What is an AHRS?
An attitude and heading reference system fuses data from accelerometers, gyroscopes, and magnetometers to compute real-time roll, pitch, and heading. Unlike a standalone IMU, which outputs raw inertial measurements that require external processing, an AHRS runs onboard sensor fusion algorithms that deliver orientation data directly, ready for use by flight controllers, stabilization systems, and autonomous platforms.
VectorNav's AHRS is built on the same individually calibrated, temperature-compensated IMU trusted across 120,000 deployed navigation systems, paired with onboard hard and soft iron compensation algorithms refined over nearly two decades. The result is stable, reliable orientation without the recurring manual calibration that other AHRS solutions demand.
WHY VECTORNAV
ACCURATE ATTITUDE & HEADING FOR GUIDANCE, STABILIZATION, AND CONTROL
VectorNav AHRS solutions deliver accurate roll, pitch, and yaw across land, air, and sea applications. With tightly calibrated inertial and magnetic sensors combined through advanced sensor fusion, they provide stable attitude and heading data for guidance, stabilization, and control.
REAL-TIME HARD & SOFT IRON COMPENSATION
With two decades of development and refinement, VectorNav’s real-time hard and soft iron calibration algorithms continuously model and correct magnetic distortions caused by nearby metal structures and electrical systems. This integrated approach delivers stable heading performance in vehicles, vessels, and airframes where magnetic interference is unavoidable — without the need for recurring manual recalibration.
VELOCITY AIDING FOR DRIFT-FREE ATTITUDE
During sustained accelerations, such as banked turns or rapid maneuvers, a standard AHRS can mistake motion for gravity, causing pitch and roll errors. VectorNav’s velocity aiding incorporates real-time external speed inputs to account for centripetal acceleration and preserve accurate attitude without relying on zero-acceleration assumptions.
READ THE TECHNICAL NOTE
SUPPORT FROM DAY ONE
VectorNav’s applications engineering team provides integration guidance from initial evaluation through field deployment. With units shipping in under one week for Industrial and comprehensive documentation available from day one, the path from purchase to operational capability is fast and fully supported.
