Sensors Expo 2018: INS Module Includes GNSS Receiver Input

Xsens expands their MTi product portfolio by introducing the MTi-7, a miniature Inertial Navigation System (INS) module which uses input from an external Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver to provide an accurate, real-time position, velocity and orientation data stream.

 

The MTi-7 module, which has a compact 12 mm x 12 mm footprint and weighs less than 1 gram, consumes under 100 mW, making it ideal for use in space- and power-constrained devices such as drones and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), as well as autonomous or remote-controlled mapping and imaging equipment.

 Operating at output data rates up to 800 Hz, the MTi-7 achieves very low latency of 2 ms, allowing for real-time operation of dynamic functions such as flight control and camera stabilization. The module also offers a position and velocity output, suitable for the navigation of autonomous ground vehicles in sectors such as smart farming and robotics.

 

The high performance of the MTi-7 is due to the advanced sensor fusion algorithms developed by Xsens to synchronize the inputs from the module’s on-board accelerometer, gyroscope and magnetometer with the signals from an external GNSS receiver or barometer. The raw sensor signals are combined and processed at high speed in the MTi-7 module to produce a real-time data stream showing the device’s horizontal and vertical position, velocity, roll, pitch and yaw. This user-friendly data stream may be supplied to a host processor via a standard I2C, SPI or UART interface.

 

Engineering samples of the module are available for shipment now. Unit pricing of the MTi-7 module is $109 in an order quantity of 5,000 units. The MTi-7 Development Kit, priced at $499, may be ordered online from shop.xsens.com immediately.