Miniature Fiber Optic Gyroscopes (FOG Sensors) & IMUs for UAVs & Robotics

Fizoptika Malta is a leading developer of state-of-the-art ultra-miniature FOG (fiber optic gyroscope) technologies for UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles), drones and robotics.

Our high-accuracy FOG sensors provide precision motion and orientation measurement in rugged, lightweight packages. Applications for UAVs include navigation systems, plus gimbal and image stabilization. Ideally suited to unmanned aerial and autonomous applications, Fizoptika Malta fiber optic gyroscopes are used in autonomous aerial, robotic and agriculture systems.

Based on 40-micron polarization maintaining (PM) fibers, our UAV gyros are constructed using a sophisticated spliceless technology that fabricates the entire fiber optic assembly from a single fiber length. This jointless construction results in zero excess optical loss.

We pride ourselves on the reliability and superior quality of our designs and products, and all Fizoptika Malta fiber optic gyroscopes are UNI EN ISO 9001:2015 certified.

Our miniature FOG offer a variety of advantages for UAV and unmanned systems applications:

• Fine-tuned assembly provides immunity to electromagnetic interference, eliminating the need for heavy shielding
• Bias immunity to vibration and gravitational acceleration
• No dead zones or hysteresis
• Effectively instant response
• No cross-axis sensitivity error.

Fizoptika Malta has recently added two 3-axis fiber optic gyroscope (FOG) G181 and G121 to its successful line of miniature FOG sensors. Both FOG-based systems inherit the most unique features of Fizoptika gyros – ultra-small lightweight design, high accuracy performance and minimal power consumption.

All models feature a fully-integrated ADC board with RS422 serial communications. The U Series is ideal for a range of unmanned systems applications, including inertial navigation for UAVs, USVs and UUVs, and drone flight control.

Specifications:

The VG220 series are our newest, and smallest-ever FOG sensors for UAVs and robotics. With high-accuracy performance and a compact and lightweight design, it measures just 33 mm in diameter and weighs only 15-20 grams.

Like all Fizoptika Malta gyroscopes, the ultra-miniature units contain fully integrated optics and electronics.

Specifications:

VG1703 Series

Ultra-compact, lightweight UAV FOG sensors

The VG1703 series of FOG sensors features excellent bias and angle random walk in an extremely compact package that is ideal for SWaP (size, weight and power)-constrained UAVs and unmanned systems. With durable aluminium or hard plastic construction, the gyros are extremely resistant to shock and vibration, and exhibit a 15-year mean time before failure (MTBF).

The high-quality single mode fiber minimises optical loss and maintains optical guiding ability even under high degrees of elastic and plastic deformation. Precision fusion-tapering and soldering processes provide highly mechanically stable and temperature-stable components, with stringent test procedures maintaining quality at all stages of manufacture.

The VG1703 Series includes three variants of analogue fiber optic gyros, offering a series of options for construction, performance and durability.

VG091 Series

Compact, rugged FOG for UAVs

The VG091 Series of miniature fiber optic gyroscopes features cylinder-shaped lightweight and rugged aluminium alloy construction that makes it an ideal solution for space- and layout-limited UAVs and unmanned vehicles.

These thumb-sized gyro sensors combine instant start-up and low power consumption, and boast a 15-year lifetime.

The VG091 Series includes four variants of fiber optic gyros:

VG191A – smallest ever differential-output FOG sensor for UAVs

The VG191A is our smallest ever cylinder-shaped fiber optic gyroscope, enclosed in a rugged aluminium alloy or μ-metal package which is only 24mm in diameter, 40mm in length and weighing just 30 grams (40 grams for shielded one).

With a 15-year lifetime and enhanced resistance to shock, vibration and temperature, the miniature FOG is ideal for demanding UAV and unmanned systems requirements. The shielded model also exhibits an ultimate magnetic immunity.

The compact, lightweight sensor delivers excellent performance with 0.015 deg/√h ARW (angle random walk) and a bias stability of 1 degree/hour.

VG191AD – compact digital FOG for UAVs

The VG191AD is a compact digital FOG sensor that uses a 24-bit ADC and powerful processor to provide precise digital output via RS422 at 8 kHz.

The digital output contains raw angular rate data and gyro parameters, and can be factory-programmed to provide real-time compensated data.

The gyro’s sensing assembly is fabricated from a single 200m length of high-quality single mode optical fiber, using a precision fusion-tapering process. State-of-the-art polarization control technology provides the gyro with excellent minimum magnetic sensitivity.

VG103S Series

Ultra-compact gyros for UAVs

The VG103S series features an ultra-compact design that provides high-levels of resistance to shock and vibration. Optional magnetic shields are available for all models.

The high-performance gyros are ideal for a range of UAV and robotics applications, including flight control and antenna and platform stabilization.

VG103S Shock Test 1200g 0.7 msec

The VG103S Series includes four variants of fiber optic gyros – there are models with analog output (VG103S and VG2103S) and digital output (VG103SD and VG103S-2LND).

VG103 Series

Lightweight fully-plastic FOG sensors

The VG103 series of FOG sensors features a rugged construction with no metal parts and excellent shock and vibration tolerance.

The cost-effective, high-performance sensors offer a choice of differential and digital outputs, and are ideal for a range of UAV applications including imaging system and antenna stabilization.

The VG103LN and VG103LND models feature low-noise performance.

Specifications:

G Series Fiber Optic Gyros

3-axis FOG sensors for UAVs and drones

The G181 and G121 are high-accuracy fiber optic gyro units that consists of three gyro sensors mounted on a solid frame, as well as a fully-integrated ADC board.

The G181 features low power consumption and is available in aluminium or μ-metal housing, while the G121 is an ultra-low-SWaP unit with low noise performance in an aluminium or hard plastic housing. Both gyros are ideal for a variety of UAV and drone applications, such as gimbal and camera stabilization.