Encyclopedia of Electronic Components Volume 3

Chapter 9. gyroscope

spatial

orientation

gyroscope

Historically, a gyroscope always contained a spinning disc. Some devices for navigation still depend on rotating elements, but they are outside the scope of this Encyclopedia. This entry deals primarily with vibrating gyroscopes, also known as resonator gyroscopes, that are MEMS devices contained within silicon chips.

Other related components

• accelerometer (see Chapter 10)

• GPS (see Chapter 1)

• magnetometer (see Chapter 2)

What It Does

A gyroscope resists rotation around any axis at right angles to its own axis of rotation or vibration. Consequently, if the gyroscope is allowed to move freely on gimbals in a sealed enclosure, the gyroscope will tend to maintain its orientation while ...