MEMS Inertial Technology for Aerospace Applications

The aerospace industry has guidance, navigation, and control needs which make use of a number of inertial technology systems. MEMS based solutions can offer several advantages over conventional technologies and are being developed for a wide range of applications. This paper will review the broad inertial applications that exist for the aerospace industry, identify some of the current non-MEMS technologies used to meet those needs, and then discuss what advantages MEMS based solutions can provide. This will be followed by a high level explanation of the general operating principles of a MEMS gyroscope, as well as identification of key performance metrics and error terms that are used for sensor evaluation. Finally, there will be a discussion of some basic design considerations, a review of the current state of the art for performance, and future goals and directions for inertial MEMS technologies. NOTICE: High performance inertial technology is subject to restrictions imposed by the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITARS), and Export Administration Regulations (EAR). The use of these technologies, or information pertaining to these technologies, may be restricted from foreign nationals of the United States.