EMCORE Corporation: Pioneering Inertial Navigation Solutions
EMCORE Corporation,a prominent player in the realm of advanced mixed-signal technologies catering to the aerospace,defense,and broadband communications sectors,has been spotlighted in a recent article titled “Creating Inertial Synergy with Quartz MEMS and Fiber Optics” published in the December edition of Inside GNSS. This piece delves into how EMCORE’s dual technologies—Quartz MEMS (Micro-Electromechanical Systems) acquired from Systron Donner Inertial in 2019 and Fiber Optic Gyroscopes (FOGs)—provide integrated solutions for a diverse array of tactical and navigation-grade applications.
High-Performance Solutions with Low CSWaP
The article emphasizes EMCORE’s ability to achieve remarkable performance metrics while maintaining low CSWaP (Cost, Size, Weight, and Power). The adaptability and multifunctionality of EMCORE’s offerings cater to a wide spectrum of commercial and defense environments, including weapon systems, Attitude Heading Reference Systems (AHRS), and Unmanned aerial Vehicles (UAVs).
Advancements in Quartz MEMS Technology
According to Inside GNSS,Quartz MEMS technology serves as an ideal micromachining substrate for inertial sensors,resulting in a robust and reliable product line that outperforms conventional open-loop FOGs and ring-laser gyroscopes (RLGs) under various environmental conditions. This technology also demonstrates superior resilience against shock, vibration, and temperature fluctuations compared to competing silicon MEMS alternatives.
Innovative FOG Technology
The article further explores EMCORE’s FOG technology, highlighting the patented Integrated Optical Circuit (IOC) transceiver that facilitates unique closed-loop designs with exceptional bandwidth and accuracy. This technology is essential for applications requiring navigation-grade precision, achieving an extraordinary in-run bias of less than 0.001°/hr. EMCORE’s EN-300 precision FOG inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) exemplifies this advancement, offering performance levels up to ten times greater than the legacy IMUs it replaces.
Unique capabilities in Inertial Navigation
As noted by Inside GNSS,EMCORE stands out as one of the few companies globally capable of manufacturing both gyroscopes and accelerometers using distinct technologies. The company has recently unveiled a new QMEMS gyroscope that has the potential to achieve high-end navigation-grade in-run bias of 0.02°/hr. Additionally, EMCORE has made significant investments in enhancing its tactical accelerometer technology, now reaching low single-digit micro-g navigation-grade performance.
Exploring Hybrid Solutions
Lastly, “Creating Inertial Synergy with Quartz MEMS and Fiber Optics” discusses the potential of hybrid solutions, where the in-run performance of next-generation QMEMS Gyroscopes or Vibrating Quartz Accelerometers (VQAs) can be combined with precision FOGs. This integration aims to deliver optimal performance, cost-effectiveness, and compact size for emerging applications and markets.
David Hoyh, EMCORE’s Director of Sales & Marketing for navigation products, expressed gratitude to Inside GNSS for their thorough coverage of the synergy and value of EMCORE’s unique combination of quartz MEMS and FOG technologies. “Our innovative FOG products, paired with the established Systron Donner line of QMEMS sensors, enable us to customize solutions to meet specific customer needs,” Mr. Hoyh remarked.
For those interested,the full article can be accessed on EMCORE’s website hear.
