SoC Inertial Navigation System Miniaturization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensory systems, such as inertial navigation systems, require substantial three-dimensional space and bulky packaging due to the need for multiple sensors, which limits their integration in devices where size and weight are critical, and often necessitate inefficient wiring and communication hardware.
Innovation Solution
A system-on-a-chip (SoC) inertial navigation system utilizing microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology, integrating sensors like gyroscopes, accelerometers, magnetometers, and GNSS receivers on a single plane, allowing for embedding on a printed circuit board (PCB) and reducing the three-dimensional footprint, enabling efficient integration and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional inertial navigation systems use multiple separate sensors, then measurement precision is improved, but volume of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple inertial sensors (accelerometers and gyroscopes) and processing electronics onto a single integrated circuit chip. This merging of previously separate components achieves the desired miniaturization while maintaining navigation measurement precision through on-chip sensor fusion algorithms and coordinated measurement of multiple physical quantities.
2Measurement precision
If traditional inertial navigation systems use multiple separate sensors, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple sensors and processing functions into a single chip, reducing the number of discrete components and interconnections. This merging simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining measurement precision through integrated sensor fusion processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated circuit chip performs multiple functions including sensing (accelerometers and gyroscopes), signal processing, and navigation calculation algorithms. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate dedicated components, reducing system complexity while maintaining precision.
3Volume of moving object
If sensors are integrated on a single plane, then volume is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs standard semiconductor fabrication processes to integrate multiple sensors and electronics on a single chip plane. This approach achieves miniaturization while managing manufacturing precision through established CMOS or MEMS fabrication techniques that can precisely position and interconnect multiple functional elements on-chip.
Data Source
AI summary
A system on a chip and a method for inertial navigation. The system includes a printed circuit board (PCB) on a single plane. The PCB includes a number of sensors configured to measure position, acceleration, angular rate, magnetic fields, pressure, and temperature measurements. The PCB also includes one or more processors in communications with the number of sensors configured to process the measurements to output a position, velocity, attitude, and acceleration.