Navigating the modern world can be challenging. Inertial Sense creates tactical-grade sensors that can provide the functionality needed for a wide range of products. The IMX-5 is a sensor module that can move freely through 10 degrees of freedom (DOF) and incorporates cutting-edge technologies to produce high-accuracy navigation data.

 

 

Three Types of Inertial Solutions

The inertial measurement unit (IMU), attitude heading reference system (AHRS) and inertial navigation system (INS) are the three basic building blocks of inertial solutions. Each of these navigation devices provides information for navigation:

  • IMUs measure acceleration, magnetic fields, and angular velocity.
  • AHRS builds upon the IMU but adds a central processing unit that contains sensor fusion algorithms to provide more information on attitude, heading, roll, pitch, and yaw.
  • INS combines the functionality of IMU and AHRS sensor systems and incorporates Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). This allows the system to access timing and real-time positioning data for more accurate navigation.

 

What Is the IMX-5?

The IMX-5 by Inertial Sense is a tactical-grade IMU. It contains three triple-axis IMUs and a barometer and includes AHRS, and supports external GNSS input. This allows the module to provide INS sensor fusion and to provide data on position, pitch, heading, roll, and velocity.

 

Why Is It Called the IMX-5?

The IMX-5 incorporates the functionality of traditional IMU sensors and adds the processing capabilities of an AHRS to provide outstanding navigation for a wide range of devices. At Inertial Sense, we called it the IMX-5 to differentiate it from less functional IMUs and to highlight its revolutionary features for our clients. These 10-DOF tactical sensor modules are affordably priced and deliver outputs that include the following:

  • Linear acceleration
  • Angular rate
  • Altitude
  • Barometric pressure
  • Magnetic vector

Additionally, the onboard AHRS allows the system to estimate heading and roll/pitch accurately. These advanced features make the IMX-5 by Inertial Sense one of the most comprehensive sensor modules available In the navigation industry.

Inertial Sense manufactures the first affordable tactical-grade inertial sensor that will fit all your business needs. To learn more about the IMX-5 or any of our other products, visit us online or email us at sales@inertialsense.com. We are here to help you achieve autonomy for a world in motion.

 

Learn More:

IMX-5 Tactical Grade IMU Benefits – The Main Reason You Should Use IMX-5

IMX-5 Tactical Grade IMU Applications & Use Cases

Introducing The IMX-5, A Low-Cost, Tactical Grade IMU

 

Video Transcription

0:00 Intro
0:38 IMU Solution
0:55 AHRS Solution
1:28 INS Solution]
1:52 What is IMX-5?
2:23 IMX-5: Deeper Look

 

When a company or individual reaches out to Inertial Sense in search of an inertial solution, it is not uncommon for the individual to have little knowledge of exactly what they need. The requirements are well thought out, but with so many sensor options available, getting exactly what you need without paying for extras can be a challenge. This is why it is important to understand the three main types of inertial solutions: IMU, AHRS, and INS. 

 

0:38 IMU Solution

With each solution building on top of the last, the IMU is the core to both the AHRS and INS solutions. IMUs are used to measure acceleration, angular velocity, and magnetic fields. These are usually the least expensive of the three solutions. 

 

0:55 AHRS Solution

An AHRS contains an IMU, but in addition to it, it adds a central processing unit which embeds the sensor fusion algorithms. This allows the sensor to output a reliable attitude and heading, in addition to roll, pitch, and yaw. With the help of the sensor fusion, the drift from the gyros is compensated by vectors relative to the Earth’s gravity and the Earth’s magnetic field. An AHRS sensor is typically 50 percent more expensive than your traditional IMU.

 

1:28 INS Solution

Finally, we have the INS. The INS is a complete self-contained navigation system, which fuses the data from the IMU and AHRS to a GNSS location to give you roll, pitch, heading, velocity, and position. These solutions are typically three to five times the cost of a traditional IMU or AHRS. 

 

1:52 What is IMX-5?

A question that is frequently asked by our clients is if the industry refers to these sensors by specific names, IMU, AHRS, and INS, then what exactly is the IMX-5? 

We call our sensor the IMX-5 because it’s not your traditional IMU. It has all the outputs required by a traditional IMU but also includes the algorithms in sensor fusion for an AHRS without charging you more. 

 

2:23 IMX-5: Deeper Look

In short, the IMX-5 is a fully calibrated 10-degree-of-freedom sensor module consisting of a tactical-grade inertial measurement unit, magnetometer, and barometer. Output includes angular rate, linear acceleration, magnetic vector, and barometric pressure and altitude. The IMX-5 includes attitude heading reference system or AHRS sensor fusion to estimate roll, pitch, and heading.

Inertial Sense supplies the most cost-effective inertial solution in the industry. Imagine what your team can accomplish with cost-effective, highly accurate inertial output. The IMX-5 by Inertial Sense has the potential to take your production levels from small scale to mass production without charging you an arm and a leg in the process.