Smaller, Lighter, Rugged System Enables Smaller Sensor Packages for Defense, Autonomous Vehicle Applications

Honeywell's Aerospace arm has released a tiny, 1.2-square inch sensor that allows designers and developers to add considerable acceleration sensing capability with a minimal footprint in size and weight. 

The MV60 micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) accelerometer is "designed for aerospace and defense but also has potential uses for industrial and marine applications that require high-precision, navigation-grade accelerometers that are small, lightweight and require little power to operate," according to the company's release documentation. The system boasts shock survivability up to 5,000 Gs while offering bandwidth over 300 hertz. That capability is especially attractive for a range of increasingly compact vehicles and uncrewed systems, offering a key orientation metric that is robust under pressure, impact, and force. Honeywell brags that its accuracy and overall performance has up to now only been seen in systems many times the price of the MV60, meaning its trickle-down improvements will soon be seen across a series of industries looking to miniaturize and lighten their offerings. 

“The MV60 accelerometer is a technological breakthrough that leverages 50 years of Honeywell inertial sensor and MEMS experience to offer excellent reliability, ruggedness and performance,” said Matt Picchetti, vice president over navigation and sensors at Honeywell Aerospace. “Our customers in a wide range of markets will benefit from an accelerometer that is smaller, lighter and requires less power over similar offerings, and they won’t have to sacrifice performance.”

FMI: www.aerospace.honeywell.com