MicroStrain 3DM-CX5 IMU

Top-tier Inertial Performance for Tightly Integrated Systems

The 3DM-CX5-IMU delivers the exceptional, high-end performance of our GX5 series in a compact, lightweight, board-level package. It is the ideal solution for system integrators who require the highest quality raw inertial data in a value-oriented form factor designed for embedded applications.

By providing a direct stream of unfiltered, low-noise, and low-drift acceleration and angular rate data, the 3DM-CX5-IMU is the perfect foundation for proprietary motion and control systems. It is engineered for applications that need best-in-class data fidelity without the size, weight, and cost of a fully enclosed, ruggedized sensor.

Key Features

• Exceptional Performance: Delivers the same tactical-grade performance found in our GX5 series, featuring a super-stable gyro with 0.3 °/√hr Angle Random Walk and a high-performance accelerometer with noise density as low as 20 µg/√Hz.
• Compact and Lightweight: Weighing only 8 grams, its small, board-level design allows for straightforward integration into highly constrained systems.
• Value-oriented Design: Provides access to our highest-performance raw sensor data in a package optimized for cost-sensitive applications.
• Assured Thermal Performance: Fully temperature-compensated and calibrated across its –40 to +85 °C operating range, ensuring stable, reliable data in all conditions.
• Designed for System Integration: Accelerate your development with our comprehensive MicroStrain Communication Library (MSCL) API (C++, Python^®, .NET, MATLAB^®), detailed data protocol, and powerful developer tools like SensorConnect.

Common Applications

The 3DM-CX5-IMU's combination of high performance and embeddable form factor makes it the ideal choice for a wide range of applications, including:

• Robotics and Autonomous Systems
• Platform Stabilization and Control
• Unmanned Vehicle Navigation
• Antenna Pointing and Alignment
• Motion Tracking and Analysis

Key Specifications

Primary Functionality and Outputs

Direct measurement of acceleration, angular rate, Delta-theta, and Delta-velocity.

Integrated sensors

Triaxial accelerometer, triaxial gyroscope, and temperature sensors

Sensor Performance

Gyroscope:

• In-Run Bias Stability: 8°/hr (–40 to +85 °C)
• Angle Random Walk (ARW): 0.3°/√hr
• Offset temperature hysteresis: 0.05°/s
• Available Ranges: ±75, ±150, ±300 (standard), ±900°/sec

Accelerometer

• Noise Density: 25 µg/√Hz (with ±8 g option), 80 µg/√Hz (with ±20 g option)
• Available Ranges: ±2 g, ±4 g, ±8 g (standard), ±20 g, ±40 g

Physical Specifications

• Material: Aluminum with precision alignment features
• Dimensions: 38.0 × 24.0 × 9.7 mm
• Weight: 8.0 grams
• Power consumption: 300 mW (typical)

Robustness

• Operating Temperature: –40 to +85 °C
• MTBF: 400,094 hours (Telcordia method)

Communication and Integration

• Interface: TTL serial (3.0 V dc, 9,600 bps to 921,600 bps, default 115,200)
• IMU Data Output Rate: User-adjustable, 1 to 1000 Hz
• Software Support: SensorConnect, MIP Monitor, MSCL API, MIP Protocol