The Core Sensor for Precise Navigation - Fiber Optic Gyroscope

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In the field of modern navigation technology, accuracy and reliability are crucial requirements. Both military defense systems, aerospace vehicles, ocean ships and autonomous vehicle need highly accurate navigation solutions. Among numerous navigation sensors, Fiber Optic Gyroscope (FOG) has become the core component of precision navigation systems due to its unique advantages. Fiber optic gyroscope consists of a laser light source, fiber optic coil, coupler, and photodetector, and its working principle is based on the Sagnac effect. The laser is divided into two beams and propagates in the fiber coil in clockwise and counterclockwise directions, respectively. When the system is stationary, two beams of light return simultaneously and interfere destructively; When the system rotates, two beams of light will produce a phase difference, and by detecting this phase difference, the rotational angular velocity can be accurately measured.

Technical Characteristics of Fiber Optic Gyroscope

1.       High precision and high stability:

Fiber optic gyroscopes do not have mechanical rotating components, avoiding the wear and

drift problems of traditional mechanical gyroscopes, and have extremely high measurement

accuracy and long-term stability. The drift of modern high-precision FOG can reach below

0.001/h.

2.       Quick response

Due to the use of optical measurement principles, fiber optic gyroscopes have extremely fast

response speeds and can detect instantaneous angle changes in real time, which is crucial for

precise control of high-speed moving objects.

3.       Strong anti-interference ability

Fiber optic gyroscopes have strong resistance to electromagnetic interference, vibration, and

impact, making them suitable for working in harsh environments such as aerospace, military,

and other applications.

4.       Long lifespan and maintenance free

The design without moving parts gives the fiber optic gyroscope an extremely long service

life, usually up to 10 years or more, and requires minimal maintenance, greatly reducing the

cost of use.

5.       Wide dynamic range

Modern fiber optic gyroscopes are capable of measuring angular velocities ranging from

0.001°/h to 1000 °/s, covering a wide range of measurement needs from extremely low

to ultra-high speeds.

The Main Application Areas of Fiber Optic Gyroscope

1.              Aerospace Field

Fiber optic gyroscope is a core component in navigation and guidance systems for aircraft, spacecraft, and other aircraft, used to accurately measure the attitude, angular velocity, and heading of the aircraft, ensuring flight safety and precise navigation. In the attitude control system of satellites, rockets and other spacecraft, fiber optic gyroscopes are used for attitude stabilization, orientation and control to ensure the stable attitude of the spacecraft in space. In rocket launch scenarios, it is used for tracking and measuring the rocket's launch trajectory to ensure accurate launch.

2.              Military Field

In missile guidance, fiber optic gyroscope is an important component of the missile guidance system, used to provide accurate attitude and direction information, ensuring the accuracy of missile hits. On military vehicles such as tanks and armored vehicles, fiber optic gyroscopes are used to provide attitude and direction information for navigation, control, and artillery aiming. In submarine navigation, the inertial navigation system used for submarines provides accurate position and attitude information.

3.              Other Application Areas

Fiber optic gyroscope can be used for ship navigation, providing accurate heading, attitude, and angular velocity information for ship navigation and control. In fields such as oil exploration and mineral exploration, fiber optic gyroscopes are used to measure the inclination and displacement of the ground, for geological exploration and drilling guidance. For example, in directional drilling operations, fiber optic gyroscopes are used to measure the precise orientation and inclination angle of drill bits, helping to achieve complex wellbore trajectory control. In the field of industrial automation, fiber optic gyroscopes are used for attitude control and motion tracking of robots, positioning and control of precision instruments, etc.

The Development of Fiber Optic Gyroscope

1.              Integration and Miniaturization

With the development of micro optics and integrated optics technology, fiber optic gyroscopes are moving towards smaller size and lower power consumption, making them applicable to more portable and embedded systems. As a leading inertial sensor design and manufacturer in China, Micro-Magic Inc has developed a series of integrated fiber optic gyroscope products (G-F50,G-F70, G-F80, G-F98, G-F120) to meet various customer needs.

2.              Multi Axis Integration

The traditional single axis FOG is evolving into a two axis, three-axis integrated IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit), providing a more complete solution for measuring motion information. Micro-Magic Inc provides G-F2X70, G-F2X64 series two axis fiber optic gyroscope products and G-F3X35, G-F3G70, G-F3G90, G-F3X112 series three-axis fiber optic gyroscope products.

3.              Performance Improvement

By improving fiber optic materials, optimizing optical design, and adopting digital signal processing technology, the accuracy and stability of modern fiber optic gyroscopes continue to improve. Taking the G-F120H high-precision fiber optic gyroscope produced by Micro-Magic Inc as an example, advanced integrated optical technology and FPGA closed-loop circuit design have been adopted to achieve higher accuracy, noise control, and efficiency than similar technologies. The zero bias stability is as low as 0.002 °/h (1σ, 100s), and the random walk coefficient is ≤ 0.001 °/√hr. 

Conclusion

Fiber optic gyroscope, as the core sensor of modern precise navigation, plays an irreplaceable role

in key fields such as military, aerospace, marine, and autonomous driving due to its high precision, high reliability, and strong anti-interference ability. With the continuous advancement of technology, fiber optic gyroscopes are developing towards higher performance, smaller size, and lower cost, and their application scope will further expand. In future intelligent and autonomous navigation systems, fiber optic gyroscopes will continue to maintain their core position, providing precise directional guidance for human exploration and movement.

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