FAQ: Gyroscope In-Run Bias Stability

Q:

How do I measure in-run bias stability in a MEMS gyroscope?

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A:

The "in-run bias stability" typically references the minima of the Allan Variance curve. The Allan Variance method was developed by David Allan, in the 1960s, for the purpose of monitoring stability in atomic clocks, but the method works very well for studying gyroscope bias as well. IEEE-STD-952-1997, Appendix B, provides a lot of detailed information on this method, but the purpose of this FAQ is to focus on how to apply this method, using a specific example.  Let's start with the ADIS16485, a 6DOF IMU that provides an Allan Variance plot in its datasheet. The integration time for the Allan Variance minima covers a span of ~40 to 2000 seconds.

TOOLS

This example uses (1) ADIS16485AMLZ, (1) EVAL-ADIS, the IMU Evaluation software package (1.1) and a vice for keeping the IMU stable during data collection.  The EVAL-ADIS User Guide, UG-287, provides details on how to set the EVAL-ADIS and IMU Evaluation software package for ADIS16485 testing.

SETUP

1. Set the ADIS16485 up for a decimation rate of 1230, which results in an output data rate of 2 samples per second.  In the IMU Evaluation software package, click on "Register Access," select "DEC_RATE," enter "4CD" in the white entry box, then hit "Write."  Note that DEC_RATE = 0x04CD establishes the decimation rate of 1230.
   
2. Set up the Data Capture, with the following settings:
   • Un-scaled data (personal preference)
   • 20 minutes of data collection (30 time segments, at 40 seconds each)
   • Filename/location (personal preference)
3. Make sure that the DUT (ADIS16485) cannot move during the data capture process. In this experiment, the DUT was placed in a small vice and placed on top of a desk.

DATA CAPTURE

Hit the start button and wait for the data collection process to complete. The Data Capture menu will provide a real-time status update at the bottom of the screen. The following picture show this, along with the Data Capture settings for this test. Click on the image to access a higher-resolution version.

DATA ANALYSIS

Once the analysis is complete, open the data file in MS Excel to complete the analysis. Obviously, there are more elegant ways to process this data, for those who can write macros or their own analysis programs, but the attached Excel file (ADIS16485_IRBS_DataAnalysis.xlsx), provides a manual analysis view, for the purpose of learning each step.

1. Convert the un-scaled, twos complement data into a decimal equivalent (Column C)
2. Apply the scale factory convert the data into units of degrees/second (Column D)
3. Produce the average value for 30 "integration time periods," which represent 40 seconds. (Column F)
4. Apply the Allan Variance equation to the set of average values (Cell H38, H39)

DISCUSSION

The attached Excel file has two separate sheets in it.

• Trial1-40sec shows a result of 7.6 deg/hour.
• Trial2-40sec represents data from a second test, where the vice was moved from the desk to the floor, which has thin carpet on a cement slab. The in-run bias stability result from this test was 5.3 deg/hour.  Remember, you won't be able to see the vibration that can influence this result.

The bottom line is that this process may take some "trial and error," in order to manage all potential influences. We look forward to your feedback.