Embedded gyroscopes

Housingless Angular Rate Sensors – Compact Gyroscope Sensors for OEM Integration

Housingless angular rate sensors are specifically designed for direct integration into customer-specific systems and applications. Unlike fully enclosed sensors, these gyroscope sensors are supplied as open assemblies or sensor modules, offering maximum flexibility for integration into custom electronics or housing concepts. They precisely measure the angular velocity and rotational movement of an object and are particularly used in OEM applications where space, weight, and customization are critical.

Gyroscope sensors are used to measure rotational speed (°/s) without requiring a fixed reference point. This distinguishes gyroscopes from other rotational sensors such as rotary encoders or rotational potentiometers.

Typical application areas include industrial automation, robotics, medical technology, automotive engineering, and aerospace applications where compact and high-performance sensor systems are required.

How Housingless Angular Rate Sensors Work

Housingless angular rate sensors are typically based on modern MEMS gyroscope technology or other high-precision measurement principles such as the Coriolis effect. Inside the sensor, a micromechanical structure is set into vibration. When a rotational movement occurs, the Coriolis force acts on this structure, causing a change in its vibration behavior. This change is detected electronically and converted into a signal proportional to the angular velocity.

Since these sensors are delivered without a protective housing, they are designed for direct integration onto printed circuit boards or into custom enclosures. This enables highly space-saving and flexible system design.

In addition to embedded gyroscopes, we also offer:

• Standard gyroscope sensors: MEMS-based gyros with 1, 2, 3, or 6 axes for industrial and OEM applications, offering accuracy and cost efficiency. Measurement range: 100°/s and 200°/s.
• High-precision gyroscope sensors: Gyroscopes with 1, 2, or 3 axes for use in aviation, rail, and automotive industries, featuring excellent stability and low noise. Measurement range: 25°/s to 900°/s.
• Inertial systems: IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) platforms with three accelerometers and three gyroscope sensors for navigation applications. Measurement range: ±75°/s to ±900°/s.

Typical Applications

Housingless angular rate sensors are primarily used in applications where direct integration into existing systems is required:

• OEM developments and custom sensor solutions
• Robotics and autonomous systems
• Medical technology and portable devices
• Automotive engineering and mobile systems
• Aerospace
• Platform stabilization and attitude control
• Industrial automation and control systems
• Research and development

Advantages of Housingless Angular Rate Sensors

• Maximum integration flexibility
  Ideal for OEM applications and custom system solutions.
• Compact design and low weight
  Perfect for applications with limited installation space.
• Direct integration into electronic systems
  Suitable for mounting on PCBs or integration into custom housings.
• High measurement accuracy and dynamic performance
  Reliable detection of rotational movements across various applications.
• Cost-efficient system integration
  Reduces component count and allows adaptation to specific requirements.
• High reliability
  Proven sensor technology for long-term stable and precise measurements.
• Resistant to vibration and shock
  Suitable for demanding applications in dynamic environments.
• Suitable for wide temperature ranges
  Reliable operation even under extreme temperature conditions.

How to Choose the Right Housingless Angular Rate Sensor

Selecting a suitable housingless angular rate sensor requires careful consideration of the application, as these sensors are directly integrated into custom systems. In addition to standard sensor parameters, integration and environmental factors play a crucial role.

• Measurement range and dynamics
  The sensor must be designed for the expected angular velocities. Applications with fast rotations require larger measurement ranges, while precision applications with small movements benefit from higher resolution and low-noise sensors.
• Accuracy, drift, and bias stability
  Low drift is essential for reliable measurements. Especially in continuous measurements or control systems, bias stability directly affects system performance and long-term accuracy.
• Noise performance and signal quality
  Low noise levels are important to accurately detect even small rotational movements. This is particularly relevant for stabilization systems and precise motion analysis.
• Mechanical integration
  Since there is no housing, the sensor must be optimally integrated into the mechanical design. Mounting, protection against external influences, and correct alignment of the measurement axes are critical for measurement quality.
• Electrical integration and interfaces
  Sensor selection also depends on the existing electronics. Key factors include supply voltage, signal types (analog/digital), and interfaces such as SPI, UART, or custom solutions.
• Protection and environmental conditions
  Without its own housing, the sensor is more sensitive to environmental influences. Therefore, protective measures against moisture, dust, temperature stress, and mechanical impact must be considered in the system design.
• Temperature behavior and compensation
  For applications with varying temperatures, a sensor with good temperature stability or integrated compensation is essential to minimize measurement deviations.
• Calibration and system alignment
  Since the sensor is part of a larger system, calibration plays a central role. System-level calibration can significantly improve measurement accuracy.

The experts at Althen Sensors & Controls support you not only in selecting the right sensor but also in integration, calibration, and optimization of your complete system. Feel free to contact us!