MostaTech stands at the forefront of innovation in the development adn production of fiber optic gyroscopes (FOGs) and FOG-based inertial measurement units (IMUs) tailored for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), drones, and robotic systems. Our precision inertial sensors deliver exceptional motion and orientation measurements within robust, lightweight designs. UAV applications encompass flight control, navigation systems, and image stabilization through gimbals. MostaTech’s fiber optic gyroscopes and IMUs are ideally suited for autonomous aerial, robotic, and agricultural systems. Utilizing 40-micron polarization-maintaining (PM) fibers, our UAV gyros are crafted using advanced spliceless technology, allowing the entire fiber optic assembly to be produced from a single fiber length. This seamless construction minimizes optical loss.Our meticulous fusion-tapering and soldering techniques ensure mechanical and thermal stability, with rigorous testing protocols ensuring quality throughout the manufacturing process. The advantages of our compact FOGs for UAV and unmanned systems include:
- Precision assembly that provides immunity to electromagnetic interference, negating the need for heavy shielding
- Resistance to bias from vibrations and gravitational forces
- Absence of dead zones or hysteresis
- immediate response capabilities
- No cross-axis sensitivity errors.
Moreover, all MostaTech inertial sensors are cost-effective and ITAR-compliant solutions.
FOG-Based Inertial Measurement Units
low-SWaP FOG IMUs for Drones and Robotics
The U Series comprises a selection of miniature FOG-based inertial measurement units (IMUs) designed with a compact form factor and exceptionally low power requirements. These low-SWaP units integrate three of our smallest fiber optic gyroscopes alongside three MEMS accelerometers, delivering outstanding performance in a compact design. Each model includes a fully integrated ADC board with RS422 serial communication. The U Series is perfect for various unmanned systems applications, including inertial navigation for UAVs, USVs, and UUVs, and also drone flight control.View specifications >VG220 Series
Ultra-compact UAV FOG Sensors
The VG220 series represents our latest and smallest FOG sensors designed for UAVs and robotics. With exceptional accuracy and a compact design measuring just 33 mm in diameter and weighing between 15-20 grams, these ultra-miniature units incorporate fully integrated optics and electronics. View specifications >VG1703 series
Compact and Lightweight UAV FOG Sensors
VG091 Series
Thumb-Sized FOGs for UAVs
The VG091 Series features miniature fiber optic gyroscopes with a cylindrical, lightweight, and rugged aluminum alloy construction, making them ideal for UAVs and unmanned vehicles with limited space. These thumb-sized gyros offer instant start-up and low power consumption, boasting a lifespan of 15 years. The VG091 Series includes four variants of fiber optic gyros with both analog and digital outputs.View specifications >
VG191A – The Smallest Differential-Output FOG Sensor for UAVs
The VG191A is our smallest cylindrical fiber optic gyroscope, encased in a robust aluminum alloy or μ-metal housing, measuring just 24mm in diameter and 40mm in length, weighing only 30 grams (40 grams for the shielded version). With a lifespan of 15 years and enhanced resistance to shock, vibration, and temperature, this miniature FOG is perfect for demanding UAV and unmanned systems applications. The shielded model also offers superior magnetic immunity. This compact sensor delivers outstanding performance with an angle random walk (ARW) of 0.015 deg/√h and a bias stability of 1 degree/hour.
VG191AD – Compact Digital FOG for UAVs
The VG191AD is a compact digital FOG sensor that utilizes a 24-bit ADC and a powerful processor to deliver precise digital output via RS422 at 8 kHz. This digital output includes raw angular rate data and gyro parameters, and can be factory-programmed for real-time compensated data. The gyro’s sensing assembly is crafted from a single 200m length of high-quality single-mode optical fiber, employing a precision fusion-tapering technique. Advanced polarization control technology ensures minimal magnetic sensitivity.
VG103S Series
Ultra-Compact Gyros for UAVs
The VG103S series features an ultra-compact design that offers exceptional resistance to shock and vibration. Optional magnetic shielding is available for all cylindrical models. These high-performance gyros are perfect for various UAV and robotics applications, including flight control and stabilization of antennas and platforms.
G Series Fiber Optic Gyros
3-Axis FOG Sensors for UAVs and drones
The G181 and G121 are high-precision fiber optic gyro units that consist of three gyroscopic sensors mounted on a sturdy frame,along with a fully integrated ADC board. The G181 triple-axis fiber optic gyro is known for its low noise performance and is available in aluminum or μ-metal housing, while the G121 is an ultra-low-SWaP unit housed in aluminum (with optional internal shielding).The new G321 offers an even smaller form factor and high-speed data output. these gyroscopes are ideal for a wide range of UAV and drone applications, including gimbal and camera stabilization.View specifications >
Technical Specifications
| U183/U183M | U121D | U123D/U123DM | |
| Dimensions (mm) | dia46 x 111 / dia46 x 106 | 63 x 56 x 40 | dia40 x 90 |
| Weight (grams) | 200/250 | 195 | 150/200 |
| Power Consumption (W) | 2 | 1.5 | 1.5 |
| Gyroscope Input Range (°/s) | 300 | 400 | 400 |
| Gyroscope Bias RMS (°/h) | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Gyroscope ARW (°/√h) | 0.03 | 0.05 | 0.05 |
| Magnetic Response (°/h/Gauss) | 3 / 0.01 | 0.3 | 0.3 / 0.01 |
| Accelerometer Range (g) | 10 | 10 | 10 |
| Accelerometer Bias Stability (mg) | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.2 |
| Accelerometer Bandwidth (Hz) | 250 | 250 | 250 |
| Data Rate (kHz) | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Baud Rate (kBd) | 921.6 | 921.6 | 921.6 |
| Vibration Resistance (g, RMS) | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Shock Resistance (g) | 350 | 350 | 350 |
| Operating Temperature (°C) | -40 – +70 | -40 – +70 | -40 – +70 |
| Housing Material | Aluminium alloy / μ-metal | Aluminium alloy | Aluminium alloy / μ-metal |
| VG221 | VG221MS | VG221LN | VG221LN-MS | |
| Dimensions (diameter x height mm) | 33 x 12 | 33 x 12 | 33 x 12 | 33 x 12 |
| Weight (grams) | 15 | 25 | 15 | 25 |
| power Consumption (W) | 0.3 | 0.3 | 0.5 | 0.5 |
| Input Range (°/s) | 400 | 400 | 400 | 400 |
| Bias RMS (°/h) | 3 | 1 | 3 | 1 |
| ARW (°/√h) | 0.05 | 0.05 | 0.025 | 0.025 |
| Bandwidth (kHz) | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Magnetic Response (°/h/Gauss) | 4 | 0.1 | 4 | 0.1 |
| Vibration Resistance (g,RMS) | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
| Shock Resistance (g) | Up to 1200 | Up to 1200 | 750 | 750 |
| Operating Temperature (°C) | -40 to +70 | -40 to +70 | -40 to +70 | -40 to +70 |
| MTBF (hours) | 150,000 | 150,000 | 70,000 | 70,000 |
| Housing Material | Aluminium alloy | μ-metal | Aluminium alloy | μ-metal |
| VG1703 | VG1703S-MS | VG1703SPE | |
| Dimensions (diameter x height mm) | 40 x 19 | 40 x 12 | 40 x 12 |
| Weight (grams) | 35 | 33 | 18 |
| Power Consumption (W) | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.25 |
| Input Range (°/s) | 130 | 300 | 300 |
| Bias RMS (°/h) | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| ARW (°/√h) | 0.008 | 0.01 | 0.025 |
| Bandwidth (kHz) | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Magnetic Response (°/h/Gauss) | 3 | 0.1 | 3 |
| Vibration Resistance (g, RMS) | 30 | 12 | 12 |
| Shock Resistance (g) | 1200 | 350 | 350 |
| Operating Temperature (°C) | -40 to +70 | -40 to +70 | -40 to +70 |
| MTBF (years) | 15 | 15 | 30 |
| Housing Material | Aluminium | μ-metal | Aluminium & plastic |
| VG091A / VG091A-MS | VG091A-4LN | VG191A / VG191A-MS | VG191AD / VG191AD-MS | |
| Dimensions (diameter x height mm) | 24 x 52 | 24 x 52 | 24 x 40 | 24 x 48 |
| Weight (grams) | 30 / 50 | 50 | 30 / 40 | 30 / 45 |
| power Consumption (W) | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.5 |
| Input Range (°/s) | 300 | 60 | 250 | 300 |
| Bias RMS (°/h) | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| ARW (°/√h) | 0.04 | 0.01 | 0.015 | 0.012 |
| Bandwidth (kHz) | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0.6 |
| Data Rate (kHz) | – | – | – | 8 |
| Baud Rate (kBd) | – | – | – | 921.6 |
| Magnetic Response (°/h/Gauss) | 3 / 0.1 | 0.03 | 4 / 0.1 | 3 / 0.05 |
| Vibration Resistance (g, RMS) | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 |
| Shock Resistance (g) | 750 | 350 | 750 | 750 |
| Operating Temperatures (°C) | -40 to +70 | -40 to +70 | -40 to +70 | -40 to +70 |
| MTBF (years) | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 |
| Housing Material | Al alloy / μ-metal | μ-metal | Al alloy / μ-metal | Al alloy / μ-metal |
| VG103S | VG103SD | VG103S-2LND | VG2103S | |
| Dimensions (diameter x height mm) | 55 x 17 | 55 x 17 | 55 x 17 | 60 x 60 x 17 |
| weight (grams) | 40 | 40 | 40 | 80 |
| power Consumption (W) | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.5 |
| Input Range (°/s) | 350 | 400 | 200 | 350 |
| Bias RMS (°/h) | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| ARW (°/√h) | 0.008 | 0.01 | 0.025 | 0.025 |
| bandwidth (kHz) | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Magnetic Response (°/h/Gauss) | 3 | 0.1 | 3 | 0.1 |
| Vibration Resistance (g,RMS) | 30 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
| Shock Resistance (g) | 1200 | 350 | 350 | 350 |
| Operating Temperature (°C) | -40 to +70 | -40 to +70 | -40 to +70 | -40 to +70 |
| MTBF (years) | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 |
| housing Material | Aluminium | μ-metal | Aluminium & plastic | Aluminium |
Specifications of the G Series 3-Axis Fiber Optic gyros
overview of G Series Gyros
the G Series of 3-axis fiber optic gyroscopes offers advanced specifications tailored for precision applications. Below is a detailed comparison of the models available, highlighting their unique features and capabilities.
Model Comparison Table
| Feature | G181 / G181M | G121 / G121M | G321M |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions (mm) | 46 x 106 | 52 x 58 x 37 | 53 x 53 x 36 |
| Weight (grams) | 160 / 200 | 125 / 145 | 145 |
| Power Consumption (W) | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Input Range (°/s) | 300 | 400 | 400 |
| Bias RMS (°/h) | 1 | 3 / 1 | 1 |
| Angular Random Walk (ARW) (°/√h) | 0.015 | 0.025 | 0.025 |
| Bandwidth (kHz) | 0.7 | 0.7 | 1 |
| Magnetic Response (°/h/Gauss) | 3 / <0.2 | 3 / 0.3 | 0.3 |
| Data Rate (kHz) | 4.8 | 4.8 | 8 |
| Baud Rate (kBd) | 921.6 | 921.6 | 921.6 |
| Shock Resistance (g) | 12 | 6 | 6 |
| Vibration (g, RMS) | 750 / 350 | 350 | 350 |
| Operating Temperature (°C) | -40 to +70 | -40 to +70 | -40 to +70 |
| Housing Material | Aluminum alloy / μ-metal | Aluminum alloy | Aluminum alloy |
Key Features Explained
Dimensions and Weight
The G Series gyros are designed with compact dimensions, making them suitable for various applications where space is a constraint. The G181 model, for instance, measures 46 x 106 mm and weighs between 160 to 200 grams, while the G121 model is slightly smaller and lighter.
Power Efficiency
all models in the G Series operate efficiently with a power requirement of just 2 watts, ensuring minimal energy consumption without compromising performance.
input Range and Bias Stability
The input range varies across models, with the G121 and G321M supporting up to 400 °/s, which is ideal for high-speed applications. The bias stability is also noteworthy, with the G181 offering a low bias RMS of 1 °/h, ensuring high precision.
Performance Metrics
The ARW values indicate the gyros’ sensitivity to noise,with the G181 providing the best performance at 0.015 °/√h. The bandwidth of 0.7 kHz for the G121 and G321M ensures that these gyros can effectively capture rapid changes in motion.
Environmental Resilience
Designed to withstand harsh conditions, all models can operate in temperatures ranging from -40 to +70 °C.The shock resistance ratings further enhance their durability, making them suitable for demanding environments.
Housing and Build Quality
The G Series gyros are constructed from robust materials, with the G181 featuring a combination of aluminum alloy and μ-metal for enhanced protection against electromagnetic interference.
Conclusion
The G Series 3-axis fiber optic gyros stand out for their precision, durability, and efficiency. With a range of models tailored to different needs, they are an excellent choice for applications requiring reliable motion sensing and navigation. Whether for aerospace, automotive, or industrial uses, these gyros deliver exceptional performance in a compact form factor.
