Frequency readout gyroscope

US9869553B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• The Regents of the University of California · US

Inventors

• Bernhard Boser · Berkeley, US
• Mitchell Kline · Alameda, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 10, 2015
• Grant date: Jan 16, 2018
• Expiry date: Jan 28, 2036

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01D5/243
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A frequency readout gyroscope is provided, having 2 or 3 axes, in which the frequency of the carrier associated with the oscillation of the proof mass changes while the amplitude stays constant. The invention departs from conventional gyroscopes which rely on measuring transducer sense axis displacement (amplitude modulation) to determine angular input rate. The invention utilizes what could be termed a form of frequency modulation, such as evaluating frequency phase difference between the axes of modulation. Examples include gyroscopes having either a quadrature or Lissajous FM mode of operation, in which angle random walk contribution from the electronics is reduced by approximately two orders of magnitude.