Digital IMUs for industrial and advanced motion control

‘Shinkansen-grade’ technology with German expertise and service

For nearly 70 years, the international technology manufacturer Japan Aviation Electronics Industry, Ltd (JAE) has been researching, developing, manufacturing and executing diverse technology solutions for aviation, aerospace, automotive, railway, semiconductor, energy, construction engineering and other key industries. For example, the company’s sensors and components are helping to control, navigate and protect Japan’s efficient network of high-speed Shinkansen bullet trains as well as its metro transport systems carrying millions of commuters every day.

However, not only are JAE’s advanced sensor systems available to support demanding challenges in East Asia. Through ASC Sensors, customers can access JAE’s advanced IMUs and other sensor innovations right at their doorstep in central Europe, too.

For example, the JCS-7603 and JIMS-80S IMUs – each with three gyroscopes and three accelerometers to capture all six degrees of freedom (DOF), mounted in one compact unit with outputs optimized using a specially developed algorithm – feature standard digital interfaces. They come in robust, water- and dustproof housings of protection class IP67 to withstand tough conditions and climates. Designed for convenient integration in measuring ecosystems, they enable versatile use across numerous areas.

From precision farming to unmanned vehicles

The JIMS-80S is a cost-effective, compact, lightweight, MEMS-based (micro electro-mechanical system) IMU. The measurement range of the inbuilt accelerometers is ±8 g, while the gyroscopes feature ±300 °/s. Supported via RS-232 standard or CAN digital interface, it provides precise real-time measurements of angular rate, acceleration and attitude angle. Developed for diverse industry applications, the JIMS-80S is frequently leveraged in agricultural precision farming, industrial plants, robotics, commercial and utility vehicle orientation and navigation as well as for stabilizing platforms, cameras or antennas.

JAE’s advanced JCS-7603 is a tactical grade performance IMU utilizing industry-leading MEMS gyroscopes and accelerometers. It supports the most demanding scenarios including complex automotive test and certification settings, commercial aviation motion control and sensing, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs). The JCS-7603 provides accurate angular rate up to ±400 °/s, acceleration up to ±10 g, attitude (pitch, roll, yaw), heading, velocity and – combined with optional GPS information – position. Configuration and operation are supported via standard RS-232 or RS-422 digital interface. The IMU features a gyroscopic bias stability of <0.1 °/h and an angular random walk of <0.02 °/√h, while the integrated accelerometers achieve a bias stability of 15 µg. An optional embedded GPS receiver is available on request.

Rapid availability and project execution

JAE’s inertial measurement units may be delivered to EU member states without need for complex export licenses. In central Europe, they are available through ASC Sensors and come paired with the German specialist’s proverbial technical expertise and dedication to customer service. This typically means fast availability, installation or resale; smooth configuration, service and calibration; but also, more flexibility to leverage these IMUs for international collaborations and customers.

Using ITAR[1]-free components, JAE IMUs avoid the rigorous U.S. and other comprehensive export licensing processes that often require time-consuming form and data submission, extensive documentation, meticulous process adherence and, ultimately, high-level federal approvals. As in those circumstances, the desired product might not arrive in time for your project start, or not at all.

“For anyone in need of high-performance digital IMUs – whether a single sensor for a research pilot or a comprehensive overall position control and navigation solution – I have exciting news,” says Renate Bay, General Manager of ASC Sensors: “You can combine world-leading technology and quality with smooth, fast availability, at very competitive cost.”

[1] The International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) is the United States’ regulation controlling the production, sale and distribution of defined defense and space-related articles and services.