Journal of Emerging Trends in Engineering and Applied Sciences: Research Areas

Article Title: Design of a MEMS-Based Flight Information Measurement Unit For UAV Application
by Jaw-Kuen Shiau, Der-Ming Ma, Tsung-Hsing Wu, Li-Huei Huang

Abstract:
This paper summarizes the development of a MEMS-based flight information system. It includes an inertial and air data measurement unit and an electronic compass unit. The inertial and air data measurement unit provides the capability for three-axis accelerations, three-axis angular rates, airspeed, altitude, temperature, and angle of attack measurements. The compass system is used to measure the magnitude of the external magnetic fields. A Microchip PIC micro-controller is used in each measuring unit to perform data acquisition and deduction and to transfer the results to the host system for further analysis and processing. The inertial and air data measurement unit uses the RS232 serial port to interface with the host system while the compass unit uses the USB bus. The performance of the designed system is evaluated using an in-house designed four-axis motion platform. A specially designed wireless transmission system is also developed and integrated into the test system to improve the efficiency and flexibility of the test system A hardware-software integrated, function tested real system is accomplished in this design.

Keywords: flight information, inertial measurement, electronic compass, motion platform, MEMs sensor

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