Synchronous Error Correction for Vibratory Rate Gyroscope
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotational rate sensors with vibrating resonators face challenges in minimizing errors due to mechanical transducer misalignment, requiring time-consuming and expensive mechanical adjustments, and lack adaptability for wide-ranging applications and microelectronic integration.
Innovation Solution
A synchronous electronic correction circuit for a dual-axis vibratory rotational-rate sensor using a hybrid analog/digital design with phased synthesized correction signals to correct errors before digitization, synchronized with the sensed vibration for precise phase references.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mechanical trimming and adjustment are used to correct transducer misalignment errors, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical trimming and adjustment operations with an electronic correction system. The system uses sensor outputs from the vibrating element to generate correction signals that are applied to the drive coil, electronically compensating for misalignment errors without requiring physical modification or manual adjustment of the mechanical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The correction system automatically compensates for transducer misalignment errors using the sensor's own output signals. The system extracts error information from the sensor outputs, generates appropriate correction signals, and applies them back to the drive coil, enabling the system to self-correct without external intervention or manual adjustment.
2Measurement precision
If mechanical trimming and adjustment are used to correct transducer misalignment errors, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical trimming and adjustment operations with an electronic correction system. The system uses sensor outputs from the vibrating element to generate correction signals that are applied to the drive coil, electronically compensating for misalignment errors without requiring physical modification or manual adjustment of the mechanical components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If two tuning forks are used to detect motion about two different rotational axes, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes a single tuning fork perform multiple functions by detecting motion about two different rotational axes simultaneously. The vibrating element is configured with sense coils oriented to detect motion in two orthogonal directions, allowing one element to replace what would traditionally require two separate elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functionality of two separate tuning forks into a single vibrating element. The single element is driven by a drive coil and has sense coils arranged to detect motion about two different rotational axes, merging the sensing capabilities of multiple elements into one unified structure.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach provides automatic error correction, reduces production costs, enhances adaptability, and ensures uniform output across sensors, addressing misalignment issues and improving integration with microelectronics.
Implementation Method 1
measure rotational rates directly by sensing forces generated by the vibrating elements in response to rotation of the sensor
Implementation Method 2
These elements are driven on resonance and the motion of the elements in response to rotation is measured
Data Source
AI summary
A synchronous signal processing circuit for a dual-axis vibratory rotation-rate sensor uses a hybrid analog/digital design to provide correction for parasitic quadrature errors by the addition of synthesized correction signals in the analog domain prior to digitization. Error correction, signal demodulation and data conversions are synchronized with a signal phase-locked to the measured motion of the vibratory mass. Similarly, cross-axis error correction signals are synthesized directly from the cross axis signals. Use of these precise phase references provides for various benefits in signal noise and error matching (tracking) over wide operation conditions.