Analog Devices’ High-Performance, Low-Power MEMS Gyroscope Enables Applications in Harsh Industrial Environments

NORWOOD, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--New applications for MEMS (micro-electro-mechanical systems) motion sensors are evolving in the industrial automation, medical, and instrumentation markets where much higher performance is required than is typically found in motion sensors designed for consumer applications. To address this growing demand for more accuracy, stability, and high vibration and shock resistance, Analog Devices, Inc (NYSE: ADI) has developed the high-performance, low-power ADXRS450 iMEMS^® gyroscope with digital output specifically for angular rate (rotational) sensing in harsh environments. Leveraging ADI’s previous three generations of industry-leading MEMS gyroscopes, this fourth-generation device features an advanced, differential quad-sensor design that enables it to operate accurately under intense shock and vibration conditions. No other MEMS gyroscope is able to perform at this level under these conditions. With robust performance and operating on low power of only 6 milliamps, this MEMS gyroscope is effective for diverse applications, such as robotics, industrial instrumentation, avionics, and platform stabilization for high speed trains.

“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.”

“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.”

The new quad-sensor design rejects the influence of linear acceleration, enabling the ADXRS450 to operate in exceedingly harsh environments where shock and vibration are present and can cause measurement errors in less capable gyros. The ADXRS450 is the most stable, vibration-immune MEMS gyro available, with sensitivity to linear acceleration specified at only 0.03 °/sec/g, acceleration rectification of only 0.003 °/sec/g², a noise-rate density specification of 0.020°/sec/√Hz, and power consumption of only 6 milliamps under typical conditions. 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.

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.”

More about the ADXRS450 iMEMS Gyroscope

The ADXRS450 high-performance angular rate gyroscope is capable of sensing angular rates up to ±300°/sec. Angular rate data is presented as a 16-bit word, as part of a 32-bit serial peripheral interface (SPI) message. The ADXRS450 is available in a cavity plastic SOIC-16 and an SMT-compatible vertical mount package and is capable of operating across both a wide voltage range (3.3 V to 5 V) and temperature range (-40°C to 105°C). To download the data sheet, visit www.analog.com/pr/ADXRS450ds.

Key Features and Benefits

SMT-compatible vertical mount package lowers costs as all axes are sensed on the same PCB board.
High vibration rejection over a wide frequency range allows for stable readings in harsh environments.
Internal temperature compensation enables greater stability over extended industrial temp range.
2,000-g powered shock survivability delivers greater reliability.
Low power consumption addresses lower power budget demands of portable instruments.
-40° C to +105° C operation is suitable for most industrial and other harsh environments.

Product Availability

The high-performance ADXRS450 iMEMS gyroscope is sampling today with volume production scheduled for December 2010. The ADXRS450 comes in a small 16-lead plastic SOIC package and an SMT-compatible ceramic vertical- mount package; each is priced at $43.16 per unit and $57.07 per unit, respectively, in 1,000-unit quantities. For more information, visit www.analog.com/pr/ADXRS450.

About Analog Devices

Innovation, performance, and excellence are the cultural pillars on which Analog Devices has built one of the longest standing, highest growth companies within the technology sector. Acknowledged industry-wide as the world leader in data conversion and signal conditioning technology, Analog Devices serves over 60,000 customers, representing virtually all types of electronic equipment. Celebrating over 40 years as a leading global manufacturer of high-performance integrated circuits used in analog and digital signal processing applications, Analog Devices is headquartered in Norwood, Massachusetts, with design and manufacturing facilities throughout the world. Analog Devices' common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker “ADI” and is included in the S&P 500 Index. http://www.analog.com

iMEMS is a registered trademark of Analog Devices, Inc.

Subscribe to ADI’s News Feed.

Follow ADI on: http://www.twitter.com/ADI_News.

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=6284506&lang=en