Understanding 3 Axis Digital Compass Instruments: A 2 axis compass must remain level (perpendicular to Earth's gravity) to avoid extreme errors in heading. PNI's 3 Axis Instruments deliver accurate heading at any attitude within their tilt ranges using electronic gimbaling calculated from 3 axes of magnetic sensors and a bi-axial tilt sensor. The orientation is corrected for magnetic distortion from magnetic sources and materials in 3-D. Mechanically gimbaled and 2-axis solutions cannot provide correction in 3-D. The instruments provide orientation data for all three angles: heading, pitch and roll.
For more information about each product please click on the PDF icon / picture below
TCM2.5 Datasheet
TCM2.5 Manual
TCM2.5 Quick Start Studio (Mac Version)
TCM2.5 Quick Start Studio (Win Version)
TCM2.5 Command Links
TCM2.5 To Computer COM Port
TCM2.5 The TCM2.5 is a replacement module for existing customers of the TCM2-20 and TCM2-50. New customers should design the TCM2.6 into their application instead of the TCM2.5.
It is a 3-axis orientation sensing instrument that provides:~
● Tilt compensated compass heading (also known as azimuth, yaw, or bearing angle). The heading is accurate even when tilted over a �50� tilt range due to precise electronic gimbaling or tilt compensation. ● Built in calibration to correct compass heading when near magnetic sources and magnetic materials, known as Hard Iron calibration. ● Precise tilt angles relative to Earth's gravity, known as the pitch and roll angle. Pitch angle is also known as elevation or dive angle. The roll angle is sometimes also called the bank angle. ● Temperature measured in �F or �C. ● Calibrated or uncalibrated magnetic field intensity in 3 dimensions. ● Data is output on a standard RS-232 serial interface with a simple text protocol that is compatible with the protocol used by the TCM2 modules.
Patented Magneto-Inductive Sensors The magnetic sensors in the TCM2.5 use PNI's patented technology, providing superior accuracy and lower power consumption compared to Flux Gate or Magneto- Resistive sensors.
Electronic Gimbaling Provides accurate and reliable compass readings up to �50� tilt. Unlike mechanically gimballed 2-axis fluxgate compasses, the magnetic sensors' orientations are fixed relative to magnetic distortion sources for superior accuracy in all conditions.
Accurate in any environment Advanced electronics and built in algorithms counter the effects of hard iron interference.
Heading Information Accuracy throughout tilt range: 0.8� RMS Resolution: 0.1� Repeatability: �0.1� Max Dip Angle with accuracy: 85�
Tilt Information Pitch Accuracy: �0.2� Roll Accuracy: �0.2� Resolution:0.1� Repeatability: �0.1� Range: �50�
Power Requirements Supply Voltage: +5 VDC regulated or 6 to 18 VDC unregulated
Current Draw:
Continuous Output Mode: <20 mA Idle Mode: 18 mA Sleep Mode: 0.6 mA
Temperatures Operating: -20� to +70� C Storage: -40� to +85� C
Interface Digital: RS232C NMEA0183
Dimensions 6.4 x 5.1 x 1.4 cm
Weight 20 grams
TCM2.6 Datasheet
TCM2.6 Manual
TCM2.6 Quick Start Studio (Mac Version)
TCM2.6 Quick Start Studio (Win Version)
TCM2.6 Command Links
TCM2.6 To Computer COM Port
TCM3 Datasheet
TCM3 Manual
TCM3 Quick Start Studio (Mac Version)
TCM3 Quick Start Studio (Win Version)
TCM3 To Computer COM Port
TCM5 Datasheet
TCM5 Manual
TCM5 Quick Start Studio (Mac Version)
TCM5 Quick Start Studio (Win Version)
TCM5 To Computer COM Port
MicroMag3 Datasheet
V2Xe Datasheet
MicroMag2 Datasheet
MicroMag2 Multipoint Calibration Primer
MicroMag2 2 Point Compass Calibration
MS2100 2-Axis Datasheet
MS2100 Multipoint Calibration Primer
MS2100 Discrete Circuit Design
MS2100 2 Point Compass Calibration
Communication Board RS232485 GUI Users Guide
Communication Board Manual
Sen-L Leaded Sensor Datasheet
Application Notes, Discrete Circuit for Magneto-Inductive Sensors
TCM2.6 The TCM2.6 is a 3-axis orientation sensing instrument that provides:~
● Tilt compensated compass heading (also known as azimuth, yaw, or bearing angle). The heading is accurate even when tilted over a �50� tilt range due to precise electronic gimbaling or tilt compensation. ● Built in calibration to correct compass heading when near magnetic sources and magnetic materials, known as Hard Iron calibration. ● Precise tilt angles relative to Earth's gravity, known as the pitch and roll angle. Pitch angle is also known as elevation or dive angle. The roll angle is sometimes also called the bank angle. ● Temperature measured in �F or �C. ● Calibrated or uncalibrated magnetic field intensity in 3 dimensions. ● Data is output on a standard RS-232 serial interface with a simple text protocol that is compatible with the protocol used by the TCM2 modules.
Patented Magneto-Inductive Sensors The magnetic sensors in the TCM2.6 use PNI's patented technology, providing superior accuracy and lower power consumption compared to Flux Gate or Magneto- Resistive sensors.
Electronic Gimbaling Provides accurate and reliable compass readings up to �50� tilt. Unlike mechanically gimballed 2-axis fluxgate compasses, the magnetic sensors' orientations are fixed relative to magnetic distortion sources for superior accuracy in all conditions.
Accurate in any environment Advanced electronics and built in algorithms counter the effects of hard iron interference.
Heading Information Accuracy throughout tilt range: 0.8� RMS Resolution: 0.1� Repeatability: �0.1� Max Dip Angle with accuracy: 85�
Tilt Information Pitch Accuracy: �0.2� Roll Accuracy: �0.2� Resolution:0.1� Repeatability: �0.1� Range: �50�
Power Requirements Supply Voltage: +3.6 to 5V unregulated
Current Draw Continuous Output Mode: <20 mA Idle Mode: 18 mA Sleep Mode: 0.6 mA
Temperatures Operating: -40� to +85� C Storage: -40� to +125� C
Interface Digital: RS232C NMEA0183
Dimensions 3.5 x 4.3 x 1.3 cm
Weight 12 grams
TCM3 The TCM3 is a high performance 3-axis tilt compensated compass module that features:~
● Tilt compensated compass heading (also known as azimuth, yaw, or bearing angle). The heading is accurate even when tilted over a �80� tilt range. ● Built in Hard and Soft Iron calibration to correct compass heading when near magnetic sources and magnetic materials that can distort the Earth's magnetic field. ● Accurate orientation determination using Euler angles. This method is the same used in aircraft orientation. The orientation output is Heading (Yaw), Pitch and Roll. ● Temperature measured in �F or �C. ● Calibrated or uncalibrated magnetic field intensity in 3 dimensions. ● Data is output on a standard RS-232 serial interface using a new binary high performance protocol for superior data integrity and scalability.
Patented Magneto-Inductive Sensors The magnetic sensors in the TCM3 use PNI's patented technology, providing superior accuracy and lower power consumption compared to Flux Gate or Magneto- Resistive sensors.
Electronic Gimbaling Provides accurate and reliable compass readings up to �80� tilt. Unlike mechanically gimballed 2-axis fluxgate compasses, the magnetic sensors' orientations are fixed relative to magnetic distortion sources for superior accuracy in all conditions.
Accurate in any environment Advanced electronics and built in algorithms counter the effects of hard and soft iron interference. Also available is a reduced movement calibration routine; requiring only 12 calibration points.
Heading Information Accuracy with <70� of tilt: 0.5� RMS Accuracy with >70� of tilt: 0.8� RMS Resolution: 0.1� Repeatability: �0.05� Max Dip Angle with accuracy: 85�
Tilt Information Pitch Accuracy: �0.2� Roll Accuracy: 0.2� for Pitch < 65� 0.5� for Pitch < 80� 1.0� for Pitch < 86� Resolution:0.1� Repeatability: �0.05� Range: �80�
Power Requirements Supply Voltage: +3.6 to 5 VDC unregulated
Current Draw: Continuous Output Mode: < 20 mA Idle Mode: 14 - 18 mA Sleep Mode: 0.6 mA
Temperatures Operating: -40� to +85� C Storage: -40� to +125� C
Interface Digital: Binary High Performance Protocol via RS232
Dimensions 3.5 x 4.3 x 1.3 cm
Weight 12 grams
TCM5 The TCM5 is a high performance 3-axis tilt compensated compass module that features:~
● Tilt compensated compass heading (also known as azimuth, yaw, or bearing angle). The heading will be accurate throughout a 360� rotation. ● Built in Hard and Soft Iron calibration to correct compass heading when near magnetic sources and magnetic materials that can distort the Earth's magnetic field. ● Accurate orientation determination of the module using Euler angles. This method is the same used in aircraft orientation. The output is Heading (Yaw), Pitch and Roll so the module can be used in systems requiring full 360� rotation. ● Temperature measured in �F or �C. ● Calibrated or uncalibrated magnetic field intensity in 3 dimensions. ● Data is output on a standard RS-232 serial interface using a new binary high performance protocol for superior data integrity and scalability.
Patented Magneto-Inductive Sensors The magnetic sensors in the TCM5 use PNI's patented technology, providing superior accuracy and lower power consumption compared to Flux Gate or Magneto- Resistive sensors.
Electronic Gimbaling Provides accurate and reliable compass readings during a full 360� of rotation. Unlike mechanically gimballed 2- axis fluxgate compasses, the magnetic sensors' orientations are fixed relative to magnetic distortion sources for superior accuracy in all conditions and attitudes.
Accurate in any environment Advanced electronics and built in algorithms counter the effects of hard and soft iron interference. Also available is a reduced movement calibration routine; requiring only 12 calibration points.
Heading Information Accuracy with <70� of tilt: 0.3� RMS Accuracy with >70� of tilt: 0.5� RMS Resolution: 0.1� Repeatability: �0.05� Max Dip Angle with accuracy: 85�
Tilt Information Pitch Accuracy: �0.2� Roll Accuracy: 0.2� for Pitch < 65� 0.5� for Pitch < 80� 1.0� for Pitch < 86� Resolution:0.01� Repeatability: �0.05�
Range: �90� Pitch �180� Roll
Power Requirements Supply Voltage: +3.6 to 5 VDC unregulated
Current Draw: Continuous Output Mode: <20 mA Idle Mode: 14 - 18 mA Sleep Mode: 0.6 mA
Temperatures Operating: -40� to +85� C Storage: -40� to +125� C
Interface Digital: Binary High Performance Protocol via RS232
Dimensions 3.5 x 4.3 x 1.3 cm
Weight 12 grams
MicroMag3 The MicroMag3 is an integrated 3-axis magnetic field sensing module designed to aid in evaluation and prototyping of PNI Corporation's technology. The MicroMag3 combines PNI Corporation's patented Magneto-Inductive (MI) sensors and measurement circuit technology for unparalleled cost effectiveness and performance. The MI sensors change inductance by 100% over its field measurement range. This variable inductance property is used in a cost and space efficient ASIC (PNI 11096) which incorporates a patented temperature and noise stabilized oscillator/counter circuit with an SPI interface. The microprocessor compatible SPI interface allows easy access to the MicroMag's measurement parameters and resulting field measurement data.
Advantages include 3V operation, low power consumption, large signal noise immunity under all conditions, and a large dynamic range. Resolution and field measurement range are software configurable for a variety of applications. The measurement is very stable over temperature and inherently free from offset drift.
These advantages make PNI Corporation's MicroMag3 the choice for prototyping, education and low volume applications. A reference design is also available for use in high volume applications.
Features
● Complete 3-axis magnetometer draws < 500 �A at 3 VDC. ● Operation as low as 2.2 VDC. ● Part size: 25.44 x 25.1 x 19 mm. ● DIP configuration for easy prototyping. ● Field measurement range �1100 �T (�11 Gauss) ● Resolution as low as 0.015 �T (0.00015 Gauss) ● All digital solution, no additional circuitry is required. ● SPI protocol for interfacing to a processor.
Applications
● Robotic applications. ● High-performance magnetic field sensing. ● High-performance solid state navigation equipment for automotive, marine, and aeronautic applications. ● Direction-finding features for any device where bearing or attitude indicators have value.
V2Xe The V2Xe is an integrated 2-axis compass and magnetic field sensing module featuring an on-board microprocessor for control and interfacing. The V2Xe combines PNI Corporation's patented Magneto-Inductive (MI) sensors and measurement circuit technology for unparalleled cost effectiveness and performance. The MI sensor changes inductance by 100% over its field measurement range. This variable inductance property is used in a cost and space efficient ASIC (PNI 11096) which incorporates a temperature and noise stabilized oscillator/counter circuit. The microprocessor controls the ASIC and provides easy access to the V2Xe's heading information as well as magnetic field measurement data via a Motorola compatible SPI interface.
Advantages include 3V operation for compatibility with new systems, low power consumption, a small footprint, large signal noise immunity under all conditions, and a large magnetic field dynamic range. Resolution and field measurement range are software configurable for a variety of applications. The measurement is very stable over temperature and inherently free from offset drift.
These advantages make PNI Corporation's V2Xe the choice for applications that require a solution that has a high degree of azimuth accuracy, requires little power, and has a small package size.
Features
● Low Power: draws 2mA at 3VDC (continuous output) ● Small size: 25.4 x 25.4 x 11.55 mm ● High resolution compass heading: 0.01� ● High accuracy compass heading: 2� ● Non-volatile memory: retains calibration when power is removed ● Multiple measurement modes: compass heading or magnetic field ● Large field measurement range: �1100 �T (�11 Gauss) ● High resolution field measurement: 0.015 �T (0.00015 Gauss) ● Fully digital interface: SPI protocol at 3 V
Applications
● Remote terrestrial antenna direction indicators ● High-performance magnetic field sensing ● High-performance solid state navigation equipment ● Survey equipment ● Robotics systems ● Vehicle detection ● Consumer and hobbyist markets ● Security/tamper detection
MicroMag 2-Axis Sensor Module The MicroMag is an integrated 2-axis magnetic field sensing module designed to aid in evaluation and prototyping of PNI Corporation's technology. The MicroMag combines PNI Corporation's patented Magneto-Inductive (MI) sensors and measurement circuit technology for unparalleled cost effectiveness and performance. The MI sensors change inductance by 100% over its field measurement range. This variable inductance property is used in a cost and space efficient ASIC (PNI 11096) which incorporates a patented temperature and noise stabilized oscillator/counter circuit with an SPI interface. The microprocessor compatible SPI interface allows easy access to the MicroMag's measurement parameters and resulting field measurement data.
Advantages include both 3V and 5V operation for compatibility with new and traditional systems, low power consumption, small surface mount packaging, large signal noise immunity under all conditions, and a large dynamic range. Resolution and field measurement range are software configurable for a variety of applications. The measurement is very stable over temperature and inherently free from offset drift.
These advantages make PNI Corporation's MicroMag the choice for prototyping, education and low volume applications. A reference design is also available for use in high volume applications.
Features
● Complete 2-axis magnetometer draws < 500 �A at 3 VDC. ● Operation as low as 2.2 VDC. ● Part size: 14 x 11 x 2.8 mm. ● Surface mount package (14 pads). ● Field measurement range �1100 �T (�11 Gauss) ● Resolution as low as 0.015 �T (0.00015 Gauss) ● All digital solution, no additional circuitry is required. ● SPI protocol for interfacing to a processor. ● Optional CarrierBoard available for easy prototyping and evaluation.
Applications
● Handheld battery-powered devices with built-in compass feature. ● High-performance magnetic field sensing. ● High-performance solid state navigation equipment for automotive, marine, and aeronautic applications. ● Direction-finding features for any device where bearing or attitude indicators have value.
MS2100 2-Axis Sensor The MS2100 is an ultra small, integrated SMT module designed for 2-axis magnetic field sensing. The MS2100 combines PNI Corporation's patented Magneto- Inductive (MI) sensors and measurement circuit technology into a surface mount package for unparalleled performance. The MI sensors change inductance by 100% over its field measurement range. This variable inductance property is used in the cost and space efficient MS2100, which incorporates a patented temperature, and noise stabilized oscillator/counter circuit with an SPI interface. The microprocessor compatible SPI interface allows easy access to the MS2100's measurement parameters and resulting field measurement data. The module also includes pins to support the connection of a third MI sensor axis for higher performance applications.
Advantages include 3V operation for compatibility with new and traditional systems, low power consumption, small surface mount packaging, large signal noise immunity under all conditions, and a large dynamic range. Resolution and field measurement range are software configurable for a variety of applications. The measurement is very stable over temperature and inherently free from offset drift.
These advantages make PNI Corporation's MS2100 the choice for high volume applications where small size and low power requirements are paramount.
Features
● Complete 2-axis magnetometer draws <1 mA at 3 VDC. ● Operation as low as 3.0 VDC. ● Part size: 7 x 7 x 1.35 mm. ● Surface mount package: 20 pads (QFN). ● Large dynamic range �1100 �T (�11 Gauss) ● High Resolution field measurement: 0.060 �T (0.00060 Gauss) at 2048 period ● All digital solution, no additional circuitry is required. ● SPI protocol for interfacing to a processor.
Applications
● Handheld battery-powered devices with built-in compass feature where space is at a premium ● High-performance magnetic field sensing ● High-performance solid state navigation equipment for automotive, marine, and aeronautic applications ● Direction-finding features for any device where bearing or attitude indicators have value
Communication Board Serial Interface with Cable The CommBoard is a communication interface designed to connect various PNI sensor modules to a host system that uses a standard serial interface, such as a PC. It is typically used as a prototyping and evaluation tool for PNI's line of compass and magnetometer modules. The PNI CommBoard is also used for production when the host system requires a higher level serial protocol to interface to the PNI sensor modules. The first version of the PNI CommBoard features a user selectable RS-232 or RS-485 interface to the host system, and SPI interface to the sensor module. The CommBoard developer kit comes with software for the PC that has a Graphical User Interface (GUI) to control every aspect of the CommBoard and any PNI module that is attached to it.
In the future different interfaces may be made available as customer needs are identified. Please contact PNI for support with your custom interface high-volume opportunity. rface high-volume opportunity.
Features
● RS-232 and RS-485 interfaces for connection with PCs or other serial interface systems. ● Reprogrammable firmware via JTAG connector ● GUI control software available from PNI, either as part of the developer kit or via the web. ● Small size: 53 x 25 x 11 mm. ● Built-in support for PNI MicroMag and V2Xe sensor modules, as well as several future products. ● Voltage regulator converts 6-12VDC to 3 VDC to power the sensor modules. ● Minimal code changes required when upgrading from PNI's TCM-2 line of tilt compensated magnetometer compass modules.
Applications
● Fast compass and/or magnetometer prototyping. ● New product evaluation. ● Education; school projects. ● Any legacy compass application that has an RS-232 interface but needs the performance of the new PNI products. ● Production applications where standards based protocols are preferred over SPI. ● Comm Board 6' Cable included.
Sen-L Leaded Sensor PNI Corporation's Magneto-Inductive (MI) magnetic sensors are based on patented technology that delivers breakthrough, cost-effective magnetic field sensing performance. These sensors change inductance by 100% over their field measurement range. This variable inductance property is used in a patented temperature and noise stabilized oscillator/counter circuit to detect field variations. The Sensor Driver ASIC is the recommended implementation of this patented circuit, and can be used with the SEN-L to construct a magnetometer with up to 3-axes.
Advantages include low voltage and power, small size leaded package, large signal noise immunity under all conditions, and a large dynamic range. Resolution and field measurement range are software configurable for a variety of applications. The measurement is very stable over temperature and inherently free from offset drift.
These advantages have made PNI Corporation's MI sensors the choice for a wide variety of applications.
Features
● Complete 2-axis magnetometer with PNI 11096 ASIC draws < 500 �A at 3 VDC. ● Operation as low as 2.2 V with 11096 ASIC. ● Part size: 14 x 4 mm (Length x Diameter). ● Leaded component for through hole mounting. ● Field measurement range of �550 �T(� 5.5 Gauss) ● Resolution as low as 0.0055 �T (0.000055 Gauss) ● All digital solution with 11096 ASIC and 2 resistors per sensor. No additional circuitry is required.
Applications
● Handheld battery-powered devices with built-in compass feature ● High-performance magnetic field sensing ● High-performance solid state navigation equipment for automotive, marine, and aeronautic applications ● Direction-finding features for any device where bearing or attitude indicators have value ● Magnetic object proximity sensing
Sen-S65 SMT Sensor PNI Corporation's Magneto-Inductive (MI) magnetic sensors are based on patented technology that delivers breakthrough, cost-effective magnetic field sensing performance. These sensors change inductance by 100% over their field measurement range. This variable inductance property is used in a patented temperature and noise stabilized oscillator/counter circuit to detect field variations. The Sensor Driver is the recommended implementation of this patented circuit, and can be used with the Sen-S65 to construct a magnetometer with up to 3-axes.
Advantages include low voltage and power, small size surface mount packaging, large signal noise immunity under all conditions, and a large dynamic range. Resolution and field measurement range are software configurable for a variety of applications. The measurement is very stable over temperature and inherently free from offset drift.
These advantages have made PNI Corporation's MI sensors the choice for a wide variety of applications.
Features
● Complete 2-axis or 3-axis magnetometer with PNI 11096 ASIC draws < 100 �A at 3 VDC. ● Operation as low as 2.2 V with 11096 ASIC. ● Part size: 6.3 x 2.3 x 2.2 mm. ● Surface mount package supplied on Tape and Reel. ● Field measurement range of �1100 �T (�11 Gauss) ● Resolution as low as 0.015 �T (0.00015 Gauss) ● All digital solution with 11096 ASIC and 2 resistors per sensor. No additional circuitry is required.
Applications
● Handheld battery-powered devices with built-in compass feature ● High-performance magnetic field sensing ● High-performance solid state navigation equipment for automotive, marine, and aeronautic applications ● Direction-finding features for any device where bearing or attitude indicators have value ● Magnetic object proximity sensing
11096 Driver ASIC This Sensor Driver is a low cost magnetic measurement Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) designed for use with PNI Corp's Magneto-Inductive magnetic sensors. This Sensor Driver ASIC can control and measure three independent magneto-inductive sensors. Each sensor is individually selectable for measurement, and can also be individually configured for measurement resolution. This Sensor Driver ASIC communicates through an SPI port, effectively creating a 3 - axis magnetometer that can be easily connected to most all microprocessors. In addition, this Sensor Driver ASIC has diagnostic modes and outputs to test the oscillator and counter circuits.
The PNI-11096 contains the entire measurement circuit�both analog and digital sections. The sensors change inductance with an applied change in magnetic field parallel to the sensor. In order to make a measurement, the sensor is switched into an LR oscillator circuit. The bipolar differential measurement scheme used by the PNI-11096 makes the magnetic measurement inherently temperature independent. It also has the benefit of transforming the measurement range into a zero centered, positive/negative value.
Features
● Complete 3-axis magnetic sensor measurement system on a single chip ● DIE form has ultra low magnetic signature ● Low voltage Supply ● Low supply current; 1.5mA (conversion rate), <1uA (idle mode) ● Acquisition speeds up to 200samples/sec ● 96dB dynamic range ● SPI port select for port multiplexing
Applications
● Compassing ● Magnetometer instruments ● Magnetic object sensing ● Magnetic ink sensing
Part Number
Package
Name
Outline
Features
YAS525B-WZ
8WLCSP
MS-1C
Bi-Axial Geomagnetic Sensor
� High Sensitive Biaxial Geomagnetic Sensor IC � Data Interface(Digital) supports I2C bus (100kbps/400kbps, slave mode) � Automatic power-down control mode is available. � Package Size 1.7mm x 1.7mm x 1.0mm
YAS529-PZ
10WLCSP
MS-3C
Tri-Axial Geomagnetic Sensor
� Three A/D input pins for an inclination sensor � Data Interface(Digital) supports I2C bus (100kbps/400kbps, slave mode) � Automatic power-down control mode is available. � General-Purpose Output (GPO) pin Power-down control of an inclination sensor with a standby pin by the use of the General-Purpose Output (GPO) Pin � Package Size 2.0mm x 2.0mm x 1.0mm