AIRCRAFT POSITIONING
EMCORE (QMEMS) gyroscopes are superior to
silicon-based MEMS and are much more
stable and accurate.
Aircraft Positioning
Inertial gyroscopes are fundamental to aircraft navigation and flight control systems, and provide critical information about an orientation and rotational motion. Their primary function is to measure angular rate and attitude — roll, pitch, and yaw — which are essential for maintaining stable flight control under all flying conditions.
Inertial gyroscopes are commonly integrated into Attitude and Heading Reference Systems (AHRS), Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs), and Inertial Navigation Systems (INS). These systems supply real-time orientation data to cockpit displays, flight control computers, and autopilots. Accurate gyroscopic data allows pilots and automated systems to maintain stable flight, execute precise maneuvers, and safely operate during takeoff, cruise, and landing.
EMCORE QMEMS SDG-500, QRS-11, SDG-1400 series, and SDD-3000 inertial gyroscopes provide independent device control in commercial transport installations where superior bias stability and repeatability are essential, and where high-performance characteristics must be experienced in aircraft vibration environments, inertial/GPS navigational systems. Solid-state and hermetically sealed, these sensors assure long life without degradation. Because of their ultra-compact size, they are ideally suited for restricted-space packaging with system components. EMCORE SDI-300-X77 IMU, based on our SDI-500 QMEMS IMU, has been qualified by the FAA for Boeing’s 777X Integrated Flight Control Electronics (IFCE) Fly-By-Wire (FBW) system and four units will be supplied for every 777X manufactured.
Advancements in gyroscope technology — such as FOGs and QMEMS gyroscopes — have further improved performance, reliability, and integration. These modern inertial gyroscopes offer high accuracy, low drift, reduced maintenance, and long operating life. Overall, inertial gyroscopes are indispensable to aviation and form the backbone of modern avionics to ensure reliable aircraft operation in routine and demanding flight environments.
EMCORE Benefits Critical to Customer Requirements:
- Superior Bias Stability
- Consistent Repeatability
- High Reliability, Long Life
- Excellent Vibration Performance
- Miniature, Solid-State Packaging
- Low Noise, High Bandwidth