The 3-Space Sensor™ Embedded is an ultra-miniature, high-precision, high-reliability, low-cost SMT Attitude and Heading Reference System (AHRS) / Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) which uses triaxial gyroscope, accelerometer, and compass sensors in conjunction with advanced processing and on-board quaternion-based Kalman filtering algorithms to determine orientation relative to an absolute reference in realtime.

Orientation can be returned in absolute terms or relative to a designated reference orientation. The proprietary multi-reference vector mode increases accuracy and greatly reduces and compensates for sensor error. The 3-Space Sensor Embedded system also utilizes a dynamic sensor confidence algorithm that ensures optimal accuracy and precision across a wide range of operating conditions.

The 3-Space Sensor Embedded module features are accessible via a well-documented open communication protocol that allows access to all available sensor data and configuration parameters. Versatile commands allow access to raw sensor data, normalized sensor data, and filtered absolute and relative orientation outputs in multiple formats including: quaternion, Euler angles (pitch/roll/yaw), rotation matrix, axis angle, two vector (forward/up).

The 3-Space Sensor Embedded module also offers a range of communication interface options which include SPI, USB 2.0, and asynchronous serial.

Areas of Application

• Robotics
• Motion capture
• Positioning and stabilization
• Personnel/pedestrian navigation and tracking
• Unmanned air/land/water vehicle navigation
• Education and performing arts
• Healthcare monitoring
• Gaming and motion control
• Accessibility interfaces
• Virtual reality and immersive simulation

Hardware Overview

Key Features

The 3-Space Sensor Embedded has many features that allow it to be a flexible all-in-one solution for your orientation sensing needs. Below are some of the key features:

• Smallest and lightest high-performance AHRS available at 23mm x 23mm x 2mm and only 1.3 grams
• Fast sensor update and filter rate allow use in real-time applications, including stabilization, virtual reality, realtime immersive simulation, and robotics
• Highly customizable orientation sensing with options such as tunable filtering, oversampling, and orientation error correction
• Advanced integrated Kalman filtering allows sensor to automatically reduce the effects of sensor noise and sensor error
• Robust open protocol allows commands to be sent in human readable form, or more quickly in machine readable form
• Orientation output format available in absolute or relative terms in multiple formats ( quaternion, rotation matrix, axis angle, two-vector )
• Absolute or custom reference axes
• Access to raw sensor data
• Flexible communication options: SPI, USB 2.0, or asynchronous serial
• USB communication via virtual COM port
• When used as a USB device, USB joystick/mouse emulation modes ease integration with existing applications
• Castellated SMT edge pads provide secure SMT mounting and allow optional through-hole mounting
• Upgradeable firmware
• RGB status LED
• Programmable interrupt capability
• Development kit available

Specifications

General

Sensor