Inertial Guidance: A Complete Guide

Inertial Guidance is a navigation method that allows an object—such as a missile, aircraft, spacecraft, or even a robot—to determine its position and orientation without the need for external references like GPS, radar, or beacons. It relies on inertial sensors, such as gyroscopes and accelerometers, to measure changes in velocity and direction, which are then used to calculate the object’s position and trajectory.

What Type of FOG IMU Can Be Used for Space Applications?

Space-grade FOG IMUs require ultra-low bias drift (typically below 0.01 deg/h), exceptional precision with an angular random walk (ARW) below 0.01 deg/√h, shock tolerance up to 10,000g, and operating temperature ranges of -40°C to +70°C, with further customizations for specific needs.

Top 10 Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) Manufacturers in the World

The data in this guide comes from a combination of sources: interviews with industry experts, customer feedback, and extensive research into IMU technologies. Information was also sourced from official websites and detailed articles by industry journalists. This comprehensive approach ensures accuracy and reliability in the information provided.

How Accurate is the Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU)?

IMU accuracy depends largely on the grade of the sensor. Consumer-grade IMUs typically offer 10 to 100 degrees/hour precision, while industrial-grade IMUs improve this to 1 to 10 degrees/hour. Tactical-grade IMUs provide even better accuracy, ranging from 0.1 to 1 degree/hour, and are suited for military applications. Finally, navigational-grade IMUs offer the highest precision, with less than 0.01 degrees/hour, ideal for aerospace and defense.

What is an IMU Sensor?

An IMU sensor plays a central role in modern navigation systems by measuring an object’s acceleration, angular rate, and sometimes magnetic field to give precise movement data. It ensures stable, accurate motion tracking, making it indispensable in a wide range of high-tech applications.

Advantages and Disadvantages of the ADIS16488?

The ADIS16488 is a high-performance MEMS IMU designed for precision measurement in harsh environments. It has a bias instability of 6.25 degrees per hour for gyroscopes. While it excels in stability and ruggedness, its high cost and availability issues could be drawbacks.