Xsens Launches Major Upgrade to IMUs for Precise Marine Motion Compensation

Xsens Enhances IMUs with Real-Time Heave Accuracy for Marine Applications

Xsens has unveiled a significant upgrade to its industrial-grade inertial measurement units (IMUs), specifically the Xsens Sirius and Xsens Avior models. This enhancement introduces a groundbreaking Heave feature that offers sub-5 cm vertical displacement measurement in real-time. Such precision is paramount for marine applications involving stabilization and wave compensation, making it an invaluable asset for engineers in the maritime industry.

Comprehensive Motion Data at Your Fingertips

With the upgraded functionality, marine engineers can now access extensive motion data including roll, pitch, yaw, and Heave from a singular, compact sensor unit. This advancement eliminates the necessity for external processors or bulky tactical-grade systems, ensuring the accuracy required for various marine operations such as offshore platforms, vessels, docking systems, marine robotics, buoys, and surveying equipment.

The Heave output operates at an impressive frequency of up to 100Hz, enabling the type of real-time responsiveness that is crucial for active stabilization and wave compensation systems. All processing is conducted on-device, simplifying system integration while significantly reducing latency.

Leading Accuracy Across Diverse Marine Environments

The Xsens Motion Reference Units (MRUs), which are equipped with Heave capability, achieve real-time Heave accuracy of better than 5 cm over wave periods extending to 29 seconds—this meets the demands of most marine applications. In cases of longer wave periods, up to 40 seconds, the accuracy still performs admirably at approximately 6 cm. This level of precision is double that supported by comparable industrial-grade MRUs on the market.

Ayush Sharma, an Algorithms Engineer at Movella, commented on the enhancement: "Engineers now receive direct vertical displacement data onboard alongside roll, pitch, and yaw measurements. This integration provides marine customers with a complete motion reference, thereby improving stabilization and compensation systems without the complications associated with larger, tactical MRUs."

To counteract drift that may occur over extended operational periods, the proprietary algorithm employs phase correction and bias estimation techniques. Furthermore, users are able to define specific offset points—Center of Rotation (COR) and Point of Interest (POI)—ensuring that the Heave values accurately reflect the actual motion of the vessel or payload, even if the MRU is positioned away from the POI.

Seamless Installation and Upgrade Process

The Heave algorithm is readily available through a firmware update for existing Xsens Sirius and Xsens Avior units—no hardware modifications are required. All new Xsens units will come with this feature fully integrated. Activating Heave output is straightforward, necessitating just a single setting adjustment within the MT Manager software or the Xsens Software Development Kit (SDK).

Both the Xsens Avior, which serves as a compact OEM module for embedded system designs, and the Xsens Sirius, housed in a rugged IP68 case suitable for harsh environments, conform to MIL-STD-202 requirements. These devices support various interfaces such as RS-422, CAN, and UART and offer development kits for prototyping purposes. Additionally, they are ITAR-free while meeting CE, FCC, and RoHS regulatory stipulations.

Global Availability

Xsens Avior and Xsens Sirius MRUs are available for purchase worldwide through Movella and its authorized distributor partners. For detailed specifications, datasheets, and ordering information, potential buyers can visit Movella's product page or reach out to a sales representative.

About Xsens

As a leader in high-accuracy inertial sensor technologies, Xsens provides a comprehensive suite of inertial sensor modules, software, and analytics that deliver 3D orientation and dynamic positioning data. The company's diverse offerings range from simple IMUs to advanced Inertial Navigation Systems (INS) with GNSS and RTK support, catering to applications in mobile robotics and platform stabilization. Through collaborations with renowned global brands such as ABB Marine, Hewlett Packard, NVIDIA, and Toyota, among others, Xsens is driving forward innovative solutions that leverage movement data, transforming it into valuable insights. For more information, visit Xsens.