Epson Announces Two New Inertial Measurement Units for Industry

The new 6-DOF IMUs, which have gyroscopic sensors on three axes and accelerometers on three directions, also have built-in support for two widely used industrial interfaces: the CAN protocol in the case of the M-G550-PC and the RS-422 in the case of the M-G550-PR. Packaged in metal enclosures equipped with IP67-level water and dust protection, the IMUs are capable of withstanding harsh, demanding environments. Samples of the products will be available from May 2013. Volume production is slated to begin in July 2013.

Epson's current IMU, the M-G350-PD11 (S4E5A0A0), has earned high marks from customers for its small size, light weight, and outstanding accuracy and stability. The new M-G550-PC and M-G550-PR sacrifice none of this performance while also providing CAN and RS-422 support and strong water and dust protection.

The new IMUs are simple to install and connect in vehicles, marine vessels, and a variety of other industrial products and systems, where they will accurately and easily measure data, control movement, or conduct inspections even under harsh indoor or factory environments.

The M-G550-PR, whose RS-422 interface offers high noise immunity, can also be used to measure motion and perform control or inspection at remote locations (such as on the opposite end of a 200-meter cable).

“Earlier this year, Epson announced the formation of a new sensing systems business with a mission of making high-precision sensors to create new value that improves people's lives,” said Yoshiyuki Moriyama, chief operating officer of Epson’s Sensing Systems Operations Division. “I believe that these IMUs, which will provide Epson's customers with new value and give their products and services a competitive edge, are a strong first step toward achieving that mission.”

Main applications

-Motion and vibration measurement in ships, automobiles, and other large machinery
-Vibration sensing and control of camera, antenna and other stabilization systems
-Attitude sensing and control of manned and unmanned systems (e.g., unmanned aircraft, probe vehicles, ground vehicles, surface boats, and submarines)
-Vibration measurement and control of industrial equipment