High–g (20,000g+) testing of an existing tactical grade gyro design

Since 2009, more than 35,000 of Sensonor’s STIM gyro modules and IMUs have been shipped to customers across many applications in defense and commercial markets. The STIM gyro modules and IMUs are based on a proven gyro design that originally came from the automotive safety segment.There is a growing interest for using the same technology in high-g applications, mostly driven by artillery shells and artillery launched guided ammunitions, often referred to as smart munitions. A common requirement for this is 20,000g survival of the MEMS structure as well as measurement capability up to 10,000°/s. Additionally, the European defense industry has raised concerns regarding the lack of an all-European solution available in the market. Similar concerns have also been voiced by the European Defence Agency (EDA).In order to investigate whether Sensonor’s current gyro could be a candidate for these applications, finite-element modeling (FEM) has been performed with static load of 20,000g. Further, static high-g testing has been performed at 20,000, 25,000 and 30,000g exposing the gyro to high-g forces in all 6 directions. Finally, shock-tests up to 21,300g have been performed, again in all 6 directions. In total 168 gyro dies have been used in the various tests. This paper summarizes the analysis and tests performed and concludes that Sensonor’s gyro indeed is a candidate for high-g applications.