Patent ID: 6862934
Filing Date: 2005-03-08
Classification: G01C,H01L

Abstract:
1. A tuning fork gyroscope comprising: a first substrate; a plurality of proof masses including at least first and second proof masses suspended with respect to the first substrate; means for oscillating the proof masses along a drive axis in the direction of the plane of the first substrate; at least first and second sense plates supported by the first substrate, the first sense plate disposed under the first proof mass defining a first nominal gap between the first proof mass and the first sense plate, the second sense plate disposed under the second proof mass defining a second nominal gap between the second proof mass and the second sense plate; a second substrate spaced from the first substrate; at least third and fourth sense plates supported by the second substrate, the third sense plate disposed over the first proof mass defining a third nominal gap between the first proof mass and the third sense plate, the fourth sense plate disposed over the second proof mass defining a fourth nominal gap between the second proof mass and the fourth sense plate; and means for sensing changes in the first, second, third and fourth nominal gaps between each sense plate and each proof mass and for outputting a signal indicative of the gyroscope angular rate about an axis parallel to the substrates.