Fiber optic gyroscopes (FOG) measure the angular rate of an object, using a laser source that projects two light beams in opposite directions down the same length of coiled optical fiber. Under rotation, one beam will travel a further distance than the other, and when the two beams meet again this will give rise to an interference pattern, which can be used to calculate the rate of rotation.
The sensitivity and performance of a fiber optic gyro will typically depend on the diameter of the coil and the number of turns. FOGs are less expensive than ring laser gyroscopes (RLGs), but are usually more costly and provide higher performance than MEMS (micro-electromechanical system) gyros. As they contain no moving parts, they are also much less sensitive to shock and vibration than MEMS gyros.
Fiber Optic Gyroscope by KVH
FOG and IMUs for Unmanned Navigation
FOGs may be combined with accelerometers and gyroscopes to form an inertial measurement unit (IMU). Gyroscope angular rate measurements can be used to calculate the attitude (yaw, pitch and roll) of UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles), USVs (unmanned surface vessels) and other robotic platforms.
Fiber optic gyros may also be used for high-precision pointing and stabilization of antennas, gimbals and other drone subsystems, and can also provide information for inertial navigation systems (INS).
Rugged High-Speed FOG for Demanding Unmanned Applications
Rugged High-Speed FOG for Demanding Unmanned Applications
...ability 3-axis fiberopticgyroscope engineered for integration into unmanned platforms operating in... ...ineered 3-axis fiberopticgyroscope(FOG) designed to deliver uncompromising angular rate data in...
...s a ruggedized fiberopticgyroscope(FOG) designed to deliver precise angular rate measurements in... ...e VG2103S-3000 FiberOpticGyroscope is an essential solution for next-generation unmanned systems...
MostaTech will showcase its latest compact fiber optic gyroscopes and inertial measurement units at JNC 2025, highlighting its advanced, low-SWaP navigation solutions
MostaTech will introduce groundbreaking fiber optic gyros and IMUs at XPONENTIAL 2025, showcasing innovations in high-speed output, ruggedization, and ultra-compact SWaP optimization
GuideNav's inertial sensors offer plug-and-play hassle-free integration as well as excellent vibration resistance and high levels of accuracy and stability
MostaTech is launching the G321M three-axis Fiber Optic Gyroscope (FOG) at XPONENTIAL Europe, delivering enhanced performance, compact design, and magnetic immunity for SWaP-sensitive applications
Aegiverse's products feature a multi-layered architecture that combines multiple elements into a compact module, providing significant, size, weight and cost reductions
Advanced Navigation discusses the evolution of gyroscope technology, from early mechanical systems to modern fiber-optic gyroscopes, and how these advancements continue to shape navigation across industries
Join Thousands of Unmanned Systems ProfessionalsSign up free to UST Pro to get full website access, the weekly eBrief and exclusive event discounts.
Advancing Unmanned Systems Through Strategic CollaborationUST works with major OEMs to foster collaboration and increase engagement with SMEs, to accelerate innovation and drive unmanned systems capabilities forward.
Join Thousands of Unmanned Systems Professionals
Sign up free to UST Pro to get full website access, the weekly eBrief and exclusive event discounts.
