Inertial and magnetic sensor products

SP-6 electronic, solid state compass solution for aircraft

SP-6 magnetometer/electronic compass with advanced in-flight calibration algorithms for correction of hard and soft iron magnetic errors caused by ferro-magnetic materials in the aircraft. 

Using a newly developed, unique method the SP-6 is able to cancel out the effects of magnetically active parts and materials on board the aircraft without any form of external aiding. Very high levels of heading accuracy can be achieved even in very compromised mounting locations where the combined effects of field distortion levels exceed the strength of the Earth’s own magnetic field.

The SP-6 dramatically simplifies electronic compass installation and eliminates the need for ground based compass swings and calibrations.

The new advanced algorithms have been introduced in production models from July15th 2013 onwards. Previous SP-6 models can be updated to the new firmware by the user or MGL representative using a freely available Windows based application.

The SP-6 contains a three axis magnetic field sensor (magnetoresistive type) and a 3 axis accelerometer (MEMS). The system uses a ARM Cortex M3 32 bit processor.

If a SP-7 AHRS is used on the same communications link, tilt compensation can be performed using gyro based attitude data.This compensation is performed in the display device (EFIS). If the SP-6 is used without external AHRS, tilt compensation is performed using the internal accelerometer.

User and installation manual for new SP-6 firmware. This PDF document describes how to update older SP-6 units to the new firmware, how to perform the in-flight calibration procedure and gives details on how the in-flight calibration mechanism works.

User installable firmware update: Updates older SP-6 devices with in-flight calibration firmware. Requires Windows PC (XP or later and a RS232 serial port. A suitable cable needs to be constructed to connect the SP-6 to the PC.

SP-6 Windows based interface program. Using the SP-6 RS232 link and updated firmware, allows the SP-6 to be checked and calibrated (trail run, the final calibration must be performed installed in the aircraft). This application also allows calibration of the internal accelerometer which is used for tilt compensation for systems that do not have an AHRS. 

SP-7 solid state AHRS

The SP-7 contains a MEMS based three axis gyroscopic device (strapdown gyroscope) and a three axis accelerometer. Using advanced software algorithms it uses the measurement data from these sensors together with other information as may be available via the interfaces to provide a best estimate AHRS solution.

The SP-7 typically provides bank and pitch angle, rate of turn as well as gravitational forces or acceleration to the host system.

Using a newly developed dynamic aiding algorithm the SP-7 is able to provide outstanding resilience to performance degrading effects caused by vibration and airframe shocks while avoiding negative affects of traditional aided systems.

The SP-7 AHRS provides measurement of angular rates up to 250 degrees per second on any axis and measures G-forces up to 6 G.

The SP-7 forms an ideal companion product to MGL’s EFIS systems but can also be used stand-alone using a AV-1 or AV-2 instrument.

The SP-7 provides several interfacing options: The reliable CAN bus is used with iEFIS exclusively. On older Odyssey and Voyager systems you can use either CAN bus or the older MGL Airtalk link (CAN bus is recommended due to higher performance). Finally, the SP-7 provides a traditional RS232 serial interface at 57600 Baud intended for simple third party use as well as for Firmware updates.

SP-7 devices manufactured after September 2013 can also receive firmware upgrades through the CAN interface via iEFIS systems. Older SP-7 systems can be upgraded to current firmware versions using the Windows based update utility available for download on this page.  

Upgrade manual for new SP-7 firmware. This PDF document describes how to update older SP-7 units to the new firmware.

User installable firmware update: Updates older SP-7 devices. Requires Windows PC (XP or later and a RS232 serial port). A suitable cable needs to be constructed to connect the SP-7 to the PC.

SP-9 high grade ring gyroscope AHRS, G-force measurement  and magnetic compass

Note: The SP-9 is manufactured in low quantities due to its specialized nature. If you would like to order this device please allow for some lead time. This system uses specially selected and calibrated gyroscopes that are available in limited quantities.

High grade ring gyro based AHRS and built in SP-6 magnetometer for magnetic heading.

The SP-9 employs latest micro-machined ring gyroscope technology for performance that approaches FOG class ability in practical applications.

Adding ORION class high accuracy accelerometers results in an IMU grade AHRS.

Specifications:

AHRS

  • Gyro rates: Up to 300 degrees/second any axis
  • Accelerometer: G force measurement up to 16G
  • Low drift, high immunity to vibration

Magnetometer:

  • In flight calibration for 3D deviation compensation
  • External SP-6 can be used in case internal SP-6 is not suitable due to mounting location restrictions

Power supply:

  • 8-14V DC recommended, low current consumption.

Interfaces:

  • CAN bus
  • RS232
  • Airtalk

Low weight: Less than 150 grams.

Download user and installation manual