MEMS device has embedded algorithm for superior sensing

The ADIS16480 incorporates an extended Kalman filter (EKF) which combines the IMU's motion sensor inputs to deliver precise positioning data under demanding environmental conditions. This is targeted at systems that require real time positioning amid complex movement, such as military and commercial navigation, unmanned vehicles and industrial robotics. "When determining exact position or orientation, industrial and defence electronics systems are dependent not only on the accuracy of individual sensors, but on the sophistication of accurately and dynamically combining multiple inputs," said Bob Scannell, iSensor business development manager at Analog Devices. "The ADIS16480 MEMS IMU's embedded, extended Kalman filter helps the system discern which sensors to 'trust' based on contextual awareness." The company claims that embedding the filter in the processor's core saves designers the time and cost associated with intensive code development, testing and external processing required by other MEMS IMUs.