Sharing historical data on tactical-grade MEMS-based IMUs delivered to global customers for almost a decade

Abstract

Sensonor has since 2009 produced tactical-grade MEMS-based IMUs and gyro-modules. During this time, approximately 20,000 parts, containing 60,000 MEMS gyros, have been shipped. Prior to this, Sensonor has been the supplier of high-reliable MEMS sensors, including gyros, to demanding safety applications in the automotive industry for more than 20 years. This paper will focus on the MEMS gyros and present data on key-parameters such as Bias, Angular Random Walk, In-Run Bias Stability, Scale-factor, Non-Linearity and Axis-Misalignment. Distributions and trend-plots, based on thousands of tactical-grade gyros, will be presented to provide information on what to expect in terms of variation from a MEMS-based gyro. This data is extracted from Sensonor's vast production database containing data from every IMU and gyro-module manufactured. Further, data related to long-term drift from e.g. HTOL (High Temperature Operating Life) and data measured on parts over a longer period of time, such as “golden devices” used to verify stability of production test-processes, will be presented. Finally, some key lessons learned from the long period as a MEMS supplier to the automotive industry will be shared. This includes topics like high-reliability and continuous improvements.