Gyroscope Sensors
Precisely capture rate of turn without a fixed point of reference
Gyroscopes and Angular Rate Sensors
Gyroscope sensors are used whenever rate of turn sensing is required without a fixed point of reference. Our gyroscope sensors are equipped with the latest silicon MEMS sensor technology and provide either analogue or digital output. Their measurement ranges lie between 25°/s and 24,000°/s.
Our angular rate sensors are suitable for high performance applications that require precise measurements. They provide reliable measurement data – even under severe impacts and vibrations. This allows our gyro sensors to be used in stabilization platforms and autonomous vehicles, as well as in aviation, maritime, and industrial applications.
We are happy to help you select the most suitable gyroscope sensor or measurement solution. Fill in our contact form or contact us directly: you can find the phone numbers and e-mail addresses of your nearest location on our locations page.
Product Overview Gyroscope Sensors
Find the perfect gyroscope sensor for your application. We’d be happy to help you choose.
Measurement of angular rate without a fixed point of reference
Gyroscopes are an essential component of stabilization systems for platforms and flight devices such as drones, robots, etc. Our rate of turn sensors (MEMS gyroscopes) are used whenever you want to measure angular rate (°/s) without a fixed point of reference. That sets gyroscopes apart from instruments for tactile rotation measurements, such as tachometers or potentiometers. Thanks to modern silicon MEMS sensor technology, Althen gyroscopes can measure angular rate even in rough surroundings and at high temperatures.
The Althen portfolio includes:
- Standard angular rate sensors: for industrial and OEM applications, cost efficient and compact
- Precision turn rate sensors: for aviation and racing applications, with excellent stability and low noise
- Turn rate sensors without housings: for direct system integration, compact, rugged, and cost effective
- Inertial sensors: Measurement platforms (IMU) with three acceleration sensors and three turn rate sensors for navigation and other demanding applications
Properties & Advantages of Gyroscope Sensors
- Highest precision of measuring results
- High reliability
- Resistance against vibration and shock
- Suitable for rough environments
- Wide temperature range
- Small, compact form factor
- Low energy consumption
- Cost efficient
Possible Applications for Gyroscope Sensors
- Automotive industry (navigation, accident detection, airbags, etc.)
- Aerospace
- Shipbuilding
- Process industry & automation
- Robotics and AGVs
- Military applications
Our Gyroscope Sensors in Use
Would you like to get to know our products in practice? Take a look at these interesting projects from our customers:
How our angular rate sensors work
These sensors (also called gyroscopes) are based on the Coriolis effect. They register rotation using a phenomenon called the Coriolis force. Our turn rate sensors contain a vibration or resonance ring, which is made in a DRIE (Deep Reactive Ion Etch) bulk silicon process. The ring is suspended by eight pairs of symmetrical spokes that are shaped like dog paws. The bulk silicon etching process and our unique, patented ring design allow specific geometrical properties within tight tolerances, which ensures precise balance and thermal stability.
How do they differ from other MEMS gyroscopes?
Unlike other MEMS gyroscopes, our angular rate sensors do not have narrow gaps that can lead to issues with interference and stiction. This makes them perform better: Their bias and scale factors are more stable – even across a wide temperature range. They are also more resistant against vibration and shock. Another advantage of this design is that the sensors are inherently resistant against rate errors caused by acceleration or ‘g-sensitivity’.