A great majority of accelerometers used in navigation and positioning systems, including high-temperature accelerometers in wellbore survey instruments, are derived from an off-patent design originated in the 60s by Sundstrand data control. However, that design is not suited for volume production, and its communication interface and performance parameters were not designed for today’s applications.
On the gyroscope side, still looking at gyros survey systems in the oil field industry, the technology has also not changed much over the past 30 years, with most of the systems still using analogue components and mechanical gyroscopes (dynamically tuned or tuned rotor gyroscope, named DTG) that can be compromised by shocks, vibrations, and exposure to high temperature.
Our inertial sensors, both accelerometers and gyroscopes, are primarily digital systems, and the design and manufacturing processes implemented are derived from those used in the MEMS industry to achieve low production costs, robustness to shock, and vibration plus survivability to extreme temperatures.
Our high-temperature commercial accelerometers design belongs to a group called Pendulous Servo Accelerometers. We use a wafer based process for etching a silicon or a silica proof mass which primary function is to sense accelerations. Overall, sub-milli-g accuracy and ultra low-noise are achieved in a miniature form factor.
Our gyroscopes design is part of the vast group of Coriolis vibratory gyroscopes which includes today many form factors delivering Navigation to Industrial performance. Our design is a very unique MEMS solution offering sub-one-degree-per-hour precision at a very competitive price.