TDK Corporation extends the SmartIndustrial™ line of robust and accurate motion sensors with the new robust and accurate motion sensors. In particular, TDK announces the InvenSense IIM-46234 and IIM-46230 new high-performance fault-tolerant inertial measurement units (IMU). These devices are targeted at navigation applications that require accurate, stable, and best-in-class bias instability at an affordable price.

High Level of Calibration

In particular, IIM-46234 and IIM-46230 are modules that include multiple 6-axis sensors. Each of the modules can measure three dimensions of linear acceleration and three dimensions of rotational rate. The calibration of these devices over the full temperature range (-40 to 85°C) guarantees best performance not typical in standard IMUs, which often have deteriorating performance as temperatures increase or decrease. Also, it provides stable measurements across all temperatures to minimize errors in position and angle for navigation applications. Additionally, the modules include a microcontroller that provides multiple options for communication and sensor fusion.

Suits High-End Navigation

As these products offer precise measurements, even in harsh environments with high vibrations and wide temperature variations, this product family is well-suited for a variety of navigation applications. Among them include high-end real-time kinematic positioning (RTK) and GNSS/INS units, precision agriculture, construction machinery, and industrial robots. Also, it applies to industrial autonomous vehicle or drone that requires best-in-class dead reckoning performance in case of GPS signal loss.

“These types of high-end IMU modules have been cost-prohibitive in the past. We now provide a solution that combines performance and affordability for customers developing navigation systems for drones, industrial autonomous vehicles, and navigation units,” said Camilo Delgado, Director of Product Marketing & Industrial Motion Sensor Business.

Fault Tolerance Feature

Moreover, the new product family also integrates TDK’s unique SensorFT™ feature for fault tolerance. It combines the multi-IMU hardware design with TDK’s proprietary fault detection and recovery software, to deliver built-in redundancy and early warning capabilities. More importantly, a system that includes IIM-4623X sensors could provide customers with advanced warnings, enabling preventative maintenance to avoid operational disruption.

The IIM-46234 and IIM-46230 products are available at most global distribution partners.

TDK demonstrates the product at its main booth #B3.560 at Electronica in Munich, Germany.