Many navigation systems today rely on the use of Kalman filters. The Kalman filter is an algorithm that uses a series of measurements over time, even those containing “noise” and other errors, and produces estimates that tend be more accurate than those based on a single measurement. The Kalman filter was developed back in the […]
RoHS Compliant Compasses Sparton RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) compliant digital compasses are fully compatible with systems that require high-reliability standards due to extreme-environment operating conditions. The materials and chemicals used in the design, assembly, and manufacture of Sparton digital compasses do not exceed the thresholds set forth in the RoHS Directive 2002/95/EC for Lead, […]
There is so much terminology when talking about navigation products that it can be confusing. What is an Attitude Heading Reference System (AHRS) and how does it differ from an Inertial Navigation Systems (INS)? Some products have GPS integrated and others don’t. Welcome to Compass Terminology 101. Let’s go over the basics of these terms […]
Problem Military targeting systems require maximum accuracy at all times and under all conditions. These systems can be hand-held or mounted on various vehicles or weapons, but they all must perform reliably and consistently in order to meet the needs of the warfighter. Heading and elevation are critical factors in accurate targeting systems. The complex […]
Summary: Conventional digital magnetic compasses require a complex and cumbersome “in-field” calibration process. This calibration, commonly referred to as the “Kabuki Dance”, is not embraced by most users including the military and is often performed improperly, incompletely, or sometimes not at all. This results in diminished sensor performance and poor overall accuracy, in targeting and […]
Sparton Corporation was recently selected by another major government contractor to be the inertial system supplier for their navigation system. During the selection process, the contractor performed extensive testing of multiple MEMS-based (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) AHRS (Attitude Heading Reference Systems). The Sparton AHRS-8 system achieved the design win, having distinguished itself from the competition by demonstrating […]
An Inertial Measurement Unit, commonly known as an IMU, is an electronic device that measures and reports orientation, velocity, and gravitational forces through the use of accelerometers and gyroscopes and often magnetometers. IMUs are a main component of the inertial navigation systems used in aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and other unmanned systems, as well […]
The World Magnetic Model (or WMM) is a large spatial-scale representation of the earth’s magnetic field that impacts the accuracy of compasses, especially Digital Magnetic Compasses (DMCs) – a type of inertial sensor. The WMM is the standard model used for navigation. The model is used by the US Department of Defense, the UK Ministry […]
An Attitude Heading and Reference System, better known as an AHRS, is a 3-axis sensor system that provides real-time 3D attitude position – pitch, roll, and heading. The primary function then of an AHRS is to provide orientation data. AHRS are designed to replace traditional gyro-based instruments and to provide superior reliability and accuracy. Some […]
Improved In-Field Calibration, Superior Performance! Sparton Navigation and Exploration has released new firmware for its industry-leading inertial systems. These firmware upgrades (Version 4.2.10) improve the in-field calibration for Sparton’s AHRS-8, GEDC-6E, and DC-4E. The updated firmware will provide users with the following features: Improved 3D in-field calibration for enhanced accuracy Created a new in-field calibration […]
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