Murata has launched a new MEMS rate sensor (gyro) for the automotive market. The device, part number MEV-50C-R, supports accurate dead-reckoning performance for car navigation devices, but is also aimed at GPS modules, satellite antennas and other applications such as toys, including for example a radio control helicopter.
Temperature drift across the entire operating range, -40 to 85o C, is just 0.6o/s. Single-crystal silicon is used for the core MEMS vibrator, while the MEMS element is composed of silicon and pyrex glass, which have very similar temperature expansion coefficients, increasing stability.
Another key factor for rate sensors used in car navigation systems is the start-up drift. It typically takes several minutes after the system is switched on for a GPS signal to be acquired, so dead-reckoning is commonly used during this time. The MEV-50C-R exhibits start-up drift of just 0.1 o /s between 0.5s and 5 minutes after start-up.
The MEV-50C-R measures 10.0 x 6.2 x 2.9mm and weighs 0.3g (maximum).