Silicon Sensing develops inertial measurement systems for the space market

Two all-silicon inertial measurement systems, developed to meet the specific demands of the small satellite and launch vehicle markets, will be exhibited at Space Tech Expo, 2019 by Silicon Sensing Systems Ltd.

The new RMU30 combines below one-watt power consumption with performance that is comparable to much larger and higher consumption fibre optic-based gyro systems. This is a small, lightweight, 3 axis micro electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) device incorporating three Silicon Sensing high performing sensor heads manufactured at the company’s foundry in Japan.

Darioosh Naderi, Business Development Manager at Silicon Sensing explains: “This new gyro-package is the outcome of an extensive dialogue with our existing customers in the space sector and, as a result, we are confident it answers a growing requirement in the small satellite market – and indeed across all satellite technology. In the RMU30 we have stripped out all technology that is not relevant to the space environment to deliver a motion sensing unit that is small and ultra-low power with precision inertial sensing performance that we can tailor to specific satellite requirements.”

The company will also showcase its new IMU20 high-end, industrial grade MEMS IMU that can withstand extremely high shock environments and has a dynamic range that makes it ideal for use on satellite launch vehicles. This device combines three of the company’s gyros with Silicon Sensing’s own highest performing MEMS capacitive accelerometers.

Naderi continues: “The IMU20 is a bespoke device focused on the needs of the launch vehicle market but is based on technology that is thoroughly proven in the highest impact and vibration environments, where performance is critical.”

Developmental RMU30 and IMU20 units will be on display on the company’s stand at Space Tech Expo 2019, with pre-production samples being delivered to prospective customers later this year.