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Wide-Bandwidth, Ultra-Accurate, Composite Inertial Reference Sensor

Award Information
Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Branch: N/A
Contract: NNC06CA94C
Agency Tracking Number: 054004
Amount: $68,689.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: S1.03
Solicitation Number: N/A
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2005
Award Year: 2006
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): 2006-01-26
Award End Date (Contract End Date): 2006-07-24
Small Business Information
1300 Britt Street SE
Albuquerque, NM 87123-3353
United States
DUNS: 081475873
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: Yes
Principal Investigator
 Darren Laughlin
 Principal Investigator
 (505) 767-1224
 laughlin@aptec.com
Business Contact
 Anthony Tenorio
Title: President and CEO
Phone: (505) 767-1203
Email: tenorio@aptec.com
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

Applied Technology Associates (ATA) proposes to develop a new inertial sensor by combining two sensing phenomena in a single device. ATA has patented an advanced inertial sensing technology based on magnetohydrodynamics (MHD). Numerous researchers have patented and developed micro-electromechanical sensors (MEMS) that measures inertial angular motions. We believe that a composite sensor based on the best characteristics of both of these technologies is a promising new advancement. Our innovation is denoted the Hybrid Sensor (HYSENS) owing to its origins in two distinct inertial angle rate sensing principles. The MHD technology offers wide bandwidth, high sensitivity, with reasonable size and power. The MEMS offers small size and power. Initial analysis done by ATA and our MEMS technology partners indicates that it is possible to achieve performance goals that are at or near the state-of-the-art for inertial reference sensors. The proposed composite sensor fulfills the need for lightweight, compact, high-precision, high-bandwidth (0-2KHz) inertial reference sensors for use onboard spacecraft with optical communications payloads. The predicted noise performance for HYSENS is less than 0.1 microrad. Volume for this advanced sensor is expected to be under 2 cubic in; its weight under 150 grams; and its power draw under 200 mW.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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