Patent ID: 6439050
Filing Date: 2002-08-27
Classification: G01C,G01P

Abstract:
A micro-machined gyro sensor capable of measuring an externally imposed velocity comprising:a mass coupled to a rigid annular support by a first pair of opposing flexible members and a second pair of opposing flexible members, wherein the first pair of members define a first axis, and wherein the second pair of members define a second axis substantially orthogonal to the first axis; a first pair of piezo electric driving elements deposited on the first pair of members; a first piezo electric sensing element deposited on one of the first pair of members, wherein the first sensing element generates a first signal proportional to the oscillation of the mass along the first axis; a second pair of piezo electric driving elements deposited on the second pair of members; a second piezo electric sensing element deposited on one of the second pair of members, wherein the second sensing element generates a second signal proportional to the oscillation of the mass along the second axis; a control circuit coupled to the first and second sensing elements and to the first pair of driving elements, wherein the control circuit generates a control signal which when applied to the first pair of driving elements causes the mass to oscillate along the first axis; and a detection circuit coupled to the first and second sensing elements, wherein the detection circuit receives the first and second signals and generates an output signal proportional to the imposed velocity; wherein the control circuit receives the first and second signals and generates a signal proportional to an undesired oscillation of the mass along the second axis so as to compensate for the undesired oscillation along the second axis when applied to the second pair of driving elements.