Patent ID: 6453743
Filing Date: 2002-09-24
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 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 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 driving elements, wherein the control circuit generates a control signal which when applied to the 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 compares the first and second signals and generates an output signal proportional to the imposed velocity.