Murata Electronics was recognized as a winner of the Best of Sensors Awards 2024 in the Industrial and Manufacturing category for its high precision SCH16T-K01 inertial sensor system. Presented jointly by Fierce Electronics and Sensors Converge, this award program celebrates the most groundbreaking achievements in the sensors industry across various categories.
The SCH16T-K01 integrates a 6-degree-of-freedom (6DoF) system, combining a three-axis gyroscope and a 3-axis accelerometer in a single package, designed to meet the growing demand for high-precision machine control and positioning solutions.
Murata has built upon its industry-proven 3D MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) technology to develop the SCH16T family, with the SCH16T-K01 being the first variant. The gyroscope component boasts an impressive bias instability of 0.5 degrees per hour (°/h) and a noise density as low as 0.0004 dps/√Hz (degrees per second per square root of Hertz). These specifications mean the SCH16T-K01 can deliver superior accuracy and enable applications that were previously thought impossible.
The accelerometer integrated into the SCH16T-K01 complements the gyroscope with a wide dynamic range of up to 25g, providing robust performance even in high-vibration environments. This feature, along with excellent linearity and offset stability across a broad temperature range from -40° C to 110° C, makes the sensor ideal for use in harsh industrial settings.
One notable capability of the SCH16T-K01 is its ability to detect the Earth's rotation. With its exceptionally low noise levels, the sensor can measure the planet's subtle 0.004 degrees per second rotation, opening up new possibilities for true north detection and precise heading determination. This feature is particularly valuable in applications where magnetic interference might compromise traditional compass-based systems.
The SCH16T-K01's advanced design includes internal cross-axis compensation, significantly reducing the need for extensive end-user calibration. This feature translates to more accurate measurements in machine control and guidance applications without the need for frequent field adjustments, saving time and resources for end-users.
Murata has also prioritized reliability and safety in the sensor design. The SCH16T-K01 incorporates extensive failsafe functions and error detection capabilities, including internal reference signal monitoring, communication verifications through checksum techniques, and signal saturation detection. The accelerometer also has a continuous operating self-test function, which verifies the entire signal chain during each measurement cycle to ensure dependable operation.
The versatility of the SCH16T-K01 makes it suitable for a wide range of industrial applications. It excels in construction and agricultural machinery, material handling equipment, and marine instrumentation. The sensor's capabilities extend to inertial measurement units (IMUs), navigation and positioning systems, machine control and guidance, dynamic inclination measurements, and robotic controls and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
Murata Electronics, a global leader in electronic modules and components, continues to innovate with high-precision sensor technologies. Founded by Akira Murata in 1944 as a personal venture, the company has become a key player in the electronics industry, offering a wide range of products, including communication modules, power supply modules, and sensor devices, serving markets worldwide.
For a complete list of the 2024 Best of Sensors Award winners and to learn about other groundbreaking sensor technologies, check out this article.