite, which also includes drivers for the LabVIEW, ROS and GO development languages.

Both modules are housed in an IP68-rated vibration- and shock-resistant aluminium enclosure measuring just 40.9mm x 56.5mm x 36.8mm. They feature standard CAN and RS232 interfaces and an output data rate of up to 400Hz.

Like all MTi 600-series products, the new modules also offer the following features:

  • Precise factory calibration
  • High immunity to magnetic interference
  • Adaptive firmware operation to optimize performance in various types of applications
  • Out-of-the-box operation with Xsens’ MTi development or starter kits

Boele de Bie, CEO of Xsens, commented: “The latest members of the MTi 600-series are the fruit of Xsens’ continued investment in product development and new technology, ensuring that we provide the combination of performance, features and value that our customers demand across the range of markets we serve, from high-volume mainstream electronics to highly specialized product designs including RTK.”

Posted by Mike Ball Mike Ball is our resident technical editor here at Unmanned Systems Technology. Combining his passion for teaching, advanced engineering and all things unmanned, Mike keeps a watchful eye over everything related to the unmanned technical sector. With over 10 years’ experience in the unmanned field and a degree in engineering, Mike’s been heading up our technical team here for the last 8 years. Connect & Contact