Inertial Sensors
Physics-Based Inertial Sensor Solutions
Safran’s Inertial Sensors measure rapid movement for all types of vehicles and platforms. Safran manufactures both inertial sensors that capture raw motion data with accelerometers and gyroscopes to more complex solutions such as inertial measurement units that can be embedded into larger systems. Safran’s technologies provide exceptional accuracy, stability, and reliability across Defense, Aerospace, Industrial, and Commercial sectors.
What is an Inertial Sensor?
A MEMS inertial sensor is a miniature device that can measure movement and orientation using internal sensors. It combines accelerometers that detect linear acceleration with gyroscopes that measure rotation, while inertial measurement units integrate both technologies to provide a complete picture of motion. In aviation, for example, this could be tracking aircraft pitch, roll, or yaw. In consumer electronics, inertial sensors support camera stabilization, navigation, gaming, robotics, and wearable devices. These measurements allow systems to estimate position, speed, and direction even when satellite signals are unavailable or unreliable. By combining complementary sensing methods, inertial measurement units deliver more robust and accurate motion information than either accelerometers or gyroscopes alone, supporting autonomous vehicles, drones, industrial automation, surveying, marine navigation, and advanced safety applications worldwide today. Because accelerometers, gyroscopes, and inertial measurement units can measure motion continuously in real time while remaining compact and energy efficient, they can be used across a wide variety of industries.
Trusted Inertial Sensor Technology Across Critical Industries
Aerospace & Defense
- Used in inertial navigation systems (INS), the raw inertial sensors provide movement data when GPS is unavailable. They are essential for aircraft, missiles, and satellites operating in high-dynamic environments.
Autonomous & Automotive Systems
- Inertial sensors help vehicles understand rotation and orientation, enabling features like electronic stability control, dead reckoning, and autonomous navigation.
Marine Navigation
- In maritime environments, inertial sensors provide stable heading and motion sensing for ships and submarines, even in rough sea conditions.
Industrial & Robotics
- Robots and industrial platforms rely on inertial measurement units for balance, motion tracking, and precision control in automated systems.
Use Cases For Inertial Sensors
Platform Stabilization
Inertial sensors such as accelerometers and IMUs detect and correct unwanted motion, keeping platforms stable and level in drones, cameras, and vehicles operating in dynamic environments.
Pointing Systems
Accelerometers and gyroscopes together enable precise orientation and alignment, ensuring antennas, sensors, and weapons remain accurately pointed despite movement or external disturbances.
Smart Munitions
Inertial measurement units provide real-time orientation data, guiding munitions with high precision toward targets, even in GPS-denied or highly dynamic operational environments.
3D Mapping
Inertial sensors provide accurate motion tracking and orientation, enabling mapping systems to capture precise spatial data for terrain modeling, infrastructure analysis, and geospatial surveying.
Railway
Inertial sensors monitor train movement, acceleration, and orientation, supporting safety systems, track geometry measurement, and reliable navigation where GPS signals are unavailable.
INS
Inertial sensors combine accelerometers and gyroscopes to track position, velocity, and orientation, enabling reliable navigation without GPS in aerospace, defense, and autonomous systems.
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Key Features & Performance Specifications
Safran offers a broad portfolio of MEMS inertial sensors, ranging from standalone accelerometers and gyroscopes to fully integrated inertial measurement units. Built for operation in changing climates and harsh conditions, these solutions deliver precise motion measurements, dependable performance, and the accurate navigation data required by demanding applications.
Available capabilities include configurable multi-axis sensing, integrated accelerometer and gyroscope technology, standard RS422 connectivity, rugged construction, and stable performance over time. Representative values for acceleration range, input rate, scale factor accuracy, bias stability, and angle random walk are summarized below.
| Parameter | Units | STIM210 | STIM277H |
|---|---|---|---|
| Input Rate (max) | °/s | ± 400 | ± 400 |
| Scale factor accuracy | ppm | 500 | 500 |
| Bias error over temperature | °/h | ≤ 9 | ≤ 9 |
| Bias Instability (Allan Variance @25°C) | °/h | ≤ 0.3 | ≤ 0.3 |
| Angle Random Walk (ARW) | °/√h | 0.15 | 0.15 |
| Package | Standard | Hermetic |
Best Inertial Sensor Products That Meet Performance Demands
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Iconyx
- HRG Crystal™ Technology
- Compact & Lightweight
- High Reliability in Aerospace, Defense, and Industrial use
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MEMS Capacitive Accelerometer MS1000L
- MEMS Capacitive Accelerometer
- Excellent Bias Repeatability
- Reliable In Harsh Environment
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STIM202 MEMS Gyroscope
- Ultra-High Performance MEMS Gyroscope
- 3 Independent Axes of Motion
- Direct Mounting On Firing Defense Applications
Industry
Inertial Sensors For Defense Applications
Safran’s MEMS inertial sensors deliver precise motion and navigation data in mission critical defense environments. These sensors integrate rugged accelerometers, gyroscopes, or complete inertial measurement units, benefiting from more than 60 years of Safran Electronics & Defense expertise in inertial systems. The Quapason series is well suited for defense, aerospace, industrial, and commercial applications, offering outstanding noise performance, excellent bias stability, proven environmental robustness, and reliable operation under demanding conditions.
Explore Each Product Line Depending On Your Requirements
Safran’s inertial sensors are advanced rotational measurement sensors engineered for high-precision motion detection in mission-critical environments. Designed to deliver accurate angular velocity data with exceptional stability and low noise, these gyroscopes ensure reliable performance for navigation, stabilization, and guidance systems. Serving customers in Defense, Aerospace, Industrial, and Commercial sectors, Safran provides compact, rugged, and cost-effective angular rate sensor solutions that meet the most demanding performance requirements.
