GyroSense

The GYROsense platform provides all the detection and control capabilities required for gyro measurements. Below is a block diagram of the system. The ASIC contains two identical signal paths, one for each oscillation mode. Each signal path contains a low-noise charge amplifier to detect the capacitance difference. The signal is then sigma-delta modulated and output to the FPGA, which contains the digital implementations of the control loops. The FPGA outputs the feedback signals, which go through recovery circuits before being applied to the gyro.

The main advantages of the GYROsense concept when compared to the conventional solution are:

• Analog signals are processed in the gyro oscillation frequency band only. Since no analog signal processing is done on the base-band signal, the problem with 1/f noise is dramatically reduced. Thus, the low frequency performance of the sensor is increased.
• Many features of the ASIC can be programmed via a serial interface, making it adaptable for a wide range of capacitive sensors.
• No mixers are required. Instead, the excitation and detection signals are fitted to sine-signals with sinus-trackers facilitating better amplitude and phase resolution.
• The gyro is easily reconfigured in software for different applications (range, bandwidth, etc.). This offers almost unlimited flexibility during the test and development phase.

Thus, GYROsense makes the perfect platform for gyro development and optimization of gyro electronics before making the final ASIC for volume production.