Virtus Advanced Sensors differs from ordinary sensor companies on a number of points. Virtus maintain a large global patent portfolio of MEMS sensor technology. Virtus also stands on solid stable ground when it comes to inertial sensors with a proven track record.
Key Points of Virtus Sensor Technology:
- 3-axis MEMS Accelerometer Technology (single proof mass)
- 3-axis MEMS Gyro Technology (single proof mass)
- Full 6-axis MEMS inertia sensor Technology (single proof mass)
- Piezo-resistive, piezo-electric, and capacitive sensing technology
Other sensor companies who make multi-axis accelerometers and gyros usually have designs where each axis uses a separate device, i.e. a separate proof mass. For example, to sense in the y direction and x direction, the other sensor companies use 1 proof mass for each axis thus doubling the precious amount of area that is used. Virtus, however, holds key technology to measure all 3 axes using a single proof mass, thus reducing silicon area and keeping the sensors inexpensive.
Finally, Virtus holds key technologies which enable both 3-axis accelerations and 3-axis angular velocities to be measured all with the same proof mass. Thus, you no longer need to look for multi-module solutions for a fully integrated, 6-axis inertial measure unit (IMU). With Virtus’ technology, a full IMU can be fabricated using a single MEMS proof mass all with integrated electronics to bring the customer unparalled performance in a single chip.