摘要:
A micromechanical tuning fork gyroscope has an input axis out of the plane of the structure. Proof mass combs of a comb drive are meshed between fixed drive combs which are electrically excited in pairs 180° out of phase. As the proof masses translate in response to an angular input, the distance between the proof mass combs and the fixed combs varies, thereby varying the capacitance between the combs resulting in an unbalanced voltage on the proof masses that is detected as an indication of input rate. The out-of-plane tuning fork gyroscope can be combined with two in-plane tuning fork gyroscopes to provide a complete three-axis inertial measurement unit from a single wafer or on a single chip.
摘要:
A microfabricated, tuning fork rate sensitive structure and drive electronics in which vibrational forces are communicated through a set of meshing drive (40,42) and driven (36,38) finger electrodes associated with each of two vibrating elements (18,20). The vibrating elements (18,20) are supported in a rotatable assembly (16) between first and second support electrodes (22,24) which are in turn suspended by flexures (28,26) for rotation about an axis passing through the flexures (28,26) and through a point midway between the vibrating elements (18,20). Additional masses (74,76) are formed onto the vibrating elements (18,20) to improve overall sensor sensitivity. Sense electrodes (54,60,56,58) for detecting capacitive changes between the support electrodes (22,24) and the sense electrodes (54,60,56,58) are positioned at each end of the support electrodes (22,24). Drive electronics (62) are connected between the driven fingers (36,38) of the vibrating elements (18,20) and the drive electrode fingers (40,42) which mesh with them to cause vibration. Excitation is provided between the support electrodes (22,24) and the sense electrodes (54,60,56,58). Any change in signal resulting from rotation of the assembly (16) and the resulting variation in capacitance between the support electrodes (22,24) and the sense electrodes (54,60,56,58) is sensed as a measure of inertial rate. A torque loop may be additionally formed using the sense electrodes (54,60,56,58) in order to re-torque the assembly to a neutral position in a torque-to-balance loop.