The outstanding advantages of fiber optic gyroscopes compared to other types of gyroscopes (for aerospace applications)

The outstanding advantages of fiber optic gyroscopes compared to other types of gyroscopes (for aerospace applications) China Professional Fiber optic gyroscope supplier-Hitech Sensors Tech Co., Ltd

1. All-solid-state structure: No mechanical rotating parts, eliminating wear problems and theoretically offering unlimited lifespan.

2. High reliability and robustness: Able to withstand extreme mechanical environments (high overload, strong vibration, shock), and insensitive to electromagnetic interference.

3. Fast startup: Enters working state almost instantly (milliseconds) after power-on, requiring no warm-up.

4. Wide dynamic range: Can measure both extremely slow angular velocities (such as the Earth's rotation rate for initial alignment) and high-speed maneuvers.

5. Digital output: Directly outputs digital signals, easily integrated with spacecraft digital control systems.

6. Excellent power, weight, and size: Offers a comprehensive advantage in SWaP (size, weight, and power) compared to mechanical or laser gyroscopes achieving equivalent performance.

Technological Development Trends

Improved Accuracy: Through the use of bias cancellation techniques, closed-loop control schemes, superior light sources, and improved fiber coil winding processes, the accuracy (bias stability, scale factor linearity) of space-grade fiber optic gyroscopes has reached or even exceeded the 0.001°/h level, meeting the requirements of most high-precision missions.

Integration and Miniaturization:

IMU(Inertial Measurement Unit): Integrating three-axis (or more axes) fiber optic gyroscopes with MEMS accelerometers into a compact module to form a miniaturized inertial measurement unit.

SOC: System-on-a-chip and photonic integration technologies are expected to integrate light sources, couplers, modulators, etc., onto a single chip, significantly reducing size, weight, and power consumption, suitable for micro- and nanosatellite applications.

Radiation Hardening: Special design and selection of optical fibers and optoelectronic components for the Earth's radiation belts and deep space missions to improve their long-term stability in space radiation environments.

Deep Multi-sensor Fusion: Deeper integration of fiber optic gyroscopes with star trackers, GNSS receivers (for near-Earth satellites), and even visual sensors to build more intelligent and robust spacecraft autonomous navigation, guidance, and control systems.

Due to their inherent reliability, stability, and environmental adaptability, fiber optic gyroscopes have become indispensable core sensors in the attitude and orbit control systems of modern spacecraft, from microsatellites to space stations. With continuous technological advancements, their accuracy is constantly improving, their cost is gradually decreasing, and their application scope is expanding from high-value satellites to large-scale constellations and commercial space applications, making them a crucial driving force in the development of space technology.