A new inertial measurement unit (IMU) from French firm SBG Systems promises to deliver tactical-grade navigation and guidance performance in a compact package.
Called the Pulse-40 OEM, the sensor weighs just 19 grams (0.04 pounds) and is roughly the size of a standard matchbox.
Despite its compact footprint, it offers motion data latency as low as 1.5 milliseconds, output rates of up to 2 kilohertz, and consumes only 0.3 watts of power.
The Pulse-40 OEM doubles its rotational measurement capability to ±4,000 degrees per second while adding three-axis magnetometers, creating a nine-degree-of-freedom system without increasing its size.
Its compact size, weight, and power (SWaP) profile allows seamless integration into platforms with demanding performance requirements, including guided rockets, precision-guided glide bombs, loitering munitions, and next-gen optronic systems.
“The defense market is increasingly looking for navigation and stabilization solutions that fit into smaller platforms without compromising performance,” said Gaël Bielecki, defense business development manager at SBG Systems. “The new Pulse-40 OEM delivers exactly that combination.”
Built-In Vibration Monitoring
Beyond its smaller footprint, the Pulse-40 OEM introduces built-in vibration monitoring, allowing engineers to analyze operating conditions in real time without relying on external test equipment.
The company said the sensor also offers greater resistance to vibration and electromagnetic interference, helping maintain navigation performance in demanding environments.
Its monitoring function generates a real-time frequency spectrum from 4 hertz to 8 kilohertz, with Fast Fourier Transform data and reports available directly from the IMU.
According to SBG Systems, the capability helps engineers pinpoint vibration sources, validate mechanical designs, and speed up troubleshooting during integration and testing.
