Aerospace

At Althen Sensors & Controls, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of sensor technology to meet the evolving needs of the aerospace industry. With our advanced sensors, aerospace engineers can achieve unparalleled levels of performance, efficiency, and safety in their mission-critical applications.

Gyroscopes - the revolutionary MEMS

Back in the days traditional spinning wheel mechanical gyroscopes where used in aircrafts. They were heavy, big and expensive. And like all things that spin on bearings, they needed routine maintenance. These days our MEMS Gyroscopes and Air Pressure Probes are commonly used in the aviation sector. These MEMS Gyroscopes are tiny, especially compared to the old ones. MEMS Gyroscopes don't contain moving parts and they are named after the MEMS technology. An unique silicon ring technology that is coupled with closed loop electronics. The hermetically sealed ceramic body provides the gyroscopes with excellent resistance to humidity and temperature. The MEMS Gyroscopes offer highly accurate and stable performance over temperature and time. The new DMU30 is the first of a family of High Performance IMUs (HPIMUs).

MEMS air data measurement

Next to the MEMS gyroscopes the air pressure probes are often used in the aviation branche. They represent a robust method for air data measurement. Designed for high-accuracy, real-time applications, they return the angles of an aircraft or vehicle with respect to the apparent wind. Air Pressure Probes can be heated internally for use on high-altitude Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), that makes them perfectly suited for the aviation sector. Data reduction performance in real-time by on-board computers and flight control systems. Almost 90% of the air pressure probes are tailor made, in order to suit your specific requirements.

Accelerometers

An Accelerometer helps a device understand its surroundings and the forces around it better. These forces may be static, such as gravity, or they could be dynamic – caused by moving or vibration. Accelerometers are used extensively in transportation such as aerospace, aviation and the automotive industry as well as inertial navigation and guidance systems in such things as airplane and ship autopilots. We offer a wide range of high precision accelerometer sensors to measure linear acceleration and deceleration with the highest levels of accuracy and reliability. Our sensors are used in demanding aerospace, aviation, military and industrial applications around the world.

Inertial measurement units (IMUs)

IMUs are fundamental to aerospace systems, providing crucial data on orientation, velocity, and gravitational forces. Our IMUs feature high accuracy, low noise, and robust construction, making them ideal for navigation, guidance, and stabilization in aircraft, satellites, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

Advanced technology, responsive customer support 

Althen continuously invests in research and development to incorporate the latest advancements in sensor technology, offering aerospace customers access to state-of-the-art sensors with advanced features and capabilities. We pride ourselves on providing responsive customer support, offering technical expertise, troubleshooting assistance, and personalized service to aerospace customers throughout the sensor selection, integration, and lifecycle management processes.

Choosing the right sensor 

Selecting the right sensor for aerospace applications is a critical decision that requires careful consideration of various factors to ensure optimal performance, reliability, and safety. When choosing a sensor for aerospace use, engineers should take into account the following key considerations:

• Accuracy and precision: Aerospace systems demand high levels of accuracy and precision to ensure reliable operation. Select sensors with proven accuracy and low measurement uncertainty to meet stringent performance requirements.
• Reliability and durability: Aerospace environments can be harsh, with exposure to extreme temperatures, vibration, shock, and radiation. Choose sensors that are ruggedly constructed and engineered to withstand these conditions, minimizing the risk of failure and ensuring long-term reliability.
• Temperature and pressure ratings: Evaluate sensors based on their temperature and pressure ratings to ensure compatibility with the operating conditions of the aerospace system. Select sensors capable of operating within the specified temperature range and pressure levels without compromising performance.
• Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP): Space and weight constraints are critical considerations in aerospace design. Opt for sensors that are compact, lightweight, and energy-efficient to minimize impact on overall system size, weight, and power consumption.
• Response time and frequency range: Consider the sensor's response time and frequency range to ensure timely and accurate data acquisition, especially in dynamic aerospace environments. Choose sensors with fast response times and broad frequency ranges to capture transient events and high-frequency phenomena.
• Calibration and maintenance: Regular calibration and maintenance are essential to ensure sensor accuracy and reliability over time. Select sensors that are easy to calibrate and maintain, with accessible calibration procedures and long-term stability.
• Compatibility and integration: Assess the sensor's compatibility with existing aerospace systems and interfaces to facilitate seamless integration and interoperability. Choose sensors with standardized communication protocols and interface options to simplify integration into the overall system architecture.
• Cost and lifecycle considerations: Evaluate the total cost of ownership, including initial procurement costs, maintenance expenses, and lifecycle considerations. Choose sensors that offer the best balance of performance, reliability, and cost-effectiveness over the entire operational lifecycle of the aerospace system.

By carefully considering these factors when selecting sensors for aerospace applications, engineers can ensure the successful integration of sensors into their systems, achieving optimal performance, reliability, and safety in the challenging aerospace environment.