Rotational Sensitivity
Angular rate sensors exhibit unintended output when subjected to linear acceleration or rotation about an axis perpendicular to the intended sensitive axis. This gyroscope cross axis coupling originates from mechanical misalignment between the internal sensing element and the package reference frame. Manufacturers define this parameter by the ratio of output voltage on the primary axis to the rate input on a non-sensitive axis.
Deviation Magnitude
Precise measurement requires a multi-axis rate table capable of isolating stimuli to specific orthogonal directions. Calibration protocols involve rotating the device through its full range of motion while maintaining constant velocity to identify the voltage peaks appearing on the secondary channels. Electronic suppression techniques subtract these secondary signals based on a characterization matrix developed during the final production test phase.
Mechanical Constraint
Thermal expansion alters the physical orientation of the vibrating structure inside the hermetic housing. This environmental shift modifies the alignment between the proof mass and the electrodes, causing the coupling coefficient to drift over extended operating periods. Rigorous vibration testing reveals the stability of these internal structural bonds under stress.
Systemic Influence
Angular accuracy at the platform level degrades when these small errors integrate over time during navigation tasks. High gain control loops amplify the signal leakage, forcing the application to compensate for apparent movement that the vehicle does not perform. A calibrated compensation model mitigates the impact of these errors on the heading precision of the overall inertial system.
