VN-100 - VectorNav Technologies

Introduction

The VN-100 is a miniature, high-performance Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) and Attitude Heading Reference System (AHRS). Incorporating the latest MEMS sensor technology, the VN-100 combines 3-axis accelerometers, 3-axis gyros, 3-axis magnetometers, a barometric pressure sensor and a 32-bit processor.

Along with providing calibrated sensor measurements, the VN-100 also computes and outputs a real-time 3D orientation solution that is continuous over the complete 360 degrees of motion.

» Learn more about IMU / AHRS systems

Small Form Factor
SMD and Rugged Packages

The VN-100 is available in two different packaging options: the surface mount device (SMD) and the “Rugged” module.

VN-100 SMD

Introduced in 2009, the VN-100 was the first Attitude and Heading Reference System (AHRS) on the market to offer calibrated, high-performance, industrial grade MEMS sensors and quality sensor fusion algorithms in a single surface mount package. At the size of a postage stamp, the VN-100 SMD requires only a single 3.2-5.5V power supply, and can be directly embedded into a user’s electronics. Interface with the VN-100 SMD is made easy by using either the serial 3V TTL (UART) or the Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI).

Size: 24 x 22 x 3 mm
Power: 45 mA @ 3.3 V
Mass: 3.5 g

VN-100 Rugged

The VN-100 Rugged is the “plug and play” version of the VN-100 SMD. Enclosed in a clamshell precision anodized aluminum enclosure, the VN-100 Rugged offers additional protection of the internal MEMs sensors and electronics. The use of precision CNC milled aluminum parts ensures that the axis alignment provided by our factory calibration process is maintained during installation in its final configuration. Interfacing with the module is made through a locking 10-pin connector.

Size: 36 x 33 x 9 mm
Power: 40 mA @ 5 V
Mass: 15 g

» Review VN-100 SMD and Rugged documentation

10-Axis MEMS IMU

Utilizing the latest advancements in MEMS technology, the VN-100 incorporates an assortment of inertial sensors, including a 3-axis accelerometer, 3-axis gyroscope, 3-axis magnetometer, and a barometric pressure sensor. The VN-100 has been designed to achieve the highest performance possible by filtering out common error sources, such as sensitivity to supply voltage variations and temperature dependent hysteresis.

» Review more about inertial sensors

Standard and Thermal Calibrations

MEMS inertial sensors are subject to several common sources of error: bias, scale factor, misalignments, temperature dependencies, and gyro g-sensitivity. To ensure the highest level of accuracy, all VectorNav sensors undergo a rigorous calibration process to minimize these error sources. Compensation parameters calculated during these calibrations are stored on each individual sensor and digitally applied to the real-time measurements.

This calibration process is performed over two different temperature options: at 25°C (Standard Calibration) or over the full thermal operating range of the VN-100 (-40°C to +85°C; Thermal Calibration). This calibration option is offered for the user to select upon purchase of any VN-100 product.

Standard Calibration

Single temperature calibration at 25°C (valid ±10°C)

Thermal Calibration

Calibration over full -40°C to +85°C temperature range

» Learn more about inertial sensor calibration

Aerospace Grade Kalman Filter

VectorNav is an industry leader in the development of aerospace grade estimation algorithms for embedded applications. The VN-100 is the only sensor in its class to offer a quaternion based, drift compensated Kalman filter operating with full 32-bit floating point precision at update rates as high as 400 Hz. Unlike other commonly used algorithms, a quaternion based solution ensures reliable operation without the traditional problems associated with gimbal-lock. The high update rates ensure that the sensor reports orientation and angular rates with minimal latency, a crucial requirement for many advanced controls systems.