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 basic IMU systems issues, 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

• GPS IMU 1.2 – IMU / AHRS with integrated GNSS receiver as a single unit

• GPS IMU Split 1.0 – IMU / AHRS as a separate module, connected to the GNSS receiver module using Basecam proprietary CAN protocol

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