BaseCam GPS IMU

The GNSS-aided compact AHRS/IMU module from BaseCam Electronics is designed to serve as either the primary or an external IMU sensor for all SimpleBGC32 controllers. Delivering significantly higher precision than built-in or conventional IMU sensors, it enhances stabilization accuracy in demanding environments where standard IMUs often fall short.

This advanced module effectively addresses common issues found in basic IMU systems, such as:

• Heading drift
• Unstable roll and tilt during acceleration
• Drift due to environmental temperature changes

As a main IMU, the module connects to the gimbal controller via the CAN bus*, supplying real-time gyroscope data and accurate attitude/heading information. It becomes the core input for the main stabilization loop, replacing the conventional IMU sensor.

As an External IMU,it connects through any available UART port or CAN bus* on the controller. It provides high-precision attitude and heading data to calibrate and correct the internal IMU. The sensor can be mounted in various locations - on the stabilized platform, gimbal arms, or the gimbal's frame, to optimize performance of the magnetometer and GNSS receiver, both of which are highly sensitive to their surroundings.

Standalone: Thanks to its flexible Serial API over UART, this module can also be integrated into third-party systems that demand high-accuracy AHRS/IMU functionality. Example applications include: Robotics, Drones and UAVs, Surveying systems, Platform stabilization and more

*  CAN bus connectivity is available only with controllers in the "Extended" family.

Features of the Basecam GPS IMU

• Integrated GNSS-antenna for a compact size, with the option of connecting an external GNSS receiver by the UART interface;
• Full set of navigation sensors: 3-axis gyroscope, 3-axis accelerometer, 3-axis magnetometer, barometer (altimeter), GNSS receiver (concurrent Galileo, GLONASS, GPS / QZSS);
• Powerful MCU running Kalman filter for sensor fusion at high rates;
• Thermal stabilization to keep stability over a big range of environmental temperatures;
• Full factory calibrations made on special equipment*;
• Interfaces: UART, USB, CAN, I2C
• Onboard SD card for high-rate data logging with actual date-time information and flexible set of data to log, including logging of external data provided by the host controller;
• Backup rechargeable battery for GNSS hot start and real-time clock;
• Open Serial API protocol allows seamless integration with third-party applications
• Support of external high-grade sensors (fiber-optic gyroscopes)
• The functionality will be constantly improved with the firmware updates;
• Cost-effective solution compared to other GNSS-enabled solutions on the market;

* Full factory calibrations are made for the gyroscope and accelerometer. An easy-to-use magnetometer calibration procedure allows to get maximum performance by calibrating the magnetometer sensor after installation, to take into account a magnetic environment (soft- and hard-iron cancellation).

Hardware versions

Specifications

	GPS_IMU 1.2	GPS_IMU Split Sensor 1.0	GPS_IMU Split Receiver 1.0
Size of the enclosure	73×51×30 mm	55×39×14.5 mm	64×57.5×20 mm
Weight:	50 g	36 g	38 g
Mounting holes	3 mm × 4	3 mm × 2	3 mm × 4
Communications	2× UART 1× micro USB 1× CAN 1× I2C for external sensors 1× microSD	2× UART 1× USB Type C 2× CAN 1× I2C for external sensors 1× microSD	3× UART (2 as connectors, 1 as pads) 1× CAN
Power supply	5V
Power consumption	~400 mA to warm up, then ~150 mA (at room temperature)
Working temperature range	−40…+85 °C
Startup time	1 sec. communication ready, 3 sec. first data ready