MEMS-Based Inertial Navigation Systems for Unmanned Systems - IMU/AHRS, GNSS/INS

VectorNav is a leading innovator in high performance embedded navigation systems using the latest miniature solid-state MEMS inertial sensor and GPS/GNSS technology.

With a strong background in Aerospace Engineering and experience in the development and testing of spacecraft, launch vehicles, and micro-aerial vehicles, VectorNav brings high performance Aerospace filtering and calibration techniques into the world of low-cost industrial grade MEMS sensors, expanding the possibilities of today’s MEMS sensor technology.

AHRS/IMU for Ground Based Robotics

Ground based robotic vehicles operate in a wide range of environments where magnetic interference often makes heading determination difficult. The VN-100 range utilizes proprietary adaptive filtering and disturbance rejection algorithms which provide more accurate and stable heading measurements when magnetic interference is present. Vibration from nearby electric motors can be eliminated utilizing the on-board adaptive filtering capabilities provided by the Vector Processing Engine algorithm.

GPS/INS for UAV Control & Navigation

The VN-200 provides exceptional performance for autonomous control of unmanned aerial platforms. With an update rate of 200 Hz, high bandwidth, low-latency position and attitude measurements can be directly connected to the necessary control loops. The VN-200 calibration procedures ensure a high accuracy pitch and roll solution relative to the horizon while the on-board barometric pressure sensors provide autonomous aircraft with greater ability to precisely hold altitude.

AHRS/IMU for Unmanned Underwater Vehicles UUV

The VN-100 range is well suited for underwater vehicle applications where precise heading, pitch and roll measurements are required. The sensor is capable of operation in any orientation and is not hostage to problems associated with gimbal lock. VN-100 is the only Attitude Heading Reference Sensor in its class to offer on-board hard & soft iron calibration capabilities This allows the sensor to compensate for magnetic distortion from nearby electric motors and batteries while in the field.

GPS/INS for Camera Stabilization & Pointing

The high pointing accuracy and low latency of the VN-200 makes it well suited for airborne camera stabilization applications. Utilizing the GPS and pressure sensor measurements together with the inertial sensor measurements, the onboard INS algorithm estimates absolute heading to better than 1 degree in yaw, pitch and roll in dynamic environments.

The VN-200 provides robust performance in high vibration environments and meets the demanding SWaP requirements of UAV payloads.

GPS/INS for Aerial Mapping and Accurate Georeferencing

Our Industrial Series of GPS-Aided Inertial Navigation Systems provide low latency attitude data within 0.1° accuracy for pitch and roll in dynamic conditions, making them ideal for UAV-based aerial mapping and georeferencing applications.

GPS/INS for Marine Antenna Stabilization

Maritime VSAT satellite communications require stabilized antennas that remain pointed at the satellite in order to ensure continuous data transmittal. Regulations require that pointing accuracies remain better than 0.5 degrees to maintain active transmission. This requirement demands highly accurate, precise and low latency attitude and angular rate measurements.

The dynamic motion common to rough sea conditions makes this a difficult task for most industrial grade MEMS-based inertial navigation systems. The VN-200 GPS assisted inertial navigation algorithm is capable of compensating for dynamic acceleration induced from the motion of the vessel while maintaining accurate orientation measurements. With a full filter state update rate of 200 Hz, the VN-200 provides extremely low latency attitude and angular rate measurements, critical for closed-loop control.