Date: 12/05/2010

MEMS gyroscope from ADI deliver high performance at low power

Analog Devices (ADI) has developed the high-performance, low-power ADXRS450 iMEMS gyroscope with digital output specifically for angular rate (rotational) sensing in harsh environments. It is a new application for MEMS (micro-electro-mechanical systems) which is evolving into industries but is typically found in motion sensors designed for consumer applications. This is a fourth-generation device by ADI, which features a differential quad-sensor design that rejects the influence of linear application thus enabling it to operate under shock and vibration conditions. It is said to operate at low current consumptions of 6mA and offer robust performance. This MEMS gyroscope is effective for diverse applications, such as robotics, industrial instrumentation, avionics, and platform stabilization for high-speed trains.

"Our customers rely on the Analog Devices iMEMS brand for the high performance and reliability they receive from our motion sensing products that combine innovative MEMS sensor design with ADI's leading analog signal conditioning circuitry for the optimum sensing solution," said Mark Martin, vice president, MEMS and Sensors Technology Group, Analog Devices. "The ADXRS450 iMEMS gyroscope is a complete angular rate gyroscope in a single package and is the first device in a new class of high performance MEMS gyros from ADI that feature an innovative differential quad-sensor design."

Mr. Martin added, "MEMS gyroscopes have long been the most difficult MEMS device to design and manufacture, particularly at the high-performance and low power consumption levels required in many emerging industrial automation and instrument applications. When compared to other high-performance MEMS gyros available, our new iMEMS gyros consume only one tenth the power of competing products and provide greater stability and vibration immunity."

This MEMS gyroscope has sensitivity to linear acceleration specified at 0.03 °/sec/g, acceleration rectification of 0.003 °/sec/g2 and a noise-rate density specification of 0.020°/sec/vHz under typical conditions. It is capable of operating across a wide voltage range (3.3 V to 5 V) and temperature range (-40°C to 105°C). Its other features include internal temperature compensation over an extended industrial temperature range and an optional ceramic vertical-mount package that uniquely enables three-axis sensing on a single PCB without daughterboards. Its angular rate data is presented as a 16-bit word, as part of a 32-bit serial peripheral interface (SPI) message. It is available in a cavity plastic SOIC-16 and an SMT-compatible vertical mount package

Package: small 16-lead plastic SOIC, SMT-compatible ceramic vertical- mount

Price: For the two above mentioned packages it costs US$43.16 per unit and US$57.07 per unit, respectively, in 1,000-unit quantities

Availability: December 2010

For more information visit: www.analog.com/pr/ADXRS450.