Inertial Sensors

Colibri has been strongly active in this field since 1985.

Maxima/Bosch accelerometer Our extensive hands-on experience comes from both micro-gyro concepts developed and patented in-house, and from participating in several industrial and EU projects addressing accelerometers, gyros and inertial measurement units (IMUs). Unfortunately, details about these activities cannot be disclosed here as the work is covered by strict Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs).

The general industrial experience that a project starts first when entering the commercialization phase is very applicable to these micro-components. In fact, the small magnitude of the amplitudes to be detected makes performance essentially determined by how well potential error sources are handled, and not by the two obvious parameters noise and scale factor. One need to consider many multiphysics domains to understand how to reach the performance potential and in implementing this in a successful development. Thus, an in-depth experience of this sensor type is essential if the right performance and design parameters are to be addressed quickly and correctly.

Colibri's gyro sensor element Your projects: We offer our extensive experience to external, industrial-oriented inertial sensor projects, including gyro projects. In addition to participate in your development activities, we can help you with feasibility studies, failure analysis, troubleshooting, evaluation of existing components and systems, etc.

In-house projects: Colibri has developed and patented a micromachined gyro based on a quartz tuning fork (technical info). The project was initially targeting military high-g applications. The very robust device, design to cost and need, is well suited also for applications requiring large quantities of high performance micro-gyros. Non-exclusive licenses have been granted to the German automotive industry and to the military industry as our business focus is not on in-house production. In early 2007 the patents were sold and Colibri now focuses our know-how entierly on helping other companies.

Temic's gyro
Photo: Courtesy of Temic, Germany

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