Reliable Inertial Performance Under Vibration

Introducing the MicroStrain 3DM-CX7 inertial sensor family, engineered for autonomous platforms operating under demanding shock, vibration and dynamic conditions. Combining high-vibration robustness, a redundant multi-IMU architecture and adaptive sensor fusion, the CX7 delivers dependable attitude and navigation estimation in a compact OEM form factor, helping engineers maintain accurate motion and navigation data under real-world operating conditions.

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When Motion Gets Demanding, Inertial Reliability Matters

Autonomous platforms operate in environments where vibration, shock, rapid motion and temperature variations can affect inertial measurements and compromise attitude and navigation estimates. For system designers and engineers, the challenge is not simply achieving accuracy under ideal conditions but maintaining reliable motion information and navigation data while meeting strict size, weight, power and integration requirements.

The MicroStrain 3DM-CX7 family addresses these challenges through a redundant multi-IMU architecture, intelligent outlier rejection, an auto-adaptive Extended Kalman Filter, and individual calibration across the full operating temperature range.

Available in three configurations (AR, AHRS and INS), the CX7 Series provides attitude, heading and aided navigation capabilities tailored to different autonomous system architectures.

Engineered for Reliable Motion Estimation

The CX7 family combines advanced inertial sensing, vibration-resistant architecture, and flexible integration to deliver dependable motion information for demanding autonomous platforms.

Up to 100× greater shock and vibration robustness than the CV7-AHRS helps maintain dependable attitude estimation under demanding mechanical excitation.

Redundant multi-IMU architecture, real-time cross-checking, and intelligent outlier rejection help maintain consistent motion estimates in highly dynamic environments.

With 2.1°/h gyro bias instability, extended measurement ranges and individual calibration from −40°C to +85°C, CX7 delivers consistent inertial performance.

An auto-adaptive Extended Kalman Filter, external clock synchronisation and configurable event triggers support sensor fusion and time alignment with external sensors.

Choose between relative heading, magnetometer-aided heading and externally aided inertial navigation, with three CX7 configurations built on a common sensor platform.

Precision Inertial Performance at a Glance

The CX7 series combines low gyro bias instability, extended inertial measurement ranges and high-rate data output in a compact package designed for demanding autonomous platforms.

Gyro bias instability

Accelerometer range

Gyroscope range

Maximum output data rate

Sensor weight

Operating temperature

Three Configurations. One Inertial Platform.

Different autonomous platforms require different levels of motion and navigation capability. The CX7 family provides three configurations built on a common architecture, allowing engineers to select the functionality that matches their system requirements.

3DM-CX7-AR

ATTITUDE & RELATIVE HEADING

Reliable attitude without magnetic heading dependence.

The CX7-AR provides roll, pitch and relative heading for platforms where magnetometer-based heading is impractical. Its vibration-resistant architecture supports dependable attitude estimation in dynamic environments.

Applications: Industrial AGVs and legged robotics.

Explore 3DM-CX7-AR

3DM-CX7-AHRS

ATTITUDE & MAGNETIC HEADING

Reliable attitude with an integrated magnetic heading reference.

The CX7-AHRS combines inertial sensing with an integrated three-axis magnetometer to provide roll, pitch and absolute magnetic heading without requiring external heading signals.

Applications: UAVs and legged robotics.

Explore 3DM-CX7-AHRS

3DM-CX7-INS

AIDED INERTIAL NAVIGATION

Navigation continuity through flexible sensor aiding.

The CX7-INS combines inertial measurements with external position, velocity and heading inputs to support navigation estimation when GNSS signals are degraded or unavailable.

Applications: UAVs and unmanned ground vehicles.

Explore 3DM-CX7-INS

Find the Right CX7 for Your Application

Compare the three configurations according to the motion information your system requires, from attitude and relative heading to magnetic heading and externally aided inertial navigation.

Capability	CX7-AR	CX7-AHRS	CX7-INS
Roll and pitch	✓	✓	✓
Relative heading	✓	✓	✓
Magnetic heading	—	✓	✓
Position and velocity estimation	—	—	✓
External navigation aiding	—	—	✓
RTK compatibility	—	—	✓
Redundant multi-IMU	✓	✓	✓
Adaptive EKF	✓	✓	✓
MIP protocol	✓	✓	✓
NMEA protocol	—	—	✓
RTK positioning requires an external compatible GNSS receiver.

Built for Demanding Autonomous Applications

From UAVs to mobile robotics, the CX7 family supports applications where vibration, rapid motion and changing operating conditions place demanding requirements on inertial estimation.

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UAVs and Unmanned Aircraft
Legged Robotics
Autonomous Ground Vehicles

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Reliable Attitude and Navigation Under Flight Dynamics

Propulsion-induced vibration, rapid manoeuvres and intermittent GNSS signals can compromise flight-state estimation.

The CX7 series combines vibration-resistant inertial sensing, redundant IMUs and adaptive filtering to support dependable attitude estimation. The CX7-INS adds external sensor aiding to support navigation continuity when GNSS availability changes.

3DM-CX7-AHRS east

3DM-CX7-INS east

Drone - Deployment and operation isometric

Dependable Attitude Estimation Through Impacts and Motion

Repeated foot strikes, rapid body movements and structural vibration challenge attitude estimation in legged robots.

The CX7 series combines wide inertial measurement ranges with redundant IMUs, real-time outlier rejection and adaptive filtering to maintain dependable motion information. This provides a consistent attitude reference for balance control, gait stabilisation and disturbance recovery.

3DM-CX7-AR east

3DM-CX7-AHRS east

Reliable Motion Estimation Across Changing Environments

Uneven terrain, vehicle vibration and limited GNSS visibility can affect motion and navigation estimates.

The CX7-AR provides dependable attitude information without relying on magnetic heading, while the CX7-INS combines inertial measurements with external position, velocity and heading inputs. This supports robust state estimation and navigation continuity across changing operating conditions.

3DM-CX7-AR east

3DM-CX7-INS east

Navigation and Localisation - Understand robot motion isometric

Designed for Efficient OEM Integration

The CX7 family combines compact hardware, flexible communication and MicroStrain’s software ecosystem to support sensor evaluation, configuration and integration into autonomous platforms.

ROS and PX4 Integration
Dedicated drivers support established robotics and autopilot environments, enabling access to inertial data for sensor fusion, navigation and control.

MSCL API and MIP SDK
Open-source development tools provide documented interfaces and example code for sensor communication and embedded integration.

InertialConnect and SensorConnect
Configure sensors, adjust parameters, collect data and visualise measurements using dedicated desktop software.

Synchronization and Event Management
External clock synchronization and configurable GPIO support time alignment and event management within multi-sensor systems.

Find the Right CX7 for Your Platform

From attitude estimation under vibration to aided inertial navigation, selecting the right sensor starts with understanding your system requirements.

Discuss your application, integration challenges and navigation architecture with the MicroStrain by HBK team.