Designed to deliver high performance for challenging stabilization and navigation applications, this affordable and dependable tactical-grade inertial system provides a non-ITAR solution optimized for both manned and unmanned platforms. At the heart of the system is exclusive Photonic Integrated Chip (PIC) technology, which fundamentally transforms fiber-optic gyroscope (FOG) design to achieve superior performance, survivability, and cost efficiency in harsh operating environments.

PIC technology replaces traditional open-loop FOG architectures that rely on numerous high-touch optical components with a single, precision-manufactured silicon photonic chip. This integration significantly improves robustness, repeatability, and environmental resilience while reducing size, complexity, and production cost. The result is a more efficient and durable FOG solution capable of maintaining high accuracy and stability under shock, vibration, and wide temperature extremes.

The inertial measurement unit integrates three state-of-the-art photonic FOGs with three high-grade, low-noise inertial accelerometers, including a 16 g inertial-grade accelerometer. This configuration delivers FOG-class angular performance combined with accelerometer accuracy typically associated with higher-end systems, yet at a cost point comparable to MEMS-based alternatives. High bandwidth and low noise characteristics make the IMU particularly well suited for precision stabilization, navigation, and control applications.

Flexibility and ease of integration are central to the design. The IMU offers user-configurable baud rates to optimize communication latency, as well as user-selectable message outputs from both the photonic FOGs and integrated accelerometers. Its compact form factor supports straightforward installation and enables drop-in replacement for many existing IMUs without significant system redesign.

With its combination of affordability, high performance, and rugged survivability, this PIC-enabled inertial system provides the high-quality data required for autonomous navigation, precision pointing and stabilization, and mobile mapping systems. By leveraging advanced photonic integration, it delivers tactical-grade capability while keeping overall system costs under control.

• Exceptional precision – bias instability ≤0.05°/hr, 1σ
• Flexible, user-friendly programmable data output rates from 1-1000 Hz
• Compact and lightweight for great SWaP
• Three tactical-grade photonic FOGs
• Rugged design for extreme environments, with excellent shock and vibration performance
• High scale factor accuracy and bandwidth

Photonic Integrated Chip Technology

EMCORE’s photonic integrated chip (PIC) technology reimagines FOG technology by replacing individual fiber components with an innovative integrated planar optic chip. This results in a FOG with PIC Inside™ that’s reliable and robust. With three of these integrated photonic gyros at its core, the TAC-450-320 IMU provides the safe, accurate performance autonomous platforms demand.

State-of-the-art Electronics
EMCORE’s Dual Core DSP electronics with ARM processor require less power for extended product life and offer higher speed with integrated multi-channel processing. Low-loss optical circuits use less light for greater efficiency.

Autonomous and unmanned commercial and defense platforms
Antenna and camera system stabilization
GNSS-aiding inertial navigation
Targeting and pointing systems
Mobile mapping and surveying
Guidance and positioning

Feature Options

 Developer’s Kit for Rapid Integration
The FOG/IMU Developer’s Kit includes easy-to-use software that accelerates your IMU and FOG integration, development, and interface efforts.

Your Choice of Inertial-grade Accelerometers
The TAC-450-320 IMU is available with 10g or 16g high-end inertial-grade MEMS accelerometers to enhance your application’s performance further.

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