Overview
The A2C-IMU is a rugged 6 DOF inertial measurement unit (IMU) in a IP69 enclosure with CAN Bus.
6 DOF Inertial measurement unit with CAN Bu
A data rate of up to 1kHz makes the A2C-IMU one of the most powerful IMUs in its category. The high performance 32bit DSP processor uses sensor fusion to calculate accelerations, angular velocity, euler angles, linear acceleration and more and it can be configured in a very flexible way to report these values at given intervals. Alarms can also be programmed to trigger when a given limit is passed.
The A2C-IMU is designed for both 12 and 24V CAN Bus systems and has built-in EMC protection on data and power lines.
Two versions are available; A2C-IMU-C with a 1m CAN Bus cable and the A2C-IMU-M12 with an M12 connector. After initial programming the M12 variant can be used in a standalone mode without any CAN bus connected. On an alarm event the PNP output is activated, which can be used to drive a relay or PLC input. An optional USB programmer simplifies programming, and no knowledge of CAN bus communication is required.
Acceleration Comparison
Comparing the dynamic acceleration performance to the A2C-TRI shows very strong correlation. The two sensors were configured to output data every 4ms (250 samples per second). The IMU bandwidth was set to 45Hz and the A2C-TRI was set to 50Hz. Furthermore the IMU was set to ±2g full scale range. Both sensors were mounted in a sedan vehicle and data was recorder during an ascent in a car park.
Inclination Comparison
Comparing the A2C-IMU with the A2C-TRI shows the benefits of using a gyro and sensor fusion while performing dynamic inclinations (angle) measurements. The tests were performed in a car ascending a parking garage creating both tilt and roll in the car while breaking and accelerating.
Even under severe accelerations the sensor fusion can calculate the correct tilt and pitch and the difference to the A2C-TRI is sometimes more than 10 deg.
SimplicityUse the U2C programmer
No prior knowledge of CAN bus communication is required! You can check the U2C programmer and software here:
Program using U2C
Connect the U2C to your PC after installing the drivers and software. Connect the A2C-IMU to the U2C and apply power.
Use free software
Using the free software, set the mode of operation and the alarm thresholds. View real time data from the sensor and have it shown graphically.
Install
Install the sensor in its application and verify that everything works as it should. It is still possible to connect the U2C and log the real world data, which can be used for analysis.
Examples of applications
Chassis Leveling - truck mounted crane
For a truck mounted crane, the A2C-TRI can detect if the chassis is within given angle thresholds. Each axis has programmable thresholds and hysteresis which is easily programmed with the U2C adaptor.
Chassis Leveling - arial platform
For an arial platform, the A2C-TRI can detect if the chassis is within given angle thresholds. Each axis has programmable thresholds and hysteresis which is easily programmed with the U2C adaptor.
Features
Hardware
Accelerometer:
- Ultra low noise of 100µg/√Hz
- Selectable full scale range of ±2g / ±4g / ±8g / ±16g
- Selectable BW of 220Hz / 100Hz / 45Hz / 21Hz / 10Hz / 5Hz
Gyro:
- Ultra low drift of ±4mdps/√Hz
- Selectable full scale range of ±250dps / ±500dps / ±1000dps /±2000dps
- Selectable BW of 176Hz / 92Hz / 41Hz / 20Hz / 10Hz / 5Hz
Calculated data
Sensor fusion:
- Linear accelerations
- Tilt and roll angles
- Predictive quaternion
- Gravity vector
Standard sensor output:
- Accelerations
- Angular velocity
- Minimum / Maximum values on all outputs can be read out and cleared
Programmable alarms:
- Linear accelerations
- Tilt and roll angles
- Accelerations
- Angular velocity
Electrical specifications
Input voltage: 9-30V
Power consumption: 0.4W
EMC protection on data and power lines
Mechanical specifications
Material: aluminum / stainless steel
Size: 55 x 55 x 16mm
Other features
Software upgradable via CAN bus
Custom algorithms
Please see the datasheet for a complete list of features
Applications
The A2C-IMU is especially suited for Electric vehicle roll and pitch measurements as the high acceleration give rise to errors in a traditional accelerometer without sensor fusion.
Mining equipment vehicle monitoring of inclination.
Sailing and motor boats.
Accessories
U2C
