Targeting systems require maximum accuracy at all times and under all conditions. Whether hand-held or mounted on tri-pods, vehicles, or weapons, the system must perform reliably and consistently to meet the needs of today’s warfighter.
Heading and azimuth angle are vital components for accurate targeting. The complex nature of targeting systems presents significant challenges to obtaining maximum accuracy reliably, quickly, and repeatedly. Magnetic disturbances, whether produced by external sources or internal components of the system, cause errors in the output of conventional digital magnetic compasses (DMCs).
A complete system integrating MEMS inertial sensors, magnetometers, and algorithms to process and manage sensor data is required to overcome the difficulties of this complex application. All this must be accomplished in a small, lightweight package with minimum power consumption.
Key Benefits
Sparton understands the complexity, challenges, and requirements of targeting systems. Our line of sensor systems offers a complete and integrated solution that not only outputs accurate heading and platform attitude data, but much more:
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Embedded MEMS gyros allow for heading stability in the presence of transient magnetic disturbances.
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Tri-axial accelerometers and gyros also provide inertial data eliminating the need for an additional IMU.
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Our proprietary AdaptNav sensor fusion algorithm provides real-time optimization of sensor performance in varying magnetic and dynamic operating environments. In addition, it provides real-time platform “noise” characterizations used for drift compensation of heading, pitch and roll when in electrically and mechanically “noisy” environments.
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Our NorthTek embedded programming platform provides limitless output customization as well as additional processing capability that can utilized for other system processing requirements.
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Simple, fast, in-field calibration ensures rapid system availability and maximum accuracy.
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Multiple data outputs for calculation of figure of merit (FOM) for heading accuracy and quality of calibration
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Optional “strap down” precision mounting with configurable ribbon cable connection provides optimum accuracy and allows for flexibility in positioning the unit within the targeting system
All this in a package that is less than 0.8 in3, weighs 16g, and consumes only 330 mW. This is not a conventional DMC! It is a “state of the art”, integrated sub-system that provides heading, azimuth and inertial data outputs while minimizing size, weight, power and cost. NorthTek offers the ability to customize the outputs and operation of the device, as well as provide additional processing capability to optimize performance and reduce the number of system components.
