Discover the power of a KVH fiber optic gyro with introductory user evaluation kit

Citation

(2000), "Discover the power of a KVH fiber optic gyro with introductory user evaluation kit", Industrial Robot, Vol. 27 No. 6. https://doi.org/10.1108/ir.2000.04927fad.002

Discover the power of a KVH fiber optic gyro with introductory user evaluation kit

Discover the power of a KVH fiber optic gyro with introductory user evaluation kit

Keywords Fibre optics

With so many potential applications for its proprietary fiber optic gyros (FOGs), KVH Industries Inc. is offering an evaluation kit that helps each customer identify the features that can improve performance of their specific systems (see Plate 2). In addition to explaining how a fiber optic gyro works, the kits provide guidance in integrating KVH FOGs into both new and existing systems. The broad range of applications for FOGs includes robotic vehicle guidance; agricultural and aviation navigation; precision pointing and stabilization of antennas, cameras, radar and turrets; and simulators and virtual reality systems.

Plate 2 The evaluation kit from KVH Industries Inc.

By conducting performance tests in their own applications, evaluation kit customers are discovering for themselves how a KVH FOG improves accuracy, speed and longevity. FOGs are ideal replacements for older mechanical gyros, and users creating new systems that require gyro capabilities are selecting KVH FOGs as design components. Kit users may choose the KVH E.Core^TM 1100 or E.Core^TM 2100 FOG with digital output and 12 VDC operation. Each gyro features the proprietary E.Core^TM polarization-maintaining fiber that KVH manufactures in its Illinois facility. To assist customers in evaluating the gyros, KVH includes an easy-to-use manual, FOG-to-PC data and power cable, and "A designer's guide to fiber optic gyros" CD-ROM in each kit. The designer's guide CD-ROM includes FOG PowerPoint presentations, the user manual in a PDF format, operational and demonstration software, technical papers, and additional KVH sensor information.

"Our evaluation kit is a powerful tool, particularly for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) who must ensure their products remain competitive as technologies rapidly advance," said Jim Dodez, vice president of marketing. "Accuracy, speed, durability and cost are key measures for comparing a multitude of products, and our FOG provides an important edge in every one of these categories."

Recently, two major defense companies placed orders totaling nearly $1.4 million for KVH FOGs that will be used for pointing and stabilizing military antennas. Both contracts include significant potential for additional FOG orders. Contract Assembly, Inc., acting as a subcontractor for Raytheon, is using FOG sensors as a critical component in a system that stabilizes satellite communications antennas. The new FOG-integrated systems offer faster and more accurate performance than the equipment Contract Assembly is replacing. General Dynamics Armament Systems is using KVH FOGs to replace more costly and less durable mechanical gyros in stabilizing the Aegis MK82 gun and guided missile director. KVH designed a specialized dual-axis FOG configuration to meet the specifications of General Dynamics and the military, which have conducted extensive tests and qualified the new sensors.

"Meeting the stringent performance requirements of two key defense companies that are responsible for bringing the US military up to prime combat readiness strongly validates our fiber optic technology," said Dodez. "The selection of KVH's gyros for military stabilization applications also validates our own drive to incorporate FOGs into the high bandwidth antennas we are designing for two-way Internet and other advanced communications features."

Stabilizing in-motion antenna dishes is a prerequisite to achieving the precise pointing that is required for maintaining communications, aiming missiles, and other applications. The data that determine where an antenna is pointed or how an object is aimed can be accurate only if a sensor constantly measures and compensates for movement of a platform (e.g. ship, submarine or land vehicle). The KVH FOG sensor continually detects platform pitch, roll and yaw, and the system computes how it must adapt to each movement to maximize performance.

KVH uses its proprietary autocalibration, sensor and fiber optic technologies to develop and market a range of products, from mobile satellite communications systems for land and sea to navigation systems for military and commercial applications. The company has its headquarters in Middletown, RI, and additional offices in Illinois, Florida and Denmark.

For further information, please contact: KVH Industries Inc., 50 Enterprise Center, Middletown, RI 02842, USA. Tel: (401) 847 3327; Fax: (401) 849-9945. Web site: http://www.kvh.com