Measuring angular velocity in harsh environments

Paul Boughton

Measurement Specialties is offering the Model 620 angular rate sensor that accurately measures angular velocity in test and measurement applications. 

The compact, MEMS-based angular rate gyro is designed for harsh applications where accurate angular velocity measurements are required in high shock environments.

Widely used in high impact automotive safety testing environments such as crash test, pedestrian impact and rollover testing, the new angular rate sensor is also suited for additional testing and OEM applications such as munitions testing, motorsports and biomechanics testing.

Model 620 is a uniaxial angular rate gyro offered in dynamic ranges from ±500°/s to ±50,000°/s

The lightweight Model 620 is a uniaxial angular rate gyro offered in dynamic ranges from ±500°/s to ±50,000°/s and weighs only 3 grammes. The unit features an environmentally-sealed, shock resistant aluminum package that can withstand up to 10,000gs with a low cross-axis sensitivity of less than 1%. 

All active elements and electronics in the unit are hermetically sealed and designed for optimum performance over the full operating temperature range of -40°C to 105°C.

The Model 620 features a differential zero acceleration output of ±100 mV and an excitation voltage of 7 VDC to 16 VDC with a 5 VDC option available. 

Technical specifications include:

* Silicon MEMS sensing elements;

* Shock resistance package;

* Low cross-axis sensitivity of less than 1%;

* Dynamic ranges from ±500°/s to ±50,000°/s;

* 7 to 16 VDC excitation with a 5 VDC option;

* Wide operating temperature range of -40°C to 105°C.