Microscopic gyroscopes, the key for motion sensing

PhysOrg.com) -- Tiny devices made possible by combining the latest advances in mechanical and electronics technology could be at the heart of next-generation personal navigation and vehicle stabilisation tools thanks to European researchers.

Most people know what a gyroscope is and probably played with one as a child. Get the centre ring revolving at high speed using a length of string or piece of plastic, put the frame on a stand and watch it apparently defy gravity.

But as well as being one of the most enduring toys of the past century, the gyroscope has many practical applications. The first was as a gyrocompass for shipping, replacing traditional, less reliable, magnetic compasses, and then as a stabiliser in ships and aircraft and more recently spacecraft.

In recent times, the focus has switched to attempts to miniaturise gyroscopes, or to reproduce the gyroscopic effect in very small structures, so as to provide mass-market applications to consumers.

The aim was partially achieved with the development of tiny MEMS (micro-electro-mechanical system) gyroscopes. However, in order for them to have mass commercial potential, it was necessary to come up with a way of securely and cost-effectively packaging them to insulate and protect them from the external environment.

The EU-funded DAVID project was set up to do just this, with six partners from five countries looking at ways to reduce assembly and packaging costs for mass-produced hybrid integrated devices comprising both mechanical and electronic components.



Source:www.physorg.com/news179595089.html